Recovery Road

Since waking up a little over two weeks ago, my Dad has been sequestered in a rehabilitation facility. He spends his days strengthening his legs so that he can stand and walk, and working with a speech therapist to assist with re-learning how to swallow and to talk. He barely touches the hospital food. (I sampled some and understand his "reluctance" to eat it. Blech!)

But from that first day until today, the change has been dramatic. He pulls himself up and out of bed, speaks without hesitation and notes in his journal any visitors or the food he eats at each meal. His memory slowly improves, though we know anything short term will take much, much longer. It's quite impressive progress considering the neurosurgeon told us all to expect at least two months, maybe more, of physical therapy and rehab.

Today, however, his treating physician at the rehab facility met with the therapists and decided as one to allow my Dad to return home this coming Saturday. Needless to say, my Dad couldn't be more thrilled whereas my Mom...well, she's psyching herself up for what's to come. Their insurance will provide a nurse 2 hours a day for 20 days, which will further help with Dad's recovery. Mom also bought one of those chairs that lifts someone from a seated to a standing position. But we'll just have to wait and see what happens.