Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Fay, Fay, GO AWAY!

Well, Tropical Storm Fay boomeranged across Florida and is pounding northern Florida and southern Georgia where Wendy lives. Her area is currently under a tropical storm warning and a wind warning. She said it's been raining quite a bit. Her recovery seems to be going well, but she's having quite a bit of discomfort.

Carrie's Persian cat Apollo had to have emergency surgery last evening for an injury and he is recovering well, too. He's supposed to wear a "lamp shade" collar around his neck, but it terrifies him and her other pets, so Carrie took it off.

Carrie will return to Indiana in September for her brother-in-law's wedding. She'll be able to spend a couple of days in Muncie! I haven't seen her since she moved to Alaska in May - this is the longest I've gone without seeing her in her entire life! I am truly counting the days! Her visit is a very bright spot on my horizon. Her grandfather will be thrilled to see her, too.

Last Thursday night I wasn't sure Dad would make it through the night. Today, I saw him walk at a fairly brisk pace - and not just a few steps either. He walked more than 240' with the aid of a four-pronged cane. He also took many steps by himself with his therapist by his side. He walks with only a very slight limp and he doesn't drag his right foot or leg at all. He looks like himself, he sounds like himself, and his sense of humor remains intact. He's conversing much better, but is still having difficulty identifying common objects. He's regaining limited mobility in his right arm, but it still concerns him. He told me his vision has changed, but Dr. Wulff thinks that will improve with time.

Dr. Wulff read Allen's notes from therapy yesterday and wrote the following in Dad's chart this morning, "FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!"

For lunch Dad had a hamburger and "tater tots." He was thrilled as "burgers and fries" have always been some of his favorites. He ate every bite - on his own, of course.

Tonight Dad was so excited with his new-found walking skills that he got out of his wheelchair, walked around his room, and was going to walk to the dining room before his nurses saw him and explained that he's not supposed to do that yet. He's stubborn - and determined.

Christy and I had dinner with him this evening and afterward took him outside for some fresh, warm, humid Indiana air.

He gets dressed in his own clothes each morning and spends much of his time in therapy. He will probably remain in the therapy unit for about three weeks. Afterward, he should be able to go home and go to therapy three times a week as an out-patient.

These past seven days have been riddled with incredible lows - and incredible highs. Tomorrow marks one week. Our journey continues...