The difference a storm can make!

Today, I went with my brother Bob to see Dave. Keep in mind I try and make sure I am there as often as possible--everyday when allowed, even if only 1 hr or so. Due to the HUGE snow storm that just hit us, I havent been up to see Dave since Tuesday. He has now been moved to another side of the hospital, and continues to recieve ICU care. This is mostly because of his respiratory issues, which unfortunately, I believe has somethning to do with our entire family having poor general lung makeup. Once again, Dave had developed Pnemonia and needed the assistance of a ventilator. This continues to be a a cycle for Dave because he has a Trach. I really believe the more rest he gets he will get stronger and kick this cycle.

Today-I a very pleased to tell everyone, Dave looked amazing. And of course I would love to share some of the positve surprises that hapened during our visit!

*His room is locked in a highly traffic area in the hall, and he is seriously watching everything! He is in an ICU therefore has a wall of just windows-a view of the world so to speak!

*Dave was not on ventilator, and was breating 100% on his own

*Dave of course did his normal movement on command eg: when we ask him to smile, move his hands, wiggle his toes, stick out his tongue. However today, we saw Dave give us a smile on his own! Bob made one of his wonderfully funny cracks about how Daves nose hair was longer than his! And Dave gave Bob and I a half smile! We are pretty positive Dave would have given us the finger! To see Dave do these things independently is just so priceless, and means the world!

*I told Dave about my work yesterday, working in the Cafeteria at work, and he listened very intentively!

*Daves facial expressions are coming back! Those of you know how his expressions are just as priceless as his words! I watched today as Daves respiratory Therapist suctioned him out. To put it mildly--not a fun experience to watch or experience I am sure. When finished the Therapist appologized to Dave for adding to his discomfort, to which I added "Dave thought that to be wonderful!" as sarcstically as I could! If you were watching Dave he Gave the espression that sarcastically said "Yea! I thought that great! Lets do it again!"

*You can tell that Dave is aware and knows who you are

*He shakes his head no! As I as leaving, I told Dave I would probably see him on Monday and He shook his head no-very forcefully Lol! The reason I share this is because this is something Dave HAD been doing. When I said Goodbye he would Say to me--"Make sure you call first, I am not gonna be here! I am going home." I truely believe Dave was shaking his head no because he was telling me that again! I then told him it didnt matter where he was I would find him and see him on Monday! I am his personal stalker!

*He mouthed the word Sharon--TWICE. When I asked him if he was asking me where she was, he gave me the expression of "Yes".. Sharon was in the waiting Room--only 2 people allowed in at a time. Bob and I still werent 100% sure why the room down the hall had 4--but whatever! =)

*Dave was watching the weather on TV!

*I asked Dave to give me a kiss---and he has been softly blowing a kiss. Today his kiss made a pucker sound that could be heard acrossed the room! Told Sharon and he did the same for her too! =) With that, Sharon cued Dave to show me how he can lift his shoulders--You know he did it right?!

I am sure there were others and unfortunately I can not remember all, but I can tell you I was moved to tears. I hold off saying to all that hes better because , this is a good day, tommorrow he may not be so good! I think our recent Snow Storm gave Dave some time to sleep and heal, We were all snow bound so he didnt feel need to entertain, so to speak. We are still waiting on the results of Daves Brain Biopsy, but I can tell you his PET scan came back with no sign of Cancer.

Dave--I love you Brother! Keep up the good work! I look forward to what tommorrow will bring!
XOXO!