I am trying to be sensitive of taking and posting photographs of Al. I believe a year from now he will look at these and not believe how far he has come. I regret not having more photos of me during my process.

Al was not keen to get shorts on or shoes today. He and I had a bit of a struggle over it, but I gently told him the ladies preferred him clothed for physiotherapy and that supportive shoes would benefit his progress. I won in the end and we had time before lunch for a stroll to the sun room and he agreed to a game of Farkle. This is a game we learned in the south. He did well and he stayed focused and was in the lead when lunch arrived.

After lunch he did very well in physiotherapy. He tried out some new transfers, practicing from his chair to a plinth. He seems to be getting the hang of it. Lisa is very good and direct with him. She emphasized again that he is absolutely ready for SMOL. She said there had been much discussion amongst the team about his readiness and there was question as to which service he would be more appropriate for. The stroke program or the ABI (acquired brain injury) program. This was a surprise to me. I personally am leaning toward the stroke program. In any even the rehab team from SMOL will talk with us tomorrow. So I hope we will know more about the where and when.

I think his cognitive issues at this stage are normal and more consistent with stroke than brain injury. I guess the only consolation is that traditionally ABI rehab keeps you longer as an inpatient. I guess time will tell.

I also want to thank people for their kind words and encouraging emails, blog posts, cards and support which takes all forms. We have had some lovely emails from blog followers who(m?) we have never even met before. It never ceases to amaze me the kindnesses of the world when all we hear of lately is shootings and craziness.

Peace and quail feathers to all.