Tuesday (Day 79)

Tuesday was a big day for my Dad. It was arranged to take him out to Bellevue to get a test done that would show the doctors how his swallowing has progressed. He has been better at the frequency of his swallows, but there was concern as to where he is swallowing to. The test feeds him a variety of substances that all show up on x-ray. Sadly, he did not fair well, but the doctor gave us a series of tests to work with him on, that will strengthen his throat for next time. When my Mom got him back to his room, he apologized to her, for not passing his test. Too sweet this guy!!!

So, we have a pretty good arrangement with taking care of him. Matt & Brad take time in the morning, my Mom in the early evening, then Brad and I in the evening...then everyone splits time on the weekend. I can't think of a single staff member that has not taken to my Dad. He blows kisses to all the ladies, and hi-fives all the guys. Still, we cannot wait to get him home.

Brad and I have been catering to his desires to workout in the evenings, and he is getting better and better everytime. For the most part, we just practice standing and sitting, and loosening up stiff joints. We assist him from his chair, and sit next to him as back up in case he starts to lean. Last night he sat almost entirely by himself. If he started to lean, he corrected himself.

Then we left the gym, and went out to the lobby where they were playing an old Clint Eastwood western. He stayed awake for the entire film, and the three of us just chilled and watched some good ol fashioned boob tube....like the old days. The film itself was quite nostalgic to our youths, as it was filmed not far from where he raised us.