Sunday Evening

Hi...it's Karen. There is not a lot to report, after Sharon's report earlier today. It was a nice, quiet Sunday afternoon. I started my 'shift' at 3:00. Dad was resting quietly, but woke up as soon as I walked in the room. He looked SO good! Hard to explain, but just seems to be getting back to his 'old self'. Soon after I got there, the CNA, Mark came to get him in his wheelchair. This is how they weigh some patients I guess. So I asked Mark to help get him dressed first, so that we could go on a little walk. I asked Dad if he would like that, and he said yes! So, once he was all situated in his wheelchair, I started to comb his hair. He touched my arm, and began to try to tell me something. We went through the normal routine, of me guessing, and being wrong. All the while I was trying to guess, I was combing his hair. Finally I gave up guessing, and said, 'dad...is this the way you normally comb your hair..(meaning from left to right)...He opened his eyes wide, smiled and said 'NO'. I asked him if that was what he had been trying to tell me all along. He said, 'YES'. So, I fixed his hair by coming it the other direction, and we were set to go. I told him thanks for being patient....and said that next time...he should just tell me what he wants. (wink) He nodded and agreed. I had asked the nurse where I could take my dad for a walk. I didn't know if they would restrict me from taking him outside the Unit he is in. But she informed me that I could really take him anywhere he could go in the wheelchair. So, we set off.

Sunday is a relatively quiet day in the hospital. We walked up and down the halls, stopping to look at anything that dad seemed to have a question about. I showed him where we park, what way we come in. I walked to where he was the first week, in ICU. We went to the lobby and listened to someone playing the piano. We walked through the cafeteria, looking for anything that might be a welcome change for Dad to eat, but still 'qualify' with his eating restrictions. No such luck. So we found a quiet spot in the cafeteria lounge, to sit and chat. I did most of the chatting. ;) We went outside and walked around the hospital. It was such a nice day, and it was so nice to let him get some fresh air. We even got to see a life flight helicopter take off, as we were sitting right next to the building the helicopter pad is located on. I asked him if he was ready to head back. He said no, he'd like to continue. So, we decided that we'd head to the top floor, to see if we could find a good view of the SL Valley. We walked up and down the halls, looking for windows, low enough to look through...but when we finally found some, they only looked out on another part of the hospital, blocking the view of the city. So, we had to settle with the view from the 2nd floor, which was still pretty good. I noticed tonight, when I was leaving, that the view was prettier with the night lights, so I'll have to take him on a walk in the evening next time.

After taking our little 'field trip' for a little over an hour, we decided we'd head back to see if his dinner had arrived. It had. No big surprise however...it was mashed potatoes. I think he's had that 10 times, while I've been there, so it's gotten a little old. After dinner, we watched a few of the 'mormon messages' on You Tube. If you haven't seen these, check them out. I love them. I read Dad his facebook messages. Thank you everyone who posts. I know we've said it before, but these are indeed a highlight of his day, as they are one of the few connections he has with the 'real world'. They always make him smile, and he always seems surprised at how many people leave him a message.

We sat and visited quietly for awhile. During one of our visits, I was trying to guess again, what my dad was trying to tell me. At times, this seems to be improving as I get bits and pieces....but usually that's about as far as I get, and we give up, usually laughing it off. Today, when I thought I was getting close to figuring something out....he shrugged and nodded. I asked him if he usually just resigns himself to what we guess. He said yes. LOL. I can't imagine how frustrating it is to him. Keep the prayers coming that he will regain his speech. This would be a huge help to his recovery. I am truly amazed at how patient he has remained thus far. He usually finds a way to just smile and decide we'll try again later.

We had a welcome surprise later this eveving. Alison, Rob and their cute little 1 year old Brooke, came to visit! They brought Dad an orange creamslush from Sonic. A VERY welcome break from the thick liquids the hospital has to offer. I had also asked Alison to bring him something to eat, if she could find something that would work. Well, ask and ye shall receive. She brought 3 things for him to choose from. He chose trying some spaghetti, and said YUM after the first bite. Something that actually had a bit of flavor! It was fun for Dad to see Brooke, and she even sang Wheels on the Bus for him. It made him smile!

After Alison and Rob left, Dad was pretty tuckered out. He was awake for the good portion of the day today. I am glad that his days and nights are getting sorted out now, as he will need a good night sleep to be able to resume his therapy tomorrow. Overall, he enjoyed a much needed day off today. He promised me that he would work hard tomorrow, and I know he will!

My daughter Megan (9) today, told me that she thinks that her Grandpa's stroke was part of Heavenly Father's plan. As a test to see how we would handle it. And to see how Grandpa handles it. She said that she was going to do her best, to help Grandpa with whatever he needs, including being good, so I can go to the hospital to help him. She wrote him a note for me to read to him, asking him to be strong and work hard so that he could get home quickly. Then she told me not to worry about her and the other kids, because they would be okay, while I go to help Grandpa. (sniff) Thank goodness for the reminders these little ones give to us, about what is really important. I am so grateful that I got to spend today with my Dad. It was a good day. :) Thanks for your continued prayers!