Today was a good day. Dad has found his sense of humor. He seemed more like himself. He opened his right eye more than we have seen in the past, although still not opened all the way. He was rubbing his eyes and the nurse asked if they were bothering him. He nodded yes, so they put some cream on them. The nurse then asked if anything else was bothering him. Dad nodded yes and pointed to the nurse. We all laughed and dad reached up and rubbed and patted the nurse's arm with a big smile on his face, so the nurse knew he was joking.  It was refreshing to see his personality come through a little.

The occupational therapist came and he continued to write in answer to questions.  He was responding very quickly, which is encouraging.  He was also much more accurate with the questions, just a few extra letters here and there. He did know the year without being prompted. After the writing they walked him around the entire 11 floor loop. He sat down for a few minutes in the middle but he made it all the way with someone supporting him on each side. They were teasing him about sleep walking because he kept closing his eyes.  They want to work on him watching and directing the movement.  We ran into the trauma doctor while walking and he was excited to see dad doing so well. He asked Dad to give a thumbs up, to which dad responded with a thumbs down. He had a really funny frown on his face and it all made everyone laugh. Dad then gave a thumbs up and smiled. The doctor asked dad to say hello, he tried but only air came out. The doctor said they were going to put a smaller trach tube in sometime soon. That might help him regain his voice.


Speech therapy also went well today.  He couldn't respond to all of questions, but answered most of them. A few highlights were, that he was able to recite all of his kids names in order. He recognized Lauren and Sydney (Mikes kids) from a picture, but couldn't get Tyler's name. He also saw a picture of Kelsey and he couldn't get her name, but then when Mike said Kelsey and asked who that was he said "Granddaughter". Mike asked if he knew what important thing happened to her recently and he said "4 year". Mike said "college degree" and Dad nodded. Mike asked him if he was in St George and he said no. Then asked him if he was in Salt Lake and he said yes. Mike asked him if he knew why he was in the hospital and he gave a diving motion with his hand. He pressed the question (trying to get him to speak) and he motioned what they  guessed was a ladder falling out from someone. He seemed a little shaken up or bothered. Mike asked him if he didn't want to think about it and he nodded to confirm. He has seemed confused in the past as to why he is in the hospital, but he seems to understand now.  It will be interesting to find out if he remembers any of it.

Today he was showing a lot of love to us all.  When I got to the hospital he motioned for me to come sit by him and he took my hand and brought it to his face and held it for a few moments. It was a sweet gesture.  Kelsey came to visit in the evening and he was very happy to see her.  He actually mouthed the word "hug" and held out his arms three or four times for Kelsey to give him a hug.  She said "I love you too, Grandpa" and he gave a big smile.  It was so good to see a little more of his personality and love shine through today.  

They are looking to move Dad rehab on Monday where he will start on even more therapy.  It is a long road but we are all hanging in.