Rules from kindergarten apply: when you're tired, take a nap

After such a positive day, it was tough to hear this morning that Dad didn't sleep well at all last night, putting him in a bad spot this morning.  As we've mentioned ad nauseum on the blog and on the phone, when Dad's tired, everything goes downhill.  Not a lot connects for him when he's exhausted (especially from no sleep AND physical therapy).  It was hard to say goodbye this morning to him after such a positive day yesterday, but I pressed on.

I'm now writing this with second-hand knowledge of the rest of the day.  And the blog will continue, just probably not with the level of detail that I had before when I was living/breathing Saint Marys Hospital.  I did get a report later today from Mom that after a nap, Dad seemed once again like a new man.  Therapies went better in the afternoon sessions, and the therapists apparently even bragging a bit on Dad's progress.  He's at "the top of the class" for the forward progress he's made so far, and for his attitude (early morning discussions with Mom and I excluded).  

He's really doing well, but starting to really want to be home in Omaha.  I think getting the staples out (for the record, there are 40 total, not 72 like he's been saying) in a few days will really help his spirits, and continuing to do well in his rehab will also do some good.  He got some beautiful flowers from a few of his friends at the Rocky group (Thanks Elaine, Ralph, and Diane!), that brightened up his room and he wants to say a huge thanks for all of the phone calls he's been able to make (and receive), emails, and cards.

I'm back to Portland on Tuesday as planned (well, re-planned a few times, I guess).  I can relate with Dad a bit on wanting to be in my own house, my own bed, and around familiar things.  It was a fairly quick journey back to Omaha today with just me (goosing the speed limit a bit and no stops makes it a fast trip).  And the reception I received at the Huff house with screaming children all running to Auntie Mary. . .well, that took the sting out of leaving Mom and Dad in Minnesota just a little.  I can't wait for them to get an even bigger reception in a few weeks (or less!).