Monday, December 19

So much has happened since arriving at Emory hospital in Atlanta.  Physical, occupational and speech therapy have been initiated, visitors are starting to arrive, more tests are being taken.  Margaret was given a swallow test and finally was able to eat a hearty lunch today which she will need as the therapists have her doing many physical tasks. Rehab is all important right now.
  We would love to have you come visit Margaret as this is an important part of her recovery.  She is suggesting smoothie flavors to bring her and as of now your presence and encouragement is vital.  Thank you to those who consistently offer their help!

Saturday, Dec. 17th

A VERY BIG day today!  Margaret arrived safely at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.  We're just waiting here now for the doctor.  Upon arriving at the hospital, Margaret really perked up  - I mean, all of these people talking English and we could understand everything they were saying!!  Her room is so spacious and comfy compared to what we had in Spain - it really makes you appreciate everything we have here in the US that we so often take for granted.  I think Margaret and I are both going to sleep like logs tonight.  I'll be heading back to MN tomorrow and our sister Barb will be taking over.  She arrived in Atlanta earlier today and met us at the hospital. I had hoped Margaret could write the blog tonight but she's already sleeping peacefully so maybe tomorrow.  Since this is my last blog entry, I just want to tell you how much it has meant to me to read your comments and know that there were so many people praying and thinking of Margaret while we were so far away. 

Mary

Friday, Dec. 16th

We are scheduled to depart Madrid Saturday morning via Delta commercial carrier and upon arriving, being transported to Emory University Hospital.  Please pray that if for any reason this should not happen at this time, that God will intervene.  Pray for a safe and uneventful flight and easy traveling for Margaret.  She is excited to come home.  Although I know that we'll have to hand out numbers outside of Margaret's room (!), please no visitors until we let you know that she is ready. Saturday will be a very long day and with the time change, remember that 6 PM Atlanta time is midnight Madrid time.  It will take a few days of adjustment to get back to the Eastern time zone. Tonight, will you please pray with me, "Dear Jesus, we ask that Your Will be made known.  We pray for your hand of healing and protection upon Margaret as we take this long flight home.  May your angels surround her and may Margaret feel Your peace.  Give the nurse who is accompanying us the wisdom to take the best possible care of Margaret. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen."

Wednesday, Dec. 14th

Starting to talk specifics about coming home now. Discussing commercial airliner vs. air ambulance - travel insurance company believes commercial airliner will work but have to have clearance from the airline for them to accept the passenger.  She will be traveling with medical personnel. Should know tomorrow about which hospital will be the receiving hospital.  She will be transported to the airplane via ambulance and in Atlanta, will also be transported to hospital via ambulance. Started rehab today and she ate very well tonight!  Also had some right hip pain so could be due to the activity or just being in bed for 3 weeks straight.    I turned music on tonight from Margaret's i-phone - I believe it was very relaxing for her.  Also started reading a book to her - a good way to end the evening. Big meeting among many specialists at the hospital tomorrow where they'll be discussing Margaret's timing of her departure.  Things change by the hour - it's been quite the roller coaster ride.

Tuesday, Dec. 13th

It's been 3 weeks today since Margaret had her stroke - hard to believe all that has happened in these past 21 days. Today, the pile of cards started arriving - wow!  Very fun to get mail and read all the wonderful messages!  Margaret has an amazing group of friends from all different arenas - tennis, book club, movie club, Fulbright group, Down's Syndrome group, work,  and I'm sure I'm forgetting something besides.  She's been a busy woman!  We're getting ever closer to having a date to come home - we hope to have something definite by the end of this week. Margaret did not get to go to the gym today unfortunately.  She needed an ultrasound today and the rehab people didn't know when the ultrasound was going to be done so they didn't want to have her gone from her room.  Kind of the way it is here.............. We had more smiles from Margaret today and we continue to see her left arm move so that's very encouraging.  I thank God for each and every one of you in Margaret's life - you will all play an important part in her recovery as she returns home.

Monday, Dec. 12th

First of all, I am so happy to share with you that we have been assigned the most amazing nurse case manager at UHC who is going to turn the world upside down to get Margaret home.

Secondly, in response to Shauna's comment, my e-mail address is mary.l.johnson01@gmail.com - we're looking forward to viewing the video!

When we came in to see Margaret this morning, she was very talkative and smiled a lot - so good to see that!  After morning nap, the rest of the day was more subdued.  Margaret was moving her left arm some today which is definitely encouraging.  They promised me Margaret would get a trip to the "gym" tomorrow so we're really looking forward to that.  The head neurologist wasn't there today so no official report but we'll be meeting with him and his team tomorrow and hopefully having a conversation with the UHC medical team and the Spanish medical team to come to some decisions on when Margaret can travel home.  Pray for that conversation - that the Spanish doctors will be receptive to information that the UHC team will be presenting to them as it may differ from their standard practice. 

Goodnight everyone - until tomorrow.

Saturday, Dec. 10th

We've been telling Margaret about the blog and she said she wanted to write her own blog message tonight so here it is:  "I'm eating a lot, getting stronger and trying to find a cerveza (beer)!!"