Nick, 1 month later...

Nick was moved to the neuro acute care unit on the 5th floor of the University Hospital 2 weeks ago today (sunday). It was suppose to be a temporary place while we wait for rehab arrangments, but Nick has improved so quickly and surprized everyone, including doctors and nurses. If he can tolerate 3 hours of physical therapy in one day, they will keep him in the hospital and move him to the physical therapy floor. Those making these decisions figured at first that Nick was going to be more long term and not ready for this much exersize for a much longer period of time. Obviously, they don't know Nick. His spirits remain very good and he is always pushing the limits of his exersize. We hope to stick around for awhile. Nick has made alot of friend while he has been hanging around the hospital. He seems to have a "way" with people and they really like him and seem to cheer him on. He gets regular visits from Nurses in ICU who are taken back by his progress.
Nick's progress: He had his trach capped since last Monday and has been able to talk to us this week...also, he ate his 1st meal on Friday night..(barb-o-Qued steak). He then got his trach taken out on Saturday morning, and his feeding tube out last night. His left leg is doing well and he has most the movement back in his left arm....although it is messy eating lefthanded. Right leg can lift slightly, with a bit of movement in his toes and foot. Then miricle of miricles, Nick's right arm has been having a bit of movement. We weren't expecting this but I have since learned that your brain can sometimes learn to"rewire" the signal from brain to limb in a different pattern to compensate for the damaged and dead tissues. We feel that so many prayers are lifting our spirits and causing miricles to happen. This progress will be seen more rapidly at first and then will taper off as the 1st year passes. Nick and all the family feel that he has been given a 2nd chance at life. There is so much good he could do for others.
You know, there is alot of humility and patience that happens to a person when they can't move, or talk, as they lay there in the hospital with no worldly possessions other then the hospital gown they are wearing. As Nick's family, we have been humbled as we see Nick so helpless and realize that it is up to the LORD to give and take away, and that He has chosen to give Nick back to us once again. We are so thankful and hope that we will have the strength and the wisdom in helping Nick back to a productive & happy life.....the Nick we all remember.
On Christmas night as our family (except for Nick) gathered for dinner and presents, my little Grandson, Morgan, stopped His playing and looked up at me and said, "But grandma, what did you get for Christmas?" With the confidence of a person who has just recieved the present of their wildest dreams, I answered, "I got Nick!"........and so you see that Santa had another satisfied customer......with God's help! Thanks to all who have been praying for us.........Julie