New Digs

Dad has made the move to Younker Rehab Center in Des Moines. From the pictures Mick sent me it looks like a very nice place. From the texts Mick sent me it sounds like the staff there is going to be much harder on him. They make him answer them and won't let him defer to Mom. Mom is not able to eat with him seemingly because they are retraining him in socialization. He will have intensive therapy 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. Mom is able to stay with him in his room and will do so some nights.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for them both. It sounds like they would like to have him out of there by the end of September. Praise God!

Moving On

Dad is moving this morning to Younker Rehab Center in Des Moines. This is a great opportunity for him. The move is made with the idea that he is headed home. Praise God for this opportunity! Please continue to pray for strength as he begins this more rigorous rehab.

Moving On

We got good news yesterday. Dad is moving on to the Younker Rehab Center. He will be getting more intensive therapy with the idea of moving home. Mom can stay with him and get training on how to best help him when he does move home. Please continue to pray for them as they go on to this new phase in their lives. http://www.iowahealth.org/younker-rehabilitation.aspx

Quick Note

Audry Leelah made her arrival yesterday. She weighed 9 lbs and was 20.5" long. She is a lovely little girl and we are all delighted to have her with us.

Dad is being considered for a move to rehab. That would mean more intensive therapy, but the move is made with the idea that the patient is heading home. My niece who is a county health nurse thinks it is a very exciting move. He has evidently worked hard - one therapist called him the poster child for stroke victims. You Go, Dad!!!

Doing Great!

Sorry it has been so long since I updated this post. I have had a lot of time recently with my grandchildren being with two or more of them every day from July 7 - 30. Sometimes their parent(s) were with them, sometimes not. It was a great time with lots of family stuff including a niece's wedding, trip to Iowa and our first overnight with the girls without their parents. Since the girls are coming again tonight (Danielle is scheduled to be induced tomorrow), I thought I would update Dad's status now while I have time.

From what I saw in mid-July and what Mom continues to report, Dad is doing GREAT. He is walking his wheelchair to the dining room, beginning to use a walker and being able to help enough with transferring from wheelchair to elsewhere that Mom can sometimes help him. The therapy team changed this week and I ask your prayers as he makes the adjustment to new therapists. Mom's report yesterday on PTand OT was positive. The speech therapist didn't seem to do much, but Mom being Mom is reserving judgment. Also, please continue to pray for his cognition. He is still having trouble retrieving what he wants to say and getting it out. The therapists have said it is all up there, it is just kind of jumbled and he needs to practice retrieving the correct words. It is a frustration for him, so your prayers in this area are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The next time I post, I will let you all know about our fifth grandchild who is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Five grandchildren 3 years old and under - our family get-togethers will be exciting!

Moving...

Great birthday present!!! Mom told me on our nightly call that Dad was taking steps with a walker (and some help) today. Praise God!!! and thank you all for your prayers.

Outing!

It was a good day today. Dad was able to go to Aunt Dolores's house for tea this afternoon. Hooray for progress!