It's been far too long since my last post. Life has become more complicated for me in the last several weeks; Matt H. and I are both fully immersed in new jobs and finding our way around our new home in Rhode Island. But of course, lots has been happening with Dad.
A few weeks ago, he rejoined the choir at Pine Ridge Baptist. They've already started working on their Christmas music, and Dad greatly enjoys his biweekly sessions with his choir friends. Apparently stroke survivors dealing with aphasia frequently benefit from being involved with music, and so Mom and Dad are thinking of his time with the choir as not just a source of pleasure, but also a form of therapy.
He continues to go to the outpatient rehab center three days a week for speech and occupational therapy, and just this week, he has started seeing a physical therapist in Nashville. While he ended his outpatient physical therapy several weeks ago -- he regained his balance and basic mobility very quickly -- he still needs a little work in the areas of stretching, toning, and enhanced range of joint motion. Anyone who knows Dad will also know that he's not exactly the most flexible person around! His joints, especially his knees, have given him trouble for years -- basically as long as I can remember, he's said he has "bad knees." Meanwhile, he continues to have some weakness in his right index finger. His therapists, though, have said they expect it to return to 99% of its original strength over time.
Whenever Dad thinks about returning to life as usual, and doing things he loves like turning bowls, he's faced with the present reality of a puny right pointer. But at the same time, his attitude throughout this entire experience has been amazing and, without fail, upbeat. And so he seems a bit philosophical about it all -- turning and other sorts of fine motor work will come back eventually. And in the meantime, he'll mow grass. (There's been lots of grass, what with all the rain.) And watch Law and Order.
Last weekend Mom and Dad attended one of their favorite annual church events at Pine Ridge, Homecoming. I was not surprised to hear that Dad indulged in a large wedge of his very favorite Homecoming dessert, Maple Nut Chiffon Cake.
Just today he's had an opportunity to give back a little in the caregiver department and minister to Mom, who had a routine colonoscopy in Raleigh. Thanks to Dominee for shuttling Mom and Dad to and from the hospital!
I'm heading home for a long weekend on Saturday morning; I can't wait to see how things are in Pine Ridge.
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