A Candlestick: In the loop

good morning! Our son had been keeping his siblings posted and now I have used the time that I could blog to tell my kiddo's the happening. If you don't mind I'll share those with you today.
His recovery is such a testament to the power of united prayer and Priesthood power. I have some personal incidents to share but right now I'm getting ready for my day so that will be later. Thanks so much for your prayers and love.

To children yesterday--

Hello to all. I know you are worried but things are moving along so just keep the prayers and faith going. Just came home to do 3 loads of laundry. In between folding- so wanted to drop a line. Amazing how he is doing. A week ago he couldn't hardly stand up with assistance. This morning they gave him the go ahead to get up out of bed, walk in room with cane, totally go to bathroom....all on his own. doesn't need to let nurse know at all! also he can walk with me down hall or wherever he wants with his cane. We can go anywhere he wants but if a long distance then I need to take a wheelchair.

The PT Therapist this morning said that his improvement was so great that he was concerned that it was a "false reading" and didn't know whether to write it on chart or wait until tomorrow and check him again. After he left, Dad said...I sure could tell him a lot about blessings and the power of prayer and the love of people and my great kids. We are both stunned at his progress. Plus he finally got his first nights sleep in a week and he has started eating and headache is gone and nausea is gone and IV is gone. I could not believe how straight and firm he walked with the PT and no cane. Amazing! We continue to just focus on his Therapies and rest. I'm doing fine. I won't overdo as I know that would be foolish. People are so generous in their offers and I feel bad to say we are fine but we are. Kipper watches out for us. He will make me a beautiful salad for dinner. I feel very peaceful inside. We will be in battle mode when he comes home with outpatient therapy and other exercises and good food. I'm thinking that he may end up like a reformed smoker and be telling everyone whether they want to hear it or not about....boy, do all you can to not have a stroke and then tell his story. More than once!! Kipper and I were talking about him going to be like Jack LaLanne and maybe wear a headband like Richard Simmons and being my exercise coach. Spare me!!!

Anyhow things are looking miraculously incredibly fantastically amazing and we are so grateful.

He has learned so much from these therapists and I have also. He expresses appreciation to them. I thought of Maureen and her therapy skills. What a service for people to receive. Oh, wow!!! Isn't it Murphy's birthday today!!!??

Sorry about that.

Dryer buzzing.

I will send you a couple of pictures for you to see that he's alive and mostly well.

Love each of you!!!

Mom

dear children...you would not believe how great he is doing. He said he feels very weak overall but he works like a monster man!! We can just feel the power of love and prayer as his brain heals and that reconnection makes marvelous things happen. We are still working our game plan of rest and therapy. And I keep myself busy fluffing my pom-poms and checking my pony-tail as I cheer for him in my poodle skirt!!

Today he had the head speech therapist come in and she evaluated him. Ended up telling him that he doesn't need another visit with her so that was great. She shared in conversation a fact about drivers' licenses. Interesting that they don't just automatically take your drivers license when you have a stroke. The Dr. can tell you that you shouldn't drive until he clears you but technically there is no law stating you can't. sort of scary to contemplate!!

Today Dad was told that he needs to wear high-tops tennis shoes to aid his balance! That will be interesting. He is an excellent patient in that he does no arguing, feels they are there to help him and he accepts their advice. Those tennis shoes?...uh-huh...ALL the time! What were those boots in AK that were so popular? maybe they would work.

He uses a cane and they are going to get him one that stays upright when you let go of it. He walks so great with it. I assume he will go home with one. Always have to use it???? I don't know yet.

You know how opening jars etc. we say....lefty loosey. righty tighty. ? In teaching Dad how to walk on the practice stairs, the therapist gave him a way to remember it. He said...You know how in the Bible it says that good people go up to Heaven and bad people go down to hell? Going up the stairs ...good leg first. Going down the stairs...bad leg first. Good-up. Bad-down. So there you go in case you have a bum leg.

He can tie his tennis shoes and tries to use both hands which is what they want. That was a first today.

When I take him for a little ride in the wheelchair, I always let/make him push the button with his left hand. At first it was thrashing but they have taught him to slow down and focus and he has become more certain in use of his hand. A lady was so kind and held the elevator door open because of his wheelchair. I stopped and let him stab at the buttons and her face showed that she thought I was not so nice but we are battling for full use of his arm and that is a part of it.

Pictures-- he is tying his shoes. waving to reassure you he is okay. and then being ridiculous and re-enacting that movie...Weekend at Bernie's? by holding his bad arm up. bad acting. Gong!!

I'm pacing myself and it was wonderful and felt normal to do up some laundry and fold it and load up the dishes. It just felt sort of comforting, relaxing and soothing. Not a burden. Just homey.

Kipper fixed a great salad tonight.

I feel very peaceful inside. We are in for what may be a marathon of effort to help Dad but I truly believe that I am witnessing a miracle right before my eyes. We will deal with whatever comes our way as you know how those lutefisk lovers are!!!

take care and know that your parents love and appreciate you so very much.

Mother