Here's the thing. We're starting over. Again. Papa's ICU adventure is over, as most of you know. And he is now home. (which is still rather unbelievable to me) So we are starting over, again. Another new life.
As nervous as all of us were about this change, nothing could have been more fulfilling as the big "welcome home" we had. From my perspective, I was driving home to welcome Papa back, but when I turned onto our street, there were cars lining both sides of the road....yellow bows and balloons decorating the front lawn. As I made my way inside the house, bows and balloons did not stop! There were even signs and hearts everywhere, along with all of our loving neighbors who have taken such good care of us...
But the best sight, by far, was walking in and seeing Papa, in his rightful place....relaxing in his lazy boy. :)
Over the past three months, I know that as we have walked the halls of our home, looked room to room, we have wondered if Papa would ever return...would he be able to see the house decorated at Christmas again? Will there be an empty chair at Thanksgiving? These questions have been playing on repeat since day 1.
But on Monday, the 3rd of February, 2013, Papa finally came home. This is a modern day miracle people. We have witnessed so many, and this is another one to add to the "miracle cache" that we have as a family. So thank you, friends, family and supporters. We would definitely not have made it this far if it weren't for you, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
With such fantastic news, you do need to be aware that Papa still has some serious stuff that he is working through. Because of the strokes, he has developed something called central sleep apnea. which prohibits him from sleeping without breathing assistance. So we had this guy come and bring him a machine called a VPAP which is like a temporary, non-invasive ventilator for when he sleeps.
So we are working on that, and he is always on oxygen to help him with his CO2 levels. Aside for that, he still doesn't have a swallow, but we have people who are going to be coming and working with him on that. He is becoming increasingly independent in other areas as well. He as a walker to aid his walking. (obviously) A wheelchair for travel. Ummmmmmmmmmmmm and we as a family are trying to play brain/memory games to improve his cognitive abilities. So yeah, if you know of any good ones, let us know!
Thank you again for all of your help and support. We love you! Also, here is a sweet video that really touched my heart his week.
Love you!
The Baers
Oh and some photos of the decorations!
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