Moving day came on Friday.  The hospital stay came to an end and now the move to the rehab facility was to happen.  Mom’s first choice was Madonna, which has a reputation for being one of the best in Lincoln.  It also has a waiting list.  However God was again merciful and dad got into to the facility.  Not only that but he has a large private room – wonder if they knew that dad would have lots of visitors over the weekend! 

The move came up rather quickly as mom got a call around 9:30 from dad with a request for some clothes and things to take with him to the rehab facility.  When she spoke with the nurse, she was told that he was scheduled to be moved around 1 PM – so we moved quickly to get things ready and to Lincoln before 1.  Randy joined us and we waited until 3 before the van came.  Dad was getting impatient, but there was nothing that could be done – it was Thanksgiving week and everyone was running with a skeleton crew!

Dad finally was readied for transport and mom was able to ride in the van with him.  She was worried about her van and how it would get to Madonna.  I looked at her and said, “Mom, that is why I am here.  Remember me, I am your daughter.”  She laughed and said she had forgotten I was there.  I wonder if I should take that personally – no I think not, she is under a lot of stress. 

Madonna is a really nice facility.  The staff there took a lot of time to welcome him, not rush him through he check- in procedure and make sure he understood everything.  He will receive PT and OT about 3 times per day as well as have some exercises to do on his own.  It is just beginning to sink in how much time it will take regain his strength and be ready to go home. 

When the physical therapist came on Saturday to do an initial evaluation, we arrived at the tail end of the session.  When dad stood up to walk, he almost tipped a really heavy duty walker over because his balance is off and his rear end is not tucked up under him like it should be.   The Physical therapist told dad that it would be 3-6 months for a complete recovery.  You could see the effect that the words had on dad – he sunk lower in the chair – he is just beginning to realize that it will take some work to get home.  They have progress points that they are looking for and he said, “I’ll be here awhile then.” 

The work is just beginning!  Monday will be a hard day with the PT and OT starting in earnest.

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