Buen Dia

   I'm typing this blog post from a little part of Buenos Aires, Argentina where my mom and I are staying at an in-patient rehabilitation center. My mom suffered a stroke a little over a month ago while in the jungle near Iguazu Falls, Argentina. (Anyone reading this probably knows that my mom and dad have been serving in Resistencia, Argentina, where my dad is mission president).

  I have been here with my mom for almost three weeks. The day I arrived in Buenos Aires was the same day she was transferred from the hospital to the clinic. We got her dressed into real clothes (yea! No more hospital gowns after 2 weeks), she was put on the stretcher and I was about to take my first ambulance ride-- in a foreign country nonetheless. What surprised me most about the ride was the guy in the front seat smoking and all of the cigarette smoke coming through the window and settling in our faces. I had to laugh-- I don't think that would fly in the U.S.

 It has been a remarkable experience being by my mom's side. I have watched in awe as she works so hard to regain strength, balance and coordination every day. She is so positive. I'll never forget the day she took her first solo, "Frankenstein," steps. I wanted to burst into tears and jump up and down. I'm pretty sure I did jump up and down and clap my hands in front of the therapists when my mom finished.
   Some people have emailed me mentioning the, "sacrifice," of me coming here and being with my mom. It is hard to feel like I am sacrificing to be with the woman who is constantly doing for others, has always been there for me, and is my MOM. I feel like it is an honor! I didn't predict that the first time I would see her in almost a year and a half would be in a hospital in Buenos Aires, but I am so grateful for that reunion, no matter the location.
 
  It is hard to be away from Tim and the boys for so long, but I feel the prayers of others keeping me strong. Tim has been the most amazing husband and dad, not uttering complaints and doing his best to keep the boys happy. I can't begin to describe the sacrifice of my family and friends at home helping take care of my little family. Especially Pete and Ale, Curtis and Candace, and soon to be my little sister Alli who will fly down to be with the boys another week. There have been meals brought in from my church, other dinner invitations, a ride for me to the airport, a ride for Kyle to the Primary Program Practice, friends and family picking up Kyle from pre-school and having him over for play-dates. A sweet pre-school mom helps walk Kyle into pre-school every morning when Candace (with 3 under the age of 3, 4 (including Kyle) under the age of 5), would arrive to drop him off. The list goes on, and on, and on. It has been humbling. I am so grateful.

  Anyway, this experience is not about me. But I did want to record some of my thoughts. My dad wrote the most beautiful post about my mom on their mission blog: www.theheymansmission.blogspot.com.

One day I will be able to get this little blog updated, but until then I will be trying to use my limited Spanish to communicate with the very friendly people here, drinking my agua, "sin gas," and enjoying every minute I get to spend with my hero.