Strength.... Body and Spirit

Physical therapy has been quite the experience for dad..... In the begining his strong right side was taking over (due to the mixed signals his brain is receiving) and he was literally fighting against the therapists.... Now a week in, he is slowly learning how to read his body cues, and trust in what he is seeing and feeling.. Yesterday for the first time the therapists were able to get him sitting up and into a wheelchair!!! The first foray outside of a hospital room, sans the room changing lying flat on his back on a gurney.. Much to my surprise, this brought tears to his eyes... Not for what he cannot do, but for what he had done... Needless to say, I cried too!!!

Later that afternoon, they again hoisted dad up and into his wheelchair... The adventure this time? To the activity room and the end of the floor (with the best view of San Francisco).... A room full of books, handcrafted art and words of encouragement.... A room we have used this last week to have meals, and the room where I had the chance encounter with another patient last week.. He still smiles when we see each other...

Today again dad was able to escape the confines of his hospital room, and spend time in this room with a view... This time working with the occupational therapist to strengthen his recognition of his left side.. Drawing and working with number cards starting left to right, to retrain his mind... To this his therapist was extremely impressed with the strength of his mind, and spirit...

Yes, there is still a long way to go.. But he is strong and determined.... His first big goal (sorry dad forgive me, to get up and use the restroom)..... A noble goal indeed!!!!!