just getting better

good, good news for mom. since her arrival at the transitional care place, she continues to strenghthen and improve. she's almost completely off oxygen (in itself an amazing feat for a 53 year smoker!) and she can walk a bit unassisted. she was practicing some steps in the rehab area so that she can get in and out and around her house on her own.

her biggest issues now (outside of just continued recovery from the surgery) are side effects from the steroids they have her on. she's retaining water and her appetite is huge! they're are trying to wean her off of those. she was hoping to get released on Thursday, the center is projecting maybe next Tuesday.

and, although she has made at least one comment about, now would be a good time for a cigarrette, she seems committed to not having one. so, really, the longer time in the rehab center, the longer time she will be a non smoker before re-entry to the real world.

the most interesting thing for me is that it's always been a surprise that she was still alive at every time event like anniversaries and christmas. but, to look at her now as a non smoker, i can see her being around for a long time! here's praying that continues to be the case.

and i'm excited for vacation in just 4 days. friday will be a long day of flying, but it's all worth it when we get off the plane in honolulu. summer clothes are packed, toiletries are prepped and plans are being finalized for last minute bills, pet care and transportation.