Friday, September 1st

Happy Friday Everybody! Today marks the 10th day following Maria's accident, and she has made incredible progress. When I first saw her last Thursday night, I could not have imagined that she would be where she is today - walking (quite a few steps, with a walker), talking (very clear sentences), and drinking (water and juice). This morning Maria had physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, all of which went very well. She took the swallowing test again, and passed this time, which is why she is able to drink now. We went to buy her some nectar-style juice from the natural foods store, as the nurses told us that it is better for her to have thicker liquids, so that it is easier for her to control swallowing. We also got her some soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, etc, so that we can attempt to make her a milkshake tomorrow (she has requested a banana soy milkshake - yummy!).

Barb and Jesse (one of our very favorite nurses, a total doll) took Maria on a little walk around the hospital, and outside around the fountain where Dave, Albee, Auntie Char and I were sitting. . . we were supposed to be a surprise for Ree, but she didn't appear all that excited to see us:) She definitely wanted to go on the walk - it seems as though she likes to have activities scheduled throughout the day - but it is still very exhausting for her to sit up for very long. After chatting for a few minutes, she asked to go back inside and take a nap.

Also this afternoon Albee and I watched the rerun of last night's VMAs (MTV video music awards, for those of you who are not familiar) with Maria, and showed her how J-Lo was wearing a headscarf - we are thinking that it will possibly be a new trend, and Ree will be right in style wearing her scarves while her hair grows back. . .

Tonight during the shift change (hour and a half when ICU patients can't have visitors), Barb, Dave, Albee, Char and I are going to dinner at a very nice restaurant here in Billings, due to a generous gift certificate from the Padden/Dalbottens' Hanna Park Road neighbors - SUCH a thoughtful gift - to celebrate Dave and Albee's last night in Billings - they are off to Seattle and NYC, respectively, tomorrow. Katherine arrives from Missoula this evening as well, so Maria is excited to see her.

I think that's pretty much the update for now, I will try to keep you posted over the weekend, but I am losing my laptop when Alb leaves tomorrow. . . so it's back to Kinkos:( Keep rooting for Ree - our next hurdle is to get her out of ICU - hopefully by the next time you hear from me!

PS - Madge, sorry about the pics, I saw "mkay" and got a little confused. . . kind of like how I saw a picture of your dad playing a guitar and called it a piano. . . this is what sleep deprivation will do to you!