Thursday's Little Miracles

Today was Bob's first day in rehab. We ate lunch on his sunny, garden-filled patio. Bob fed himself ground carrots, ground chicken-like meat, ground broccoli, and ice cream. I, on the other hand, had vegetarian-like pizza and salad. Not bad for spa food. If you like that kind of food. We're both losing weight. That's miracle #1.

#2) Bob sat in his wheelchair most of the morning when he wasn't having PT or OT.

#3) Bob tried so hard in PT. He followed directions (lots of visual and tactile cues). He stood (with support and assistance) during PT and he's learning to balance by holding his core, rear, chest and head up. We take such a simple act for granted.

#4) Bob recognized my mom and dad when they came in. My mom just returned from visiting her sister in Japan and we hadn't told her about Bob's condition. Anyway, Bob was so happy to see her - his face beamed, he tried to smile, and reached out to hold my mom's hand when she walked into the room. (I don't get that reaction as much. Maybe he's thinking "OMG-here comes that woman who talks all the time" )

Bob isn't able to speak/respond spontaneously. He's really struggling with trying to make meaning of words/language. His speech pathologist said that the aphasia and apraxia really get in the way of his comprehension and that he infers alot through context (environment, body language, facial expressions, tone). So, PLEASE PRAY the apasia and apraxia correct SOON. She gave us a homework assignment: to sing songs that Bob might be able to retrieve automatically. So get this:

#5) Bob sang songs with me for an hour: Christmas carols, Bobby Darin, 50s music, Row Your Boat, Hello Dolly, Run Around Sue, etc. Dad sang with us (he was really get into it. You know, the Chambers Brothers thing). Mom wanted to sing the only english song she knew, " Jesus lubs me" but I was thinking maybe it's not such a good thing having her teach Bob to speak/sing English.) I kid you not, we were the singing fools in room 1114 and it was pretty remarkable.

#6) Bob wrote his name for the speech therapist and again later (with his left hand). The therapist asked Bob what his name was and he kept trying to say "R-R-R" so she told him to try writing. Miracle of miracles. He wrote Robert. Ok, it wasn't perfect and you 4th grade teachers might lament his penmanship, but it had the correct number of letters and they resembled "Robert".

#7) Bob survived the wheelchair tour of the rehab center and grounds. Yes. I was driving. Those of you who know Bob know that he NEVER lets me drive. EVER. But now he doesn't have a choice. And I'm thinking it's not so bad. (My nephew says he agrees with Bob.)

#8) Bob told me "I love you" when I tucked him into bed tonight. I will never tire of hearing him say that. Be sure you tell your loved ones often. It's hard when you can't hear it as frequently as you'd like. We read "Love You Forever" together.

Family is a blessing most of the time. REally, I don't know what I'd do without them. Today my sisters, the witches of East Highland (you know, like the witches of eastwick), flew into the room and decorated the bulletin boards (borders and all). Then they sang Row Your Boat in rounds (poor Bob), and Sonia acted out a snippit of Hello Dolly for the Bob. Cathy went back to Tucson yesterday and Shadi heads back to Seoul tomorrow, but she'll return. Josh extended his ticket to andt he'll head back to NY a few days before commencement (he's getting his PhD AND an award from NYU). He's coming back afterwards to help. Bill (Shadi's husband) will arrive next week.

We finally opened all of your cards tonight. Jo, you're right, your card was hysterical! And I could hear your southern twang when I read it. Bob didn't quite get the humor yet, but I'll save it for later.) I miss talking with Bob - hearing his voice. The nurses comment about how calm he is, how thoughtful he (moving his body to help them). It's very difficult for him to move his body but he tries to roll or pull himself up.

Thank you again, for all of messages/comments. We really look forward to them. Take care.

Sharon
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