This is Hard Work

Today we tried a new approach to help dad start his day off on a good note and without so much worry. We called up to his room around 6:30 this morning and his nurse helped him answer his phone. We talked about his night and my son Robby talked to him about the WVU football game tonight - he sounded in good spirits and was ready to eat breakfast. I told him I would be bringing mama up in a couple hours and for him to work hard and not worry about mom - she'd be there when he finished. So when we got there at lunch time, he was one tired puppy. He didn't even go down to the dining hall. The nurses said he had eaten a great breakfast and that he worked so hard in therapy that they felt he needed a nap before lunch. I got to talk with him before he nodded off - he told me how hard of work it was at therapy and then he asked for some "warmed up" blankets so he could take a nap! Mom said when he woke up he was feeling better and he ate a little lunch before going to afternoon therapy. Mom said the therapists are very proud of dad's progress this week. They put Dad's sneakers on him today for the first time and he said it felt so good. Then the therapists stood him to his feet and held him up and began teaching him balance and how to support himself with the good side. Of course for this first time, he was completely supported by the staff, but it was a great feeling for dad to actually stand to his feet for the first time in 23 days- even if he did have a therapist on both sides! We are really looking forward to our meeting with dads rehab team tomorrow afternoon - and we'll let you know how that goes. Thanks for all of your support and continued prayers - it is an unbelievable feeling to know so many people are lifting dad up in prayer. The cards and pictures and visits are really what dad looks forward to - so keep that coming - after all, dad's love language is people. When people are around him, it keeps him encouraged and keeps his mind off where he is.