Today was a "peak and valley" kind of day and I think Bob was in the "valley" part. Although Bobbo can't speak right now, I sensed that he was down today which means I'm s'posed to be up, but dang, it sure was hard. I guess that he's recognizing that his body isn't responding the way that he wants or quickly and well, that has to be hard. he didn't seem to want to try during his physical therapy today and he kept closing his eyes (sleeping on the job) even when the PT girl was trying to take him through exercises on his right arm.
I cried all the way home today because I was so disappointed but when Cathy said that she was celebrating the miracle she witnessed yesterday, that reminded me that I need to focus on his accomplishments rather than what he didn't do. So, y'all will have to help me with that (yes, me, she who should know better) when I start to move into pity party mode. So, let's focus on today's miracles:
1) Bob DID work for his speech therapist. She speaks really softly and explains everything to him and he watches her face intently.
2) He ate his first "real" food: fruit cup. (The speech therapist says he'll be ready for that phase of food in a few days if he keeps eating his phase I foods and chews.)
3) Bob answered the speech therapists questions by positioning his fingers up (yes) or down (no). She asked him if he was a principal? Did he principal at the elementary level? She mentioned that she had lived in Covina and he raised his finger (he lived in West Covina.
4) Bob filled in the sentence (sentence completion activity). "I want more___ fruit."
5) Bob stood for 10 minutes for his morning PT with Wally.
6) Bob sat without assistance for 20 minutes of his morning PT.
7) Bob reached across his body consistently and gave me the hairy ball (from Chad) or took the ball from me. (Ok, I was a little exasperated when he wouldn't try and told him I would kick his butt if he didn't try and put more effort into his recovery. That's not such a productive thing to tell a rehabber so I am praying for forgiveness but he did make more effort after that.)
8) Bob whispered "I love you" with me before I left today when I told him I really needed to hear it today.
9) Bob sang "happy birthday" with me again before I left.
10) The catheter was removed. (Yuck and yeah! Lucky Bob!)
Josh delivered a huge batch of cards. I couldn't open them today because your love and support made me cry. I promise to open them in Bob's new room at the rehab center. By the by, he wasn't moved today, we're still waiting for a bed to come open. Maybe tomorrow. Pray soon. We don't want him to catch anything. (Mrs. Germiphone is now making everyone dip their bodies in purell before coming close to him.) :)
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. Please keep them coming. We need your thoughts . . . especially for the future. Pray that Bob keeps his spirit up and that he sees returns for his efforts (and me too.) I told him that we're in this for the long haul, so buck up, bucko. I LOVE that man! Know that my not responding personally isn't ignoring you. I so love and appreciate your support.
And pray that tomorrow is a "peak" day. Love, Sharon
PS - In case you want to, you can respond by clicking on "comments" just below this.
That a girl Sharon! Bob is doing so great in his recovery! He is lucky to have the love and support of his family to help him and you through this. It is good for him and you to see how far he has come. He has much more to do but with your help he can do it. Baby steps! Now go drink your water. :)
ReplyDeleteA Note from Jo McCollum:
ReplyDeleteSharon,
Thanks so much for the wonderful updates. Given that I can't be there to
help in any physical way, please know that you and Bob are in my thoughts
and prayers EVERY day. You tell him for me that I expect to see him in San
Antonio very soon so that I can give him a big hug and treat HIM to a
wonderful Texas lunch on the river....you can come, too. :)
I hope he gets a couple of laughs from my card and tell him he is missed and
loved by me, most especially, but the whole ETS team as well.
I will keep reading every day looking for the many accomplishments I know he
achieve in the coming days.
Love,
Jo
Patti-
ReplyDeleteThank u! I'm drinking water. Thanks for wworking me out last night. Big help-think it instigated endorphins. Much better attitude today.
Jo,
Your words mean so much because I can feel your heart speaking ... In that Texan twang of yours. Y'all know Bo will hear 'bout this from us. He's doing MUCH better today-awake and cooperating. Keep those prayers coming.
Hello Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob. Hollie and I want you both to know that our family will keep praying for you. Please tell Uncle Bob that I remember how strong of a man that he is. He has overcome so much in his life and I see it in his eyes every time I look at him. You two have been so strong for so many others, and now it is your turn to draw strength from us. I know we are a long way apart, but please let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you....Danny
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon and Bob, Bryan and I are thinking of you both all the time and praying for Bob's full recovery. We love you both and we are willing to help in any way possible. Just please let us know what we can do for you.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Danny, Hollie, and kids-thank u for prayers. I read it Bob tonight. He's in Rehab now and it's sooooo much nicer and hopeful here. Tomorrow he starts imtensive therapy OT, PT, speech, Just keep praying.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Bryan, Thank you both. We love u. It's rough but we shall overcome. Bobs in Rehab now-I lLOVE it here so much more than the intensive care. He's in acute care-head trauma but his room is lovely. He has his own patio and garden and the staff is happy and hopeful. Keep the prayers going. Will let u know when visitos can start. Love
Sharon and Bob,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you guys! My dad had a stroke two weeks ago so I understand your peaks and valleys...but rehab is great! I miss you both and can't wait to hear Bob tell jokes and share more stories of you and him and him and Pete Watson again.
Love....Patricia Aguilera (ETS Pulliam)
I am reliving Tom's strokes of 1996 and 1997. It was the 1997 Stroke that took away his speech and mobility. From that experience I can tell you to hang in there! Tom came back to near normal, but it took hard work and patience. His eight months of 5 day a week, 7 hours of therapy paid off!! That will be his salvation. Don't accept "No" from anybody. Insist on the best care and be firm!! You will get your Bob back!! Bob looked great on Monday - much more alert than on Saturday. Each day is a miracle - find joy in the small things. I love you both.
ReplyDeleteBonnie