- In a session with PT yesterday, Dad was able to partially support himself sitting on the edge of the bed, before she transferred him to the wheelchair.
- For the first time, the PT decided not to install the right footrest on the chair, but rather suggested that Dad try to use his right foot to help move and steer the chair. She also reminded him to use his hand on the right wheel. When he focused on that, Dad was able to partially move himself - we helped from time to time when he was clearly tired, but all in all this felt like somewhat of a breakthrough. Hopefully, he will become increasingly used to moving himself around in the chair.
- Dad asked that we bring him to the Friday night erev shabbat service on the skilled nursing floor. He actively participated in the service, reciting and singing along with most of the Hebrew passages. When the fellow leading the service came around distributing Challah for the motzi, Dad shook his hand vigorously and wished him a "yasher koach", "chanukah sameach", and "shabbat shalom". Yet another opportunity for him to express his incredible appreciation for the care provided at OC.
- No one who knows him should be surprised to hear how he is constantly thanking all of his caregivers, many of whom are like family to him and to us, from the time of mom's stay there. For those who remember, Marie (who always called mom and dad her "momma" and "pappa" and us her "brudders" and "sistah") has apparently requested to be his CNA on the evening shift, even though his room is not actually on her hall. The unit's secretary Emily, head nurse Francine, CNA Edwidge and so many others, have such warm feelings towards dad and our family, and seem to not be able to do enough for him. On Friday we also bumped into the hospice nurse who was with Mom and us during the last days (Tina's replacement, whose name currently escapes me). Again, this was another very warm and touching reunion.
- Dad's friends at OC continue to be amazing in their devotion to him. They stop by constantly to check in on him, don't stay any longer than he is up for, and when possible, take him in the chair to participate in various activities downstairs. Apparently, the OC activities director, recognizing the outpouring of concern and desire to continue to include him in OC life to the extent possible, is organizing a schedule by which different residents will be assigned on different days and times to come and accompany him in the chair to various events and programs. Dad has been taken downstairs most days this week to attend Chanukah candle lighting services, and was asked to light one of the candles on Wednesday. Libby Goldberg, who lives with her husband Toby across the hall from Dad's apartment, and has been a very dear friend to him all the past year, has been visiting Dad more or less every other day at lunchtime to help him have his lunch.
- Rabbi Starr visited with Dad on Wednesday morning. Dad was eager to tell me about the visit as soon as I arrived on Thursday, and related aspects of their conversation that were very important and meaningful to him, and are helping him process and make sense of the changes he is experiencing in his life. Clearly, a recurring theme for Dad and for all of us is to remember to focus on all the wonderful ways Dad in fact hasn't changed at all - his heart, his compassion for others continues to be the center of his being, and what makes him such a uniquely wonderful person. Words can't adequately express Dad's and our deep appreciation for the tremendous support and comfort Rabbi Starr has provided throughout all of the transitions we have encountered these past couple of years.
- Adi is here for the week, and will be spending time in Canton beginning on Monday. He plans to stay in the apartment, and spend the days with Dad. Needless to say, dad is really excited and looking forward to his company.
- On Tuesday, Dad has his followup appointment at BI with Dr. Kumar, his neurologist. Adi will travel with Dad in the wheelchair car to Boston, and I will meet them there. I'll post another update after that visit.
I guess that enough for now.
- Rick
Thanks for all of the details... - Nathaniel
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