Grand Central Station

Dear Family and Friends

Isabel did get to vote on Day 2 of eight hours a day OFF the
respirator! Day 2 has now turned into Day 6.

"That's one third of the day! That's one third of Isabel's
marathon!" declared the niece of another West Nile Virus Neurological
Syndrome survivor.

It has been a good week. Although Isabel continues to cope with
constant neurological fatigue, her desire to be socially active
increases weekly.

Friday was such a day. The afternoon began with a visit from two
Abernethy friends who spent 15 minutes telling Mum news from her home
community.

Just before 2:00, two cousins arrived bearing a variety pack of home-
baking "For Isabel's caregivers" and two hand knitted exercise balls
for Mum's hands. As the cousins prepared to come into see her, Mum's
two physiotherapists and social worker arrived to give Isabel and her
family a half hour coaching session of Mum's new physio/occupational
therapy plan. As we have said before, Mum has a dynamo physio team.
Mum was sitting up in bed and her lead physio plopped down on the bed
beside Mum to talk about the plan. The cheers and chatter were
constant as members of Isabel's family were put through the drill.
Mum's letter-board was brought out and she contributed her own
questions about her therapy.

At one point in this session, a respiratory therapist stuck his head
in the door to add his cheers for Mum's progress. A passer-by nurse
inquired if this was the cheerleader practice for the Riders' big
game on Sunday.

In the meantime, ward staff from nurses to respiratory specialists to
housekeepers came by to taste the home-baking. When the cheering
squad left with mouths full of baking, Isabel's cousins came in to
share news of extended family activities.

Amid the huge compromises to Isabel's physical health, we continue
to be so thankful that Mum's cognitive ability, delight in
socializing and hearing news, and warm greetings to people as they
come through her door are in no way diminished! This in itself is a
miracle!

Your messages of good wishes and news continue to be bright spots in
every day.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

GO RIDERS GO!

Catherine, Nancy, and Janet