Thursday

Dad was able to watch fireworks on tv last night. Ironically, he saw the "National" fireworks show in DC. It was just two years ago at that time that we were all sitting in the Pentagon parking lot watching those same fireworks live. Let's hope that next year we can do that again.

This morning, dad was ready to move around. So he got mom and a couple nurses to help him move his legs around and sit on the edge of the bed. It's good for him to sit up to get acclimated to moving around. It's occassionally painful, of course, but we all know that this is a good step in the right direction. He sat this way for about an hour and fifteen minutes but then at the end, he was exhausted. They got him situated back in his bed and he napped for a while. It just takes so much out of him.

Fortunately, his left leg and foot are looking like normal. The swelling is almost completely gone. However, the right leg is still very swollen and marshmellow-ish. They are going to do an ultrasound tomorrow morning on his right leg to check the vein that they had to replace and see how well it is doing.

The doctors came in this afternoon and said that he was anemic and therefore a blood transfusion was needed. So this afternoon, they gave him two pints of blood. Instantly, he started to feel better, look better and it's a noticable difference. Because of his need for blood, they weren't able to move him to the rehab wing so we've got one more day before we are in the lap of luxury.

Mom and I got to "tour" the rehabilitation wing last night and it is like staying at the Ritz. Hardwood floors, nickel light fixtures, awesome decoration. The rooms there are bigger, the bathrooms are handicapped accessible and there's even a laundry room for them to do their own laundry. It's such a nice environment for him, more positive, upbeat, etc. They also want to make him more independant so mom can go home and he will be able to take care of himself.

Dad got another huge flower arrangement today from Sanford Contractors and it is gorgeous! Thank y'all so much for all of your love and support. He appreciates it all (as do we, the family). Jason says that the pictures of his legs on Webshots have been viewed 957 times!! That takes my breath away. I cannot believe that many people have an interest in this but it's amazing. If we've got at least half those folks praying, then the Lord has to oblige us all, right? :)

Hopefully we'll have more pictures tomorrow of his new "crib."