Here is a picture of my dad going up a ladder, putting my mom's curtains up in our living room. When I saw this picture it made me think of the up hill battle my dad must be going through right now, but there is also a metaphor of rising up and accomplishing a goal....
My dad had the trach put in today and what seemed like a scary thing at first for me and my family ended up being the right thing. My dad was awake all day and seemed to have more energy and was more alert. The nurses all say that this is easier on the patient and in the end they will get off of the ventilator faster and today I believed them! He just seems more present and has his eyes open wider and is aware of everything around him. When a particularly loud nurse came in and asked how he was doing today, he looked at her and promptly stuck his tongue out at her...we were quiet for a second and then burst out laughing. The nurse then stuck her tongue out at him! That seemed like my dad; taking no bullshit and feeling fearless when it comes to letting people know what is on his mind. He is moving his left arm better and actually tried to write something on a piece of paper tonight after he became frustrated trying to tell us something. He wasn't able to write with his right hand since he is a lefty but we figured out what he was asking for and we were able to help him.

My sister had a great idea tonight. Since this afternoon he seemed confused after we asked him who we were, I printed out some big pictures of us and took them in tonight for him to look at. When he saw the picture he lit up and really looked at them. I told him who everyone was and he asked for me to tape them to the wall (although he cannot speak with the trach in, he motioned to the wall). He grabbed my hand a lot for me to hold him and pulled me down to his face because he wanted to kiss my cheek. I know he is just foggy and waking up slowly. Today and tonight was the most awake and aware he has been since the accident. After being away for 4 days and then coming back I was really nervous as to what he would be like but after today I feel a sense of relief in seeing him more awake and responsive. They are already talking about when he will get out of the ICU and that also is really hopeful! Tracy just got in tonight so tomorrow we will be back again !