Update: Hello to everyone! I'm sorry it has taken me longer than I'd expected to send an update. We've had very long days and late nights and by the end of each one, we are so exhausted that we've been unable to formulate much of a thought between us.
The past twelve days are such a blur, and there was a lot of uncertainty and many ups and downs. But I'm so happy to be writing now that therapy is going really well, and mom continues to surprise all of the doctors, nurses, and therapists working with her.
Her attitude is incredible. She wants to be home, so she is powering through everything they are asking her to do. No complaints. Everyone loves her and she makes them laugh daily. One of her occupational therapists even sat in on a card game with us today. She informed us that the games we've been playing with her (Zilch, 313, Texas Hold 'Em, Rummy, Go Fish, memory games, dealer's choice poker) are very good for building her arm strength, improving manual dexterity, building her cognitive capacity, helping her learn to "scan" the world around her to see everything (as she has no vision from the midline to her right side). She was even shuffling and dealing, which came as a big surprise to her therapist!
Her physical therapy has also gone well and she's able to stand and walk short distances without assistance (but with a spotter). She is now able to brush her teeth and perform other personal care tasks.
Just a handful of days ago, she was still very tired, would fatigue easily, wasn't able to focus her eyes well and had a very foggy brain. The doctors told us we could expect that for weeks or months. But the day before yesterday she seemed to be coming out of that a bit, and yesterday she was much more clear-headed, and more so still today. She even told us that she feels more like herself and that *she* thinks she's getting better.
Visits and video calls from her great grandson and granddaughters have really lifted her spirits, and she continues to be worried about everyone else: did this person get home okay, are we tired, do we need to rest, have we eaten, etc. She's her ol' sweet self. :-)
There is a long road ahead of her, and there are things the doctors say she may never regain (full sight for one), but so far, she's exceeding all expectations, defying norms, defying odds... we might need to tie her down 'cause she might even defy gravity. We're putting nothing past this lady!
My brother, sister and I deeply feel all of the love and support and want you all to know that your kindness has enabled us to worry less about our own situations and to be able to be the support system our mom needs. It's working in spades! All of the time we have spent with her (she's probably getting tired of us bugging her all day long!) has made a huge difference in her progress. This from the mouths of her doctors and therapists. So again, thank you, thank you from all of us. <3
Hello to friends and family and everyone who loves Bette!
Our mom recently suffered a serious stroke that resulted in a car accident. After time in ICU and a week on the stroke and brain trauma floor at UC Davis Medical Center, she was transferred to UC Davis Rehab where the long process of recovery will begin.
My brother, sister, and I are doing everything we can to stay close by so we can support her, advocate for her care, and help her through this every step of the way. Being present is incredibly important, but it also means unexpected costs for travel, lodging, meals, and time away from work.
Many friends and family have asked how they can help, and we are so grateful for that kindness. For those who would like a practical way to support our family during this time, we’ve created this fundraiser to help offset expenses while we remain near Mom/Mama/Mimi/BJ/Bette during her recovery.
Funds raised will help cover travel, lodging, meals, and additional medical-related expenses that may arise as she continues her recovery.
If you’re able to contribute, we are deeply thankful. If not, sharing this page or keeping our mom in your thoughts means just as much to us. Your support truly means the world to our family.
With love and gratitude,
Selena, Clay & Briana