Thursday, December 13th, 2007

When we got to David’s room this morning Se and a nurse were already getting him dressed and ready for physical therapy. Outside his room the new walker was waiting, so I knew what they had in mind for him. They (Se and the OT guy, Mark) took David down the hall, Mark in front guiding and pulling the walker, and Se behind, lifting David’s left leg and helping him move it forward. At the end of the hall they all rested (meaning Se and Mark), but after a minute David said, “lets go”, so what could the therapists do but, another lap. David had them earning their money this morning, and they were very proud of his determination.
Georgette (occupational therapy) worked with David on showering. This stuff seems so simple, but with limited mobility, it can be very difficult. David did great, by doing everything that was asked of him.
There was a party scheduled for tonight, at the hospital, put on by the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and David wanted to go. We arrived a little late (sooo Huddleston) but David won a door prize for having the closest birthday, and a gift for just showing up, and another basket of weird stuff for no reason at all. A productive night! Plus there was good music (a live band) and a good Christian message. Also, lots of ice cream sundaes and cookies, all of which David couldn’t eat. I could see no reason for a 20-year-old man to want to stay, but David did. The band kept playing, and David seamed content to listen. Before we left(and we were the last ones out because David said he was having fun) he wanted to thank the people in charge. He shook hands with many people and expressed his thanks for the entertainment. He still amazes me. Of course then, he asked the lady (let me remind you everyone is gone except the hosts and they are cleaning up, the band is still playing a little, but all those in wheelchairs and beds had left except us!) if there would be any more gifts. OK now I want to crawl under the table and disappear!
When we got back to his room (did we tell you that it was made for three patients, but David is the only one) he was real talkative, and said some really funny stuff, all with a totally straight face. Which, of course, made it twice as funny. He said that he wanted to go to Patty’s car (why not my mini van?) and drive away fast. He called his sister (Christa) who asked what he wanted for his 21st birthday. He didn’t respond quickly, so she asked him if she could mail him a beer, and he said, “Sure, a Coors”. He went on and on with a straight face and had us in stitches. He said a lot of things, some based in reality, some not so much. It was a great and weird day. I think that he is becoming more and more aware, and at least more creative in his stories. It is normal to be a little delusional at this point in his recovery, but he was talking so good and so eloquently, that it was heartwarming nonetheless.
Thanks for all of your prayers; we know that they are working in a mighty way.
Steve