10/17/2020- Day 6 Dodd Hall Stroke Rehabilitation

 Today, was a rest and relaxation day together. Before the stroke, we would only have approximately two days out of the month (every other Saturday usually) where we didn’t have children, didn’t have to work, and could completely dedicate the entire day to spending time together. These two days renew our marriage and keep us going in day to day work/kids/life activities. We usually sleep in, and either have brunch together at home with Billy’s famous steak and eggs or we head down the street to Katalina’s for our favorite Latin-Leaning Okonimuyaki which, if you haven’t tried it, is absolutely fantastic! Then we will sit on the patio and lazily drink coffee together while talking about life, dreams, and goals. Sometimes on these days we will take hikes. This is our way of getting out of the business of the city and enjoy the renewed energy that being in nature brings to the soul. These days our just for us. Today, we decided to honor our treasured Saturday and have a restful, low stress day in his hospital room. I had just finished my book The Silent Patient at my in-laws house overnight and couldn’t wait to share it with him. Telling him about the book wouldn’t do it justice, so instead I decided to read it aloud to him. We laid next to each other snuggled in my favorite blanket, I made us decaffeinated tea, he laid his head on my shoulder, and I read to him. I then thought about all those times that I was annoyed when my patient had their loved ones in bed with them. It truly put a check in my heart because I realized at that moment that sometimes that’s what they need the most. I thank God that I have the opportunity to have another Saturday with him. We may not be at “home,” but home isn’t necessarily a building. I felt just as comfortable and relaxed right there in the middle of Dodd Hall as I do when we are in our house. 

Just when I didn’t think the day could get any better, I received a phone call from his Attending physician. She was so sweet and kind on the phone and gave me some of the greatest news! They had done a vision test on Billy and determined that he didn’t have a true “field cut” as they originally suspected. Instead, he has what’s called a left field neglect. Essentially, this brain is not registering or recognizing what’s in his left vision field. However, with therapy, he will be able to retrain his mind to recognize what’s in his left vision field. Meaning, with time, therapy, and determination there is a good chance that he will be able to make a successful recovery!!! Thank you God!! She also told me that he would be ready to discharge by Wednesday. So, we have an expected discharge date as well. Just in time for his birthday on October 26th! What a stellar birthday gift. We are so excited and blessed beyond measure. Thank you for all of the prayers and love these past few days. Our prayers have been answered! We still have a long way to go, but there is hope!