REHAB DAY 4 • Thursday, Nov. 1st

Just got home from seeing dad and I have to say that his private room seems so much more conducive to his healing process. Today, mom got a phone call from dad about 1pm - he had the nurses call her because he was so cold and because he wanted her to come see him. So you know mom, she got some of his favorite blankets and clothes and a few other goodies and headed up the road to take care of him. He was actually in physical therapy when she and my brother Tommy arrived and they were able to observe that. He slept until dinner time and then enjoyed some visitors thruout the evening. He seemed to be clearer with his thoughts, and calmer and more at peace. He talked again about how he never knew that a stroke could be so hard on a person. Dad really piped up when the doctor was visiting and explained to us that when dad gets tired - how important it is for us to let him sleep and not keep him awake. Sleep is so important to his healing, as is therapy - dad responded "that's the best thing I've heard all day." The doctor is not ready to assess his progress - too early, but he did ease my fears. I was concerned about the fact that he was in critical condition for so long that we may have missed an important opportunity to regain things on the left side. The doctor said not to worry - that dad was in very critical condition in the hospital and his brain could not have withstood any of that. His doctor said that we hadn't lost any time yet and that their goal was to get dad home as soon as possible so that we could continue his care from home and that we should be patient and realize that it may take six months to a year before we really see dad's full potential. Dad and I laughed because he and I are the worse when it comes to patience - I told him we'd work on that togehter - one day at a time. We just have to remind ourselves and him daily - baby steps - we have to be patient and let God be in control. One of the last things he said to me before we left tonight was - call the pastor and tell him for me to keep the prayer line going - I told him not only would I do that, but that I would let everyone on the blog know too. Thanks again to all of you who are following dad's journey - you give us strength and encouragement and we appreciate all the support we have received. Mom is saving every single card to let dad read when he comes home and I will eventually print this blog and your posts so that he can read it, as well as the many emails that I have received. Thanks again everyone - good night!