The Ides of December

Hi all,

Sorry for the weeklong absence. In all honesty, there hasn't been too much to report. Teeny tiny improvements, for which we're incredibly grateful. In fact, we got great news today-

The large respirator has been wheeled out of his room, because Dad's been able to sustain his own breathing for periods longer than 72 hours on the Tpat breathing machine! In addition, his breathing tube has been reduced from a size 8 to a size 6! I don't even know what that means, but apparently it's good so I'm excited and using exclamation points!!!!

Dr. Mumtaz, Dad's main MD, is very aware of dad's steps in the right direction and has stated to my mother that he's making "significant improvements." The goal is to keep him in SSH as long as possible, and many doctors have given us their word that they will do everything to keep him there. Again, we have MILES to go before Dad doesn't sleep, but it's still all good. Dad's eye (yes, just the one right now) is opening and blinking in response to sounds, and his fingers wiggle from time to time. All good.

If you're in the area, please do go see him. He could absolutely use the visitors and stimulation. I'll be heading there from my frozen tundra of a city on Sunday. Do me a solid and entertain him until I get there.