Day 6
So I ended up going a little later in the morning but my mom and other family members were there nice and early. The day showed many signs of improvement and it seems we are now getting close to being out of the woods. We spoke with Dr. Carver and he layed out a pretty good plan...
Skip will remain at SVMH in the Level II care area of the hospital for a few more days. They are trying to get him a little more rehabilitated, with the Speech Therapist (for swallowing), the Physical and Occupational therapists. Once he is stabilized and able to swallow enough to begin eating and able to nourish himself, they will transfer him to the internal rehab at SVMH. He will go through 2 weeks of rehab and then he will most likely be admitted at Dominican in Santa Cruz. The facility is an acute care and rehab center but it's also a Hospital environment. From the research we have done, many signs indicate that this facility is one of the best! My Grandmother lives in Santa Cruz and this will be very convenient for my mom.
So Skip physically appeared very well yesterday. He was attentive for much of the day, his eyes were both wide and he was writing up a storm. Skip was able to write his name, the names of the grandchildren and some other items as well. We were initially concerned that the writing would be too frustrating but he's wanting to do it.
Skip is also indicating that he wants to eat and drink. The Speech therapist who did the swallow test, said that he's close but not quite there.. It looks that we will have an alternative source for nutrition, until he's able to swallow...then we can start with the food. The therapist indicated that his swallowing should come back very soon...
Later in the afternoon, Jamie and Katie and their 2 children Matt and Emily arrived. They added some artwork to the walls, that Ashley, Austin and Savanna had colored some pictures for Skip. Emily had painted an adorable picture and Matt had his Pop Warner football picture. Skip was very touched by the pictures and he was very impressed (as was I) with Emily's artisitic ability.
Jamie brought Skip a book of stories/poems and read one that I wasn't aware at first would be so touching. The poem came to an end and it was very touching. Skip was very moved by the poem and was overwhelmed with emotions...the room became a tropical rain forest as there wasn't a dry eye. Jamie asked Skip if he's going to fight...and Skip looked him in the eye and nodded.
I don't recall the poem being so touching but the moment was precious and something I won't ever forget. Skip is a fighter and someone whom we all know will overcome this. But he's down right now and he knows it. He's very scared and unsure of what he'll gain back and how close to 100% he'll get...(as we all are) so I think the moment and the event really caught up to him and the poem triggered some very powerful emotions.
I know that lot's of things are going on but there are a few things that I keep focusing on. First, Skip's brain is intact and he's cognitive of everything. Second, his spirit and soul is larger than life so he's got a strong chance for a successful recovery, Third is his family and friends. His support system is incredible and something he will draw upon to gain energy and strength.
Thank you all again for your time, energy and support for Skip and the family!
Skip will remain at SVMH in the Level II care area of the hospital for a few more days. They are trying to get him a little more rehabilitated, with the Speech Therapist (for swallowing), the Physical and Occupational therapists. Once he is stabilized and able to swallow enough to begin eating and able to nourish himself, they will transfer him to the internal rehab at SVMH. He will go through 2 weeks of rehab and then he will most likely be admitted at Dominican in Santa Cruz. The facility is an acute care and rehab center but it's also a Hospital environment. From the research we have done, many signs indicate that this facility is one of the best! My Grandmother lives in Santa Cruz and this will be very convenient for my mom.
So Skip physically appeared very well yesterday. He was attentive for much of the day, his eyes were both wide and he was writing up a storm. Skip was able to write his name, the names of the grandchildren and some other items as well. We were initially concerned that the writing would be too frustrating but he's wanting to do it.
Skip is also indicating that he wants to eat and drink. The Speech therapist who did the swallow test, said that he's close but not quite there.. It looks that we will have an alternative source for nutrition, until he's able to swallow...then we can start with the food. The therapist indicated that his swallowing should come back very soon...
Later in the afternoon, Jamie and Katie and their 2 children Matt and Emily arrived. They added some artwork to the walls, that Ashley, Austin and Savanna had colored some pictures for Skip. Emily had painted an adorable picture and Matt had his Pop Warner football picture. Skip was very touched by the pictures and he was very impressed (as was I) with Emily's artisitic ability.
Jamie brought Skip a book of stories/poems and read one that I wasn't aware at first would be so touching. The poem came to an end and it was very touching. Skip was very moved by the poem and was overwhelmed with emotions...the room became a tropical rain forest as there wasn't a dry eye. Jamie asked Skip if he's going to fight...and Skip looked him in the eye and nodded.
I don't recall the poem being so touching but the moment was precious and something I won't ever forget. Skip is a fighter and someone whom we all know will overcome this. But he's down right now and he knows it. He's very scared and unsure of what he'll gain back and how close to 100% he'll get...(as we all are) so I think the moment and the event really caught up to him and the poem triggered some very powerful emotions.
I know that lot's of things are going on but there are a few things that I keep focusing on. First, Skip's brain is intact and he's cognitive of everything. Second, his spirit and soul is larger than life so he's got a strong chance for a successful recovery, Third is his family and friends. His support system is incredible and something he will draw upon to gain energy and strength.
Thank you all again for your time, energy and support for Skip and the family!
posted by Jason Crist at 7:21 AM
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