Among all the rides that Disney World offers there is one called "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." Hold onto your seat because the ride has many twists and turns, ups and downs, and the car you ride in is known to spin! I have been known to compare life to that ride. Nothing to date has shaken my confidence in that comparison!
This day was better than yesterday for my husband. I spent the morning with him as he had one therapy after another. Speech therapy came first. Diedre, his therapist brought him a sectioned binder. She explained that it was to help him jog his memory. The book is divided into different sections. One is a daily log where he can note when he has therapy and what exercises he is involved in. He can also record any visitors who come by. Another section is a place for him to note any questions he might have and who to ask. In the front of the binder is where personal information is written; his name, address, phone numbers, family members, important dates, etc.
Shortly after Diedre left we headed down to rehab. The OT/PT goal for today was to once again attempt to help Ray stand. Again he was moved from the wheelchair to the chair that converts to simply a support after it gradually helps the patient stand. Again Ray's blood pressure dropped. It was 80 over 60! So again he was moved back into his wheelchair and sent back to his room. One of the contributing factors for such a low pressure was that he was not wearing a mid-drift support. He normally has one on, but the feeding tube had leaked twice and that took care of all he had in his closet. They ordered another one and had to wait for it to come from supply.
Each day I take his laundry home, including those supports, and had brought one back this morning, but I had no idea they needed it and they didn't ask. Each time they get a new one it goes on the bill so I try to keep them clean and in supply. Who knew that they'd go through two in one morning! Oh well, such is life.
Ray was a little more receptive today and so we chatted for a while. Actually I did most of the talking. At one point Ray looked at me so sadly and said, "Sorry." I asked for what? He waved his hands to cover himself and his surroundings. I replied that I was sorry too, but it is what it is and we will get through it!
I asked him what he wanted everyone to pray for him. He said for him to get well quickly, because this is getting old fast!
It is amazing how the LORD orchestras so many details of life! You ever notice when He wants to get a message across you meet it at every turn?! Our Daily Bread today spoke about being up against a wall and instead of giving up, look up. (Okay, this is definitely Debbie's translation of what they said, but it is the same message!)
Ray and I smiled at how caring our God is that He desires to encourage us by reminding us that He is with us every step of the way! We spent a few minutes in prayer and then my honey promptly fell asleep! I kissed his head and left.
Tim visited his dad this evening with Ray's friend Jed. He came home very animated. Dad spoke! He shared that he was grateful to be alive. He asked Tim about work, school and life in general. Dad prayed! He thanked the LORD for being in His life. And Dad ate food!! He had a barium swallow today and must have done well. So for the first time in seven weeks Ray tasted food! Sure it was only mashed potatoes with gravy and some apple sauce, but it was food!!
Yes, it is a wild ride! However, with Papa in the car with us it is an adventure and we know that we will survive. Truly we will more than survive, we will enjoy the ride!