December 25th, 2007

Merry Christmas again. Hope you all had a blessed Christmas.
David awoke this am for a quick second and then went back to sleep until about 2 pm. He pretty much missed the Christmas greeting, presents, and visit that General Ostenberg paid him and the other veterans today at the hospital, and the Fisher House. What a great man, so humble and friendly. Next, Santa came in and delivered more presents! At 2 pm when David did wake up, we took him outside for a short time to play catch with him. Soon he wanted to go back inside. The CNA found David a high back chair that reclines some. David was pretty happy and we stayed in the recreation room for a short time before he wanted to go back in his room. Next we opened his presents and he thought everything was "nice". It was very quiet and he didn't talk much. When he opened a Connect Four present from his Aunt Annette, I started to unwrap the pieces. He said, "Mom, I can't play that yet. I can't see in a straight line." So, we put it away, and tried to figure out what he could see and could not see. I'm confused! It isn't the typical reading problem. He has areas where he can't see objects. We will have to talk to the dr. about it tomorrow, and see about consulting the Vision Therapist. But he was very talkative about it all. He also shared that he doesn't talk much when he is tired. We told him it was ok to point us to the door if he ever wants us to leave because of too much stimulation or he needs to sleep. He seemed to understand. I also tried to explain that one of the reasons he is restricted where he can go, is because of him hitting the nurses. He said he is trying to not hit them! We assured him that we are seeing an improvement, and are sure he is trying! (But quit it, O.K.?).... It was so good to get to just talk with him again. We don't know if he is sleeping sooooo much because of the meds, brain injury, depression, or just not having anything to do. He is dependent on everyone for just about everything. Continue praying for wisdom in this situation. I know he would love to get out, if not just for a drive in the car for an In-N-Out Shake! Also, I need some wisdom on foods that he can eat, diced, so I can fatten him up! He hates the hospital food, all he wants to eat are the mashed potatoes and pudding! And you should see his expression eating those! :-(
Patty