Rehab Day 1

Hi folks!
This is Carlie popping in to do a little update for the day. Today has been a bit of a grumpy day for Dad. When I got to the hospital I was forewarned that he had been a little somber. The nurses told us that he didn't sleep well, and he was in a deep sleep when I arrived this afternoon. Unfortunately, being jolted out of a dead slumber by physical therapy didn't do much to improve his already dismal mood. Physical therapists at the U of U sort of have a reputation for being persistent. And these particular characters were no exception. They immediately started pulling pillows out from under him in an effort to rouse him. The therapists really wanted to try and sit Dad up on his own this afternoon. They sat the bed up in order to see if he could support his own weight. As he started to wake up more it was very clear that he was not thrilled with the therapy plan for the day. He reluctantly moved his feet and wiggled his toes. He was able to sit up for just a few seconds on his own without the physical support of the therapists. They worked with him on supporting his own head, and tracking voices and people with his eyes. Throughout the session both his parents, my Mom, and Tim and I were his VERY enthusiastic cheerleading squad. There were many times when he gave us that "please get out of my face" look when we really got excited. ;) I think that a lot of Dad's frustration is related to the fact that he really can't communicate. I don't know how much he is processing or understands, but it seems that he is frustrated by the inability to speak or let us know what he needs. I believe that he knows who different people are, and I think that he recognizes the different family members who come in and out. This has to be a humbling experience for Dad. He has never been the kind of man who stayed down long (I can count his sick days in my entire 21 years on 1 hand). I am sure that it is difficult for him to not be able to respond or acknowledge everyone the way he would like. We are all hoping that he is able to rest well tonight, and that his spirits will be a bit brighter in the morning. He is now completely free of all the tubes in his nose and mouth, and he is really starting to look like my sweet Dad again. He does have a few new holes and tubes, but we will keep them until he is back on his feet. Even though he did not have the best day, I am nothing but grateful for where he is this very minute. I have a feeling this will not be our last stir crazy day around here. Dad has already proved what a fighter he is. I know that this stubborn streak he has will actually work in our favor in the end. He will keep going, and we will keep cheering him on (even though it annoys him!)