Paul's Update - 03/09/06

Dear Friends:

Paul seems more and more alert each day. He seems to grin a lot lately. At PT Dad told therapist that yesterday was the first day Paul knew about his motorcycle being totaled and that Paul had always wanted a Street Bob ... however, Tabby wants touring bike. He joked that if Paul wanted to get a different bike he needed to do it a different way ... Paul got a big smirk on his face ... at least he can laugh about it! Therapy went even better today ... Paul walked about the same distance as yesterday but he seemed to do it even better. They worked more with standing also. He kept mouth closed and was swallowing pretty good during therapy but he was pretty exhausted afterward. The Speech Therapist had him eat about 1/2 a Popsicle. She is still concerned that he is only swallowing about 60% of the time and that isn't good enough to get more foods yet. Dad talked to the doctor and asked if anyone had ever done an xray of Paul's nose. It is crooked and he was wondering if that makes it hard for Paul to breathe through his nose. Evidently there were hundreds of xrays of Paul's head but not one of his nose. The doctor decided it was worth taking some pictures just to make sure there are no problems that were overlooked. We should have some results on that Friday. At OT they attempted to get Paul to roll onto his stomach but he resisted that a lot since it puts a lot of pressure on his arms. The therapist wanted to work with him on an exercise ball but the feeding tube is in the way so they just worked on the table mat and rolled from side to side. Tonight was shower night. As they were getting ready to bathe him Dad told Paul "I love you" and Paul looked at him and blew him a kiss! What a blessing! According to the social worker at the hospital we will need to be preparing for Paul to come home on or about the 29th of March. We aren't sure if this is an accurate date or if it could possibly be sooner ... we think it depends on the therapists evaluations each week. Tabby is working hard to get the house ready!! Bobby missed out on his time with Paul today because he had to work but Dad is leaving to take a trip with our friend Bill to Florida over the weekend so Bobby will plan to come up on Saturday and stay with Paul that day instead! Friday is my Mom's moving day. The truck will come to her house between 8-9am. It looks like we will leave Tennessee on Saturday or Sunday. Her goods will be in South Carolina on Monday. Please keep all of us that are traveling this weekend in your prayers.

Love,
Lynne & Carl