Big Steps

Shirley passed a huge milestone today by getting out of bed and walking. Other than an assisted step to get from chair to bed, this is the first time in two weeks she was on her feet--and she did it twice.  This morning, the occupational therapist came by and got her up and asked her to take a few steps with a walker.  A couple lead to a couple more, then a few more and the next thing you know, she's out in the hallway!

This afternoon, the physical therapist came by and got her walking down the hall. This time, a wheel chair was right behind her, so instead of having to gauge when she was half-way done, she was able to go until she could go no further.

Unlike immediately after the transplant, when you still have muscle tone and they get you up and out of bed right away, Shirley is dealing with several weeks of unused muscles and needs to build back up her strength and stamina.  But today was the first day in several weeks that I saw the fighting spirit that has been missing since the infection.

She was also buoyed by several visitors (brother Tom, Young, Aundie & Ryan); transplant buddy Gretchen & Walt; and our Thai 'daughter' Joy, who came up with Tom & family.  Only a few days ago, she would have asked me to turn away visitors, so this is another great sign that we seemed to have turned a corner in her recovery.