The fire may be winding down, but there are still some good hot embers

I know everyone is worried about our dear, lovely Rita. She has been very weak. "I just feel so energy-less," she just said to me.

At the same time, she still has that spark of humor that has made her so beloved by us all. When the nurses asked her what she wanted for dinner, she said, "Bud Light."

I didn't even know she liked Bud Light.

Since the level of care being given to her has changed, just today at about noon, they moved her to a different type of room, still on the same floor, but, oh, SO much more comfortable for us.

The previous room was a single hospital room with a lovely big window looking west over Spokane. So it was definitely nice. But it was very crowded. When Peg, Bill and I were all there, two of us had to cram up against the window while one stood at the foot of the bed or on a chair on the other side. And the chairs were wood with no padding.

I didn't really pay that much attention to the situation; it wasn't that important. But now we're in a room meant to include family. There are two soft recliner-like chairs that evidently convert into sleeping surfaces, there's a small table with two chairs for eating at, and a small refrigerator and microwave. Now that the surroundings are so much more comfortable, I am realizing why we were each getting pretty tired as we took a turn at staying with Mom.

It has been a LONG two weeks.

Especially for her.

But even after all this, my brave, wonderful mother has a weak smile for us when we come in the door and manages to make the nurses laugh.

Don't tell anyone, but we're smuggling in some beer a little later. :-)