UPDATE

Here is the promised update, but first: Dad, Peter and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of good wishes from so many of you...even just in the time since I posted last. Old and new friends, and people who've been moved my mom's music, and by her personally. Thank you all again.

Dad printed out the "re-post" that katlaughing put up of mom's post about life, death, aging...etc. In our haste, we're not sure what the occassion of her writing it was, but we hadn't seen it. She certainly is eloquent, isn't she? Dad showed the printout to the nurse (one of the many outstanding and caring staff at St. Francis), and she was in tears. A friend of the family who is a doctor there posted a bio of mom in her chart. He wanted everyone working with her who only knew her under these circumstances to know how special a person she is.

Update: She opened her eyes when she heard dad's voice, and looked very definitely at both of us. People who know about such things will realize that this is very important. We asked her to move her feet, and she was able to do that. Also, a little later, I asked her if she was cold, and she shook her head for "no."

I told her about this thread, so she knows that the mudcatters are sending all forms of positive energy. I will continue to update here as we know more.

All the best,

Jon - for the Ritchie/Pickow family