After the high of seeing Bob walk on Friday and celebrating Michael’s adoption anniversary, the boy and I spent Saturday and Sunday in Philly visiting with Dada. We read stories, tickled feet and bellies, and played trucks. My mom and dad were in the city overnight as well so we went swimming with Michael at the hotel pool Sunday morning. That little boy is getting more and more fearless. He was jumping in without holding hands and willingly slipping under the water.
Weekends are slow for Bob. Time drags as he has no therapy appointments. Visitors are welcomed to help distract him. Bob calls me often. Sometimes 6 times in a span of ten minutes.
Bob: Girlie. I can’t find my cell phone.
Karen: I have it.
B: ok (end call)
Two minutes later…
B: Someone stole my phone
K: nope, I have it.
B: ok.
At times the call is Bob telling me how amazing I am. And that he could never do this for me. And that I am better than him in every way (I NEED to record that one). And that he’s sorry for the burden that he is putting on me and our family. And how did you ever find these hospitals. And he’s sorry he’s failed us.
I try to spin the spiral back up out of the pit or distract him or change the subject. But sometimes I feed into it and lose it myself. Friday through Sunday were rough on us both. He often asks who is helping me and who of all these people is most helpful. And repeats these questions over and over. Think 50 First Dates.
After Michael and my parents left on Sunday, Bob and I had a date in a family room across from his room in the hospital. We watched the new Jumanji. A few hours later, we talked about the movie we watched and he thought we had seen 48 Hours.
Bob’s care conference was yesterday and there were good reports all around. Ranit thinks he might be able to walk 100% by the time of discharge but won’t change his goal officially until next week. He ate bacon yesterday so his diet has been advanced! “They just brought me a bag of bacon”. Everyone was thrilled with the progress he has made in the last week. Bob was up on the 6th floor today as part of therapy and I’m sure loved the weather. We’re hoping to upgrade to an orange or yellow tag tomorrow. This means more freedom.
I also went to a support group for traumatic brain injury tonight at Magee. Sobering to say the least. Some injuries were as fresh as three years and others more than 40. Few drive. Even fewer work. And all have similar feelings about their injury and how their brain works now. Please, please, please keep praying for complete and miraculous healing. I had to stop myself from crying a few times.
I’ll let you know how therapy goes tomorrow. I’m excited to see even more progress!
Smooching Dada after tickles.
Dada reading a book to Mikey
Magee models. And my crazy Dad.
