Book Suggestions

I've been trying to think of books that Mum could read when Moomintroll runs out. Here are some of my ideas so far:

Winnie the Pooh
Wind in the Willows
The Phantom Tollboth
The Thirteen Clocks

Shoot, I thought I had more. It's always harder in the clear light of day than when I'm not sleeping at 3:00 in the morning.

Any other ideas? Perhaps we can compile a list and Chukka can choose, and Magda can see what she can find. (Mail being faster from there.)

I will admit to being bitterly disappointed that Chukka can't come home sooner. Yesterday, her insurance phoned me with some questions about what we would want for medevac, and I got all excited, because I thought that meant maybe she was ready to think about leaving. But no, they were just planning ahead. I think that let me know how much I want her to be here, where all her friends are, and where she will get the kind of support and therapy and everything that she needs. As long as she was really in danger, it seemed to matter less exactly where she was. Now, though, I think she is starting to take things in more and beginning to deal with the emotional stuff, and that must be so hard in a foreign culture, with a foreign language. She can't even watch TV! -- because it's in German not English.

So I think this is a good time to send her more cards! She needs to know you are all out there pulling for her. I also am hoping she can have flowers -- if so, I will post some websites of flower companies in Germany/Austria that Claudia suggested. Kirsten sent some flowers to my mother long ago -- sorry Kirsten, I still don't even know if she got them!

Another update

More from Sally: "Chukka moved again to 6th floor [think this means she is ont on observation, so they are happy that she is ok off the ICU]. No breathing machine.

She was told her skin grafts must heal before she is released. This might be 2 to 3 weeks. Then some rehab--one,two weeks. Its not clear. She would like to be gone on her birthday.

I am reading Moomintroll. We both enjoy it. Send two more. She is getting bored."

Two more books despatched in the post tonight, so I hope they will reach Austria in mid week.

I guess the address should be altered, will ask for exact details.

Magda

Trying a wheelchair?

Here is an update from my mother:

Chukka is scheduled to sit in a wheelchair today. When allowed, I'll take her outside. She eats a reasonable portion of her meals and I bring her fruit daily. Also, she eats the fruit for patients. [this is fruit in a bowl outside the nurses' station which is there for patients to help themselves from].

Yesterday she had a triangle above her bed to strengthen the upperbody muscles. She is conscientious about the red bands. We do 2 hours of breathing daily and one chapter Moomintroll. [I took over two books that I thought might be suitable for reading aloud, one was 'Comet in Moominland' which is the first of the Moomin books -- hope you all know these lovely Finnish books, which, although for children are suitable for all ages].

This sounds like encouraging news. The wheelchair trial is important becasue Chukka will need to be able to sit up for take off and landing when she is medevaced back to the USA. Of course I expect they will be doing a short trial and then increasing the time.

Keep rooting for Chukka. I know she wants to get access to the internet (currently not possible in the hospital) and I expect she will want to see this blog and be in contact when she can.

Magda