Update... 7/27/11

Hello everyone,

As many of you are aware, My Mother was hospitalized last week, and I really want to THANK all of you for your patience kindness and support as we navigate her illness.

I have gotten a lot of questions, so let me try and address them. My Mother is a type 2 diabetic. Last week her sugar bottomed out, and she encountered her legs locking up, and excessive swelling of her lower half. She has experienced very painful neuropathy in her legs for the past 2 years, which has exhausted her, and impeded her ability to walk very well. She requires a lot of assistance. The wonderful doctors and nurses at South Jersey Regional Medical Center, managed to stabilize her, and get her treatment for what was believed to be a blood clot. The clot dissolved, and they changed her medication, and she is making her way back to becoming more active in her life.

Yesterday, Tuesday, after a week in the main hospital, she was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital, and she starts her physical and occupational therapy, which is intensive, to gain back her ability to walk and care for herself.

I am an only child, so the weight of her care has shifted from my Dad, to me. We have been doing our best to keep up with preparing thier condo for receipt of a wheel chair and other medically needed equipment, seeing all the doctors, getting the things she needs, etc. My parents live a 1 hour drive from me, so I have been commuting as well. It is really worth it, but I am becoming very tired, and I am trying to meet the demands of my job as well. A special thank you to everyone over at the hotel, for all you are doing in my absence.

I have received many questions regarding the rolodex swap. I am still waiting for receipt of 3 girls cards, upon receipt I will swap out everything and get it mailed out. I hope to have everyone's cards this week.

I am still working on my art room, literally a box at a time. If I manage to get a box done a day, I am happy. If only I did not have 1000 boxes....

I am trying to remain positive in this impossible situation, get as much rest as I can, and do the best I can for everyone. My art friends have become an invaluable resource, and I have realized, that art and the community is truly my solace.

Keep a good thought, and I hope to be back soon, with My Mom's health restored, and my employment intact, my studio completed, and having had a good nap.

Big Hugs to you all,