Christina's Visit

I went with my mom and both kids who Alison was clearly glad to see, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how good she seemed!! Maybe it helped that I knew what to expect this time going to the facility as well, but she is in the different room (as I'm sure you know) and it seemed a bit better. She was sitting in her chair when we arrived and was SO happy and surprised. Even though she couldn't talk much, it was much clearer than when I was there in January. She was coherent and told me that she understands everything we are saying but just can't talk much. She even made a little Alison joke at one point that made me laugh. Rolina (?) was just leaving as we were coming and seemed sweet. 

About ten minutes in Alison said that she needed a new diaper and about twenty in she was getting tired and wanted to be put into her bed. I told nurses but they were delivering lunch so I'm not sure when all of that happened. I massaged her legs for a while and chatted about different things. Really, it was such a relief to see her like this and to hear her talking clearly. A relief and sad all at once since I'm sure that just makes it all the more frustrating to her to just be locked in her head. She said that it's very frustrating that she can't walk and that she hopes when she visits in my dreams that she can (which she always can.) Overall it was a great visit. I plan on going back at least either Monday or Tuesday, but will do both if possible. 

My mom also has been visiting once a week and reading Marley and Me to her which she seems to love (she mentioned it today). She lets my mom know that although she's going to close her eyes she is listening and paying attention, and will smile and laugh sometimes at things she reads. It seems to be a great weekly thing for her to get to enjoy. Has anyone ever tried reading other things with her, or maybe even get her books on CD?