Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace
Nov. 10, 2022
YEAAAH LARRY! (11.09.22)
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 5:39 PM
Hello, welcome to this 'blue-ribbon' day!
Today was the 2nd time I've seen Larry walking, using this walker. It's very exciting to see him stand so tall & place one foot in front of the other. With him, was the physio, an assistant & a student. His wheelchair is pushed along, behind him for if/when he needs a break. Larry walked much further than before, with the therapists gleefully commenting on how well he was doing, commenting specifically on his feet, knees, hips, back... Larry plunked himself down in the chair about 3/4 of the way through, then said "Let's go!" and up he got! Upon entering his room, beside the bathroom door, he said "I'd like to go!" I asked him how I should report this special event, he said "I made a big deposit!" By the time he got back into his bed, he was exhausted, in the best way, breathing heavily, with his hands clasped snugly & a big smile on his face. No shoes today, but he did go for the shirt & shorts in exchange for the hospital gown. He said "No!" at first, but agreed that it was a much better look than the nightgown yesterday.
The rest of the day, before & after the walk was pretty good. He was quite chatty with Shane in the morning visit & did well with the swallowing & arm exercises. Even though his meal menus are quite repetitive, he still eats most of it, without complaint. He chatted on the phone with one of our aunties, who is in lockdown because of a terrible outbreak of covid at their residence, and was happy to share his progress. Of course our aunties are so delighted for him.
Larry received the most beautiful encouraging message today. It came from the grandmother of a precious 5 year old girl, recounting the non-stop prayers for a miracle every day, when she was born so prematurely and spent most of her first year in NICU. She was so incredibly tiny, as one of the photos showed, that her whole hand easily slipped through her mom's wedding ring. This teeny warrior fought hard & steady. Grandma said "If she could do it, you can do it! She's in kindergarten now & was so beautiful as 'Tinkerbell' for Halloween. It really was a 'village' of people praying for miracles for this little sweetheart, and we are relying on & grateful for the village that pray for Larry's miracle. 'To dream the impossible dream!' It's called faith & hope, with an overabundance of love! Thank you!
I asked the charge nurse about the criteria for Larry to transfer to a rehab centre. She said that the Physio & Occupational therapists conduct an ongoing assessment. I'll ask them tomorrow if they have a rough idea. With their help, hopefully Larry can set attainable goals for himself.