Inch by inch, really.

Sorry, sorry, I know it's been a while. I could say I've been busy...but to be honest, I've just been doing a lot of nothing! Sitting with my dad, watching Ellen, reading here and there, trying with very little success to convince my grandmother that just because she's cold does not necessarily mean that I am cold too and no, I don't want a sweater, thanks (I got a sweater anyways.)

But in all honestly, Nana's 86 years have given her wisdom far beyond mine; and as she likes to say, "Yard by yard, life is hard. But inch by inch, life's a cinch." Uhh, how cute is that? And so damn appropriate.

I'm getting a little off track, but to continue with the update, we are SO happy with CareMeridian. I was a little skeptical at first, but I've been really impressed so far with the level of care the staff is giving my dad and the level of support they are providing us. Every morning around 7, the nurse wakes him up (I use "wakes up" loosely, his sleep cycles are a lot shorter than ours so he doesn't sleep through the night or stay awake all day), gives him a bath, and puts him in fresh clothes. Six days a week he has a PT session and then some days has a sessions with the occupational therapist, on others meets with the speech therapist. Visiting hours don't start until 11am, at which time we usually arrive and start our part. Mom and I try to talk to him and stimulate him as much as possible. We read to him, move his arms and legs, try to get him to follow commands, etc. Then in the afternoon they put him in a specialized wheel chair. At first the therapist thought we would need to order some sort of brace for neck support but after getting used to sitting upright, Dad was able to hold his head up entirely on his own (really, really, good!). Then we can usually take him outside and sit him in the sun...wouldn't want him to lose that ever present tan, right? Although he's not very reactive, and can't communicate effectively with us, after spending so much time with him, Mom and I seem to be on the same page about what we think he likes and doesn't. We agree he definitely likes being outside!

All in all, he seems to be doing well with the move. I'm sure it'll take some time for him to get used to all the activity (after all, at the hospital they were so focused on getting him "not sick" they didn't do much else). So far all things are heading in the right direction, albeit slowly. It's been a challenge to have no time frame, no expectations, no prognosis, but Mom and I are getting through it with high hopes and a lot of laughter (...and a LOT wine...just kidding, Nana keeps that in check).

So after another wild and crazy Friday night, it's time to say goodnight and head to bed. I promise to update again soon. G'night!