Steady Progress

Jon had an opportunity to fend mostly for himself this last week-end. I took Barb back to Defiance Thursday evening. The Defiance theater group was putting on the play Nunsense and I decided to treat the Castanien gals to dinner and the play. We laughed ourselves silly. We didn't get back until late Sunday afternoon. We were a little concerned about Jon since he tends to stay relatively close to us when we are there but I had reports from several people that he got out and among the other residents and seemed to do just fine. The staff saw to it that his food was cut, etc. and his Dad spent more time with him also.

It has been a fairly quiet week. Jon continues to work hard in both physical therapy and occupational therapy maintaining his balance and gaining strength and muscles. The physical therapist measured the angles for when Jon turns his head. He can turn it to the right at a 54 degree angle and to the left at 50 degrees. The sputum culture finally came back and was read. It was decided that while the infection was not great it would be treated anyway with an antibiotic strong enough that it required a special IV called a PICC line. Some of you may recall from earlier days that he already had one but several weeks ago it got caught on his shirt when he was being undressed and it was pulled loose and had to be removed. It was replaced tonight after supper.

We did have two visitors this week. An "older man and a young kid," as described the receptionist, came to visit. It turned out to be a certain pilot and his son who just happen to be relatives. They stayed much longer than they intended and we were all kept in stitches. The concept of being "older" seemed incomprehensible to all of us.

Barb and Jon went on another excursion this afternoon to Kohl's to get a farewell card for one of the nurses who was leaving. She has done a super job in taking care of Jon and we will miss her and her good humor very much.

Thanks for checking in...we really appreciate it. Hope your summer weather has been enjoyable. We've talked Jon into spending more time outside and I can't help but think that it is in part responsible for his change in attitude.