Thursday, April 10, 2008

Another Good Day

Dear Friends,

Just wanted to let everyone know that Randy and I had a great night last night.  We got 3 of the 5 unedited DVD's of the Benefit Concert from Matthew, and Randy got to watch them for the first time.  He really lit up like a Christmas Tree when he watched them.  He understood that all of the musicians were there playing for him, and that everyone involved is wishing him a speedy recovery.  I can't explain how emotionally touched he was, or how excited he was.  He seemed spellbound and fascinated.  These DVD's will be something that Randy and I will treasure always.  Matthew is in the process of editing, and condensing them.  He will try and get it down to two DVD's, and when he is finished, I will let you know.  This may take a little while, so please be patient.

For MORE GOOD NEWS...Randy had a terrific day today! The wind may have been a bother to the rest of the world, but it didn't seem to bother Randy! I am not sure if this is the result of watching the DVD's or not, but he had a super good day.  They have now bumped his diet up to pureed foods, which means that it stays in the spoon well enough that he was able to feed HIMSELF!  (And he really shoveled it in!)  He drank his milk without help from an uncovered glass, without any spills!  He did the same at supper time, eating everything on his plate!  Mom and Diane and Denise have told him that we can bring in some "real food" for him, because he is not fond of pureed hot dogs, or beets, or some of the other stuff they call "food!"  I know he is anxiously awaiting some home-cooked food.  

He went to physical therapy, and his therapist reported that he did a good job, and verbally said "Ouch" when it hurt.  In Occupational therapy, he was able to correctly choose the appropriately colored peg, and put it in the hole.  He successfully completed all of his tasks in that area.  By the time that the Speech therapist came in, he was full from supper, and was really fading fast, but he was able to identify pictures and words with about 75% accuracy.  I am pretty sure that he would have done much better if he wasn't so tired!  His speech therapist reports that she thinks that we will soon be able to up him "soft foods."  Diane told Randy that "Felisha says you're having a good day!" and Randy replied "So far, so good!"  It is so good to hear him talking more.  It is still slow with the vocals, but he is getting there!

By the time we got him back in his bed, he was exhausted, and fell fast asleep.  He didn't even flinch when they gave him his evening shots. (He is still on a blood thinner and insulin.)  Overall, today was a good, productive day.  He seemed to be more like the Randy we all know.  His level of comprehension was very high today.  Earlier today, I showed him some pictures of aneurysms and the coiling process, and explained further about his injuries and surgeries and procedures.  He listened intently, and nodded his head as though he was totally understanding the whole thing.  I explained that we know that some of the therapy may seem childish to him, but we have to reconnect some of the paths that may have been damaged, and that we needed these childish things to help him build coordination skills.  He seems to understand this.  

Randy is an amazing person, and I love him so, and am so very, very proud of him and his progress.  I hope you all continue to pray, and to cherish each and every moment with your loved ones.  I think this is what life is all about.  

Until next time,
Felisha

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