Slow and Steady

Wayne's progress continues. He was put in a chair that was turned 180 degrees so he could look out the window all day at the Chugach mountains on a sunny, blue sky day. And not a minute too soon as he had a much flatter affect today than yesterday. Some slight depression seems to be kicking in (normal!) but in the afternoon he seemed better. Hannah was allowed to visit since the ICU status continues. She was pretty overwhelmed despite the preparation as to what the room would look like and what he would be like. They gave her stuff to make a poster. When we left so I could take her to a friend's she cried because she said it didn't seem like him. One episode of exercise was going from the chair to the bed--his first "shuffle" of about 10 steps and all the while moving about 6 machines and 40 lines all over the place to accommodate it. The nurse, Joe, was wonderful. Once he was moved back to the bed after the shuffle, it took another 20 minutes for Joe to untangle the lines. No word on when leaving ICU so for now we are just content to be receiving such excellent care. Wayne is clearer and more conversant. Tomorrow he is planning to put his glasses on and watch some football. The chair/bed is aimed toward the TV now. So that will be different. He spoke to his mom and wants to speak Michael and Laura who have been patiently waiting--so will try and do that tomorrow. Please call first if you plan to stop by as we are still greatly limiting visitors. We prefer to know if someone is coming and sometimes it just can't happen but I can come out and talk and you might have to settle for that as many have. The cards are opened but he won't be reading the personal messages until he gets home and can enjoy them. For now I am reading the jokes and he likes them. The support is touching and accepted with much gratitude. Marian