Day 12: A.M. George Bush Speaks out ...

not on foreign policy .. or immigration issues.

Before everyone starts hammering Chip on "how tacky" .. let me clear his name and reputation. It's Skeeter, taking his first shot at being bloggy. I felt, however, that this would be an especially good time for me to attempt to contribute. So let me digress for a moment.

I don't put much stock in blowing out birthday candles and making wishes as a practical matter. Sure is fun though. Today, the fire marshall would probably issue a citation against my cake. I do firmly believe in prayer. So, this morning, my birthday prayer was .. Lord, Dad is making such progress every day. Baby steps .. but at the same time .. leaps and bounds. Please let him speak again soon. It would help us know what he needs.

Mom and I arrived at the hospital around lunchtime to find Dad sitting up in the chair and eating ( minced, not pureed meat .. and legitimate fruit cocktail chunks ). He was using both hands to assist himself .. steady even with a beverage. Already, silent "thank you"s were being lifted up. He appeared uncomfortable, and our nurse adjusted the pillows behind his back. We asked, " is that better ? " He nodded, and said "yeah." I looked at Mom and she looked at me. She smiled, and said, " THAT was a 'yeah'. " (wow)

He kept looking over past his tray, and pointing. We were trying to determine just what he was after. He was focused on the door that enclosed the little portable toilet, and plainly enunciated, "I want." (crystal clear) So, in short order ... he stood up with assistance .. relocated .. and he got! ( If the implications are too graphic for some .. get over it. This was a big deal. )

Subsequently, my remaining visit time there was rewarded with some additional "yeah" and "OK" phrases. Several nods.

OH! I was standing next to the bed, and I told him it was my birthday today. He looked back at me with that "so what" kind of look. I said "I'm OLD." He cracked a silly grin, lifted his left hand .. and smacked me on the arm. ( I really liked that ) Then, a couple of comforting pats.

So, as "George Bush Speaks Out" hits the news .. know that the offerings are positive and upbeat .. comprised of affirmations, endorsements, and a bold declarative statement making his desires .. crystal clear.

Before I turn this technobloggle back over to Chip, let me take a moment to thank him for setting it up and maintaining it. It is truly a blessing to us all. Let me also thank Mom for her steadfast strength and always positive attitude. What an inspiration. She would attempt to easily pass that off, but we all agree how amazingly good that is. Thanks to Dad for his courage and determination in recovery. It can't be easy coming out of such a fog, but I see him working his way. Thank you also to absolutely everyone who reads, posts, cards, e-mails and most importantly, prays. Our God is faithful.

( Returning control to Chip for the remainder of this entry. You folks will appreciate that. I've used up all the words I know. )

Dad has been cleared for release from the NCCU and to go directly to inpatient rehabilitation, but there was not a bed available today. So they may move him to a regular hospital room on the 7th floor for neuro patients until a slot becomes available.

These "recovery updates" should now be called progress reports, because he continues to show progress with each day. He is displaying the ability to use both left and right sides of his body, which is great. He continues to sit in a chair for his meals.

He is also now using some short verbals ... words like "Yeah" or "I want" in response to questions. We're confident that the initial assessments from the rehabilitation team will determine what areas will be focused on during that period.

( See ? Much more to the point. SB )