Oh What a Difference a Week Can Make

This has been a wonderful weekend. First, my husband has been in "Food Heaven." We came to Millboro on Friday night and ate at Cracker Barrel on the way. Saturday morning on the way to Richmond we stopped at the Mill Creek Cafe for breakfast and then today we are headed out to the Maple Festival. All of this eating though made us late, as usual, to see Dad on Saturday. It was definitely worth the wait though. Dad is doing wonderfully. As Hannah would say, "AWESOME."

Dad was lying down when we got there.  Mom was at his side. Both looked rested and well. We talked to Dad for over two hours and only toward the end did he seem to tire a little. The first biggie we noticed was his ability to use his left hand. Hannah brought him a picture she had placed in an envelope. He was able to use his left hand to pick up the envelope and open it. Next, Dad was able to talk about the effects of his stroke and what is ahead in terms of therapies. He still hasn't quite made the connection of, "the harder you work the faster you'll get home," but he's getting there. 

Joe and I have been listening to a book on tape about the Korean War. Dad was full of stories about being a lieutenant in the army in charge of supply trucks and other vehicles. He told a great story about being the only vehicle unit in Korea that was unable to supply General Eisenhower with a jeep on his trip to Korea because it was too cold to get any of the jeeps started. That sounds like Dad. There has hardly been a major event in Dad's life where there has not been a vehicle snafu. He also told about a major inspection one time and several of his vehicles were dirty. Being ingenious Dad came up with the idea of having several of his best "goof offs" take the vehicles for a ride while the inspection was going on. What he didn't plan on were these men bringing the vehicles back, charging through camp, in the middle of the inspection. Poor Dad.

Dad's concentration is so much better it is hard to believe. He continues to talk wayyyyyyyy to much during therapies but I would rather have him talk too much than not be talking at all. You can still tell his brain is working very hard to compensate for the deficits caused by the stroke. Considering his right brain is basically "swiss cheese" from all the matter that died due to lack of oxygen it is amazing how well he is doing.

Toward the end of the visit, the physical therapist came to visit Dad. They worked on swallowing and Dad got to drink some water. I never realized how many muscles were involved in swallowing and how easily you can lose the muscle tone. The therapist indicates their goal is to have Dad eat a pureed meal by the end of the week.

They initially estimated Dad would be in rehab about three weeks. This gives up two more weeks to go. I can't wait to see how much progress he will continue to make. As always, thank you all for your prayers and cards. Dad's room looks like a hallmark store. All of these wonderful cards cheer him up, makes the room festive and every time someone comes in and comments on a card it gives Dad a chance to tell a wonderful story about the person who sent it. Without your prayers I do not believe Dad would be here today. He, and the whole family, are blessed.