Finally, a good day.

Tuesday, Nov 8

Gary is having a good day today. He went to therapy this morning and he will go to more this afternoon. He is feeling stronger since the surgery and very motivated to do as much as he can. Of course nothing has been easy for him throughout this entire process and post-surgery is following the same course. They are continuing to watch him closely so nothing interferes with his healing. Today's concerns are the possible formation of blood clots in his legs and urinary tract complications. As he begins to feel better his fighting spirit is returning. I told the nursing staff it was great for Gary that he is beginning to act like his normal self, but bad for the staff because now he will be more like the old Gary - he'll be a pain in their butts. Those poor nurses won't be fast enough or get enough done or make quick enough decisions. He was already anxious because he wasn't early for his first therapy appointment.

Sunday he woke up and the first thing he said was "Since my right arm works pretty well but my left arm is weak, I think I am going to learn to play guitar." It is interesting to me how the smallest thing can now seem so significant. I am so grateful to hear Gary talking about the future with some enthusiasm in his voice!

The Shepherd Center offers a variety of classes to educate patients about their injuries. Gary went to one class yesterday and reported it was designed for those folks without a medical background but he said it helps to get him out and about. Reading between the lines that probably means he could have taught the class.

The angels for the last few days are: Hali, Carol and Jan for talking me home from Atlanta (and filling me in on Herman Cain, Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky - I know Joe and Jerry from when I worked at Penn St - EEEK! what a mess). Thanks to my neighbor Steve for showing me that the lawn mower wasn't broken, we just needed to use the choke. Special thanks to Jan for doing all kinds of stuff to help me when I am in Atlanta. And to Peter and Nancy for suggesting that I do this blog. It has helped me so much to keep up the communication.

Thanks to you all for caring about Gary!

Judi