Rehab Soap Opera

Forget the soaps on TV, just tune in to the daily saga of Howard's room at Town Center Rehab. Don't believe me?  Here is a typical day in room 145:  Norma arrives for the morning shift to find out she's been assigned to the other side of the rehab section, but she sneaks over to Howard's room anyway, just to wake him up and make sure he's ready for the parade to breakfast.  She knows what she's risking to give her special morning greeting to Howard....a tongue lashing from the supervisor for being out of her section and dirty looks from the aide who finally got her chance to get Dad ready for his day.  

Within a few minutes, another staff member comes by with pictures of her children to show Dad.  Howard is careful to ooh and ahh equally for all the photos he's shown but he has a special spot in his heart for a young aide who recently confided in him that she uses her breaks to pump for her infant at home.  Too personal you say?  This same young lady takes pride in giving Howard a full "shower" in his bed, without getting his hands or feet wet, but successfully scrubbing and polishing him so he almost sparkles.  

It's not long until the youngest of the aides slides into Howard's room to see if he needs anything and then proceeds to stand just out of view of the hallway traffic to send a few text messages.  She chats with Dad while texting, demonstrating her multi-tasking abilities.  Dad is pretty sure this texting young'n is getting to be more than friends with the strong young man who lifts him in and out of bed to his wheelchair.  They make up Dad's favorite lifting team.  It seems the only time she smiles is when she's in room 145, and Dad's pretty sure it isn't just his charming personality that makes her happy....  

The nurses qualified to give medicines usually get Howard's best flattery, as he is quite proud of his ability to talk them into an extra pain killer or sleeping pill when it's needed.  ALL of the meds nurses think Howard likes them best!  If they ever stop and compare stories, Dad's drug supply may decrease dramatically.  

We didn't even tell you any roommate stories on this post...stay tuned for the next episode of Rehab Soap Opera.