Smooth sailing so far and news from the front

Liz is home now about a week - and feeling happy to be there. Thaddeus repainted the back room looking over the lake so that is all fresh and cheery. Ave will be helping Liz shop for a new lounge chair to put in there and then Liz will be sitting pretty in that great sunny room that gets the perfect afternoon sun right around naptime. Aaaah. Naptime!

Doctor's appts. have begun and so far all seems right on track. It's a little slower paced than Liz would like but overall, smooth sailing.

Keep those cards and letters coming folks. Who doesn't like to find a note amongst all the electronically produced junk mail?

Damien arrives from France on 4/20 for a month.

News from the Noll front, Ave's daughter Bernadette Grace and her husband Tom brought home their new baby boy born on April 7th, Cash Rider Schilling.

May the circle be open but unbroken.

This just in from Liz herself...

I am happy to say I am home as of Thursday afternoon and really joyful to have survived the journey so far. I feel very fortunate to be in such a good place and am feeling stronger each day... I am very, very grateful for everyone's prayers, notes and cards and especially the encouraging words. Thank you all..... you have certainly helped me reach this point. I am one very lucky lady!!! Hugs to each, Liz

Home again, home again, jiggety jig

Or, as Uncle Frank pointed out, "She returned home, tired but happy."* Liz returned home yesterday and was thrilled to be there. Ave spent the night with her and reported that Liz was thrilled that she "made it through" Gay will be with her tonight.

Liz is feeling good. And we are happy for that.

Keep those cards and letters coming folks!

Love to all,
Bern

*that saying is from Gertrude Mangan Rienzo, mom to Liz. That was what she'd say each time they returned home after a day trip somewhere.

Rehab coming to an end

My mom's stay in rehab has been fantastic. The people have been great, the services fantastic and the general energy of the place has really served her well. Every day a little more progress and a little more strength.

The blood pressure was the only trouble she was experiencing and with some new meds that seems to be getting under control as well. Definitely something to be mindful of though.

It looks like Thursday will be the day she returns home to Denville - that's the word right now. Stay tuned for confirmation. Spirits are good and the body is getting stronger. Hallelujah!

xo Bernadette

For all you Denville folks...

I just heard from Ave, who heard from Mrs. Mutz's granddaughter Michelle, that Mrs. Mutz had a big fall this past week. She took a terrible fall outside and fractured both her hip and arm. She had surgery 3/27 to repair her hip. Michelle said she is devastated and thinks notes and cards would go a long way to cheer her up.

If you want to send her a card, her address is:
Helen Mutz
36 Shawger Road
Denville, NJ 07834-1023

2 steps forward

A few steps forward and a half a step back. That's the way of this kind of procedure I'm told. The forward motion is consistent but an occasional minor setback is inevitable. Today a higher blood pressure than normal. Walk halted. Meds changed. Back to bed with you Mrs. Noll. And right before she turned off the phone for an afternoon nap I snuck in a little chat. So, lucky me.

Spirits still sound good. Ave has been told to take a few days hiatus when Thad arrives this afternoon. Bernagrace awaits her baby which apparently has dropped nice and low. The sun is out up there in Jersey and signs of spring are sneaking in.

Here in Texas our 2nd grader is off to the rodeo for a class trip. Our kindergartener has mastered the skipping of one bar on the monkey bars. Our 5th grader has a sewing project due tomorrow and our wee 2.5 year old has perfected his use of the word NO! while he runs in the opposite direction.

Love to all,
Bern

Room 455

Right across the hall from her old room. And the staff at Rehab was quite pleased to have her back! She'll be there probably about 10 days or so.

I talked to Liz tonight and she sounded super strong - like her old self. I read her the many blog comments and she was pleased and grateful for all the good wishes and strong prayers.

Love,
Bernadette of Austin, TX