31st JULY - Spinal Ward

Today was Dad's first day out in the sun. He was able to sit on the balcony out side his room with the best view of brisbane he could get. Paul Nugent and Derek came to visit along with myself (Erin) Ellen, Ann and Mum obviously today. we sat out looking at our great view for about 2 hours which was great for Dad, as he loved the fresh air.

He was extatic to finally be able to cough up his first golly on his own today. We all gave a cheer then he quietly asked what colour it was to give his own diagnosis. Dad had another lovely nurse Jenifer today, who is an ex toowoomer-y, who we had a great chat to. We asked when she thought he'd be able to be transfered to one of the Spinal Wards; but her reply wasn't very enthusiastic as it could have taken anywhere from a week to 2 months. But while Jenifer was on her lunch break we got the great news that they had made room for dad to be admitted in no more than an hour! This probably would have been the best news he's had all week. He threw his arms up in the air and Wooooooooo-ed.

So out we all went to let Dad have his lunch (Puree chicken and gravy, puree potatoe and carrot, puree fruit, and thickened cordial; impressed he was as he told the nurse that the meal would have been brilliant without the PUREE!) and get moving down to his new room. He made sure we wouldnt be long as he appreciated everyones company!

Soon after we met him back down in his new room in the spinal ward, in which he has about 6 new roomies. The first question they all asked was if Dad snored, as the guy before him kept them awake all night with his snoring, and accepted him with open arms when he replied "No, do you?" He's got his own tv and a flash new buzzer he can pres to turn all sorts of things on and off.

The first question Dad asked was, "where's the gym?"The Physio told him that the gym is closed on weekends and wouldn't be able to start on his rehabilitaion til Monday. In reply to that he asked if he could have his own key, as there are no such thing as weekends to Dad. Beth, his new nurse, asked Dad what he wanted to do. He told her that the First thing on his list was to learn how to get out of his bed and onto the wheelchair himself. Dad being Dad dives straight to the deep end and forgets that he has to take it slow and start with the little things first and then work up to the big things. The saying Patience is a Virtue obvioulsy doesn't apply to him!

Today Dad's strenght and determination was amazing as you think all this excitment about seeing more friends and family and finally getting out ICU would ware him out so quickly, but no he was still bright and bubbly when we had to say our goodbyes again this afternoon. From today onwards things can only get better and dad can move forward on his road to recovery. He won't be alone on this journey though as my Mum has been amazing through this all. She has had so much courage since day one through the good and bad. She is with Dad every minute she can be as the terms "Visiting hours" don't apply to her. YOUR TRULY AMAZING MUM.

Goodnight to you all

Erin xx