Same Stuff - Different Day.

Like the title says: SSDD. Doctors, nurses, questions, answers, temperature checks, blood pressure checks, bandage changes, eye drops, ointment, nasal spray, and on and on and on......  In addition to all that (and as a chance to escape it) work in the gym doing physical therapy, twice a day.  Round one (in the morning) - 15 minutes on an eliptical trainer, sixty leg lifts, and the wall climb (including the sixteen flights of stairs going to and returning from the gym).  Round two (in the afternoon) - fifteen minutes on a stationary bike with the resistance turned up, lunges and squatting exercises, and balance work.  All this, when you've been living on nothing but chicken soup and strained fruit for a week can take a lot of you. Top it off with a long, hot shower and it's a sure ticket to Napsville. 

He woke up for a round with the Occupational Therapist who had him building duplicate Lego assemblies, ate his supper (more soup and fruit with the required protien powder and nutritional paste), and went back to bed. 

He has to get his rest when he can because the nursing staff changes shifts at about 8:00 pm (that's 20:00 around here) and the "rounds" start over.  There are a number of student nurses here as well and they want to get in as much practice as possible so there are no shortcuts taken.  Being here makes me think of those old western movies where the Indians are waiting to ambush the wagon train.  If we let our guard down for a minute, Bam! They're in the door and checking temps, blood pressure, asking when the last time his bowels moved and what color his discharge was.  The poor guy can't get a break.   One nurse came in and saw he was in bed.  She asked Roxann if he was sleeping and Roxann said he was.  With that, she walked over to the bed and woke him out of a sound sleep just to say hello.  If she tries it again, Roxann will body check her like a hockey player before she makes it to the bathroom door.  More than likely, Palo Alto will probably be more of the same but we've fought the urge to ask about it just because we don't want to crush the hope.  

We got some more mail today too.  Thanks for the cards, letters, and other thoughful gifts you've sent (including an addition or two to the "fan club"). I haven't listed anyone or anything specifically because I don't want to offend anyone by forgetting them but I have to give special thanks to the kids from elementary schools across the country.  We've hung the cards, posters, letters, valentines cards, and HUGE get well card he received from you all (you know who you are and what you made).  We've been told that in the history of this hospital, there hasn't been a room as decorated as Michael's is.  Keep it up and take the opportunity to send stuff to other wounded warriors as well.

We find out tomorrow morning if the eye doctors will sign his release. That's all that lies between us and a trip west.  When we know, we'll put out the word.

Until then, as always, thanks so much for your thoughts, your prayers, and your support.  Keep up the good work.

Dad