Working Hard Through The Weekend

A recurring theme is starting to occur every morning. Jackie wakes up hungry and is ready for his oatmeal or should I say brown sugar with a little oatmeal. He has acquired my elf like cravings for sugar.

The day was packed with three therapies all before noon. Jackie was able to finish his oatmeal just prior to the start of his first session. Brian, OT, came to pick up Jackie. Brian said they played the NBA matching game and Jackie did well. His reaching and balance were good. Brian also noticed that Jackie is starting to initiate and verbalize more. PTL

The music started playing over the intercom in the hallways as it always does at the top of each hour at Magee. It is a signal to the nurses and therapy staff that sessions should be ending and new ones beginning and that meds may possibly be due. We did not see Jackie so went to the gym to check on him. We saw Brian and he said that Jenna had already taken him for his Recreational therapy session. We have always tagged along, but today we decided to stay back. Jenna took Jackie to the fifth floor to play pinball. Jackie had a fun time and when we asked him if he wanted us to go with him anymore, he said no. This is a great sign of independence. PTL Jenna and Jackie’s bowling rubber match will have to wait until next weekend.

Jackie had a small break and then it was time for PT. One of the full time staffers was working today and came to the room to pick him up. Jackie has never worked with her before but we know she is good. They had a great session with most of the focus on stretching. The therapists all know Jackie by now and she was prepared to play some tunes during their workout.

As it was noon, Jackie received some meds and nutrition. Jim also ran to the cafe and bought some soft serve frozen yogurt. Jackie enjoyed a large serving before going to bed for a nap. Initially he was watching the Eagles game but then started to nod off. We were happy to see him sleep for once during this time of day and we let him stay in bed longer than we normally would on week days.

Once awake Jackie was hungry. After meds and nutrition he ate a good portion of his dinner tray. PTL He also finished his banana whip from last night. After watching some football, Jackie was back in bed. We took a break from watching sports to talk with Lindsay and Florent.  He is starting to speak a little more during the conversations.  I love his new laugh and could listen to it over and over again.

Jackie then continued watching football for the rest of the night before he fell asleep. He had worked hard this weekend.  I think he is starting to realize that he is getting stronger and wants to keep moving forward. PTL

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
~Gail Devers