Update on Mildred...

Mom had gotten progressively more hoarse and more short of breath as the days went on.  Finally it was time for Mom's appointment with the pulmonary specialist in Burnet on Tuesday. We are grateful to Jean for taking her.  The specialist determined that the area of Mom's lung that was different on her x-rays and CT scan was fluid, not a collapsed lung.  She recommended that Mom have a test done called a thoracentesis, which was to draw the fluid out of the lung and have it tested.  Mom was scheduled with the radiology department that same afternoon.  The radiologist inserted a cannula into the right lung and drew out over a liter of fluid!  No wonder Mom couldn't breathe!  The fluid was sent to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin to determine what type of fluid it was, which will hopefully tell us what caused it to be there and how to keep it from coming back!   

Since Tuesday, Mom has been feeling better.  Her breathing is much less labored and her hoarseness is almost gone.  She will be very relieved to get the report regarding the fluid, which she will get at her next scheduled appointment next Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, I have some exciting news!  Mom and Dad have bought a garden home in Northwest Austin, 2.5 miles from mine and Ollie's house!  Mom and Dad had looked at this house several weeks ago.  Mom called me one day and said she had been thinking again about that house and couldn't get it off her mind...regretting that she and Dad hadn't bought it.  She asked me to find out if it was still on the market.  Not only was it still on the market, but the seller had dropped the price!  There were two other parties interested in the home, but they were playing cat and mouse with the owner, low-balling him on the price.  That day, Jean was in town and we were at Glenda's so the kids could swim.   Mom and Dad came into town immediately, and we met the realtor at the house that afternoon and left the new house with a signed contract!  It is a very nice 2 bedroom, 2 bath garden home in a gated community on Anderson Mill Rd in Austin.  Like I said, it is very close to my house and I can be there in about 5 minutes!  From his office, Danny can be there in about 35 minutes, versus almost 2 hours.  Glenda is about 30 minutes away and Jean is about the same distance!  Not only are they closer to most of us, but I can take them food or they will have unlimited access to food delivery, and there is a Luby's Cafeteria on the north-bound frontage road of 183, just a few minutes away! Luby's is Mom's favorite place to eat!!  There are so many reasons that this is a good idea!  Of course, it is very sad that they are leaving their place.  They drew up their floor plan and Dad was the general contractor on their home.  However, they both understand and accept the fact that it is vital for them to be closer to their kids. Dad has been so worried about Mom and her lung problem.  He insisted on making this move. 

The closing is set for July 10 and the move is scheduled for July 12.  We will send out change-of-address cards as soon as we get them settled.  I had forgotten how many little details there are in relocating, and we will take care of every single detail so Mom doesn't have to do it.  

Thank you for keeping Mom in your thoughts and prayers.  Again, she is feeling better and we hope to keep it that way!   Please pray with me that their move be seamless and that God gives them strength in this major step in their journey of life!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.


Amen!