Paul's Update - 09/03/06

Dear Friends:

Today was a pretty good day. Paul got up early and everyone got ready to go out for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Tabby was wanting to get Paul out of the house and breakfast is always a good outing. We had 12 people (13 if you count Max) for breakfast and we got there before the Sunday morning rush of people arrived. Afterwards it was back to the house for Paul & Tabby and the rest of us went to church. Dad was able to get Paul to go outside for a large portion of the day. It was a beautiful day in the low 80's. Dad was able to get Paul in and out of the bathroom several times today. He actually did pretty good with his walking. He seemed much stronger today. This evening when Tabby was sitting with him on the swing she tried to get him to point to the ingredients on his soda but he wouldn't do it. She tried to get him to count on his fingers but he wouldn't do that either. Finally she grabbed his left hand and held it tight. He tried to pull it away from her but she wouldn't let it go. He raised his right arm almost straight up like he was going to hit her. He didn't hit her of course (thankfully) but the point is that he USED his right arm ... intentionally! It was actually a great moment! We are pretty uncertain about what Paul actually understands. When asked if he was mad at Dad he nodded his head yes but when he was asked "do you love us?" he nodded yes. Tabby asked him if he knew who he is and he said "yes" but then she asked "are you William?" and he nodded yes again. She asked "do you know who I am?" and he said yes ... but then she asked "am I your sister?" and he nodded yes again. However he seems to know exactly what to do for certain activities. He knows silverware is for eating. He uses the handle of his coffee cup to drink with. He can set his coffee cup down and then take a glass with his hand and drink from it with ease. He knows when he is done in the bathroom that he needs to pull up his pants. The confusion seems more obvious some days than others. He doesn't really seem to like having the nurses in his room but Dad told him he needs to get lots better before we can get rid of them. We need them right now!! It would be great if he is starting to get stronger and could possibly be ready for rehab again!! Monday we will not have any nurses. Dora called this evening and said she would not be there because of the holiday. Bobby is going to be home though and Dad will be there!

Have a great holiday! Lynne & Carl