January 12, 2011

Dear Friends,

Compared with yesterday, today was absolutely wonderful.  When I left, Dwaine was back at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, nestled in his warm bed, stomach full of a good dinner that he polished off with an appetite I've not seen since December 31.  He needs a good night's sleep and I think that's what he's going to get tonight!

As I left, he gave me his "peace sign" wave - and it took me back to some 15 years ago when we were just beginning to date.  I was living in an apartment on Humbolt Street at the time.  We'd make a date and as the time approached, I'd anxiously peer over my balcony to see if I could see him coming down the street.  Of course, I didn't WANT him to see me watching for him - there's some rule in dating that says you can't appear too interested, too quickly (when in fact I was utterly besotted with him from the first moment I met him!)  And sure enough, he'd come strolling down the street and catch me watching and give me that two-fingered wave.  That big smile, cowboy hat and twinkling eyes - that was it for me.  And we've been together ever since.

Yesterday was rough, though it started out very well.  We had physical therapy in the morning, with Dwaine working on his walking and balance again.  He did several exercises without his cane - culminating in a walk back to his room holding a full cup of water in his left hand!  It was very encouraging for me . . . what I didn't notice is how tired and wan Dwaine was looking.  We had a bit of rest and then it was on to another session.  In occupational therapy we practiced moving about a living room, with deep cushioned sofas and rugs and such.  It was a trick to get out of the sofa, but he managed OK.  Then he practiced with his left hand and arm, moving what looked like Nerf-lollipops from different pegs to a rack where he had to lift them quite high and still maintain his grip.  By the end of that, his grasp was getting pretty worn out.  Then later in the afternoon came that fateful balance test where he started getting woozy.  His blood pressure dropped quickly and he broke out into a sweat.  We got him back to his room and - for safety - they transported him to University, then overnight at St. Joe's for observation and some standard blood pressure tests to make sure there wasn't some underlying problem.  All the tests came back fine, so he was moved back to Spalding to a warm, rousing welcome from the staff (who have also fallen in love with him and love to joke around with him).  We got him settled in today, fed him a great dinner of sirloin steak, a stuffed baked potato, broccoli, and a garden salad.  The only thing left was the potato skin and a little of the steak ("It's a little tough," he says, through another mouthful of potato). 

We had a quick visit from Lisa Sullivan, who dropped off some nice gifts.  Just as she arrived, the vision specialist arrived for his exam.  He found nothing alarming, just a typical lag in the signal from Dwaine's left eye to his brain, the prognosis being very good that he would eventually recover all of that deficit with the right training.  So more good news!  We were both very happy. 

And now, he just needs some good rest and fluids.  I'm pushing the water all the time (which probably drives him nuts).  But he's feeling so much better and looking so much more comfortable.  His speech has improved remarkably over the past few days - even getting some of that natural lilt in tone that natural speech has.  He's far more confident in speaking again (don't be surpised to get a phone call from him now!)  He's also really pushing himself to use his left arm and hand, and not neglect them.  He used his left hand to hold and squeeze the toothpaste onto his brush as he brushed his teeth today - a pretty fine motor skill coupled with strength building. 

So, for all the setback yesterday, I feel like we more than made up for it today.  He's just doing remarkably well.

Does anyone remember those old Christmas calendars you used to get as kids?  Maybe it's just a German thing.  We used to get December calendars that had little covers over each day.  As the day arrived, you got to open one of the little doors and there would be some surprise behind it - a toy, cartoon or other gift.  That's sort of what it's like working with Dwaine each day.  At the beginning of all this, there were a lot of closed doors, and part of the Dwaine we all know was hidden behind them.  But with each day, we get to open another little door and find more of our old friend behind it.  Yes, sometimes you run into a Walpurgisnacht door, the day where the Devil comes to whip the bad little boys and girls and give them coal instead of gifts (another German thing - you'll have to Google it).  That was yesterday.  But after that nasty day comes the promise of Christmas!  And I'm more confident than ever we're going to have a great gift waiting for us when it arrives. 

Good Night and Sweet Dreams everyone.  Especially you, Dwaine.  Looking forward to the day you can be home with me again.

PS.  For those who just got added, Dwaine's at Spalding Rehabilitation, 900 Potomac Street, Aurora, CO 80011, in room 203.  During the week, the best visiting times are from 3:30 to 6:00.  Weekends are less busy, so just dropping by is not bad - he may have a short session that you'd have to wait through, but it doesn't take too long.  He loves seeing people, so feel free on the weekends - we can make it a party!  During the week, give me a call at 303 588 0889 and I can let you know if it's a good time to visit.  He gets pretty pooped after a long day!