March Madness!

Don't let the title of this one fool ya. Pops is doing good. His brother suggested we get him involved in the NCAA Mens Basketball tourney through a league that he (his brother) is involved in. Soooo, Brad and I printed out some brackets, Dad made his picks, as did Brad and I. Much to my mother's distaste of it all, we have been watching every game. :)

Regarding his recovery, he retook the swallow test and did a little bit better this time, and the doctors approved him for nectar like substances, which he has already started a list of. :)

This all makes me verrrrrry nervous, since the result of this the first time led to almost losing him earlier this year. But, the only way to get better swallowing, is to practice. The only way to practice, is to give him something. We are taking steps to make this a much more regimented training, not just a chance for him to taste things. There will be rules and guidelines, and things we will know to watch for this time, which reassures me slightly.

Last night was rather special, as he began asking questions again regarding what happened in the hospital. He cried for the first time in a long time at the thought of what he has been through, and everyone that has come together to support him. He asked me this morning if I was still angry at the doctors. I told him I buried that emotion, as it was not healthy to obsess over the past when there was so much work to be done for the future. He spelled out on the reader board that they have no idea the labor they have caused his family...but that "it was good to be alive". We paused for a moment in agreeance, before he pointed to the screen to let me know it's time to get back to the tournament.

My Mom found a really good deal on a laptop that we think will help him begin to send e-mails to everyone, respond to comments in here, and work on his hand/eye coordination...among other things. It has a touch screen so that he doesn't have to rely on a keyboard. Should be here in a couple weeks. :)

More and more movement from the left limbs. He got a brace for his left leg to strengthen it when he walks. I want to reemphasize that his walking is very limited to our support, and that of his walker, aid, etc. He is, by no means, freely walking again and has much work to do...but is anxious to do so.

Do not be surprised if you see some incoming mail from him in the next months. He, as do all of us, owe everyone in here our extended gratitude.

Wednesday

I was unable to post last week due to being out of town. Needless to say, I was excited to be home. Not for work, or to sleep in my own bed so much, but to see Pops again. It's been almost a week since I've seen him, and a lot happens in a week around here these days.

As stated before, the entire left side is coming alive. His leg is more and more responsive, and his arm is slowly coming out of hybernation. My Mom surprised me with a call late Sunday evening telling me they even went to a concert Saturday night! One of his favorite newer performers is Raul Malo, and he was here in town that night, so Brad surprised them with tickets. My Mom said it was an awesome show, and my Dad held up as good as could be expected if not better.

I have yet to see him use his walker, but am told it's quite impressive.

I have some pictures to post, and will do so this weekend. Love to all!