"I've got to get out of here."

Howard was in his prime today! He had several plans for escape and one was actually a little sneaky, but it didn't quite work in his favor. It went a little something like this:

Howard: "Granny, take my hand."

Bonnie: "Okay, here it is."

He then proceeds to reach for my hand (almost smacking me in the face). We thought he was just being sweet...we should have known better. 

Howard: Determined, he sits up. "Now, here we go."

Me: "Ummm...yeah, I don't think so." (in a very sweet voice of course) ;)

Every few minutes, there was a new plan, or just a "Where are my clothes? Time to go." We're taking this as a very good sign! We're hoping this attitude will get him out of the hospital that much faster. The nurses seem to like him and enjoy his feistiness. 

There is good news to report!

1. His feeding tube was removed (by him, which is not so surprising, but the doctor decided that he didn't need it anymore, so they left it out). Apparently he even had a bite of a blueberry pancake this morning. 

2. As a result of #1, no more restraints!!! Two funny stories that must be told--about a week ago, we came in the room and he had his restraints on, held up his arms and said, "Joe, did you bring your Leatherman knife?" Then a few days ago, we walked in the room and he greeted us by asking, "Did any of you bring some scissors?" He is now happily waving his arms around every which way and we really have to watch out for them--especially the casted hand.

3. They are hoping to have him transferred to a rehab/care facility in the next week or two, so keep praying that he really gets eating. At this point, they're just waiting for his digestive system to get back on track.

4. The swelling has gone down in his hands significantly.

5. He is off of the oxygen and wasn't connected to any IVs!

6. He's started physical therapy, which understandably is not enjoyable, but is good news nonetheless.

Howardisms that are resurfacing:

"Anna Marie, you're a good boy."

After being greeted by the nurse. "Nobody's home."

Our whole family is grateful for the cards, flowers, thoughts and prayers. I read several cards to Howard today and he recognized many of you and the messages brought a smile to his face. Thank you for being a wonderful support system!

~Anna