Karen's Blog

Paul's Update: April 24 at 7am

Wow, what a change in four days!

I returned from my business trip on Sunday afternoon, and after dropping off my bags at home and grabbing a bite to eat, I went to the hospital to see Karen. When I arrived she was sitting in a wheelchair, in front of a window with her mom. She looked so much more alert, and was moving her right arm and leg a lot more. We sat there for over an hour until the nurses moved her back to her bed, where I spent another hour or so with her. She tries to talk a lot, but you can only make out short phrases, and this is only on an occassional basis. I suspect that in a fairly short time though we won't be able to keep her quiet. Won't that be terrific!

She definitely has a lot going on in her head. She looks great, has lost most of the puffiness due to the fluid retention, and she seems much more alert than ever before. However, it is clear that this process will be a long one for Karen. Even though I saw a big difference from when I left her on Wednesday at the hospital, by no means is she able to get around on her own, and she has yet to start communicating in a way that is constant or fully understandable. But, we all know the tough, stubborn (this is good) person she is.

I am sure she will be just fine, given the necessary time. The tough part is that we just don't know what the necessary time is going to be.

posted by Karen's Blog @ Monday, April 24, 2006