We don't have much to report today. Dad continued to grow stronger. He was able to walk around the entire floor with just one person assisting. He was also able to sit up in the recliner for a good share of the day.

  Dad also continued to make progress during speech therapy, eliciting a laugh from everyone at a couple of his comments. As his brain continues to heal from the trauma and swelling, he still struggles with words and names. That should improve with time. He did indicate that he remembers his fall, but he did not want to talk or think about it, so we will not press the matter with him unless he is ready. It still takes all of his energy to speak or to make one lap of the hallway.

Kathie's husband Jim, who is visiting from California for a few days, was able to assist in giving Dad the sacrament and singing a hymn to him this morning. Tonight I played music for him as well, which caused him to tear up a few times (as well as tap his feet in time with a rousing song from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). I think that his spirit needs healing along with his body. Hopefully we can help provide that for him.

  Of medical note, they were able to swap out Dad's trach for a smaller one today (they went from a 9 to a 6). The next step will be to remove the trach entirely, but they have to see how he does with this smaller one first. He seems to be doing fine with it so far.

The plan for tomorrow is to move Dad to the rehab floor where he can begin receiving more intense therapy. Dad is still not up to many visitors. We are able to sense that his current limitations are causing him some embarrassment and he does not seem to like having people see him in this state. We are very hopeful that he will continue progressing quickly so that he will be up to visiting with all of those who love him soon. We will keep you updated.