Paul's Update - 05/06/06

Dear Friends:

Friday was a pretty good day. PT came out today and the first thing she said was that this is her last day. Evidently the insurance company has reassigned a new company to provide therapy. She got right to work with Paul's walker. She had him help himself to get up with the walker. He was doing about 90% of the work. Then she had him walk out to the kitchen. The CNA put the wheelchair by the sink. He walked to it, turned around and sat in the wheelchair. She told Paul today was her last day and she asked him if he would shake her hand. He shook his head no. She said "that is just rude" he smiled and then he held out his hand so she could shake it!! He walked back and forth to the bed about six times. She wants him to do more of the work himself. He did all the leg movement by himself. Dad was in front to keep him from going too fast and the therapist was behind keeping him from falling back. It appears that if he could get his balance ... he would be able to walk by himself. Paul complained about not feeling good again. Dad gives him baby Tylenol when he doesn't feel good. Most of the day was quiet. Dad took him outside for a bit. When they came back in they watched TV for a bit.

Saturday when Dad arrived Paul seemed to be sleeping. Tabby asked Paul if he wanted to go to Starbucks. This is a regular routine for them. He nodded his head "yes" so Tabby got him dressed and gave him breakfast. They went to Starbucks and Paul had a great time. Tabby bought him a decaffeinated coffee and he drank it with a straw. He really enjoyed that. Then they took a trip to Giant to get some groceries. Tabby would ask him what he wanted he would answer. She would give him a choice and let him pick what he wanted. This really gives him some control about what he gets to eat. He is so alert these days. He still does things he shouldn't do. He will even tell you he knows he shouldn't do it but he still does it anyway. For instance ... he knows he shouldn't play with his feeding tube. Dad says "you know you shouldn't play with that" and he will shake his head "yes" but then he will reach for it anyway. Paul got to sit outside for a bit. It was a beautiful day. Dad had Paul up walking several times today. He walks him to the bathroom several times every day. Dad & Bobby went to visit a friend at the hospital today. Big Steve has an infection in his leg that they are having a hard time treating. Please keep him in your prayers. We also have another friend Al (Pop) Ford is in the hospital also. He has pneumonia and is an asthmatic. He is on oxygen and they are keeping him quiet. Keep him in your prayers too. Monday we will start with the new Nursing service. Prince William Health Services will no longer be providing nursing or therapies. The new company is Livin Rite. Evidently they have a speech therapist so they will take over all the therapies. Hopefully the speech therapist will start right away! Paul sure is ready for it!

Blessings, Lynne & Carl