Friday, December 30

Terry arrived today and will be the new contact for Margaret's friends.  My phone number is 763-432-9090.
Margaret was happy to visit with Jeremy and Amelia and their friends and watched a movie with them while snuggling with her daughter in bed.  Friends came a bit later in the day bearing gifts of strawberries and cream and chocolates.  First day of real food that didn't look like baby food - lasagna for dinner!  Since Barb was the food police I now need to take that role and make sure she eats carefully and eats well with good veggie and fruit drinks.  One of her favorites today was blueberry kefir.
 It is again a holiday weekend at the rehab center so there won't be as much therapy.  It will rev back up on Tuesday with a full day's schedule.

Happy New Year from Margaret and her family!

Thursday, December 29

We are settling into rehab life. Margaret's schedule has been shuffled around a bit to allow her naps in between therapy sessions, but already in 1 day I have seen her stamina increase.  I guess what I am learning is that every day can be very different from the last.  Margaret's head and eye movement to the left is increasing and she gains a bit more independence with each day as she learns to balance and control her body.  She received a pleasant manicure and pedicure from 4 wonderful friends last night and there was quite a bit of giggling and laughter going on as I kept furtive watch for any staff in uniform who might take an inkling to stop such women fun!  Actually the staff is great, very respectful and caring.  The women closed the evening with the rosary and prayers for Margaret and her recovery.  Thank you for such an uplifting gift you gave both of us.
  Terry, Margaret's brother will be arriving in Atlanta Friday as he takes over from Barb. I am sure he will give you his contact information so you can keep in touch.
 

Tuesday, December 27

"Amazing Grace" resounded through the family room as Margaret played the piano today.  Half asleep, since Recreational therapy came right on the heels of OT and PT and ADL (adult daily living) therapy, she could still play perfectly with her right hand.  We were on next to play poker, but one can't do that in your sleep! (Darn, I was ready to bet her on that beautiful shawl she received).  After a nap, lunch arrived and in the afternoon more PT and speech therapy.
  The flowers, balloon, Santa toy and cards are all used by the therapists to turn that head to the left, so thank  you again for making the room so bright and cheerful!
  We have a few needs if anyone cares to bring something.  Shoelaces that are elastic - the curly kind - would be appreciated.  A pedicure and manicure would be a welcome gift at this time if the curist (new word) would be able to come to the rehab center.  My phone number is 952-356-2841 (Barb - Margaret's sister).  Just a note after seeing how today went:  I'm guessing a visit late afternnoon or evening will be better than earlier as Margaret needs the naps after therapy right now.  
 

Monday, December 26

 Margaret spent Christmas with her children, sister and friends.  Although it was a holiday she still had OT and PT therapy.  There was a Christmas service which she attended and a special brownie treat whipped up into puree.  We are told that tomorrow, once the holidays are now past and regular staff is on hand, the program gets stepped up quite a bit. So, I am letting her take a little doze this morning after OT, but we will attack bedside exercises at intervals throughout the day.
  If you come to visit, ask the woman who is in her room if that is her mother.  It will bring a really big grin to Margaret's face!  Although I'm only 4 years older, 2 nurses have asked that question already!  OK, Margaret does look quite young in her boyishly cute crew cut and I do have grey hair; maybe time for a dye job?
 We are reading together the book, Infidel which the book club will be discussing in January.  There is a bookmark in it, so feel free to pick it up and read for awhile with her if you so prefer.  We have a CD player in her room and if you would like to bring some CD's to play, that would be great. If you leave them for awhile, just label them with your last name.
 Margaret is doing wonderful and does work hard on learning new skills.

Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve

Thanks for all the visits.  I am continuing with speech, occupational and physical therapy. The staff is encouraging and upbeat. My goal is to be back at home within a few weeks. Thank you Pam, for decorating the wall with ribbon and cards.

Dictated by Margaret to her sister, Barb

#2 Friday December 23

Emory Rehabilitation Center Phone Number is:  404-712-5512

Friday December 23

Margaret is snoozing away after 3 hours of therapy this morning.  She is practicing standing, sitting, moving her head and eyes to the left (extremely hard right now) and balancing.  She was driving her wheelchair yesterday but almost mowed down a doctor and decided to get even with her sister by pinning her against the wall.  Please check the wiki post "margaretinatlanta" for info on visiting, what to bring, parking, etc when visiting.  Margaret is still on a pureed diet but is looking around for salmon and octopus.  A thick juice such as Naked vegetable and fruit juices she likes and it is a change from the hospital fare. Santa Claus gave her a call last night so he knows where to find her!  Her family will most likely start working on her house to make it more wheelchair accessible as soon as we know a bit more next week.  If anyone has references for good home care  please pass that along.  For those who asked about sending cards and gifts her address is:
Margaret Pumper
Room Number 444
C/O Center for Rehabilitation Medicine
1441 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30322/