Birthday Surprises

The surprises I planned for Dwight happened and then some. He has received, as of Monday, 90 cards. And his birthday is Tuesday...more to come. Some of the girls from the nursing home made him a card and got him some balloons. All of the children and grandchildren were able to come for lunch: one of Dwight's favorites--KFC, supplemented with pies, cake for the staff and more balloons.

And then Dwight turned the tables on us. He actually planned, with his two favorite aids, to get into his wheelchair and join us in the little 'cafe' for lunch and dessert. We adults were hoping he would succeed, but the grandchildren had no idea. The expressions on their faces were 'priceless'. I'm not sure who was prouder, Dwight or the aids who convinced him to go for it when he doubted himself.

Thankfully, our son-in-law (who shares his birthday), had his ever present camera and got some great shots, including:

And Dwight would like to add:

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of those who sent cards and words of encouragement to make my birthday so extra special. I was overwhelmed at that number old and 'new' friends whose cards filled to over flowing every bulletin board we could find. Thanks again so very much, love Dwight.

Wheelchair

Because Dwight was in the hospital in July he qualified for physical therapy for a few weeks. On one of the last days before they signed off on therapy they taught the aids how to get him into his wheelchair. He has now been in his chair three times and an aid wheeled him around a little. He even moved about twenty feet by himself. He will only be put in his chair when he asks, and if there are three aids available to assist. I am hoping he asks 2 or 3 times a week. It has been 13 months since he last sat in his chair.

The aids who are aware of the card shower for Dwight's birthday come in and count his cards with a sly smile. He still hasn't asked why he is getting cards from people who wouldn't normally know it was his birthday. I hope he can get up next Sunday and join his kids and grand kids for KFC lunch in the little cafe near his room.

Today we are fighting a fever, hopefully just a reaction to the flu shot he got on Thursday.