While the performance yesterday took up the entire blog post last night, we did have the rest of the day, and I didn’t talk about that. We had speech with Holly and Let’s get Physical, both at the Stroke Center. Then we went to lunch at Nature’s Cafe, which I keep thinking that they should open one of these on H Street NE or 14th Street in Washington. Great vegan/vegetarian restaurant. I love the food, and I am no V/V. Then, off to speech with Arlene. David pushed Arlene for a more definitive prognosis and when she thought he would be better. She dodged the question, like they all do, and said that he is making progress, but it is slow, and we should look to see what progress is in six months.
A friend forwarded on Facebook an article from the NYT that I thought was very interesting. It is about language and stroke. It tells the story from the point of view of the stroke survivor. Whenever I read an article like this, I find it all very interesting, and at the same time get a little irritated, because these folks have gotten their faculties back, and rather quickly, I might add. David is still progressing, and I am thankful for forward movement, but it is so slow, and I am reminded how massive his stroke was. Still, I have to be grateful for his positive attitude and that we are still able to do all the things we can do.
Which brings be to two episodes that happened yesterday. During speech, David told Holly that I was not good with him, and didn’t work hard enough. When she questioned him about what he meant, he said that I was lazy, which really hurt. He didn’t even say “bad, but not bad”, it was just “bad”. On our way home, he asked how I was doing, and I said, “not good” and explained how I was feeling. I told him that I thought I was not dealing with the frustration of our situation well, and at times, I may feel more than I normally would, or will react badly. Then, later with Arlene, he claims I said something harsh to him, and neither Arlene nor I could think what it was. She told us that we were a great team, and when I said that David was great – he doesn’t complain, he works really hard, is caring for me and is all around, absolutely himself. I am just glad that his great qualities outweigh the hard ones.
Had reading today, and speech and then, Blade. Blade was very impressed with the movement in his ankle and was walking with David without his cane. He commented that David is working much harder when he walks without the cane, and we should do as much as possible. David also gave me a look, when Blade did a sideways walk. I knew from the look that David was saying “Why the hell haven’t you been doing these with me???” He couldn’t say it, so I did, and he nodded enthusiastically.
In reading group, the members were very encouraging for David, and he is beginning to read. I have to read with him, but he gets some of the words, and Margaret told him that she started the same way. She couldn’t say anything, but kept at it, and is reading pretty well now. All of the members of this group have severe difficulties reading, and She is one of the better readers.
The pool is filling up as I write this. It will take overnight, and I suspect the better part of the morning to fill up completely. It looks great, and I will send a picture tomorrow.