:"on the road again"

Steve is on a first name basis with the ambulance drivers in Philly now! Of course he and Daniel (his nephew) compare the transport because Daniel transports patients in NJ.

Today Steve moved to Magee Rehabilitation Center on Race Street. I received the call around 11:00am and they were going to move him at 1:00pm. A room opened up and he got it. And as God's plan unfolds - Steve got a brand new bed. Never used before. How's that for treating a special child of God? He will have that bed the entire time he is there, even if he moves to another part of the building.

From the minute I walked in, EVERYONE was nice. They escorted me around and explained everything to me. They even gave me meal passes and parking tickets. They nurses attacked Steve (in a good way) when he arrived on the floor. They found some wheezing in his lungs so they prescribed a breathing treatment right away and lowered his oxygen to 28%. They plan on aggressively getting him off the trach. This is good.

He does have a BIG surprise tomorrow. Today was his "day off" because tomorow he begins working! He will have 3 hours of therapy. So he will be one tired pup. I already warned him that he would be tired. I reminded him of his high school days and playing sports and what that felt like. I'm sure the realization of that will come back loud and clear. He does have another surprise - he will be taking a shower!!!! He has been asking to take a shower for a long time. He wants it to last 13 hours he said.

I also had a lengthy talk with the dieticians. They are very proactive about his diabetes. They will be giving him vitamin supplements. That made me feel good. Right now he is on the peg food tube but as he is able he will be able to eat pureed foods. That will be up to the speech people.

As the doctor was checking his eyes - I noticed that he does not follow to his left. He was able to see one finger and was able to point to each of the grandchildren correctly. And his depth perception is lacking. To what degree we will find out in the future. He also said things are blurry. He still has some blood behind the eyes so I pray that once this goes away - so will the vision problems.

So here we are, finding out what God has planned for Mr. Steve physically. This is a difficult thing for Mr. Steve to endure. He is totally dependent on someone. I know he would rather be home watching the Eagles game with his family than listening to it at the hospital. Please pray that Steve will be patient because has not been an easy road and the road is bumpy still. Your cards are an encouragements to him. I try to read them to him. He does smile at the funny ones.

I have this weekend to myself, so I can do whatever I want. No one to take the remote. No one to cook for. No one to tell me what to do. I know you are all envious but sorry this is my alone time. God and I will have a blast. The windows may rattle with the music so loud!

Until later -
Momma