home at last

Mom's been home almost a week now, and she's loving being at home (except, I'm sure, the whole not being able to get out of bed or do much of anything thing). She's been able to eat at least two meals a day and keeps about half of them down. She's already read one book and has another one waiting, and each evening dad sits with her and they talk or watch one of their favorite television programs--Dancing With the Stars and Survivor both started this week, so it's good viewing for them (they even went home early from dessert night at Aunt Judy's on Thanksgiving for the past few years just to watch Survivor). I've been trying to keep her, the dishes, and the laundry clean, but it's been a little hard to do any schoolwork here, whether it's prepping for my classes or working on my dissertation. I'm hoping that changes now that I've got mom's office set up as my temporary bedroom and have both of my computers hooked up to the router.

The visitor scene was pretty calm until last night. Before then, Aunt Janet, Aunt Carolyn, and Aunt Judy were the only ones to come by--well, except my brothers when she got up last Saturday (I wasn't here yet). But last night, my brothers, sisters-in-law, and niece came; Uncle Keith and Aunt Marge came; a couple mom and dad knew from Calvary came; and a neighbor from down the street came. Of course, this was all before dad and Al even got here for the evening, and in the midst of it all Aunt Lorinda called (I asked if they could call her back--mom wouldn't have been able to hear anything with all of those people around, and dad wasn't home yet). Surprisingly, everyone was gone by 8:00 pm. Mom and dad got to watch Survivor after all, and Al and I watched an episode of Chuck (season one) on DVD before watching the season premier of The Office (could have been better, but at least--and here comes the spoiler--Jim proposed to Pam! At a gas station, in the rain!).

Seems strange that my busy, busy week can fit into two small paragraphs like that. Carolyn's coming over today, so I'll be able to go home for a couple of hours and spend time with my cat (unfortunately, my husband will be at work). Jamie's dropping by with the kids in a few minutes so I'll have my hands busy until--and maybe for a while after--Carolyn gets here. Mom's resting. It must get boring laying around in bed all day; she didn't know what she wanted to do, so said she'd just lay there. I wish I could do more for her.

More next week (I hope), and thanks for all the love, support, and prayers. We appreciate it, and mom's been overwhelmed by all of the people who do or say things to show they care.