Stabbed in the eye with a fork

That popular phrase comes to mind when thinking of Dad this morning. Even though we knew he was concerned about losing his vision to macular degeneration, I think we might have underestimated his passion. He was so greatly relieved to learn that he was going to the eye doctor this morning, that he has been described as renewed and invigorated.

Mom and my brother picked him up this morning, and escorted him to the eye clinic, where I'm sure he'll undergo another of the injections that he's received monthly for the last few years. The same injections that he credits with saving his vision. They aren't a cure, but have been an effective treatment for retaining what vision he has left. To put things in perspective, Dad has been such an involved and beloved patient of the clinic, that his eye doctor came to the hospital and visited Dad while he was still in the ICU.

I didn't really go into detail, but those injections are given to him in his eye. Yes, you heard me right. Dad looks forward to going to the clinic for an injection IN HIS EYE. In all fairness, I'm sure he'd speak up here and tell us that the treatment is better than losing his vision.

Dad received another visit from the clinic psychiatrist, as well as an evaluation from the therapists. I haven't heard anything from the psychiatrist, but the therapists have seen enough of an improvement over the last week that they have agreed to keep him in the center for another week. That's certainly good news as it relates to Dad making more progress in such a positive environment.

Finally, Dad has also received a "day pass" to visit his house this Sunday. It's a good opportunity for him to feel alive again, and to see the progress made on his home remodel over the last 5-6 weeks. I'm told that he was thrilled with the news. I'm sure in some small way it serves to validate what we've been trying to get through to him: that message of rehabilitation and recovery and a chance to one day come home.