It's time to turn things around in 2024. Lulu will have been in the hospital for over 5 months by the time she comes home. Lots to celebrate and be grateful for. 

Mom has come a long way since my last update. They completely removed her trach, as well as her G-tube. She can now feed herself.  She is still unable to walk or stand without assistance but has worked incredibly hard to do both with help. It would be great if she could stay a little longer to get that firmly under her belt before coming home, but 5 months is long enough and health coverage will be astronomical to continue to stay beginning February 2nd so we are peacing out. I am honored to assume the role of her caregiver until she can (quite literally) get back on her own two feet. We are both a little nervous about the unknown- change/transition is always a little tricky and hard at first. I've learned a lot on the go with Turner's struggles/surgeries/recoveries, so I'm confident I can do it all again for Mom, and I know she will take off (even more than she already has) being in her personal space again. She will continue intensive at-home physical therapy, etc. for some time. 

Our goal is for her to return to work at her new frat house in the fall, although I'm confident she will be back in the saddle long before then. 

If you'd like to visit or be in touch with her, please contact her directly now via text, phone call or audio message as she can operate her phone now. 

Moving forward, I know we'll need some alternates to help her at home when I am away, for example with Turner at his never-ending UVA children's hospital appointments etc. so if anyone local has recommendations please please please send them our way. 

Most of you are aware of her passion for flowers, so if anyone feels so moved to send some to welcome her home on February 1st (maybe not discharge date or day after bc there will be a lot going on and we will be working to adjust) the address is 201 Johnstone Street, Lexington VA and her preferred florist is University Florist, (540) 463-6080. I am SO EXCITED!!!

As soon as she can walk etc. we are dressing up and THROWING A PARTY + you're all invited!!!

Much love, 

Cmay