A Turning Point

Dean's birthday turned out to be an emotional turning point for Bill and I. The report that morning from the nurse was that he didn't want to get groomed and he didn't cooperate with the physical therapist. We didn't know what we would find when we got there. Bill made the wise decision that we would call the kids and put them on speaker phone. We would not "ask" Dean, we would just do it. Hearing his kids and hearing Wyatt and Owen yell, "Hi, Grandpa!" must of done the magic trick. When the nurse came and asked Dean about sitting up, he agreed and sat unsupported for 5 minutes.

After the party, Dean shooed us home. Emotionally we were both drained. The party was a success and Dean's spirits seemed so much better. We've shared a lot about Dean's physical health and his mental condition but his emotional health is something we've avoided sharing. We can only tell Dean's frustrations and fears by his acting out and notes. We have worried about depression - his and ours. As we begin the 13th week, we feel he is more stable. And that gives us hope. We see a future.

Frazier and I talked just a little when he came to visit yesterday. He said he was depressed by what he saw. He expected his dad to be stronger and healthier looking. He hadn't seen him in some time and just expected more. But Bill and I have watched the ups and downs of everyday. Sometimes we know too much about the monitors and drips and the vent and the fluids. Dean is making progress...it's just minute.

On Sunday, he sat unsupported for 10 minutes. And, today he sat in his hospital bed/chair almost all day. I think this might be a turning point. As soon as the intestinal issue is resolved, we think he may be moved to a rehab hospital. But, we still don't know when that is.

We still need your good thoughts and prayers.  Linda