New Room, New Life

Yes, that’s a photo of Merrie taken today. Ain’t she something?

It was a day of reclining and gathering strength. We hope that some walking is in the near future, but the staff is being very cautious until they are sure Merrie’s signs are stable. Her medications are being adjusted to ensure that.

She’s looking and feeling good, though she’s very, very tired as her body continues to heal from the many insults it has endured over the last two weeks. She has enjoyed reading cards and e-mails, and she read the newspaper for the first time in 2 weeks.

We spent the morning in the ICU, and moved in the afternoon to a room in the DOU (another of many hospital acronyms, standing for definitive observation unit). We weren’t sure when this might happen. It turned out that, just like so many things in the hospital, it’s either hurry-up-and-wait or wait-and-hurry-up. Nothing may happen for a long time, but when things begin to happen, they happen quickly. The guy with the wheelchair shows up, and it’s time to go.

While we were pleased to leave the ICU, we also realized that both of us had developed an attachment to the accommodations there. The level of service, the privacy, and the size of the room were quite nice. It was sort of like the concierge level of a hotel. But we don’t recommend staying there. In fact, do everything you can to avoid it. Stop smoking. Eat and sleep well. Drive carefully. Get some exercise.

Home may be in Merrie’s future in just a few days. There is much, much rest to come. And a new life. We are profoundly thankful for the promise of days ahead.

Again, thanks to everyone who has been thinking of us and praying for us. It makes a difference.