Higher spirits, wisecracks, and a really good evening

It's Mike - we wanted to update you all - Dad's been in much higher spirits since Monday. He hasn't regained physical strength, but mentally and spiritually he's been much, much more positive and peaceful, and less frustrated and discouraged. Also, his sense of humor, which has been a constant (since the day he learned to talk, I would imagine) has been in rare form, and he's been cracking us up regularly whenever he's been awake.

Then, last night, Dad told Mom that he thought he'd like to get up for a bit and watch TV. We were amazed - that's the first time since this past Thursday that he's been awake enough in the evening to consider that - for the past several days, he'd been getting up for a small breakfast and staying awake for an hour or two for whatever morning regimen was scheduled (a visit from the nurse and/or home health aide or the like), and then sleeping the rest of the day and night, apart from brief wake-ups for Ensure, juice, meds, and bathroom breaks.

So we helped Dad sit up in bed, and he asked what was on TV. Mom said "Dancing With the Stars", and Dad groaned and made a face and made to lay back down again - there's that wicked sense of humor! :-) We helped him into the wheelchair and then onto the sofa, and we all watched TV together for about 2 1/2 hours! Dad was awake and alert the whole time (which is more than we could say for Mom), and then we helped Dad back to bed. It was a great evening, and Dad's spirits and energy - at least his mental energy, which counts for a lot, I'm learning - have continued to be high, which has been a blessing and a joy. We're really rejoicing in these happy times and laughter.

We're deeply grateful, as always, for your love, support, and prayers.

Love,
Tom & Lynne
Mike & Tina
Sean & Anna