Before you start, be sure to check out the added photos on other entries.
May 28 - D-Day (Discharge Day) came in like a sheep . . . and Bob headed out the door like a lion! Before we left, however, two of Bob's ex-students dropped by (John Isett from WHS) and Don from La Puente. Thank you for sharing your fond football coach memories with us. They made me and Bob laugh.
Bob's been home almost a week now and we're adjusting to our new routine. Thank goodness for the angels of Loma Linda . . . their training paid off because the transition hasn't been as scary as it could have been. I was most concerned with wheelchair transfers but we have them down pretty well now and we're able to get through the bedroom, bathroom, and car transfers without too much. I must admit, we're both pretty whipped by the end of the day. Were just pretty happy not to be on the hospital's intensive schedule. We're on outpatient therapies (notice I say "we") 3 days a week and we're committed to Bob's recovery. We haven't started Speech yet due to scheduling logistics (theirs, not ours) but that starts next week. So, now we work and pray alot for more miracles to come together.
New accomplishments:
- On Bob's last day of therapy, he walked 100 feet with a walker (and escorted, of course) but oh my, what an accomplishment.
- He told the guide dog ladies that he had worked with school districts "primarily with testing"
- Dr. S, Bob's PT predicts that Bob should be using the walker independently by end of July.
- He's trying to talk more - still very difficult, but he told the disability insurance lady that he works on tests for California, New York, and Nevada. Carrie and Linda, is that right?
- He's played the Wii Baseball at home and likes that . . . although he's now a leftie.
- Jeff caught him standing and sitting himself in his big chair on his own. (He wants to be independent so badly but that's kind of scary yet because we don't want him to fall. I told the PTs so they're going to expedite his training transition from the wheelchair to walker. Dr. S, his new PT, says he's strong so we should get crackin'.)
- He's figured out how the remotes work (and let me tell you, he put up really complex systems that even I can't figure out.)
- He puts himself to bed when he's tired of people (and me). HA!
- He crossed his leg in his big chair after he saw Jeff sitting with his leg crossed over. Notice the picture.
- He recognized Izumi (Josh's dog) and grinned and said, "Yes". She stays on him like glue. I just have to remind him when she's under his wheelchair or to his right.
- He's paying attention to his right more frequently and not crashing into the walls as much as I anticipated. Silly me.
Thank you friends and family for your continued prayers and words of encouragement - we still need your love and support. The really hard work starts now. We'll keep you posted on progress!
Okay, and now for neglected thank yous:
- Rick and Gigi - You heard Bob struggle to tell you in his own words, " Thank you for being so good to me". Let me add "to us and ditto".
- Carrie-we're really using your puzzles alot for repetition. Interestingly, Bob can read but if I ask him to identify individual alphabets, no can do yet. So, we're retraining with the fabulous puzzles you sent. Oh, and thank you for the beautiful Memorial Day message for Caregivers. I cried at your thoughtfulness. Who knew that we'd need to be remembered too?
- Leslie P-I hope you read this. your beautiful email message came a few weeks ago at a low moment. I had just returned from the hospital and your words were so sweet and appreciated. Thank you. I am trying to take better care of myself (in fact, am coloring my hair as I type. Ok, so it's a homemade job, better than nothing. :)
- Pathway Church TLC - Thanks for sending dinners!
- Beth and SBCSS Ed Services - Thanks for the "Respite Kit". I'm loving the bubble baths. No time to read yet . . . but I'm sure that will come.
- Lizette, Cindy, Pam, Lori, Roberta - Thanks for the "meals on wheels". I was able to portion out the meals, grab and run, and heat up dinner in the hospital during those excruciatingly long days and believe me, I felt the love in your meals.
Warmly,
Sharon
No comments:
Post a Comment