Physical therapy pain, Reading, Jacob snuggles

Denise was in tears for a little while tonight. Her day was filled with PT & OT, and she was in pain, wondering how she ever got this weak. She said she couldn't believe that she used to walk. I had a knee reconstruction a couple years ago that had me laid up, but not to the point where she is now with her entire body. Months ago when she was still fully sedated, we received emails from some of you that had extended hospital stays. Several mentioned that getting through the primary medical problems were only the beginning, and that rehab often seemed impossible. If you've been through all that, could you please email Denise, stating your struggles and including some "atta-girl" words of encouragement to her?
Now for some really good stuff: She ate plenty of food and held it all down. With help and a walker, she walked from her room to a point that's past the nurse's station (cheers!). In a wheelchair, she rolled back from the workout room. She had plenty of caring visitors this afternoon and/or evening... pastor, her parents, my parents, & Jacob. She was able to read some of book with regular-sized print. She said looked blurry, even with her glasses, but she was able to read it. Lower lighting conditions help her see better. I'm encouraged by that. A few weeks ago, she couldn't even make out the words in a large-print Bible. She can't see pencil lines well, but she can see pen lines. This will be handy for the OT to know when working with Denise on writing & math tasks. My favorite bit of good news: Jacob excitedly called her "Mama" and even started snuggling up to her.

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