Do everything possible to help my mom walk again.

Mom’s therapist says that she needs to practice marching…both in the wheelchair and standing. 1000 marches by next monday.
Maybe I need to get some John Phillip Sousa music!

I was really sleeping well, which is a change. I could hear the birds singing, and then suddenly REALITY! Looked at the clock, jumped up knowing that moms therapy appointment was a 9am. It was 7:45. Didn’t know what to do, clothes? hair? makeup? get mom up and feed her! OMG! We missed the OT appointment. We made it to Physical Therapy. I am such a loser. I’m trying to get mom better, and I cant even wake up to get her to her appointment.

She doesn’t even complain now. I told her that we are walking everywhere except TO the bathroom, and only because it is sometime too urgent to take our time.

Mom is much more motivated to walk since the weather got warmer. We went outside on the deck yesterday, and I could see that twinkle in her eye that says, ” I really want to work in the garden”. At least that’s what it looked like to me. Unfortunately, it is much colder today. Sort of a three cat afternoon!

She seems to do better with this than her regular walker. I feel like she is getting stronger, but it is a slow process. Today we practiced getting in and out of the car (without hitting her head!).
Sometimes it goes well, and sometimes it’s a disaster. She certainly has a good attitude about it though. And she can’t wait for spring!

Mom’s physical therapist calls it “homework” but they are some simple things that do not take much time, Such as standing then sitting back in the wheelchair, resting, then standing again.
Also, sitting in a regular kitchen chair for a few minutes each day rather than in the wheelchair. Apparently, it takes more strength to sit in a regular chair.

Mom had her stroke in July 2008. She came home October 31st. Since then she has been having therapy, but I don’t feel like I do enough to encourage her. The trouble is, that I also work full time and I’m really tired when I get home. I need to be helping her with her exercises, and strengthening. Sometimes, I just don’t have the energy and I feel like I’m letting her down.