Monday, Monday

It's Diane now. The title of this post is because of the Mamas & Papas song that Dad loves. Dad has had a very busy Monday morning. Occupational therapy got him started at 7:30 this morning! The early session included helping him get dressed and move from his bed to his wheelchair. He ate breakfast sitting in his wheelchair.

I was so happy to see that Dad's nurse is Ryan again today. Ryan told me something exciting. When he walked into Dad's room this morning, he said, "Good morning. How are you?" And Dad said, "Good. How are you?" Sometimes words just pop out, clear as can be. Even though that's the exception, it's encouraging!

I got here in time to tag along as he headed to his second session of OT. It was so great! They started with having him really focus and try to move his right arm. They were very encouraged, because he's definitely showing more movement than he was on Saturday. Keep in mind that when we mention improvements, they are usually very small, but any improvement is a victory!

The next task in OT was opening various types of containers. Dad's job was to grab the container with his left hand, move it to his right and hold it there, and then use his left hand to open it. He did really well. They tried 5 or 6 different types of containers. With each one, Chelsie gave Dad a minute to problem solve and try to figure out how to open it. If he couldn't quite get it, she showed him how and then had him try again and repeat it until he could do each type consistently. I think there was one medicine bottle that was too tricky, but he did really great with everything else. I love how she was patient and gave him time to think through it. She said every learning opportunity like that challenges him and helps him reconnect those loose wires.

After his second session of OT, he stayed in the gym for physical therapy. Unfortunately, he was very worn out by the time it started. They had him sit unassisted for quite a while, and they did a few leg exercises, but Collin was worried about Dad's blood pressure and didn't want to try anything more strenuous, especially with Dad being so tired. So after a very low-key session of PT, I brought him back to his room and he is sleeping now.

Dad's next therapy session is speech at 1:45, so he should be well-rested for that. After speech, he'll have more PT, and Collin wants to get him standing up again if possible. He also has his first session of recreational therapy scheduled right after PT, so the busy day continues. Keep the prayers and the notes of encouragement coming! We'll keep you posted.....