Dear Friends,

Dad returned to the Walnut Creek long term acute care facility on Sunday after a stay at the John Muir Medical Center to combat another round of aspirational pneumonia. The doctors and nurses at John Muir were really wonderful, and he was recovering well. By the end of his stay, he was alert, recognizing his sister, Cathy, when she walked into the room for a visit from Eureka. He was even able to do a crossword puzzle with Mom. He didn't get much physical therapy there, however, and so remains weak.

Unfortunately, the move back to the long term care facility was a rough transition, and he has had some trouble sleeping and readjusting to the new place. When he doesn't sleep well at night, it throws everything off. He becomes disoriented or so sleepy he can't do his therapy. Mom is working hard to make sure that he is getting the care and attention he needs to get back on the road to a strong recovery. Today was better. He had slept last night and was able to do both his occupational therapy and his physical therapy. They are working on various exercises to strengthen his arms, legs, and core muscles. He was also able to sit up on the side of the bed by himself and brush his own teeth today, both are good signs.  We are hoping that things will continue to improve as he gets stronger with further therapy. The speech therapist is also working with him. We learned at John Muir that one of his vocal cords is paralyzed, though there are therapies that can help strengthen it. Inspired by his interest in the crossword puzzle, she is also using puzzle exercises to work with him.

This has been a rough two weeks, and we continue to appreciate all of your support. Dad's certainly a fighter. He has been working hard despite all of the setbacks and frustrations. Mom, too, has been fighting the good fight as his advocate. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!