Triumph

A lot happened yesterday. Some things, I am keeping to myself. Sorry. Moments just for Jim and me.

But, one event is for everyone to rejoice about. Drumroll....Jim sat up....Jim sat up! Feet flat on the floor, an aide behind him at his back, and Physical Therapist initiating, guiding, and supporting the effort. Can you imagine the joy he must have felt inside, to be upright. Somewhat behind the steering wheel. Looking at the floor or wall instead of the ceiling. Glory! No wonder his eyes popped open for the first time since the move from ICU.

No. He did not follow commands. Again. But, maybe his head was spinning from the abrupt changes in direction. Maybe the wires are still a little crossed. Maybe he was so overwhelmed at what he had just accomplished, that he was busy doing the interior happy dance instead. But, we will work on that today. Asking more of him. Including his cooperation.

As for the rest of yesterday, I played barber. A clean, washed, shaved face has got to be more comfortable. So trying to remember what he has taught me about the proper shave, with the electric razor, I only got a couple of frowns. He did attempt to stretch his upper lip for me. So we will try more today, instead letting the weeds get out of hand.

His eyes open. His focus. His eye contact. His tracking, were all better yesterday. He hardly shut his eyes all afternoon after his breathing therapy and nap. And, they removed his restraints and mittens, hoping he would not take advantage of the freedom and pull something he should not. He still had them off last evening, when I had to leave.

Oh! And, another triumph? Jim still has the Ferrari bed from ICU. My goodness, how things have changed when it comes to defining triumph.