steady he goes



A special visitor: Dr. Ben Burkam

Love this photo! One, it shows that a smile is coming back to Bill's face ... I'm seeing the "real Bill" bit by bit. Two, it shows the love surrounding us. Ben is our son David's best friend from high school, and he's in his residency at Riverside. He visited yesterday afternoon and how we enjoyed it. What a great "kid." (Now a dad!) Thank you, Ben!

The hospital is the hospital. The coffee's terrible. We'd rather be home. But the acute inpatient rehab unit at Riverside is fantastic. Yesterday the therapists put Bill through his PT and OT paces for a total of 3 hours. When finished, he took a nap! Bill's biggest accomplishment yesterday was walking with a cane. Slowly, but he did it. He's feeding himself pretty well, answering his phone, brushing his teeth. He's happy not to have to comb his hair! Still, nearly everything is an effort. He has a long way to go.

I'm thankful that family is welcome on the unit. There's a fridge and microwave so I can bring some food from home. We eat some meals together, and yesterday I rolled Bill downstairs to Riverside's lobby, the "mini airport terminal," as I call it, for a change of scenery.

Bill will have progress goals that will help determine when he can come home. It's unknown, but I ask for prayers for increased strength, energy and healing. The pain has diminished, but is still there.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to friends and neighbors who have stepped in to help ease the burden of this journey. I love and thank God for you all.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. ~ Isaiah 40:29 & 31