So many blessings today...

Although today for me started a little rough, when my Mom called me at 7:00 a.m. to yell at me because she was really mad...It proved to be a truly miraculous day. I spent a couple hours at the hospital with her this morning, and she was nothing but mad and frustrated with me (well, that is what she said...What she meant was that she was mad and frustrated at the situation). She had pulled out her feeding tube during the night, and then got even madder when I told her that she was in pain because she had removed one of the methods for her to receive medication. I got used to this anger and irrationality with my Dad, and I still think that beyond the understandable frustration with being so confused, that a lot has to do with the nicotine. The hospital doctor still refuses to give her a patch.

But, tonight, when I arrived to find her eating dinner with the help of our good friend Patty, with her chest tube removed, her cheeks looking rosy, and a smile on her face when she said "Aimee! I am drinking decaf coffee," my heart just sang. She proceeded to tell me that PT had come by and they had her sit in a chair for about an hour to eat her lunch, and that Dr. Moore (the radiation doctor) came by to tell her that her chylothorax had healed on it's own and she would not need surgery to repair it! She was the best I have seen her look in a very long time.

She was in better spirits this evening partly because my Aunt and Uncle came down and gave her a pep talk which seemed to make a big difference. I am hoping that some of that attitude continues on. She needs to keep up that spirit for the journey ahead.

I did stop to see Dad, but he slept...Again.

I go to sleep tonight with a sigh of relief, some silent prayers, grateful for the gifts we have been given, and a hope for peace and strength and patience in the days to come...And also hoping Mom doesn't call me at the crack of dawn to yell at me again...Who gave that woman a phone???:)

Much love and gratitude.