Snowpocalypse!

We are huddled up in our apartments here in Chicago. And it sounds like St. Louis isn't much better off. Mom crossed off number 25 today, officially 1 full week away from completion! Icy sidewalks not being her best friend, Mom let me know she will be chauffeured across the street to the hospital tomorrow morning. Luckily, they won't have to spend too long outside and can stay warm with their coffee back in the apartment for the rest of the day. Have a great day Mom and see you soon. Love you. Goodnight.

The General

Mom has gained a few nicknames over the course of these past 2 months. Today, she was "The General." After early morning doughnuts and church, Dad and I returned to hear it was time to make some sort of beef short rib in the crockpot recipe. Yes Ma'am. 

Mom sat at her perch on a dining room chair, again Mom has been able to sit and walk anywhere on her own including down the stairs as Dad found out after she snuck out of bed at 5 am.  General Shelley methodically directed her troops (Dad and me) around, across, and into each other as we sliced, diced, poured, and blended. A symphony of sounds and smells, as one friend told me tonight "she's like ratatouille!" 1 hr later and 3 more hours in the crockpot, short ribs dinner was prepared. The General approved. Success!  

We all made our way to St. Louis, I caught a quick flight to Chicago while Mom and Dad went back to their apartment. Already looking forward to Thursday night and into the weekend as the whole family comes together. Love you Mom. Goodnight.

Mom! Meatloaf!

So at what point do we call Mom on just playing hooky? Dad and I left the house to run a couple errands during late-morning. We come back to the smell of diced onions, some dirty dishes, and questions for Mom. We find her on the couch of course. “Mom, what have you been up to?” She looks at me with a big grin on her face, ”I made Meatloaf!” Priceless. First stairs, now cooking on her own. Mom is better than ever, and our delicious homemade dinner proved it.

Big week ahead of us. It will be the last one where Mom will spend her week going back and forth from the hospital to her nearby apartment. Then by this time next week, Mark, Maggie, Carrie, me, Luke, Abigail, and Dad will all be back home with Mom. Can’t wait. Love you, Mom. Goodnight.

Little Moments

Well, she’s done it folks! Shelley “Mom” Wuellner has successfully climbed the entire flight of stairs and is currently sleeping in her own bed for the first time in a month! Seriously though, it’s a big deal. Every step, only one foot needed per step, with no help from Dad (though always playing the role of safety net right behind her). Good work, Mom.

Today marked radiation treatment number 24. 1 more week and 1 more day of treks to the radiation machine. After the hospital trip today, I got to witness some of Mom’s happiest moments, sights, and feelings during her week as she made specific note of them throughout the day. Number 1 – the moment we got back to the apartment after her last treatment of the week – fresh coffee and chocolate croissants waiting for her courtesy of Chef Abigail. Number 2 – the moment she lands in the car, knowing her next stop is home sweet home. Number 3 – the “Sedalia” exit sign off of highway 70 that signals we are mere miles and minutes away. Number 4 – walking into the house and seeing her living room, her couch, her home. Number 5 – seeing Dad at the end of his work day (he splits his week between St. Louis and Sedalia in order to continue being the great doctor, Dad, and husband that he is).

Some of these little moments show what’s important in Mom’s life – her family, her home, and of course, coffee (maybe not in that order). All kidding aside, big day for Mom and a fun day for all of us. Glad to be back home; Mom will be the first to tell you. We love you, Mom. Goodnight.

Happy to be home in St. Louis with Mom

Back in St. Louis and with Mom where I belong. As I told Mom, seeing her is the highlight of my past 2 weeks. She is smiling and laughing, moving around extremely well on her own. But with great power (walking around on your own power) comes great responsibility (resisting the temptation to make Oatmeal at 4 in the morning). Funniest story of the night hands down, Abigail reported that Mom got up out of bed in the middle of the night, which is a common occurrence in case she needs a drink of water or to watch TV. However, couple minutes later, Abigail realizes something is amiss. Several odd sounds from the kitchen, and she quickly moves to see Mom fumbling and juggling multiple bottles and boxes as they fall out of the pantry shelves into her arms. First off, I was impressed Mom wasn't letting anything hit the floor. Abigail wasn't as impressed at this hour of the morning, and to her question of what on earth could Mom be doing, Mom responded, "Making Oatmeal!" But of course, what else would she be doing!? Haha. Oh Mom, absolutely love you. In case you need a midnight snack, I will be out on your couch all night. Just give me a holler - I am at your beckon call, whether it be Lucky Charms, Mac and Cheese, or even Oatmeal. Love you so much and so happy to be home. Goodnight.

Miss you, Mom

Texts in the morning, emails in the afternoon, and a phone call at night. My favorite times of the day, as I catch up with Mom about the latest ND game, the most recent wedding planning news, and typically what's on TV. Mom has just finished her 21st radiation treatment and sounds better every day than she did before, which is tough to do for someone who always has a positive attitude, always asks you about your day before you get the chance to ask about hers, and always knows how to make you smile at any time of day - morning, noon, or night.

We love you, Mom. Can't wait to see you this weekend. Goodnight.

Superwoman

Mom has been texting and emailing every day. Clearly feeling well, and missing her children who are out of town. We miss you too. Mom, Dad, Abigail, and I had a great weekend in Sedalia. Mom has a trendy short hair cut, never looked better. We drove her to St. Louis on Sunday night, listening to the NFL games on the radio. Her new digs are really nice - furnished apartment across the street from the apartment. I compared it to "just like college" and she said, "oh, so much better, it's really nice, I love it." She is also officially walking without the safety net, moving in and out of beds, couches, chairs in a single bound. Superwoman, though she's always been that to us. Mom, we miss you when we're not with you, and love every second when we are. Sleep well and talk soon. We love you very much. Goodnight.