It has been a roller coaster the past couple of days.  Sleepless nights for Bob and I because Bob was coughing up flem constantly from an irritation in his nose due to his feeding tube. Encouragement from our kids and I we were able to convince the doctor to remove the feeding tube.  They are allowing him a 48 hour trial period of time to see if he can eat enough.  After speaking with his dietitian yesterday she said he seems to be doing pretty well.  Those of you who know Bob know that eating is normally not a problem but the pureed diet is a challenge.  And of course,it is just a challenge getting his body back to a normal working order.  Almost as instantly as they removed the feeding tubes he stopped coughing.

There have been some other challenges as well not seemingly related to the stroke but it's all a part of getting him back to functioning normally again.

Once Bob's coughing stopped the night before last the kids insisted I go home to sleep after not sleeping much for three days.  I was actually a walking zombie. I couldn't think straight anymore.  When I saw how peaceful he was sleeping I went home and got a good night's rest.  I was rejuvenated when I returned at 7:00 AM yesterday ready to watch Bob start his day of rehab.  I like observing as much as I can so I can understand what he is going through, his progress and things I can do to improve his progress. He has learned to get in and out of the chair with assistance, how to guide the chair with his right foot and right hand down the hall, he has learned to stand up for a while and is getting prepared to walk.  Bob gave himself a shower yesterday.  How we all take for granted the body functioning skills we do everyday until we lose them.

 After a long day yesterday I thought I would go home and sleep for the night but Bob asked me to stay. How could I refuse those puppy eyes.  Well, I tried but there are too many interruptions and hospital activities during the night. I got three or four hours of sleep so a couple of naps today should help.

I know they will be in here soon to start a day of therapy.  Bob has been doing great with the therapy.   He is certainly an inspiration to me.

Lets go Bob!