Wednesday, October 25 -

The immediate word from Margaret this evening is that she is sore, stiff, and tired. This, however, is good news! It means that she is working hard on getting released back into the real world! Margaret did mention that due to all of her extraneous activities during the day, she is sleeping much, much, better.

Today, the physical and occupational therapists had her working most of the morning and for a good portion of the afternoon. She is dressing herself without any assistance now. She is able to wheel herself into the bathroom. She is walking a lot, and today, began to use resistance bands to continue strengthening the muscles in her arms and legs.

Perhaps the best news from today is the report on her oxygen saturation levels and the rate at which her levels are recovering post exercise. Her saturation levels remain high and are recovering much quicker now after excerting herself. This is a huge step towards her complete recovery. Even though Margaret feels as if time is just creeping by, she encourages herself by remembering back to October 11 when she was struggling to even hold a spoon to feed herself yogurt. Fantastic progress, to be sure!

Margaret continues to be overwhelmed, amazed, and thankful with all the special phone calls, reassuring visits, and powerful prayers from her dear friends. For her entire life, Margaret has embraced the role of the selfless servant. Since the end of September, Margaret has been, in a word, helpless. This has been difficult for her on several different levels, and yet the outpouring of love and support that she has received from all of her families - Fair Oaks, Covenant, cousins, lawfirm, and beyond - has really sustained and encouraged her and Tom. As you all read this entry, please know how much your friendship, loyalty, and prayers mean to the Suttle, Jr. family.

There will be more tomorrow. Hopefully, in the next couple of days, this blog will contanin words directly from Margaret herself, transcribed by her personal secretary. Love to you all, and please continue to pray for healing, discernment, and peace of mind.