A dinner "date" with Mom

Dana had a very busy day today with a full schedule from 9 to 4. He and his classmate Jeff had to give a 15 minute presentation during the speach therapy session. They did a great job. You are all probably wondering why speech (since Dana can talk just fine). It is all part of the process to make sure everything is working. Shepherd's teaches individuals to think of the brain as a muscle and as such, the brain needs to be exercised just like any other part of the body. Dana also learned roll overs in PT and practical everyday things in OT such as crossing your legs. I'm sure it sounds easy, but believe me it is hard work to train your body to do even simple movements that we all take for granted.

It is so impressive and uplifting to see how hard the patients at Shepherd's work to gain back even the smallest movement and master an everyday life skill. Everyone has a different and unique circumstance and they are all highly motivated to get back to their lives and regain/recover as much as they possibly can. The atmosphere is positve and can do! It is truly inspirational to watch as they reach their goals and conquer each challenge one step at a time.

Courtney flew back to NY late this afternoon to work for several days and left junior nurse in training (Mom) in charge. I have a long way to go, but I'm learning! Dad will join Mom on Thursday, so we'll have another junior nurse in training. We sure can't hold a candle to Court, but we will do our best and will keep things moving in the right direction for Dana. Guess we'll do what we do best, just be Mom and Dad. I think that will work just fine.

Now that Dana is free of his IV's etc., he has been able to motor around in his chair. Tomorrow the Doc's plan to remove his pic line and discontinue pricking his finger's to test his sugar level (I'm probably saying that incorrectly, but I'm sure you all know what I mean). Dana says his finger tips are really sore, so he is very happy. One less procedure! Woo Hoo!

Tonight Dana and I went to the cafeteria for dinner instead of eating in the room (a dinner date with Mom). The cafeteria closes at 7:00, and we didn't arrive until 6:50, so the menu was slim pickins, but we had a great time and Dana was thrilled to see another part of the building. Besides.... lurky back in the cabinet in Dana's room were peanut butter cups for desert. Yummmmy.

Tomorrow is another big day, so I'll sign off. As always, thanks to all of you for your constant support. Oh and hey Reggie and Amy..... way to go. Great job on the race. Thanks so much for your dedication on Dana's behalf.