Day 36, Wednesday

Basking in the sun for the first time


Therapist Jackie getting him out of bed and into the wheelchair

Today was mostly evaluations, some therapy but the real stuff will begin tomorrow. He got to sit in a wheelchair today and I was able to take him outdoors for the first time in five weeks. He totally enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his body but it was short lived as his tech found us out in the courtyard and escorted us to the dining room. No more eating in bed! They will get him up for each meal. It's quite a process as they have to use the hoyer lift which is what you see in the picture. Then you get in this processional of wheelchairs lined up going into the dining room.

He complained about his bed yesterday to the nurse and told him about the wonderful air bed he had at John C Lincoln and today he got one. What a difference it makes. He really has a hard time sleeping at night but now it's even harder as his roommate who is 89 years old keeps trying to get out of bed and they now have an alarm on his bed and it makes this horrible noise. This poor old soul gets so confused, not knowing where he is and keeps thinking I'm his nurse.

Leonard got his stitches removed from his leg and ankle today. The hole in his neck is almost closed as well. So many good things happening now and he's so anxious to get started with his therapy, because he wants to go home so badly.

He got weighed this afternoon and he has lost 43 pounds. I wouldn't recommend this kind of diet to anyone, but we're happy that he's lost the weight as it will help his recovery. His surgeon will be very pleased.