surgery's eve

Wiley heads off to surgery tomorrow morning bright and early (7:30 am start), but he gets to go in with a bunch of great news from today.

First, his speech therapist told him that she thought he'd be back in school before January. It's probably the happiest you have ever seen a 14-year old boy at the prospect of returning to school. I guess that means he has been doing his homework. And showing whatever else she was looking for in terms of his capacities to handle it.

His physical therapist also told him that he was very nearly graduated from his services as well (unclear if that as far as hospital-based PT goes, or PT in general). Nancy was also graduated today, with Wiley: she was given the green light to walk with him -- so they aren't just limited to wheelchair travel together. (I believe Tim's had that green light for awhile, but Nance has been a little less able and Wiley a little more in need of support by his walking assistant.)

A good hospital day for Wy.

Nancy was asking the nurse about why Wiley might have had a headache this afternoon (earlier than he had been getting them each day). "Do you think it's from all the walking we did today?" The nurse answered, as if instructing a small child, "Um -- it's because he's had a brain injury?" with the upward lilt intended to question whether the listener really understood after all.

The picture at the top of Wy was taken today by Nancy. He's looking so good, and surgery -- thanks to a shaved head, sutures, and such -- is definitely going to set his recovery of appearance back a couple of weeks, so she thought it a good idea to catch him now for you all to see. (He did get right of disapproval, which he waived.)

Hopefully it will also make the surprise of a Wiley with short hair a little less startling when you see him next, too!