Feeling Good, Looking Good

Dad went out for a haircut yesterday. He's doing tons of Physical Therapy work to strengthen and stretch. He's feeling much more like him sled as evidenced by his interest in tinkering projects around the house. He's taught me to change the air filters, wind and set the clocks, repair the cat scratching post and light the pilot light on the gas fireplace. IF ONLY I'd taken him up on his offer to let me follow him around when I was a kid, I'd know how to do EVERYTHING!

He got the absolute royal treatment from the Westen grandkids this week: a cheer ("gimme an M, gimme an I, gimme a K, gimme an E") and a fantastic rendition of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!"

The Note Fairy Visited Again

During Grandaddy's nap today, another note appeared. It says:

You are well today.

Love,

Note Fairy

Heather's Here Again!

Heather (a.k.a. Auntie Roo) arrived yesterday from Austin. She's seeing enormous changes in Dad since she was last here just 11 days ago!

Working on a kiwi crate with Grandaddy & Olivia (thank you Auntie M & Uncle J!):

A Great Correction!

To quote Dr. Goldsmith immediately after the 9+ hour surgery, it's a "great correction!"

The internal after (left) and before (right):

The Man Himself: The Notorious D.R.G!

What can we say? We LOVE this guy! In addition to changing lives, Dr. Goldsmith continues to impress us with his humility and compassion. It's one thing to be highly skilled (some say gifted) and it's another thing altogether to also be a regular guy with feelings, a sense of humor and not an ounce of arrogance!

Quote of the day from Dr. G about Dad's progress: "You are where I want you to be."

Midnight Snack etc.

Last night when Dad got a bit stiff in bed, we went for a walk around the house at 3:00am. As we circled the kitchen, he said, "is that chocolate cake ..." We stopped for a midnight snack - Dad had Diane Westen's Texas sheet cake and I had Lucy Boyd's peach cobbler. YUM! And a sure sign that Dad is feeling much more like himself.

Today is Dad's first outing - we're at Starbucks at the moment before we visit with Dr. Goldsmith for the first post-rehab follow up. The drive to DC (potholes and all) was a piece of cake for Dad today as compared to the excruciatingly uncomfortable commute the morning of the surgery. What a difference a few weeks (and a highly skilled surgeon) makes!

Thriving!

Dad is thriving (and is VERY busy!) with visits, well-wishes, delicious meals and excellent at-home physical therapy! He awoke from a nap the other day to find this note from the medical fairy. It says "He is well. He is well."

The only slow in his roll is the continued low blood pressure and high heart rate. Once those are under control, there will clearly be no stopping him!