Perspective

It is very easy to become frustrated after a major injury. It is so easy to remember the person you loved and wonder if you will ever get them back. It is even easier to think, "Why us"? and, "How can I ever deal with this horrible plate I have been served?" Even now, amidst all of the miracles we have seen and the amazing process we have made... it is easy to lose sight of of our journey. Looking ahead at the challenges of returning home can be daunting. Listening to Dad talk about riding his Harley and returning to work is a little heart breaking. Constantly reminding him to take his time, slow down and allow himself the summer to heal is an extremely tiresome process. This evening, my Mom and I took a jaunt back down the dark path of the last month. I'm ashamed to say that we have already forgotten. The horrible fear, dark prognoses, and excruciating pain have formed new and vulnerable scabs. We have willingly and gladly moved into the Rehab phase with hope for our future and a promise to accept our "new normal". That being said, revisiting the past has renewed our gratitude and wonder. We will get through this. I am absolutely convinced that Dad will eventually return to his old life, even if it is with slight deficits. The last three weeks have brought with it so much progression and strength. I know that the next three will do the same. I have sat and watched the cursor on my computer flash for five minutes wondering how I could possibly describe my feelings about the two videos below. The first was taken by my Uncle Ryan in the Neuro Critical Care Unit. It shows Dad standing for the first time since his stroke. We were so unbelievably proud. That moment showed such determination, but it also showed just how much this brain bleed had taken from him. As you can see, he is quite vacant and still living somewhere between here and "Limbo Land". 

The second video is Dad in therapy last week. I am so proud of him in this video. His balance is off, yes. He needs support to remain upright, yes. But look at him! He is attempting difficult tasks and remaining determined to complete them. I am happy to report that he is stronger today than he was then. He would still struggle with this particular therapy exercise, but not nearly as much. We have been so unbelievably blessed.

This weekend was great. Dad participated in multiple therapy activities as usual. He even baked a cake, did some dishes and played soccer with my Mom. His diet was upgraded to "general", meaning if you can eat it, so can he. He was moved rooms as he is no longer required to be video monitored. He is going on his first outing to a sports warehouse tomorrow so we can see how he functions in the world and around a crowd of people. He requested that Mom bring his wallet, so he can buy his own lunch. "I don't want to spend any of these people's money". :) Thanks for continuing to follow our journey. It's not over, but we are genuinely SO grateful for where we have been, where we are and where we are going.