Today I went to visit my mom and step dad in St. Louis. My step dad is still recovering from brain trauma and has now been moved to a rehab hospital. My mom hasn't left his side since the accident on Nov 11. It is amazing to see the progress he has made from then until today. He is going to both physical and occupational therapy to re-learn the simplest things. Today I was in the room while his speech therapist was working with him. He can't speak yet, he still has a trach in, but he can comprehend and nod/point to his answers. He even 'wrote' a little with his right hand. It was so surreal to watch him barely answer questions that were so simple, but to his mind, so difficult.
Life happens so quick. Here is a man who is extraordinarily talented musically...can play guitar, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer...struggling to answer questions like 'is it 2010?' I can see in his eyes he knows but doesn't understand why. Mom told me today that he wrote in his physical therapy on a piece of paper two words. "Why" and "Can't"...she broke down at that...and reassured him that in time he will be able to do all the things he used to be able to do. He is so courageous and strong. He keeps fighting and he is such an amazing example of perseverance. I am so proud to be his daughter and to know that each day he gets stronger and stronger. My mom is a strong woman who hasn't left and most likely won't leave him for a minute. She knows that he has it in him to fight through this and she won't miss one minute of his recovery. He gave her a thumbs up after his therapy this afternoon. He knows he has to celebrate the baby steps...right now, they are the only steps we have.
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