February 21 & 22, 2010 - Bird by Bird

Some of you have heard me repeat a story told by writer Anne Lamott (see the box to the right). In addition to being sweet, I find it to be an extraordinary and heartwarming illustration of a father's love - that is, being there and being supportive, but not actually taking on the task for his son. I am reminded also of Abraham Lincoln's observation that the worst thing that you can do for those you love is something that they could and should do for themselves. Dad's parenting (and Mom's, for that matter) was very much in sync with this philosophy, and I am more grateful every day for the experience.

All this is to say that the recovery and healing process that Dad faces is and will be a "bird by bird" struggle. Successfully facing "the hugeness of the task ahead" will be something that challenges Dad (and the rest of us). The importance and tremendous impact that the love and support of family and friends will have can't be overstated. Thank you for all that you have done and thank you for all that I know that you will do in the future.

Sunday the 21st was a reasonably good day. Dad was fairly alert and did a small amount of talking.

• During his 11 hours off the ventilator, his breathing wasn't nearly as labored and he rested comfortably most of the day.
• His vital signs, blood work and other indicators all remain steady and strong.
• Even though Dad didn't have much to say through the day, we did enjoy a couple laughs.
• He voiced annoyance with Mom's efforts at a manicure, noting "I'm sure it's good therapy for you"
• He asked, "Are you here [meaning the hospital] 24/7?" When I replied that we were not, he seemed relieved. I assured him that Mom was getting sufficient rest.
• Otherwise, he dozed off and on during the day.

Monday got off to a very good start. He remained alert for much of the day.

• Shortly after we arrived, we enjoyed his session with his speech pathologist, Amy.
• While Dad was sitting up in his robo-chair, Amy tested his swallow with applesauce with blue food coloring. Follow-up by the respiratory therapist showed that he coughed up trace amounts of the dye, so he will have to try again.
  
• All the same, he really enjoyed the applesauce and perked up quite a bit with the experience.
• Among other things, he noted that he needed to work on his repartee. Given that he has a new audience here in Latrobe, he can dust off a lot of his old material.
• He was very vocal about being uncomfortable in his robo-chair. A fix is in the works, but not until later in the week.
  
• While off the ventilator, his breathing was good and he was comfortable through the day.
• Otherwise, he remains steady vis-a-vis vital signs and so forth.

Thanks, as always, for your prayers, warm thoughts and support. Please continue to lift Dad up in prayer for his complete healing, along with both Mom and Dad for strength and peace throughout this ordeal.