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.
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2 comments:
You do need to watch each game in its entirety, you only need the final score, so do not use me as and excuse to watch the game. Believe it or not, you cannot influence the outcome by watching--I have tried. If I had my way Arizona would be at home and Wake Forest would still be playing.
Maybe the above is not true--I did not watch Wake's game in the first round and was amazed that they had lost. I found it interesting that both John and I took a flyer on our alma mater, PSU. Bad choice as X is still playing.
Olga says she agrees and sympathizes with Claudia.
John, you are doing wonderous things and we simply marvel at your perseverance. We know it has been a long, long 8 months, but it appears that the results are slowly paying off.
We will see you Saturday afternoon. I cannot wait. It has been a long winter.
Love
Bud & Olga
Hi John! Glad to hear you are watching basketball with your boys. Count me in with Claudia on the whole thing -- but I do like to root for Syracuse a bit.
I'm SO glad Chris has this wonderful way to let us know how you are doing. I check on you several times a week. Keep up the good work! Love you, Janice & John
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