Putting things in perspective...

Sorry for long gaps in the Project Improbable blog. Been busy.

Perhaps the best place to start is with my mom, Anitia Jimenez, who went into the hospital in December, was out briefly to a rehab facility around Xmas, then was back in the hospital for several weeks.

This is mom dancing, perhaps only 15 years ago...

Her diabetes, dementia, and other issues finally caught up with her despite her long history of a healthy lifestyle. Her kidneys had shut down, and the various medications didn't seem to be helping. While in the hospital, repeated dialysis kept her alive, but it was miserable process for her and it became obvious that the best choice was to get back home in the retirement inn, and go into hospice.

We didn't expect her to last very long. But within a few days of no more medications (other than insulin when her blood sugar got too high) her kidneys started working again. For a time she would constantly try to get up to get to the bathroom forgetting that she couldn't walk, and had a catheter to a urine bag. The staff would find her on the floor. So, had to hire help to stay with her 24/7. She had many visitors to see her in what seemed likely to be her last days.

But her spirits were generally good. Eventually she was able to sit up long enough to get in a wheelchair without getting dizzy. We (her assistants and myself) were able to get her downstairs to some functions, and the other residents were all happy to see her again.

She wasn't done. Over the past few months she improved enough to walk with a walker, to everyone's amazement. We had the catheter removed. She could get to the bathroom on her own, with the walker, and recently even without it. In fact, she has now made it to the dining room completely without her walker...although we're still keeping someone with her during the days, just in case.

She now is able to go outside for short walks, although we do remind her to bring the walker if going very far...;-)

When I grow up, hopefully I'll be as tough as my mom. She still says she wants to sailing on Improbable when the boat is done. That may be a stretch...but it would be a mistake to put anything past her! Yes, she often forgets things now. Fortunately some of the forgotten stuff is long-term grudges, so she's basically just having a great time now. And she doesn't forget me, her only remaining and eldest son (my two younger brothers have past away).

I'll update you more on the considerable boat progress soon...one thing at a time!

Never give up

Bruce