Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from us here at The Compound.  

Be safe, and eat lots of candy!

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/29

I had texted a lot of people earlier today, asking them to pray at 6:00 tonight - that would be about the time when we would get to Landmark and would hopefully get her to drink some of the chicken broth. She drank one swallow, and that was it. She did drink some water - more than she'd drank before. But she wasn't peaceful tonight; she was agitated. I'm not going to lie - this was probably the hardest visit that we've made with her since this journey started. But then as we were getting ready to go home, things took an unexpected turn.

We rang the call button because she said she needed to go to the bathroom. Her favorite night aide Anthony came, and got her situated and put her favorite Minnie Mouse pajamas on her and got her all snuggly back in bed. As we were leaving, Anthony stopped us and said that just before we got there, he was able to get her to take a drink of milk - something she hasn't wanted to drink. He said it was only one drink, but that's more milk than she had yesterday, or the day before, or the day before, etc. Then he really hit us with some intel - he said that just before we got there (around 6:00 - we were running a little late tonight) he got her up from the bed and she walked with him to and from the bathroom. Even though she didn't do any PT today, this is huge progress.

I want to thank my 6:00 pray-ers - because even though she didn't drink a lot of the broth or eat any of the pureed food we brought like we'd wall prayed for, instead she was up and walking to the bathroom. The Lord answered the prayers in the best way for her - I am totally convinced.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/27

There's not much new to report today - she's till not eating much.  We got her to drink most of the broth from some Lipton Cup o Soup that we brought; this is two visits in a row that she drank most of the broth from chicken soup. You can bet we will bring it every time we go to see her. 

A dear friend brought her a homemade smoothie in a very cool bottle. We thought for sure she'd drink it but she only took a few sips. She did say she liked the bottle, though.  

Once again, for my pray-ers, continue to pray that she'll eat or drink.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/25

We were encouraged tonight - we didn't check with a nurse or aide for confirmation, but we think she ate some today - mainly because she was chatty tonight and didn't fall asleep until almost 8:00.  That's a good sign for us.  Plus she drank almost all of the chicken noodle soup broth that I brought her.  For that few ounces, we were thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Thursday 10/24

She had some visitors today - they said they had a good visit with her, and one said when they came there to see her, she was down in the activities hall. Unfortunately, she still isn't eating, although her BFF Bev did get her to eat a three bites of mac and cheese. But prayers are still being answered - her blood sugar level is almost back to normal since the surgery. For that, we are thankful.

Once again, I'm asking my pray-ers to pray that she will eat

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Wednesday 10/23

The physical therapist said they are working with her in two sessions every day.  He said that she is "very participatory", and for that we are very thankful.  He said that they have already fallen in love with her, and are very happy and hopeful for the work ahead.  And for that, we are thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 10/21

Today, Minnie started on the next phase of her rehab. This morning, she moved from Park Terrace to Landmark of Iroquois Park on Gagel. Warning - this is going to be a long update.

She didn't feel good at all today, but she made the short trip over there and the transition like a trooper.

Today's prayer request for my FB pray-ers -- that she feel better tomorrow, and eat and have strength to start more PT.

Now for the miracle stories to share with you.

This phase started a week ago when Park Terrace said that the she had reached a plateau in her therapy and that she would be discharged soon. I immediately started researching online and talking to people and getting recommendations for a good facility for her. We started praying that the Lord would lead us to the right place for her.

I talked with the admissions directors at three facilities in Valley Station and Shively, and Park Terrace had quickly faxed over Minnie's info as soon as they had called for it. But as a few days went on, I never heard anything from them - even after leaving a few voice mail messages. Then last Thursday, I went online to the Medicare website and read reviews of every facility in Louisville that was close to home. One facility stuck out - Landmark of Iroquois Park. It got awesome reviews from Medicare. I prayed before I I called and spoke with the admissions director - I asked for the Lord to lead me to the right place for my sweet mother. The lady said she'd call Park Terrace and have them fax Minnie's info to them. And all the meanwhile, I never heard nothing back from the other three places. And still, we kept praying that the Lord would lead us to the right place. I have a feeling you know where this story is heading.

Friday morning, the admissions director at Park Terrace called and said she got the info, and would be going over to Park Terrace to meet Minnie. She called back an hour later. When I answered the phone, I could tell that the woman had been crying and her voice was quivering. I immediately thought they weren't going to accept her. The woman told me that on the way over to meet Minnie, she had been praying. Her son had died a few weeks ago. She said when she got to Park Terrace, she told Minnie that she was a friend of mind and wanted to meet her. Minnie put up those sweet little arms and reached in for a hug and told the woman "God will take care of you." The woman said she had to run out of the room so Minnie wouldn't see her crying. She said she went back to Landmark and told everyone she saw about that . And the people at Landmark said they loved Minnie even before they met her.

Fast forward to this morning when the move happened. Like I said, Minnie wasn't feeling good; she was tired. And was asleep almost as soon as they got her in bed. But before that, two of the aides and her nurse both said how good she did when they got her up to go to the actual bathroom, and then back into bed. We were very encouraged. And we were more encouraged when the occupational therapist and the physical therapist saw her and said they'd be back tomorrow morning, and that she would have two sessions a day.

And another big miracle of the day happened. They hadn't even gotten Minnie situated in her room when the head nurse came up and found us and immediately gave Bud a hug. She is the granddaughter of Bud's best friend from the 60's till he died about 10 years ago. She said she saw Minnie's name pop up on the computer and she said she knew immediately she was "THE Minnie Puckett." She gave us all three hugs, and she assured us that she would take extra good care of Minnie.

And like I said earlier - it's been over a week, and none of the three other facilities have even called me back.

When God is at work, there are NO coincidences.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/20

We had another good visit with Minnie tonight. We reminisced about some of our old friends from Fourth Avenue Baptist tonight. As with last night, she didn't once complain about "that old bad leg" hurting, which is an awesome answer to the many prayers.

Today's prayer request - that her BP get higher. It was low again tonight. We know that the Great Physician is still the One in charge.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Saturday 10/19

We had probably the best visit with my Sweet Mother tonight than we've had since she came to Park Terrace.  She was sporting her new very cool Minnie Mouse pajamas, and we had a fun night watching Family Feud and laughing.  The aide said that she ate half of her chicken salad sans the croissant and ate all of the vegetable soup broth.  For that, we were very thankful.  And she didn't once complain tonight about "that old bad leg."

Thanks again for the prayers.  They are being answered. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/18

Minnie had a busy day today. She went down to the Friday afternoon Happy Hour and saw the best Elvis impersonator in the world, Todd Bodenheimer, and also saw a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. She said they were cute.

And guess who got from the bedside toilet chair back into bed by herself????

As always, thank you for the prayers and keep them going up

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Thursday 10/17

I wish I had some good news to report, but unfortunately she's gotten another UTI and another infection. She joked with us a little tonight about her tennis shoes. But then she fell asleep. And sleep is what she needs to help fight these infections. On the positive side, she did do some walking with the physical therapists with the walker today. She looked so peaceful tonight sleeping when we left.

Today's prayer request - that her body will fight the infections, and she will eat.

Team Minnie Update

We left my Sweet Mother tonight feeling more encouraged.  The nurses said she ate supper in the dining room tonight, and they said that she is eating more when she's there.  So when we filled out her menu for tomorrow, we checked "dining room" for all three meals.

And we were also encouraged tonight by seeing her move "that old bad leg" more than she ever has.  She had both legs bent up in the bed tonight (imagine doing sit up crunches with your legs bent) - something we haven't seen before.  And she also had the "old bad leg" bent up as she reached down to pull up her sock.  

This was the encouragement that we needed.  We know that the Great Physician isn't done yet. 

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/15

Another day of not eating very much. Bust just like last night, we got her to eat the small Thermos of homemade potato soup. And you can count on Bud to make her some more to take her tomorrow night.

Thanks again for the prayers, messages, calls and texts. I apologize if you've contacted me and I haven't gotten back with you. Things are crazy, to say the least, with working, taking care of the house and the Girls, and most importantly, being with Minnie and making sure Bud is ok.

All I could think of tonight as I was sitting next to her bed was how this isn't the ideal situation, but at least I'm not planning a funeral for my mother like two dear former coworkers are doing tonight.  Both of them lost their sweet mothers to cancer - one over the weekend and one this morning.  

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Monday 10/14

The prayers you all have said worked this evening. I don't know what she ate for breakfast or lunch, but tonight we got her to eat half of the Thermos of homemade potato soup we brought. We almost didn't bring it, but thought it was worth a try. She also had 4 bites of the customary sweet potato.

And while we were watching Andy and Barney, during a commercial all of a sudden she started singing "God Will Take Care Of You." That in itself was an answer to a prayer that a dear, dear friend had prayed just minutes before.

Once again, thank you for the prayers and keep them up.

Team Minnie Update

It was another day of my Sweet Mother barely eating.  Diane and I managed to get her to eat almost all of her sweet potato for supper, and you can't begin to imagine how thrilled we were. 

Team Minnie Update

It was two steps forward and two steps back today.  She didn't eat breakfast or lunch.  But at supper I got her to eat the usual 4 bites each of sweet potato, pasta, and peas.

She said her "old bad leg" was hurting a lot tonight. 

But she did go to PT today.  For that, we are thankful. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/11

Her EKG and echogram were good. The cardiologist said that he thinks that when the pain starts decreasing from her hip, that her heart rate will also decrease.

And guess who ate half of her dinner tonight in the dining room?

Team Minnie Update

She ate today - we don't know how much, but we do know that she ate.  And she ate a sweet potato and some homemade fried apples tonight.  You can rest assured we will be bringing more fried apples with each visit. 

We had a good visit tonight.  Our evening routine is watching back-to-back episodes of Andy and Barney.  Tonight she said "They sure are a silly bunch."   

I'm not going to lie we're very nerved up about tomorrow morning - she has an appointment with the cardiologist about the elevated heart rate.  We told her tonight she was going on a little trip tomorrow to see the heart doctor.  She said she wants to get better so she can get back home.  And so do we. 

Team Minnie Update

I am so happy as I type this update.  My Sweet Mother ate today!  The nurses and aides were as happy as the Old Man and I were.  We are praying that the appetite stimulant finally kicked in. 

Stay tuned. 

Team Minnie Update

I wish I had something to update you all on tonight, but I don't. They said she didn't eat hardly anything today. She did have a protein shake during the day, and we got another one down her tonight. I honestly don't know where she's getting the strength and energy to do her PT; the Lord definitely has His hand on her.

Thank you to the dear friends that called me today asking what they could make to bring her to eat. I am still staying positive and I hope in a few days to be able to call you all and tell you she's eating again and ask you to bring something. But in the meanwhile, I'm asking my FB pray-ers to continue to pray for her to eat.

Team Minnie Update

Another day of not eating.  They did get two of the fortified shakes in her today, but she got sick to her stomach and one came back up.  When we got there tonight, we got her to eat all of her sweet potato that was with her dinner, thanks to being able to find a packet of brown sugar, and most of another shake.  

We're worried sick about her not eating, and the nurses and aides are trying to reassure us - they've told us that it could take a month or more for everything to get back to where it was before her surgery.  But even though she isn't eating much, she's still been doing her hour of physical therapy.

She dozed most of the time we were there tonight, but when she was awake she was commenting about the Mucinex commercials and Andy and Barney.  

Once again, today's prayer request is that she will start eating. 

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Sunday 10/6

Prayers were answered - she ate more for breakfast and lunch than she had since she came to rehab. To anyone else, it wouldn't have seemed like much at all, but to us and the nurses and aides, we were thrilled. She didn't eat anything for supper - only two bites of the homemade mac and cheese and Grillin Beans that we brought her (which are two of her favorites). But she drank 2/3 of the fortified shake tonight. So all in all, we are thankful for what little she did eat.

She seemed a little more feisty tonight, which we are taking as a good sign.

We were told that the appetite stimulant that they have her taking should start to kick in on the next day or two, so we're praying for that.

We were encouraged by her two aides that were on day shift. Both of them told us that they can see her getting stronger each day. Once again, we are so thankful.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Saturday 10/5

We got to talk with Minnie's therapists this morning. Her PT is going great - they said she's walks 20-25 steps twice during the session with the walker with minimal assistance. This time last week, she was walking 10 steps at a time. We thank the Lord for this progress. They said that she does everything they ask her to do. But she had a rough time with the occupational therapy. Her hip was hurting and she said she felt sick at her stomach, but they had her doing some work with her arms. She slept for a couple of hours after PT - I guess it wore her out.

The nurses started giving her a glass of protein shake when they give her meds and she drinks it down. At least that's a few calories in her. And at lunch, she only had about three bites of potatoes. I asked her nurse if she could get her a protein shake, and within a few minutes she came back with a fortified shake and with a little cup called "Magic Cup" - it was like orange sherbet but also fortified and full of calories. She drank all of her shake and about half of the Magic Cup. And we unfortunately had the same thing at supper tonight. She didn't eat, so we got her another fortified shake. And we noticed tonight she was reaching for the little bottle of water without us having to ask "do you want some water." Something small like that made us happy.

So, today's prayer request is that she will start to eat more.

Thanks again for your concern, prayers and love for my sweet mother, Bud and me.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Friday 10/4

Thank you, Great Physician, for prayers answered. My Sweet Mother's blood sugar level is almost back to normal!!

While I don't know how much she ate or drank today, I do know that there was a piece of noodle in her lap, and a drop of sauce on her chin, so I'm taking those as a good sign.

She was moving around a little more in the bed tonight, and I also took that as a good sign. She had her good leg crossed over "this old bad leg" as she calls it - something that she hasn't done before.

We'll be there in the morning most likely when she either goes to or comes back from PT, so we'll be able to get a report from the therapists.

Team Minnie Update

Prayers were answered today - her heart rate was lower. Thank you to all of you pray-ers.

Her best friend Bev visited her this evening and brought her the prettiest bouquet of "Crazy Daisies." And Bev also gave her a manicure, which did more good for Mom than any medicine.  Momtold her "no color, honey" like she tells the people at the nail salon when she gets a pedicure.

I managed to get her to eat 5 bites of stew tonight and 2 spoons of the gravy, and best of all, she drank an 8 oz bottle of water!!! Thank you, Leslie Burke, for the suggestion - Bev brought her some watermelon and she loved it. She was in a happier mood tonight, and didn't say "this old bad leg hurts."

I repeat, thank you for the prayers. Keep them going.

Team Minnie Update

I talked to the director of nursing tonight, and she said that PT is still going good.  She came in to check on the incisions, and Mom rolled over in the bed herself.  Progress. 

Tonight's visit wasn't as laughter-filled as the past nights.  She was in a lot of pain.  And she cried a few times. After the pain pill kicked in, she and I were laughing a little bit while we watched Andy and Barney.  Just as we were ready to leave, the nurse came in and removed the staples from the incisions.  I thought it would be brutal, but she didn't wince in pain once.  In fact, while the nurse was taking them out, Mom had her hands behind her head, smiling and talking with the nurse. 

She still doesn't want to eat or drink, and that is a concern.  The not drinking is causing her BP to be low, and in turn the heart rate high. For my pray-ers, please pray specifically that she will eat and drink more.  We managed to get her to eat half of a good sized banana tonight and drink half a glass of water.  Once again, progress. And we can't thank the Lord enough for the healing and things He's done.  Her nurse tonight told us how much she's improved since she came to Park Terrace just a week ago. 

Thank you all for your concern, and please keep up the prayers.

Team Minnie Update

Team Minnie Update Tuesday 10/1

She had another good day at PT. Tonight we noticed progress again about her standing and moving "that old bad leg.".

The thyroid tests came out OK. Her nurse said she thinks the elevated heart rate is from not drinking much. Well, me and her night nurse took care of that tonight as much as we could. The nurse made sure she drank the cup of water with her meds, and before that I had her drink a few times. The night nurse said she would put in the notes for the aides and nurses to encourage her to drink.

She looked so pretty tonight - they came and gave her a hair cut and style today. She said she liked her new hairdo. And a few minutes after we got there tonight, our favorite aide came and took her down for a shower. That aide was off the charts good. If I'd had a twenty in my purse, I would have tipped her. When she got Minnie back to the room, she brushed and teased her hair a bit, and put lotion on her.

So for tonight's prayer request - that she will keep on drinking more to get hydrated to get the heart rate down, and that she continues the good progress with the PT.