Dec. 29 Update #2

We finished our dinner a little earlier here in the family lounge...little room with a fridge, microwave, table/chairs, and obviously a computer. In the ICU, visitors aren't allowed between 6:30 and 8:30 in both the morning and night but some nurses have been bending the rules for us (not tonight though). Last night I started off by saying "I couldn't be happier" but I lied...I'm even happier this evening b/c....Mom's breathing tube came out today!!!!!!! Huge step!!!! It was wonderful to have the tube out, but right after she was quite disoriented and scared. The nurse was able to reassure her and explain what had been going on so that seemed to help. It appeared maybe Mom thought that since the breathing tube came out, all the other tubes would come off too. During the morning and afternoon, Mom had been writing us some messages on paper...there was only so much she could communicate with the nodding and shaking of her head. After the tube came out, Mom was allowed to have some water from a little sponge on a straw...she loves it and she loved it during her surgery prep too. A little earlier, Mom was requesting ICE CREAM! Dad said, "oh, are you being funny?" She shook her head "no"...she really wanted ice cream so that's a goal for down the road to be able to eat ice cream. I told her we'd gotten her and Dad gift cards to Cold Stone Creamery for Christmas so once she's allowed, she can get some ice cream there. Two of the docs from the surgical team stopped by after Mom's tube came out, and she smiled so big when they came in the room...biggest smile yet! We're so thankful for that whole team...they are amazing!I've been watching Dad with Mom during the beginning of this journey, and I have to say I don't think I'll ever see a better picture of "through sickness and in health". It has been unbelievably difficult to see Mom have to endure all this, but I think it's been the most difficult for Dad. He's been strong though. It was the sweetest earlier when Mom was able to start talking, and Dad said, "ya know what I want to hear? I love you." And she said, "I love you"...then he said "who else in this room do you love?" and she said, "Lisa and Lori". It hurts for her to talk right now, but it will get easier. It is so wonderful to hear her voice again. While going through voice messages on our cell phones, both Dad and I had old messages from Mom so we enjoyed hearing her voice on those during the time Mom couldn't speak to us. That's all for now. I continue to thank you for praying for my mom...thanks for all your messages and e-mails...I haven't been able to respond to all of them but know they are appreciated!!!Oh, one more thing, a specific prayer request...we REALLY liked the staff in 4B before Mom's surgery so we're really hoping and praying Mom will be able to go back to 4B during her recovery since they're already familiar with us.