Day 4

Wow….what a great day!  I think one of the best days for Skip from an emotionally supportive aspect!  He had many signs of improvement…the morning started off with Skip being in his new room which was a little more accommodating for guests.  The flood gates opened…Skip’s brother Roger flew in from Ketchum Idaho and one of Skips closest friends who picked up Roger from the airport, Roxy Rapp arrived.

Everyone was so touched when Roger walked in the door and said hello to Skip.  The facial expression that skip showed was something so precious and timeless!  He squinted his left eye and his left side of his face and it was just an overwhelming feeling of love and emotion.  The expression on Skips face was saying..“oh Roger, I’m in a mess, I’m so sorry for you to see me like this, I’m scared and want to get better…But I’m so very very happy you are here”!  Roger hugged Skip for quite some time and it was priceless!  I’m definitely not an author but I don’t think there’s an author that could put down in words the moment that was captured when the brothers hugged and were face to face!

I could leave the post at that…it was so very touching and I was overwhelmed with emotions…but the day continued to be a strong one filled with people who Skip loves so much.

Right after Roger walked in, Michelle who had flown in from Colorado walked in..and again, Skip was sooo happy to see her!  Michelle and Skip had some very special moments and it was great to watch…

And it didn’t stop after Michelle, Roxy Rapp, one of Skips closest friends was able to spend some quality time with him sharing the moment together.

So as said earlier, the day was strong both emotionally and physically!  We are able to meet the Occupational therapist and Physical therapist.  Around 2pm the Nurse provided some medication to Skip per Dr. Shen’s request that is supposed to help with the Brain Hemorrhage.  It seems that Dr. Shen is a fairly progressive DR. and likes to mix things up and be a bit different than some traditional MD’s.   We like creativity and out of the box thinking, anything that’s going to help get the Main Man on his feet again.

Around 230pm, the PT, came in and was going to do some exercises.  He started by holding skip up while sitting on the bed.  The goal is to have skip sit on the bed and hold his balance.  At first he struggled but after 5-10 minutes he seemed to be doing better.  Then the PT put a belt around Skip and picked him up and had him standing.  Yep..you are reading this correctly!  Skip was unable to stand on his own but the PT had him up and once he was up he had Skip lift up his head!  He was great…he picked up his head with much effort and was looking at the PT.  We were all very pleased but definitely want to make sure we take things slow.  The PT said that this amount of exercise was a lot for him, although it didn’t look like too much…it was very emotional but encouraging.

The work was a bit rough on him but I think it was probably the right amount.  His blood pressure climbed to 173, and his heart rate came down a bit lower than they’d like but it seems it was a good balance. 

So…I am writing this now from the coffee shop in downtown Salinas, Michelle and Annie are with him and enjoying some of the early evening together.  I’m going to see him around 6pm and will tuck him in for the evening.

We are really happy and pleased with the day and hopefully it continues without any backwards slides…  Thank you all for the love and support!  Please feel free to provide your support in the comments section and let me know if you’d like to learn anything more

The family is discussing when an appropriate time is for more visitors and I’ll be sure to let you know what the timing looks like.  The first 3-5 days are critical so we thank you again for your time, support and love! 

As you know, Skip is one of the most wonderful people in this world and he has touched all of us in special ways…so thanks again for keeping him in your prayers!

Love, The Crist Family