Friday, July 22, 2022

5:36 PM

Thank you for accompanying us!

  Today was much like yesterday re: Larry's difficulty to have peaceful rest due to the incessant thrusting of his chest, coughing to clear it. After 4 hours he was suctioned and given a nasal oxygen tube. His oxygen levels got to a healthy number and he started to rest. The whole time, he mumbled inaudibly. If he's dreaming, he sure has a lot to say.

  He did open his eyes long enough to recognize me and then Shane & Courtney. Not much interaction.

  We got to witness the lovely speech therapist work with him and he was obedient to her commands. "Count to 10" "What is this?" a spoon, a pen (I can't remember what else) he named them. And a few more questions. She tested his reflex for swallowing. When he can swallow safely, then the feeding tube will come out of his nose, and he'll start eating real food. When I arrived I met Larry's occupational therapist who was bringing Larry's special wheelchair to his room. A physio therapist also assessed him today. Monday, will be full speed ahead with daily (week days) therapies. Just hearing the word "rehab" brings a lot of hope with it. Larry has assisted patients in their rehab journey, who were affected by strokes in the same way as him, to work hard, persevere courageously & do so very well.

 I've been hoping to let our friend Greig, (a nurse working at the hospital) know that Larry is there. While Larry was being attended to, we stepped out into a hallway & there was Greig. He is working in another unit, but will drop by to say an encouraging "Hi!" to Larry. Almost every day there is a lovely happenstance/mini miracle like that. Seeing Greig was a ray of sunshine for us today.

  We are sure hoping that the difficult chest issue takes a hike soon, so Larry can have all the strength & peace that he needs to do what he has to do to get better.

  God bless you. Thank you so much for your loving support & prayers. xoxo