Paul's Update - 04/14/06

Dear Friends:

Today was a real good day, Dora (the CNA) gets Paul bathed & dressed before Dad comes. Then Dad fed Paul & gave him his meds. Tabby had gotten an abdominal binder to strap around Paul's stomach so he cannot reach his feeding tube. This seems to help keep him from pulling the tube. After a while Dad got him up & had him sit on the edge of the bed for 6 minutes (this helps him strengthen his abdominal muscles and learn balance). He held himself really good ... the longest time since accident without help. Every time Dad asked him questions today he answered. At first is was only to "no" questions but after a while he was also doing the "yes" answers. After they worked on balance Dad put him in the wheelchair to watch TV for a while. When Dad put him down for a rest (since he isn't suppose to be up long) he had two pillows under his head. Dad took one and asked "is that more comfortable?". He answered "no" so Dad asked "do you want other back?" and he answered "yes"! Later Dad went to get him up, he asked if Paul wanted to sit on edge of bed he shook his head said "no". Dad decided to stand him up for a while to get balance. Rocking back & forth on his legs ... he did really good. He is getting stronger and now is more able to help when Dad stands him up. He stood for a few minutes before he was ready to sit. He seemed very alert today!! Dad put on the movie Caddyshack this after noon. He likes watching TV. He sits right in front of the TV in his wheelchair. It was too windy today and there was a threat of rain so he didn't get to go outside. Saturday we will have Easter Dinner with Tabby & her parents. We are also having a family birthday party for Alysa (our granddaughter) since her birthday was last week. Have a happy & blessed Easter.

Love, Lynne & Carl