1-2-3-4-5

Good evening to one and all! I have to admit that today has been a miraculous day at St. Agnes! There were a few surprises in the beginning no doubt, but in all a great day! Mom and I (Kevin) walked in to see Dad and were a little frustrated with the night shift at the hospital. They hadn't cared for him as we had anticipated, so we were expecting a long and trying day. Dad had physical therapy, but no occupational therapy during the morning. The explanation was that he needed to be "evaluated" for today before beginning occupational therapy.

Not sure what they needed to evaluate exactly...dude had brain surgery, slept for almost 3 weeks and we are ALL trying to get him better.

I digress...

After a looooonnnnnnnggggg afternoon nap, Uncle Denny shows up and Dad flashes a quick smile and hello. The real action happens when the speech therapist shows up a little before 5. She informs Dad all the fun he is about to endure and Dad begrudgingly says yes. After a quick suction (really gross to watch), the therapist puts a cap on the tracheotomy which will allow him to inhale through the trach, but it requires him to exhale out of his mouth and/or nose. It will force him to breathe more normally and will allow him to eventually regain some of his speech and discontinue use of the tracheotomy altogether.

After a few exercises, the therapist asks Dad to count to 5. Done. No problem. Then, to all of our surprise, the next words out of his mouth are "Yeah, Buddy!" Nice to see Dad is still alive and well! Mom, Uncle Denny and I just looked at each other briefly and started laughing because Dad just kept on talking and talking. Making sarcastic comments, teasing the nurse, threatening to pass out on the floor, and I'm pretty sure he offered to preach in church this Sunday. UNBELIEVABLE! Three weeks of nothing and then WHAM! He even requested a cup of coffee and to get out of bed. Sorry Dad, maybe tomorrow.

How awesome for all of us to see (and hear!) that God has done miraculous things through Dad in only 3 weeks!

Seeing Dad last night and having him open his eyes and look at me was a wonderful thing. For sure, I choked up and all I could get out was a hi. It is infinitely more reassuring to hear him complain about all the tests he has endured and the volume of pricks in order to draw blood! It was just like someone turned on a light switch in his brain and he figured he could talk now, so why not! Seriously, he slept just about the entire afternoon (much like everyday since that morning) and then.....magic! Ok, not magic, but you know what I mean.

Today was a great day!
....even if I had to go to a hospital.

I know it is directly related to the amount of prayer, love, and support that so many have shown during this short, yet seemingly long, time!! Thank you so much for all of your time spent in prayer for Dad and all of us.

We are going to be at the hospital again tomorrow as a newly extended family and are still excited to see all the progress Dad has made. Please continue to pray and I hope you all rejoice in this as much as we have!

Kevin, Brandy, Anna, Ella, Derek

Dad, Mom, Kimberly