Settling In ----- Update on Daddy

I cannot believe that it has been 4 1/2 weeks since Daddy was stricken with Guillain Barre Syndrome.  It was June 4th that his life went spiraling out of control, right along with ours.  Of course, I think it's only natural at a time such as this to think that you are the only family facing challenging times.  It is so all consuming that you cannot imagine that there is another person in this world facing such tough times.  But, as we have gone along, the Lord has reminded me that there are so many folks facing tough times, and a lot are certainly tougher than ours.  It has certainly helped me to keep things in perspective recently.


Daddy is settling in to his new "home away from home."  His day consists of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy and a whole lot of "empty time."  His sessions of PT and OT are rather short right now because he isn't able to hold up to any longer, but each day he is able to do more.  He is walking better and better with a walker.  He cannot walk unassisted but he's certainly much less assisted now than he was this time last week.  His hands are much more flexible and his arms are stronger.  His shoulders still have a ways to go, but I feel like that they will be showing signs of improvement soon.  He has started feeding himself some and can raise and lower his bed and operate the remote control for his TV.  Now, these things are still frustrating tasks for him but each day seems to bring more ability.


He dresses in regular street clothes for his therapy sessions and he looks really good considering what he's been through.  He's minus about 15 pounds, but we are hoping to get that back on him as soon as his appetite increases.


His breathing is much improved, thus his voice is getting stronger.  Both still have a ways to go, but at least his voice is above a whisper now.

He spends a lot of his day either in his wheelchair or his recliner.  He is so glad to not have to spend all day, every day in the bed.  He can even roll himself a short distance in his wheelchair.  All of these things are steps toward independance.

Sybil and I are in and out throughout the day and a sitter is coming from 5:00 - 10:00PM right now.  The late evenings are the toughest part of his days and he seems to do much better mentally if he has someone with him until he goes to sleep.  We were blessed to find someone that came highly recommended and Dad enjoys her company.  


Tommy and I have had a cruise booked for 6 months to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.  We are to leave this Thursday and we didn't know if we were going to get to go, but it seems that it is going to work out and we are preparing to go.  Joel will be coming for a few days while we are gone to encourage Daddy on his journey and the sitter will be available to assist Sybil as needed.  We'll be gone 12 days and I will be excited to see the progress he has made when we return.  


I will update again before we leave, either Tuesday or Wednesday.  We thank you for your continued prayers.  Daddy still has a long ways to go, but when I think back of where he was just a week ago, he has made so much progress.  We praise the Lord for His continued strength and grace for each new day.  Blessings to each of you!