It's a Virtue

"It takes time. Be patient."

photo attribution below*

So says every doctor, nurse, and PT person who's dealt with stroke victims. 

We're coming up on two months since the evil day, and yes, there has been progress. 

The left leg is showing signs of life, as evidenced from PT over the past week. I won't go into the details on toileting, but suffice to say, things are coming out nicely. And Mr. Ginley's sliding board skills have improved dramatically. I even helped him get into bed today. Obviously, the PT guy was still in the leading role. But I helped! (If you're hearing the kid's voice from the Shake 'n Bake commercial in your head right now, you're old like me.)

But I digress.

There are other changes, too. Bill is starting to assert himself more. He's working on returning to the take-charge guy I know and love, less the victim of circumstance. He continues to be a champ in PT, coaching himself all the way. He desperately wants to come home.

Christmas is looming. Mary B. brought in a little Christmas tree and some cookies for Mr. Ginley. Meanwhile, I look around the house, devoid of nary a sprig of holly and shrug. Just not feeling the spirit of the season this year.

On the other hand, I'm grateful that Mr. is still around, that the stroke wasn't worse than it was ("severe" was bad enough). And that there is hope for recovery. 

We just have to have...(wait for it) patience. 

Something I and the patient have in short supply. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Ginley and I want to thank everyone who's supported us through of this, whether you've paid Mr. a visit, advised, let me cry on your shoulder, said a prayer or two, or sent hugs and healing wishes. All are appreciated.

By the way, Merry Christmas. And, as Connie Schultz says, "For those of you struggling, may the day land gently."

*Photo attribution: D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, printed by Clement Smith and Company, London. Signed "J. W."Restored by Adam Cuerden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons