We survived Al's weekend home. We continuously evolved and adapted as necessary from Friday night until his return on Monday night. Al seemed to enjoy being in his own home again.

I enjoyed having him here and it didn't take long for me to realize I had taken on a lot. His wheelchair proved a bit too tight for the bedroom doors. My brother who had helped bring Al home removed both doors. Our bed was too high for a safe transfer so Al slept in our guest bed which was a more appropriate height. I was eager to cook wonderful meals but my worry of falls and navigation had me hopping all weekend. I realized I needed to back off on my high expectations, mostly of myself, and Saturdays dinner got down graded from Prime Rib to Hot dogs. Al did not seem to mind.

I tried to engage him in conversation all weekend, but he was disinterested I think because of his word finding issues. We did watch some television together and I quizzed him at times and he seemed to be following along appropriately. He had one fall on Saturday with a transfer that I think he tried too quickly. He was not hurt, only a bruise on his leg.

We adapted his personal care to a bowl at the kitchen table because he could not access the bathroom. There will be an assessment of the apt. this week so I will address all of the problem areas of the weekend home. For sure a smaller wheel chair is in order.

It could be in four more weeks Al will have more short distance mobility with walking. We actually managed quite well and we problem solved as we needed to.

I think his highlight was hanging out with his favorite girl. (I would be his favorite lady.)