Anyhow, while we were gone, Jan and I texted back and forth talking about Al. I really missed him...I know it may sound weird, but I did. Silly old guy anyhow.
Today started out a little rough for Al. He had an attitude. Who knew, right? LOL He wasn't into doing any OT first thing this morning, so he didn't participate very much. Get this, the nurses said he was being "stubborn".....WHAT? Alvin Jones stubborn.....I just knew it couldn't be our wonderful Al... So, before I arrived at the care center, I went and picked up Rik....Yep, she was ready to rip him a new one...ok so she was actually worried about him. She went right to his side and told him that he better do what ever it takes to come home to her...you know, in that sweet, gruff, MOM voice. I think she even gave him "the look." Yep, you kids know what I am talking about...But of course Dad was all darling when Rik was there.
Well, he was the first one to admit he may have been a little short with the therapist. As his hair was being washed in a nice warm cap, he talked about how he may have hurt the therapists feelings, and that he felt ashamed of being so rude. So, after his bed bath was done and he was all handsome once again, his spirits were much better. The PT came in and when Al told her about the OT situation, she said that she was going to have to work him twice as hard.....joking....kinda. LOL
To be honest, in the past 10 days or so, his strength has gotten alot better. He assists himself more when rolling to either side, he can schooch his buns to the edge of the bed, and today he used his urinal with the assistance of an aide. He did this while he was sitting instead of laying. WOOT WOOT! Sorry if that was too much information, but sometimes he achieves things that really make a big difference in his daily care! He also got into his wheelchair with the assistance of a walker and the PT. Slowly but surely he is making progress. The PT is showing me how to assist him when he would like to do things. Getting him into the chair more often will be so good for his mind, body and soul.
April, when you bring the boys back down, Grandpa Al should be ready to go to the garden and see the fountain! Since Andrew was here, Al and I have been talking about going out to the healing garden to enjoy the fresh air and sights of the area. You can see the river, fountain, growing veggies and flowers...this in itself will help him feel better. He really misses that yard of his at home. Very thankful for Hank mowing and helping Rik keep it lush, it is as gorgeous as always, but misses Alvin's touch.
Tomorrow PT is going to start taking Al downstairs to the therapy room. There he can use a variety of things to gain strength. They also have Virtual Therapy. This I think would be great for Rik to do with him also. Maybe once he gets into a better routine he can show her how it is done. Rik is holding up very well. She sure keeps herself busy with walking Dudley, the yard work and visiting her love. She is pooped out in the evenings though. I think she would benefit from a little PT herself. She sure is a trooper.
Rik brought a couple cards she received for Al. Julia, your cards is PRICELESS!! Alice, we are all looking forward to your visit this weekend! Especially Al!
Hope you all have a fabulous evening. Enjoy the photos of today.....More to come.
This is Al and his Speech therapist....she is working on his swallowing. Today, he enjoyed some Sierra Mist, swallowed it well and had no spit up secretions.....PROGRESS!!
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