Blog from Fanning Center

Finally, I have a moment to sit down and get a blog spot off to you. The past couple of days have been full and very busy. Yesterday (Thursday) started off with a very grumpy Gord and after a little chat with one of the nurses AND a nap, he came around to the more normal guy we know. We are still getting adjusted to the being in bed time and being in the wheelchair time interspersed with physio and speech therapy and meals. It really is a workout! On our walk around the facility, we found this computer station and I read the blog comments to Gord. He totally understood what I was reading him so if you have any messages to convey to Gord go ahead and write them in the comments. I will read to him. (Still don't know if he can read them himself so I will experiment). We also put on his jacket and went for a stroll through the cement garden in the front of the building. The sun was warm on his skin and he enjoyed it. After that, to kill time and stay away from his room (which was his request) we ventured to the 3rd floor where it is very quiet and peaceful. With his new chair that tilts back and has a headrest, we sat in front of the greenhouse in the sun and just dozed a little. Later that afternoon while we were in his room waiting to get back to bed, Stacy phoned from Columbia. They had a good conversation and he was only off a little on the country she was in. He asked how it was in Australia. He knows now.
In the early evening we strolled down to the main floor and sat in the cafeteria area and people watched. While there, a volunteer clown danced in playing a guitar and singing. We joined in and had a few tears of joy and sadness that were evoked from the words of the songs that related so much to us.
Every day Gord is getting stronger and stronger. It truly is a miracle! Thank you all for your prayers and moral support through this most interesting adventure.

And thank you to Ron and Diane for the wonderful evening last night and the ribs! I am going to give Gord his tonight.

I would also like to report that on Friday (today) Gord enthusiastically did his 30 minutes of physio and seemed to enjoy it. He stands easily now from the chair to the pole. He also walked down the railing quite confidently. I notice his right side is quite deficient in the eyesight and hearing but hopefully that will come back.
His right arm still is not moving at all but his right leg is. I keep telling him that if he can get his leg going and strong, the arm will come and he will be able to do so much when he can walk. The aphasia is still happening and so is the frustration of me not understanding. I am really trying hard to zero on the subject he is trying to express but it will take me some time I'm afraid. I never was good at charades......

So it makes me feel good to be able to relay good news to you all.....

Have a wonderful day - again.

Much love
Sheila