Interesting week.

This Monday marks a year since I heard my Dad speak to me with the voice I'd grown accustomed to for 35 years. It's kind of weird, though. I've gotten so used to his new voice, that when I hear that old voice (on our home answering machine), it takes half a second to recognize that person on the machine. I could go into fine detail of all the things this next week represents, but I know he checks in and reads this, as does the rest of the family. They don't need a reminder, and my Dad certainly doesn't need to feel sad.

We spoke of the big day coming up, and he said that he should be walking and talking by now. I completely disagreed with him, reminding him that just seven months ago, he was closer to dying than any of us want to see ever again. Most of the encouraging stories I read when this all began had one thing in common, the first year is always the hardest. Then things start waking up. I told him he is making huge strides given his condition seven months ago. He can now feed himself via the mouth. We still have the tube fixed to him for his nutrition, but he gets small doses of real food such as chicken, green beans, mac & cheese, and his favorite...ice cream!! We have a outdoor event coming up that he has set a personal goal for, and has been working very hard to accomplish...two words....hot dogs. :)

I don't recall if I blogged about this already, but he got his new teeth back from the dentist. His original set "disappeared" from the hospital, and he really hasn't needed any since. Now he has a HUGE pearly white smile when he laughs. It's quite a comedy.

My Mom has been having a hard time with this month. Understandable. At least her Mariner's are doing better. :) Gooo BIG RUSS!

There is so much more I want to put down that is in my head & heart right now, but it's family stuff. Maybe if I make a book out of this, it will make the book. ;)

It is still amazing to me that we still have some faithful viewers of this blog, despite my lack of writing lately. I know this has probably turned some viewers away, as there aren't as many updates, but as long as he continues to progress, I will continue to write. The day you get a phone call from him asking if you want to meet for a round of golf is the day this blog will end.

(I'll be teein off with my old man)