Debra LaValley's Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I am so thankful for my family and friends. I feel truly blessed to have all of you in my life. This year, we are especially thankful that my sister Jackie is still with us and doing so well. She had a brain stem stroke on October 15th. Most people who have brain stem strokes die or are severely disabled. Jackie sees double and at first could not swallow anything at all – including saliva. Her goal for Thanksgiving was to be able to eat mashed potatoes and gravy. Today at our Thanksgiving meal, she had turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, squash, pumpkin pie, and thickened cranberry juice. She has to think about swallowing – but she is able to get certain consistencies down. It gives us great joy to see her eat anything at all. She has even been able to swallow her saliva from time to time. We are hopeful that soon, with more of her special electric swallow therapy, she will be able to swallow her saliva and drink water again.

We take so much for granted in our lives. When I think of how much joy – Jackie has had just being able to swallow real food – I realize just how lucky all of us are.

Have a great Thanksgiving! Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and your family and friends!

PS – Why the photo of the otters? I have wanted to see wild otters for years, and this morning I came across 4 swimming and fishing in the Contoocook River off Broad Cove Road. I was THRILLED!