More Animated

[By Brian]

5:00pm update. Rob was doing a lot better this time. Marla and I went in first. It was funny because Rob pointed at Marla and gave the thumbs up. We couldn't figure out what he was saying so we just guessed. I said, "Oh, are you saying Marla's looking good?" He shook his head and pointed harder at the fan Marla was holding. Then Marla said, "Are you saying you like this fan?" He nodded his head in acceptance. Marla and I thought the situation was funny - I covered for Rob and said, "but, you do think she's looking good today, right?" I think he nodded yes.

A doctor came in and he asked how we thought he looked. We said he looked better but then said, "it sure would be nice to get that tube out." The doc agreed. And then the doctor continued to say that the CT scans look good. The doctor and nurse talked about some deal where Rob might have a little pocket in his lungs that is making it hard from him to breath on his own. [I couldn't figure out if it's a pocket that is trapping air, or a pocket that is expanding into the lungs.] The doc seemed positive and said we just need a little time and that they would just continue to try taking the tube out until it worked. Other then the tube, the doctor said things were looking really good. While the doctor talked to us Rob looked very alert with eyes wide open. You can tell Rob is paying attention to what's going on with himself.

We asked Rob if he wanted us to talk to him or if he wanted to rest [lately he's wanted rest]. He signaled that he wanted us to talk. Marla and I talked about the Aquarium we all went to today. It was a really nice place that looked a lot like Disney. We told him about the white bangle tiger we saw (he frowned his eyebrows); it was weird that an Aquarium had a tiger, but it was cool anyway.

We continued to talk and Rob then made a signal that he couldn't wait until he got the air-tube out of his mouth so that he could play his PSP (hand-held video game system). Marla and I got a good laugh. It was good to see Rob so animated. His eyes were open and closed - but, more open then I've seen previously.

When Dad went in he said he told him that they could do a tracheotomy so that they could at least get the air-tube out. Rob shook his head and motioned that he didn't care if it took several days until his tube came out - he wants it out, but he's being patient. When the tube does come out he'll get an oxygen mask and will quickly get his own room where we could visit more often [Rob gave the thumbs up when he heard this news].

I told Rob that people are praying for him and he seemed comforted. Thanks everyone.