Sunday, October 22

Hello G. F.'s We had a problem connecting to blogger last night, so I could not update. But what a difference a day makes. We are home and Glenna (although not entirely back to normal) is feeling a whole lot better today. I cannot tell you what joy it was to bring her home.
Her last night at MGH was better than most, but still full of anxiety and restlessness. But as today progressed, she started feeling better and more relaxed. Her doctors and nurses reassured her that all the events and symptoms of the week were normal and she made it through very well. She expressed to us that by Wed and Thur, she really felt that she would never feel better; so it has been quite a relief to see her start to see that there is always that light at the end of each tunnel. And as hard as it is to think about going back to repeat such a hard week, she does feel that she will be more prepared and will remember that light while going through it. My role as her parent reached it's pinnacle when she told me she could never have gone through it without us there. And, of course, she will never have to.
When leaving the hospital today, her doctor and nurse ran through all the do's and don'ts of her week at home. Their rules are pretty strict regarding where she goes and who she sees. Basically, they said she must go slow and give herself a few days to get back to normal health (mental and physical). They suggest that once she feels up to it, she can get out of the house, but no crowds. She is discouraged from having visitors, mostly because it is absolutely imperative that she not catch anything - and sometimes people do not know if they are carrying a bug or not. They even went so far as to say that she is prohibited from seeing children attending school. Believe me, this is not just her mother and her doctors talking. She agrees. She's very nervous about her situation getting any worse and has expressed to us that she wants this week to be all about resting, meditating and healing. She doesn't want to hurt any of you by not seeing you, but hopes you understand her predicament. She said she will communicate with you all by email and when she's up to it, by phone.
Regarding all of your comments about what you can do to help - foodwise, we are in pretty good shape. My office is having a meal delivered every night this week from Roche Brothers. And Jacob is practicing his culinary skills, as well.
Crystal - thank you so much for all the stuff you left here today-it's all great. Kate - the bread you left is fabulous; we had it with tea when we first got home. And to E-Dog thank you for the wonderful welcome home surprise - Glenna loved that so much.
It's hard to say what is best to do - Glenna knows how much you all love her and your continuous notes and prayers are the best. (Also donating blood is always good!)
Please know that we are here and you can always call us - although there are times we just don't feel like answering the phone, but we will try to be in touch.
Happy Birthday today to Will in Iraq! Love and peace to all of you. Mama Kohl