Progress

An update on Paul’s condition has been overdue. When I asked him last week to help me with a word or two to characterize things, he said, “Be innocuous. Tell them I’m having a good day.” I chose to say nothing and to think instead about telling the story about asparagus on the holidays.

Paul does seem to be making progress. The paralysis has not changed. The injury at c’s 4, 5 and 6 seems determined to hold its grip. This means "no movement below the elbows,” as Paul puts it, but that is not entirely true. The therapists at St. Vincent are working with Paul to help him to learn to use his arms, hands following, via the control he has in his shoulders and elbows. Paul seems encouraged that he is making progress in therapy and his attitude is positive.

The paralysis does not simply impact Paul’s limbs. It also limits the use of the diaphragm, which means Paul’s great lung capacity is not in full use. His breath is relatively shallow. He does not cough. This is why pneumonia was and is a threat, and why Paul’s respiratory therapists are some of his best friends. He has at least three breathing treatments a day – usually more.

What can I say about Paul's mood(s)? Paul has always had them. Imagine the depths to which he travels. But the resilience of spirit and the strength of Paul’s character are astonishing. He is still all there, and for that I have no words. When I asked him yesterday how he was going to spend the rest of the day, Paul said, “Johnny is coming over with the Sunday Times. He’s going to read me Maureen Dowd and Frank Rich, AND WE ARE GOING TO GET AS MAD AS HELL!”

More later. For now, Please know the letters pouring in through forpaulsuerken@gmail.com are reaching him – printed, delivered and read as they come in. Snail mail can be sent, for now, to: St. Vincent, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, PA 16544. Expect an address change in mid September.

Cheers.