Thanks for all my clothes
Today, Dad had a pretty good day. I was told that he was eating more solid and regular foods today while with with the speech therapist. He was also holding more lengthy and lucid conversations with the various people that came to visit. Amongst those visitors, Aunt Kath and Leif went to see Dad. I hear that they had a good time and even brought Dad some ice-cream to enjoy. Heather, Dad’s sister and my Aunt, sent him a nice looking outfit that he was excited to get. I also picked Dad up some other clothes to make the laundry process easier. While I was visiting him this evening he wanted to thank both Aunt Heather and myself and showed it in writing. To the right you can see that he wrote “Thanks for all my clothes.”
Some other things of note today were:
- One of the nurses printed up some images of things Dad enjoys and stapled them in a make-shift booklet. Dad and I discussed these in length…everything from differences in those Jeeps and his to how he misses cooking and what ingredients are in the entrees in the images.
- Jennifer and I were discussing things about his granddaughter with him. When asked what he should be called he liked “Pop-Pop” and also said “She could call me Mr. Blaine.”
- He told Jennifer that she looked “cute” and that I was “handsome.” I think this was due to me wearing my teacher-clothes…tie and all. He then requested Jennifer to rub his feet and told her to make sure and do it gently.
- Dad requested the T.V. be turned on and to channel 48. He then requested the remote and adjusted the volume to his liking.
- Greg, Dad’s roommate, had some nice things to say about his increasing interaction with Dad. Apparently Dad has been asking for Greg’s help with things like getting out of bed, which Greg isn’t currently capable of helping with. He was still touched by the increase in interaction and knowing what to ask for.
- We called and talked to Zack about various things and he made sure to tell Zack “I love you” numerous times.
- When we left, Dad said “I love you. Bye.” and then waved to us.
Keep the Spirit Dad!
~Aaron
Wednesday, 7. July 2010
I think I remember reading that his friends have been visiting since Blaine’s return to Arizona. Is he recognizing them from his past? His progress has been so phenomenal since his return it seems unlikely those reminders and interactions are not contributing.
Once again, best wishes on his full recovery. He’s very lucky to have such a devoted family.
Thursday, 8. July 2010
That is awesome!!! I pray he returns home soon… It sounds like he is on the right track to recovery; and when he gets home we should do a big pig roast!
D
Thursday, 8. July 2010
Thanks Aaron, your dad is showing such great progress daily, it is such a good feeling to see how he responds to you and others. The interaction is very good and hopefully Barrows will be willing to admit him for his really intensive therapy. I know that you are
all so anxious to have this happen as well as the family up here!!! His writing a thank you
note was very good also. Your patience in helping him is wonderful to see. We think Jennifer is cute and you are handsone also. Love and hugs to all of you.
Grandma
Thursday, 8. July 2010
This is all great news! I soooo loved being with him Tuesday!! I love that he is writing and the whole TV/remote thing is remarkable, really. And his sharp sense of humor is returning, which is great. I love the ‘Mr. Blaine’ – I can just hear him saying it. As we were leaving I hugged him again and kissed him a couple times and told him I love him. He said he loved me too, and then added that he loves his mommy the most. I said, ‘Of course you do – she’s your mom. but you love your Aunt Kath a lot too, don’t you?’ And he said yes and puckered up again for another kiss. What a delight – I cracked up. He also said to his mom to “prove it to me” when she told him we had his shoe in the sack hanging off the back of the wheelchair. He doesn’t hide his feelings, that’s for sure. I love seeing him progressing so well. Tell me. Aaron, if I call while one of you are there with him will he be able to talk loud enough on the phone that I can hear him? I know he is speaking louder now, but I still had to put my ear close to him to hear. Love to all – Aunt Kath