AND ON DAY 37 . . .

. . . Tom left the hospital!!!  Yipee!!

Tom has settled in to NHC Place in Cool Springs.  It is part nursing home and part rehab facility.  It is a beautiful place.  Tom is one of the youngest (if not the youngest) patients here. 

He arrived by ambulance and was too late for a physical therapy assessment this afternoon so they will get him all set up in the morning.

The day started with a call from the insurance company saying he might not be approved for in-patient rehab and that he might be going home!  That was certainly a bit of a shock so we started talking about what we would need if Tom went straight home.  It was about 1:30 before we knew he would be going to rehab and I had to drive to the facility and sign some admissions paperwork.  Then I went back to the hospital to help Tom pack and wait for the ambulance.

I don't think Tom will be here very long - maybe a week.  I know several people who have been here before and I understand they do very good work.  I think we'll both be more prepared for Tom to come home after a few more days of PT.  Tom scored a private room too which is nice.  They are doing some construction here so his view is not great but he's really close to an exterior door where I can park and come in which is very convenient.  Just about the time we figure out the system, we'll be out of here.

Tom's PCP was very positive before we left the hospital.  He does not make rounds here so Tom will be seen by another physician until his release and will then go back to his PCP for follow-ups.

So, if you did not believe in prayer and miracles, you should now.  Tom's recovery is surely a miracle - just ask his doctors.  We would never have made it without your prayers and support.  Although Tom's recovery will continue for a long time and we still have surgery to face, we are blessed beyond measure for our families, friends and strangers who have lifted us up in so many ways these past 5 weeks.   We praise God for you!