Funny that you ask that-her surgeon took one look at the trach, put his finger over the trach, and asked what her name was. After she gave him a duh look and then said her name, she spoke it pretty clearly! Her surgeon said she has no blockages and is not in need of a trach.

Update--Mom has been "buttoned" for 5 days now. Her cough sounds hoarse and she still has secretions. Voice is not very strong and I have to tell her to shout to be able to hear clarity.