UPDATE 4/10/2006
Hi everyone. Thank you all again for your prayers, thoughts, and good wishes. My family and I appreciate it all very much.
My Dad is back home now. He responded extremely well to his acute rehab and his speech, swallowing, balance, and cognitive abilities are all markedly improved. He's going to continue with PT four days a week for the next few months before we scale him back down to 2 days a week. Fortunately, Orange County, CA has a very good Access system for the disabled that he/we were already familiar with prior to this most recent stroke so while we suspended his priveldges for a few weeks while he was in the hospital and then rehab... he's ready and raring to go again so that he can continue to function as independently as possible.
The good news is that my pops has recovered to the point that he's not a danger to himself or others and mercifully.... and trust me we've seen many, many, many other stroke victims who are much worse off than him... he's doing quite well when you consider all that he's been through.
We'll continue to take things one day at a time but the outlook today is a whole ot rosier than it was even a few short weeks ago.
I thank you all again for your caring support. I apologize again for downloading so much of my own, personal emotional baggage over the internet and onto you. But honestly, the process has been healling to me. Moreover, I hope you will each take this story to heart in your own way. Life is short. No matter what... that's true. So take each opportunity you have to tell your family and friends how much you care. Never, ever, ever go to bed angry at a loved one. And most of all, enjoy all the gifts in life that each of us is blessed with. Even if it's a simple as a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Embrace that and see it for the gift it is.
Mahalo e aloha -
Christian