Mountain Dew?

Who would have thought that Mountain Dew would become one of the most motivating items in Dave's life?  Sharon started the day yesterday experiencing the ultimate level of frustration.  Dr's were in to assess Dave for possible transfer to Good Shepard Rehabilitation Hospital.  This is HUGE!  By transferring him to a facility like that means that they feel that he can be rehabilitated and eventually come home.  At a rehab center he will get a minimum of 3 hours everyday of physical, occupational and speech therapy.  He has been doing very well in these areas the past couple of weeks and it was time to see if he could make the transition to a more intensive therapy regimen.  If they feel he would not make the transition then he would likely be transferred to a nursing facility.  Whereas a nursing facility would offer a small level of therapy it really is nothing compared to a rehab center.  Needless to say, Sharon was full of nerves hoping that this assessment went well.

Despite how well Dave had been doing with all the various therapists, yesterday he really wanted no parts of it!  He refused to respond or do the things they were asking him to do.  Sharon begged, pleaded and cried trying to get him to show them he could do this to no avail.  It was a moment of sheer frustration for her and for the therapists who have been working with him.  Dave was really being stubborn.  It is hard to know what he is thinking when this happens.  Everyone is positive that he understands what is going on and perhaps he thinks if they don't accept him at the rehab that they would just send him home?  I don't know but that is the only thing that seems to make some sense to me.  Apparently the entire assessment went this way except that at one point there was a loud crash in the hallway and Dave responded to it and fully lifted his head and turned toward it.  In that moment he showed them that he could do it and was just being stubborn!

Later on Sharon was sitting in his room with him and she was drinking a Mountain Dew.  Dave saw this and his eyes grew wide and he kept motioning that he wanted it.  Remember that Dave has had a feeding tube since early January.  He hasn't tasted anything in over 3 months!  He isn't even able to drink water due to the swallowing difficulties and has had to rely on a swab in the mouth to even give him some moisture.  Seeing his reaction Sharon used her finger to moisten his lips with it.  She said he thoroughly enjoyed even that small amount.  From that moment on, being tempted by Mountain Dew, he did EVERYTHING that he was asked to do and when Sharon arrived this morning, Mountain Dew was the very first thing he wanted.  If Mountain Dew holds that much power I wonder what he would do for a taste of beer???

In the end the transfer to Good Shepard Rehabilitation center was approved and tomorrow Dave will be transferred there.  This is a really big step in the right direction! 

To Dave:

Dave, I know moving is hard.  Not just physically but emotionally also.  We know that you want to come home in the worst way and there is nothing that Sharon and everyone else wants more.  As hard as it is to understand this move gets you sooooo much closer to that goal!  They are going to work you really hard and you are likely to getted really pissed off at all them and that is ok, but it is only through this intense therapy that you are going to be able to once again enjoy so many of the things that you have missed.  Petting your dogs, hanging out with friends and having a beer, giving Sharon a hug...the list is endless.  We all know you can do this.  Keep showing them the fighter that we have all come to realize you are and know that everytime you move a muscle or say a word you have your own personal pep squad cheering you on.  You may not see us but we are with you in spirit, day in and day out!!!!