Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

I hope I live up to the other updates on this blog, but knowing my memory, spelling, and grammar problems, I might only be allowed to update once in awhile! ;) This is Lindsay, Linda's daughter updating today. Thanks Uncle Dave for allowing me the chance to write a few things about my mom.

My mom is still having to fight every day. She fights for the will to wake up after lousy nights of sleep from itching (from a bad rash that has broken out over her body), to nausea and a horrible gag reflex, to bed sores that are still healing, to fighting as hard as she both mentally and physically can with her physical and speech therapy sessions. The list could go on...

She was able to go and see a throat specialist a few weeks ago to see about why her speech hasn't been progressing like it should be. He told her that her left vocal chord had been paralyzed. She was pretty upset about this news, but I keep reminding her that her 'real' voice is still heard when she yawns, now it's just her needing to learn how to use it again. Her speech therapist is very helpful and has given her many exercises for her to use to start learning how to deal with this problem. She is able to whisper and get some sound out (I joke and say she sounds a little like Yoda), but unless you're patient and listening close it's hard to understand because her mouth doesn't form the words like our mouths do. She is working hard on that, and sometimes needs to be reminded that she can talk instead of just simply nodding her head.

She was also able to go and visit a Neurologist over at Lakeview Hospital. He too, was a bearer of some bad news. She has experienced extensive brain damage (affecting mostly her motor skills), and so many small strokes throughout her whole body, that he told her that she would never get back to the 'normal' that she experienced before all of this happened. At first reaction, it seemed like reality hit us all (especially my mom) hard in the face. But after much thought, prayer, tears, and consoling, my mom has decided to not give up but to try harder than ever to get back to a 'normal' that will be worth living. We are very hopeful that this can happen. I have to keep reminding myself, as well as my mom and dad, that 'normal' is totally overrated!! I mean...she did marry into the Parrish family...and they are far from normal! ;) Seeing her reaction and attitude to this news has made her more of a hero than she already was to me. She is fighting not only for herself, but for everyone who loves her!

I was able to see, along with my dad and my sister Katie, her walking for the first time during her Physical Therapy session last weekend. She continues to need help getting out of bed and up to a standing position. She also needs the support of someone on each side of her as she pushes her walker down the hall to the gym. It was an incredible thing to witness. Her body is still so weak from the strokes and infection that she's experienced, but her will to get through all of this is huge! It's comparable to a child learning to walk for the first time. A little wobbly, but she'll get there. I wish when I would come to be with her on weekends that I would get to see more therapy sessions like this. Usually she is too tired from her week full of the gym to do much of anything when I come. So last weekend was sure a special treat! Thanks Mom!!

I continue to be amazed at all of the love and support that she receives from not only family, but from friends...old and new. She is so lucky to have all of you! Your cards, flowers, visits, prayers, thoughts, and time spent with her, mean more than you'll ever know. I hope blessings are being poured out to each of you in return for your kindness and love for my mom, dad, and family.

Many of you have asked about how my dad is...he's amazing just like my mom! I have never seen him be so supportive, loving, tender, and kind to my mom and her needs. He hasn't missed a day yet at being by her side during some portion of the day. The nurses and aides joke with him about having to put him on payroll because he does so much. He is able to turn her when she needs to change positions, turn off the beeping monitors and not get in trouble, and unclog her food line when it stops working. Pretty impressive if you ask me! He is experiencing a lot of stress and heartache watching his wife have to go through this, but all of your love and support for him has been overwhelming as well. He couldn't do it without the many who volunteer to come sit with my mom during the day, to the many meals he gets from angels in his ward, to the 'yard fairy' who comes and mows his lawn and plants flowers, to all of the primary kids who continue to make him feel like a super star at church, to those who visit to lift his spirits as well as my moms! He is grateful for ALL of you!

I will continue to update as much as I can. I call my dad every night for the daily update, and sometimes he's not too cooperative! ;) Your continued love, support, and PRAYERS are so appreciated!! My mom knows it's what's keeps her going!!

June 1, 11:30a update

It's now been just over 12 weeks since Linda was admitted to the hospital, including the last 3 weeks (as of yesterday) at Orchard Cove in Bountiful. She's making progress on her road to recovery but continues to struggle, as she has for the last several weeks, with daily nausea and dizziness. As you can imagine, this has limited her ability to work with her therapists and do the things necessary to help her regain her strength. Even the slightest movements, let alone sitting up, riding in a wheelchair or walking, cause her to be extremely nauseated. As most of us have experienced, this level of nausea makes us want to keep our eyes closed and minimize any movement.

Her doctors and nurses are working to discover the source of the nausea and get it under control as soon as possible so she can regain her rehabilitation. We're praying for a breakthrough over the next few days.

Her abdominal incision continues to heal as expected. The bed sores on her back side are healing as well, although very, very, slowly. These continue to cause her pain and discomfort.

Linda is still unable to eat much beyond ice chips, especially while she struggles with the nausea, so she is still being fed through a tube in her abdomen.

As she's done from the beginning, Linda bravely faces each challenge with a positive attitude and does her best to perform the tasks that are asked of her. Even as sick as she feels, she greets everyone with a smile and a wave of her hand. She is truly an inspiration and we love her dearly.

Thanks to each of you for your love and concern. And a big hug to Linda's dear friends that have spent their time with her during the week while Lynn is at work. Lynn, Linda and their entire family appreciate all that you've done for them over these last 12 weeks. Thank you.

P.S. I'm writing this update today from the American Fork Hospital. My sweet mother-in-law, Ruth Anderson, suffered a stroke Sunday evening and is currently undergoing tests to see what the next steps in her recovery will be. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with her and my father-in-law Craig.