Mom/Grandma,

So glad to hear that you are doing well. We miss you and look forward to seeing you and all the family for Easter. Keep up the good work--we are very proud of you! We'll be praying for you on Wednesday for your surgery and can't wait to see you on Thursday. We send our love. Natalie wants to tell you, "Love you to infinity and beyond!" Andrew says, "Love you, Grandma!" and Gracie shouts out, "Love you more!" See you soon- The Duque's
P.S. Natalie can't wait for some sweetbread!!!! I think it is time she learn how to make it.

A Great Day!!!!

A message from Margaret..."There are Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and every other therapist you can think of putting me thru the test. Needless to say I am exhausted. You would think I sleep good at night. When i am they wake me up.
Aaron and Marcy have been gracious to open their house to me. I am not the best house guest. Thank you to all the family...Mandy who left her family to be with me at the hospitals. Michel who lessened her chiropractics to be with me. And my sons who learned to become the greatest nurses and take care of their cranky old mother. To my husband who can hardly wait for me to get my voice back to yell at him again and set him straight. And to my grandchildren whom I miss terribly (and a new one Isabella Marie on March 6 that I haven't even seen yet. Most of all I miss not being able to go to daily mass especially during lent."
Thank you everyone for your prayers and special visits. Margaret had an appointment with her doctor today and it went really well. They worked on her trach and she is speaking a little now. She is working to strengthen her muscles to help her speak and swallow. She is doing really well!!! We are all so proud of her. Please continue to pray for her recovery and for all those in need. God bless and have a great evening! Sincerely...The Michelena's

Just a little update on Margaret's progress. She is doing quite well at Marcy's house. Many of her children are taking turns caring for her, there is someone with her 24/7. She is still unable to speak but does a great job with her little white boards and mouthing words. Her children are becoming great "mouth readers" and nurses. She is walking around very well and has many "coaches" to help her. There is a speech therapist who comes to the house, working on her breathing and eating. Margaret is working very hard at her recovery and everyone is so proud of her. It is a gift to get to spend special time with her and her children view this journey as such. Mandy has returned to Arizona after being here for almost two months caring for her mom. She arrived safely back home to continue her family life with her three children and amazing husband! Other great news: Jim and Jeanene added an adorable baby girl to their family on Friday March 6th, Isabella Marie. Little Joshuah loves his baby sister and all are doing well. As a side note...When I last saw Margaret I could see the spark back in her eyes...she has returned to us by the grace of God...your prayers are powerful and we all thank you so much for them. We wish you and your families many blessings and health and we hope to hear from you soon via blog posts, email or snail mail...all our love!!!

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Margaret is now at Marcy's house and is doing great. Marcy has all of the necessary equipment and comforts of home for mom. Many of the siblings are here and are having a wonderful visit with her. We look forward to her speedy recovery and many wonderful posts from family and friends!

Initial post for Michelena Family blog.