Don't Sit Like That!!!!

Today we got in two visits to Dad. First in the afternoon, and then just after dinner.


We were all shocked to walk in at 3pm today and find him sitting up in a chair by the window. The first thing out of my mouth was, 'Did the nurse help you get into that chair?!' Of course, she did not. Oh no, my Dad doesn't need help getting in to his chair. I can't believe it! He is doing so well :) I was a nervous wreck while we sat and chatted and I watched him fidget in his chair. 'Are you sure you can reach for that?' 'Should you be leaning over?' 'How are you feeling?' 'Do you need me to get you anything?' 'Don't cross your legs!' 'Stop Travis, don't make him laugh so hard!'

I think our visits are more exhausting than his physiotherapy! Nothing like non-stop neurotic directions from your daughter! I know he really does love having us all by his side, but he certainly does let us know when he has had enough. I am grateful for his honesty though, I hate to think that we are tiring him out. He got in a good nap today and was feeling very well when we left.

We came back for our second visit at around 6pm. We arrived just after Dad had his first solid meal! It was supposed to be meatloaf, but somehow he ended up with chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes! Yum! Other big news from today, his catheter was removed, thankfully before he got a chance to show it to us! He did however try to show us some bruising on his hip, and the bandage that is absorbing the 12lbs of fluid he retained from the surgery. He did have drainage tubes which were removed, so the residual fluid is just slowly leaking into the bandage. Gross!

After some chit chat, jokes and general good times, my Dad shocked me once again when he rose from his chair and said 'Let me walk you guys out'. Seriously, what is with this guy! I couldn't stop him, he took my hand and we started walking from the room. I kept telling him to slow down, go sloooowww...keep in mind, I walk with a cane, and he was still walking faster than me! He did slow his pace, and we walked hand in hand down the hallway.
He set a goal of walking to the water station. Once he had a new cup of cold water in his hand, he kissed me goodbye and took my Mom's hand and headed back to his bed. I of course got weepy and grabbed Travis to take some pictures.


All in all, it was a wonderful couple of visits. I am so glad to be able to say that my Dad is still my Dad even after this. He is still cracking jokes, smiling and pushing to get his way :)
We all know that the surgery was just the beginning of a long road of recovery, that is still scary and full of unknown obstacles, but we also know that John Grey-Noble is a strong, determined, stubborn man, who is off to one hell of a start.