The fall guy is up and running

The adaptations to our bedroom worked like a charm; Gilly slept peacefully and when he had to get up, was secure. I awakened just as often, but not to the sound of his falling.

He awoke in a great mood. His speech seems slightly better, his right hand is not quite so limp and his movements are steadier 9everyhting is relative, remember). I asked if he’d like to take a walk, and he quickly agreed. I was not expecting an affirmative response, so I hurried through the preparations so as not to give him time to reconsider. We walked halfway around the block in damp, windy 4.6°C weather. He announced that he wanted to turn around. I tried to appeal to him to continue, since we had the same distance left to go as there would be turning back. I thought he’d appreciate his own success in making it all the way around the block. I can’t remember the last time he accomplished such a feat. He vehemently refused and would not listen to reason, so turn around we did. I was thrilled that he agreed to go outside in the first place.

I asked if he’d like to see a movie, and he showed an interest. We may just do that. I’ll have to see how he fares a bit later on. He had breakfast at 1:30 P.M., so I’d say we’re due for lunch round about now. He’s asleep on the couch. Sheryl came by with a travel wheelchair to loan us (we may not need it if he continues down today’s path; who knows? But it’s money in the bank, just in case). She stayed for a visit, and he promptly fell asleep. I’ll have to go make some noise to rouse him for lunch.

Days like today help validate the hope I continue to hold that Gilly will become stronger and enjoy a more independent, gratifying life. Both dips and rises along the rocky trail come at us unexpectedly. This one is so promising I’m almost tempted to cancel my call for the hospital bed. He was perturbed to learn that Sheryl brought the wheelchair over. I helped him understand that it is there to help me if we have to travel any significant distance by foot. I assume that the arrival of the hospital bed will elicit some serious resistance which I cannot blame him for. I’ll have to play it by ear over the next couple of days and see if a delay is in order. I don’t want to put a damper on his spirit; since our own bed situation seems to be safer, I may decide to put a hold on the request.