2012 update- Happy new year!

I could have sworn I updated this thing since the big move... I guess not.

We got mom settled in an apartment in Santa Monica off Wilshire. Was a huge change but I we've adapted well, considering. In October she went to Chicago with me (Emma) to do a Aphasia Speech therapy study for 6 weeks. We had a blast and totally think it was beneficial for momma. Lots of laughs were had and lots of growth. We came home just in time for thanksgiving dinner at Celia's.

Since then, we celebrated the holidays. And momma went back solo to Chicago the first week of January for a follow up to her study in October. Sounds like it was an easy trip considering she managed on her own. When marsh and I took her to the airport she was so over us asking if she had everything etc. Ha!

I'm not sure specifically the days but she is supposedly doing a group physical/occupational therapy intensive during the week. Sounds like it is helpful.

Nonetheless, she hasn't changed and continues to amaze and inspire me.

Today is a very special day!

Happy birthday to the beautiful Lora Lee... aka my favorite mother on this planet! This morning she had some grubs and bonding with her dashing sisters. Once home, we hung out by the pool and laughed. Then proceeded to continue our celebration by a beach-side dinner at Shutters hotel restaurant. It was beautiful. We will be finishing the night off with a movie late tonight. She's everyones hero today.

In other news, house was sold and the process of inspectors/escrow shenanigans are beside us. So... we are in the midst of trying to find the perfect place for momma and looking hard. There will be the perfect place but hasn't hit us yet. If you know if any leads, let us know.

Lots of love today,

The Lo posse

Open House

Today was our first open house! After getting back from Michigan, we quickly put together the house and it looks lovely. Send some positive vibes our way for some good offers and a quick turn around. This process is exhausting and we want to continue to move in the right direction. Who wants to sit in a beautiful newly cleaned house and want to leave?

With love to all,

The fam

Is it really June 12th?!

The house has been slowly (but surely) moving in the right direction. We've been playing musical beds while painting has been going on. My dad's friend came and did some landscaping in front and although it is minimal, it looks better. We had a garage sale today which turned out to be somewhat successful. Not a huge outcry of people but we made a little money and will get the rest shipped out to give away in the AM. This whole cleaning/moving/whatever-you-want-to-call-it/process has been a learning experience and though the rest of the family wouldn't agree, I feel positive. It feels similar to camping, especially having an almost daily lunch picnic in our back yard since our kitchen has been unusable during painting. Don't get me wrong... we do have a debilitating amount of useless stuff sprawled out throughout our house, backyard and garage. But it will get done! One day soon hopefully. My mom has been a rock (duh) through all of this and we are lucky to have her steadfast vibes to keep us moving towards the finish line.

Mema is coming out to visit and help mid-week and that will be nice to have her around. And then, before we know it we will be all heading to Michigan for Grand-paul's birthday celebration for 4th of July weekend.

Amidst my chaotic writing and lack of any structure, I hope this finds you well.

Sending love to you today,
Emma

Hey guys!

Whats new?

In our world, there's always a lot of new exciting things happening! We are in the midst of starting to put the house together (ie. reorganize, clean, paint, garden, etc...). It's that time where we are all collectively ready to get this house on the market. Hopefully within the month we will be ready. There is massive amounts of work to be had but who knows I'm sure we can manage. Thought I would put it out there that if you wanted to help or knew anyone that could be of service, please don't hesitate to let us know.

As for whats next... We'll see when we get there. Whether it be everyone going their separate ways or helping out mom. It's been great being together and learning to live under the same roof.

That's all I got for now,
Emma

What a beautiful february day...

Just a quick update.

My mom is starting pool therapy at a place in cheviot hills called CompletePT. She's excited because she thinks it will really help. Went to see Dr. Eberly her doctor who did her leg surgery last year and he was feeling like she was doing great and progressing well. She doesn't seem to agree but she doesn't doubt him.

In other news: NEW CAR. We got money from the insurance and always are looking for extra help. We want an inexpensive and reliable car that does not require maintenance like the volvo did. My mom is open to anything really as long as we don't have to put money into it. Any ideas? Any donations, thoughts, recommendations, would be helpful.

Hope you are smiling today!

Winter time is upon us

How is everyone doing?

Life seems to be moving along. Alice, Jack and I (Emma) are all living together under the same roof with our amazing mother. I think, I could be wrong, that is a great experience for us all to finally have some bonding.

My mom is doing really well. Her therapies at Rancho Los Amigos has began to dissipate, which is good and bad. It's bad because my mom won't get the hands on treatment she deserves. The good news is that to some extent, this shows that she has made strong progress and now has the tools necessary to continue her treatment on her own. We'll see. She is still doing her acupuncture and her stroke support group and doing whatever else she does. The three sister trio made an adventure towards Ojai last week but never actually made it. But I think fun was had by all. They brought me home amazing cake so I have only good things to say about it.

Aside from that, not much else to report. Life is good and I am so lucky we have such a supportive and loving family and support system. Some people never experience it. I'll try to write more often.

Until next time...

Love,
Emma