Enjoy the little things in life...

This experience has reminded me (us) how much that matters.....

2 nights ago while visiting dad in ICU he was trying to communicate with us by tracing letters on the bed and on my arm.... We were able to decipher a few words including I love you for mom. We asked  if he wanted us to bring pad and paper with us for him do use he squeezed my hand and gave us the thumbs up ( his current preferred form of communication).....

Yesterday to our shock and surprise they moved him out of ICU and into a room of his own with a view of the Bay (well if the fog was not hanging around, but it is San Franisco). The change has been astounding!! He has been able to put pen to paper and scribble out some words, mom with her word puzzle expertise made out ER and wallet!!!! That's my dad!!!

Over the course of the day he was able to SAY..... Hospital, stroke, SF, Chuck, wife, Shannon, Karlene, Kaileigh, Logan.... And restroom because we all know he prefers privacy.

He knows where he is and why he is here, he recognizes our voices and will turn his head to see who is talking. He has also been pointing to who he wants to be holding his hand!

The damage to the right hemisphere has rendered him weak on the left, but he was involuntarily moving his right arm the last couple days when he yawned.... BUT we are now seeing signs of movement beyond that!!! With stimulus he will move his arm and leg, something whe was not doing just a couple days ago...

Amazing how hearing your name, or opening an eye, or moving a toe can mean so much!!


Oops...... Involuntary movement with his left arm!!!!! Yes Nancy, you caught my mistake!! ;)