So, I got to spend most of the day with Dad. My Mom got to do somethings for herself. A little shopping does wonders for anyone...:) He had a great day. I got there about 11:00, and he was finishing up his physical therapy. I watched them try and get him standing from his chair using rails. He couldn't quite get on his feet, but boy was he trying. And he is always concerned with everyone else. He kept telling the PT workers to be careful, he didn't want anyone getting hurt. After the third try, Grady turned to me and said, "he is getting tired. He has been in here since 8:00 this morning." Wow, 3 hours of physical therapy is enough to make anyone tired!
Once we got back in his room, he started telling me about the morning. They did arm exercises using bands and weights in the morning as a group. Pretty much my Dad and a bunch of little old ladies. But my Dad was helping to motivate them and share his positive attitude and desire to get strong. At some point, the group of ladies said he should begin teaching everyone how to have such a good attitude! He is so pleased with this!
We went outside for a smoke and up walked our family friends the Prestons. We sat outside with them for a while and my Dad talked about his morning and about what lies ahead for him. He really enjoyed the visit. He talked about how nice it was to see them and how highly he thinks of the whole family. It really cheered him up. While we were all out talking, the nurse poked her head out of the door and asked if he wanted lunch. He said, "no...You guys give me so much food here. I am still full from breakfast." And with a smile and an "ok," the nurse when back inside. About 20 minutes later, when we rolled back into his room, he said "roll that tray over to me." I said "what for?" He said "so I can eat my lunch." I told him he was out of luck, he turned it down. But, I said I would go out and get him something. I mentioned a slice of Costco pizza, and if the man could have jumped for joy, he would have. So, I ran down the street and grabbed us a couple slices. He was in pizza heaven.:)
My Aunt showed up, so I took his car to get washed and dropped it off at their house (I drove it to work to keep the battery charged). I went home and got my dogs, and went back to the nursing home. My Mom and Dad were sitting on the patio enjoying a smoke and a little wine. They were happy to see the pooches, and the pooches were happy to be out and about. As we were sitting there, another resident came out and bummed a cigarette off my Mom. My Dad asked her name, and she said "Ruth." He said, "my name is Ed and I am sorry that I didn't remember your name, I just had brain surgery." Then he launches into his speech about how he is getting strong, and he is going to fight, and he is going to succeed because of his attitude. But he adds a new twist...He says "If you ever want to talk about ways to get a good attitude, feel free to stop by my room." If I had been drinking milk, it would have come out my nose!
We got him back in his room, and he was planning on dinner, a shower, and a good night's sleep when I left. I look forward to seeing him again tomorrow. I think he likes our time together as much as I do.
So, my funny for the day...On my way to see him this morning, I went by Starbucks. Now, my good friends know that I like the Green Tea Latte, and in the summer, I like it iced. When it is iced, they serve it in a clear cup, and it is a very odd color...Kind of a dirty mint ice cream green color. So, when we get settled in his room after PT, I set my drink down so I could unfold the chair to sit down. Well, he reaches out and grabs my drink and takes a sip. He looks down at it and says "what is this?" I tell him it is my green tea latte, and that it is my favorite drink. He takes another sip and says, "well, I guess it is ok...I'd imagine it is good for you." Now, I like to pretend I am getting some benefit from the green tea, but I am sure it is minimal...to be truthful, I just like the way it tastes.
Well, he continues to take sips, and eventually, polishes off my drink. He sets the cup down and says "yah, you don't need to hurry to bring me another one of those." I just started laughing and told him not to worry, I didn't really bring that one for him...I brought it for me...:) That reminded me a little of my Grandpa...:) It brought a smile to my face.
No physical therapy on Sundays...So we will have to find ways to tire him out ourselves...:)
Much love.
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