On the Mom seesaw

It's been a week since Mom's psychologist instituted his motivational plan for her. Overall, I would say that it's having some success, but of course there are ups and downs. After all, it is a big change for her.

She actually really impressed me by starting off strong. Last Tuesday (the first day) and Wednesday she met her goals and we were able to visit. Thursday was a wipeout, but she did it again Friday (for her to have a bad day and then come back the next day is huge!). No therapy over the weekend, and yesterday, though she didn't meet her goals (by now she has to do 85% of her therapy) her social worker said she tried really hard. Today was another wipeout.

From where she was coming, I'm frankly surprised she's doing as well as she has. I know it's tough for her. (Her psychologist is also working on changing around her medications so she's less somnolent which will be helpful.)

The best part for me is that working hard is lifting the fog she's been in just a little. Friday when Dad and I visited, she seemed more what I call her "real" self. She seemed more emotionally engaged and when she thought Dad and I were leaving almost pleaded with me, "I just want to spend a little more time with him." That's a first since she's been there. Usually she's very "flat" (if that makes sense) and whether we're there or not doesn't seem to matter much.

Funny, but though it doesn't seem like there's much to be positive about, I'm ecstatic that there is something to be positive about. Before it was like Mom was on a seesaw by herself, just sitting at the bottom. Now there's something on the other side so that even when she comes down, it's because she's been up.