Day 11: P.M.

More encouraging activities had taken place by the time Mom and Skeeter were leaving the hospital this afternoon.

-- Dad fed himself his entire lunch while sitting up in a chair. He had turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, tea, grape juice and the strawberry "shake" again. This is a man who was totally sedated and on a ventilator only three days ago!

-- They removed the central line (intravenous line into the chest) today and setup a small port in his arm "just in case." Dad has proven to be able to swallow pills if needed.

-- They feel Dad does not really need the intensity of the neuro critical care unit (NCCU) any longer. It is also possible that he will skip going into a hospital room on the same floor (for neuro-related care) and go into the inpatient rehabilitation on the 5th floor. Before doing that, they want to be sure he's steady on his feet.

-- When Mom was stepping out of the room for a moment, she leaned down to Dad and told him that she would be right back. He raised his hand and patted her on the cheek!

-- Dad has been fairly intent on watching the events on TV.

-- Dad has nodded his head in affirmation to Skeeter on a couple of occasions. He's winked at the nurse, and Skeeter felt that Dad actually laughed at one point.

-- Mom had a card that had been sent to Dad at the hospital in her hands when she came into the room. Dad reached out for the card. When they helped him get the envelope open and the card opened up, he held it in his hand and intently studied it for a minute or two.

-- When he was moving from the bed to his chair for lunch, he appeared to use both legs and arms to help push up out of the bed.

These are such huge milestones for our family considering where Dad has journeyed from. Each step affirms our faith and raises our spirits!