[This is a cross post from my mom’s blog.] I’m back at my desk in DFW. It seems like I’ve been gone for a month even though it’s only been a week and a half.

While at the ranch, I was able to take measurements of whole bathroom, the doors, the bed, and even the front porch and walk. We “rebuilt” Mom’s bed. It was 36 inches tall. Now it’s only 18, the height required for her wheelchair. I have a rough plan for building a ramp from the font walk up to the porch. We’ve discussed the bathroom rebuild and have some ideas there. Dad is going to talk to a contractor soon so he can get an estimate on rebuilding the shower, etc.

Speaking of Dad: He’s always been a workaholic. He’s always been the type to get up early and work all day long (“You’re burnin’ daylight!”). But I’ve never seen him like this. He really is running raged all the time. Managing the ranch is a full time job, but now he’s caught between that; getting the house wheelchair accessible; cooking and cleaning for himself; keeping up with insurance claims, lawyers, medicare, doctors, nurses, etc., etc.; and driving back and forth between the ranch and Mom every day (almost) to ferry clothes, food, and all sorts of other comforts of home. I know we’re all focused on Mom and praying her healthy, but keep Dad in your prayers too. He needs it more than he’ll admit.

As for Mom, she’s doing amazing! She really is moving on to a new phase of her recovery. On Wednesday, around 6 PM, after getting her banking files transferred to her new laptop, she kicked me out! She said I needed to get on the road home and that she didn’t need me. (Not in a mean way, of course.) She doesn’t need anyone to stay with her over night. She doesn’t need anyone to help her onto her wheelchair or into the bathroom or to get her salad out of the refrigerator. She’s not 100% independent, but she’s coming along so fast. It seems like every day she achieves a new freedom. Way to go, Mom! We’re all very proud of you. (But do be careful. Don’t over do it.)