Milestones

When asked about Dads progress, “big picture style,” I have to stop and look at the gigantic hurdles he has leapt past every day. Thirty-two days of recovery since his mishap. Dad is out of ICU, and into the rehabilitation phase at RVMC.

He is able to talk to us. Dad has been able to drink and swallow blended food. Dad is able to almost hold his own cup with a straw and help his spoon find his mouth. These simple tasks mean he is on the path to rehabilitation. His brain is working at telling his muscles what to do and they are listening. Dad is starting to process tasks like, move your arms this way, move your legs that way. You can hand Dad a small piece of rope with a knot in it, and he can untie it and tie a better one for you. Dad is flying by these milestones. Some of them so fast that we don’t really have a chance to dwell on how awesome they are. Dad is able to think about something he needs or wants, and about 97% of the time is able to express his thoughts clearly to us.

Yesterday the bright sunshine was streaming in through the window. It was causing dad’s eyes to hurt. His face starting squinting. He moved his head from one side to the other. Then he shielded his eyes with his hands. Still this didn't help, finally he asked for sunglasses. These are significant markers along this route. After any brain trauma, the body takes time to rebuild pathways, reboot, and restart all the operating systems. The doctors have said it could take him several years to fully “reboot” his brain. The brain is far more complex than a broken leg and knee. These also take time to heal, but we are able to “watch” the improvement.

In a few more weeks we will know more about the game plan of Dad’s knee. Right now the main goal is to get it healed enough that he can start to put some weight on it. Speaking of weight, today during therapy, Dad stood up. We helped him pull himself forward, and balance on his “good” leg. Three times Dad was able to do this. Each time becoming more steady. Woo hoo! Another milestone surpassed. 32 days in and our first stand up. Soon he will be trotting around the hallways.

Seeing for Dad is a major prayer request. His vision is limited at best. We have a special eye guy putting a game plan together for us to best help Dad. We knew his vision was going to be affected. You smack your face, you see stars at the very least. Dad has one eye that looks like it should be able to have some vision restored. The other eye we might not be so lucky. God knows the ultimate plan while we only can see glimpses. Please pray that the specialists, Dad and us are wise in our decisions during this part of the recovery phase.

So many miracles, so many miles to go.... Give us strength, and peace.

~With Integrity