HOPE is the thing with feathers

HOPE is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune -- without the words
And never stops at all. (Emily Dickinson)

Isabel has a new small red-feathered bird perched in a Christmas fern on her window sill. This gift was part of the symbols shared with her during a gathering of Isabel's "girls" and their families on Nov 27. We gathered in the Wascana Hostel and then later in the sunny terrace by Mum's room with food and riddles & jokes, family musical entertainment and hours of visiting. The grandkids exchanged the usual decor of her room for two suitcases full of seasonal decorations. This gathering time each year is our opportunity to launch the Advent/Christmas Season and Isabel's birthday month.

One of our traditions (two years now so it is a tradition!) is to toast our Mum/Grannie B and to name her accomplishments of the last year. In 2010, Isabel sent two sets of tubes "packing" in record time including the ventilator and oxygen which she has not needed since February. As well, Mum has learned to transfer from bed to chair and chair to car. She is walking several 100 feet each day. She cycles nearly 5 kms in 20 minutes twice a week. Her voice has improved and she has bought her first computer and emails us almost daily. Three out-of-town trips this summer meant expanded horizons.

It is easy to quickly type these accomplishments without acknowledging the incredible hard work and determination (or stubbornness!) that are the ground work for such progress. Each day is an effort. Isabel has to psych herself to be ready for five days of therapy each week, plus coaching her nurses through much of her daily personal care due to the restriction in her hands and arms. "Living in HOPE" is not always easy, but HOPE does seem to prevail through the 365 days of a year.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent ~ this time of waiting for the Holy to burst through in our lives in the birth of a small child. As we light HOPE ~ the first candle of the Advent wreath ~ we give THANKS again for friends, family, community, nursing staff and therapists, and Isabel's dogged determination which helps to kindle faith and HOPE in all our lives.