However, I do OK with and enjoy Phase 10 and UNO. 

So, my heart leapt when I asked Robert early this week if he wanted me to bring Phase 10 to the hospital (I’ve been in MN since Monday) and he said “yes!”.  

I was happy for so many reasons, but among them was that he’s able to play and has the energy to do so! We got through five hands the first day and he was tuckered out, largely because we played in the afternoon right after he’d had several physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions — three hours or so in total. They are working him hard and he’s giving it all he’s got! wE finished the game the next day. 

It was clear that playing Phase 10 was good brain therapy for him and the guy didn’t miss a beat. Not one! Per normal when we play, I always forget what Phase I’m on, whose turn it is to play, to deal, etc., (reference the first line of this post 😜), and he always has to keep me on track. And that was the case earlier this week when we played, and the guy was on it! 

Oh, BTW, I won, which is not usually the case. 😂 I told Fuzzy I hated winning when he was down. He looked at me and said, “I’m not down.”. 

I stand corrected. You are right Fuzzy — you are not down. 💪🏻

I cannot stress to you the significance of this and the process this remarkable man has made certainly since this ordeal began over five weeks ago, but especially in the last two weeks. It’s miraculous.

It’s been wonderful to spend time with him this week, as have his family members, and to witness his progress and his steadfastness. It’s inspiring. Even the staff is amazed. More on that in a future post.

Robert called me the next morning and asked me to bring his ‘The Land’ newspapers with me for my next visit. YES! Also a great sign…he’s got interest in reading about the things he loves — all things land and farming. I asked him if he wanted me to bring UNO and he said “yes!”. Yippee!!

Robert’s sister Lorraine and I spent yesterday with him. It was the first time the timing of her visit allowed her to experience Robert’s SLT and PT and that was awesome. To see how far he’s come is a wonderful experience. Lorraine is gifted at always making Robert laugh and there was lots of that.

I asked the nurse earlier this week if we could take Robert outside to the patient patio so he could have some fresh air, but it hadn’t yet been approved. However, yesterday it was!

After PT we rolled Robert in his chair out to the beautiful patio and played UNO for an hour. It was fabulous! This was the first time Robert had been out doors in over five weeks! The joy on his face made my heart sing and my eyes a little teary. It was a perfect day. Not too warm, a nice wind, and some clouds to protect us from the sun. But the most perfect part was Robert being able to enjoy his favorite place on earth: the great outdoors. And, of course, he didn’t miss a beat playing UNO. We didn’t even finish one hand in that hour. The game is to be continued.

We are thankful for the tremendous progress Robert has made these past five weeks and the progress he continues and will continue to make. Your prayers, love, friendship and the cards are so appreciated. Robert reads every single card….including the ones that arrived when he was “out of it”. All the most recent ones are hung on the bulletin board in his room and are replaced after a few days when more arrive. But all are being saved, and he loves them! 

Many of you continue to ask how you can help Robert. Once he is home we know there will be needs for various types of help and we promise to let you know here. Until then, keep the cards, prayers and healing vibes going his way.

As you likely know. Uno means ‘number one’ in Spanish and Italian. I have to say that in any language, Robert is UNO in my book! ❤️🙏