Monday, November 7, 2022 7:23 PM

Hello, thank you for joining us!

  Today was a brighter day than the two days of the weekend. Therapy was in full swing. Walking with his walker, Larry again went a fair distance through the hallways. Physios came again to have Larry sitting in his chair, propelling himself forward by stepping with his feet. The first time he's worn shoes since July 1. After lunch he did a great range of motion with his arms, holding a ball. The student P.T. was interested to hear of Larry's years teaching disabled skiers, as she has been introduced to the group who are doing it today. He doesn't show that he's excited to complete these exercises, but his response of 'Thank you!' to the team is sounding more heart felt & sometimes he smiles.

  Mac & cheese for lunch! That's a winner for sure! He's eating fairly well at each meal. We are hoping that he can drink more fluids & do away with the IV that's keeping him hydrated.

  The resident psychiatrist dropped by to ask Larry what changes he's noticed since he's been on meds for sleeping. Larry has been sleeping through the night, & each day he is less sleepy, maybe 30% of the day rather than 70%. The doctor said that within 3 weeks the medication will have significantly changed Larry's gloomy, unenthusiastic mood. There is a slight change already. There's a 'skip' in his voice, when he addresses the therapists or in the occasional comment to his roommate, to cheer her up.

   It's still not a priority of his care team to get him out of bed & increase the time he's sitting in his chair. It may start happening more, as Larry needs much less assistance to go from his bed to the chair. There is no 'air lift' any longer., which always took 2 people & require more time.

 Other than Larry not spending a lot of time in his chair, today was quite a good day. He said he'd ask to be in his chair when his bro. John came to visit tonight.

  Re: needing to have my tires changed, I've been rescued. It's being taken care of. Thank you very much to my guardian angels.

 If you're saying a prayer for Larry tonight, please include his roommates, who are struggling terribly. And heaven knows, the care staff need all the love & prayers we can give. Larry's been on 5 South long enough, that we really feel the family/community connection with staff, patients & their loved ones. It makes a big difference when we can't enjoy the comfort & familiarity of our home.

 Thank you so much! Try to keep warm. I think of Larry's motto as a boy scout: "Be prepared!" I'm putting a warm hat, scarf, gloves & blanket in the car, because I sure don't want to be stuck in this weather without some insulation.

 Take care! We love you! God bless you! xoxoxo