Interesting development here at the ranch. Last night Bruce and I were able to enjoy a rare dinner together. Cathy was able to come during the day and I got home from work early enough to make a nice dinner for us. After dinner, he said he was going to stay up later and enjoy some time with me. He turned on a funny video show with a live panel, the female laughs so gratingly and they enhance it. So that was it for me. Now he knows I do not care for this show. I went into another room to read until he was ready for bed. I did not say much except that he knows I do not care for that show and call me if he needs me.

After incontinence, this is my number one gripe. Absolutely no concern for your partner, no thought unless I complain, no reminder of that life learned lesson of with all decisions, there are outcomes or consequences.

So today. When he gets on the shopping channels, I always say "buying me something pretty?" He usually just laughs. But this morning he says "I only wish I could!" We get to therapy. Usually I help him transfer into the WC and then go park and meet him at therapy. This morning he says "I really need wet." OK, so the aphasia, but I knew what he was saying. I tossed the keys to the security guard and took him inside to the BR. You all know this is greatly improved since Thanksgiving and the new medication dosing. But this was a first outside the house. A public restroom and asking to be helped.

Lexi took him outside-our temps were almost to 60 today-for his whole 40 minutes and said she was very proud of him and the work he did. Since he will not walk with me, I planned errands all week. With our Jen gone; Cathy has taken over the long days, but she does not drive a manual; so they are stuck in the house. My housekeeping is wonderful, but Bruce just sits.

We came home to lunch and nap. Leo asked me to put him in the AFO after nap for walking at bedtime. Bruce's weak knee has been giving out. Leo has had to lower him to the floor several times the past few weeks. With the AFO on for Leo's duty, we are hoping that will not happen and Bruce will continue to work with Leo after dinner. Leo is hoping to put the long leg brace on soon with the weather warming, right at 4pm so they can get back to their walks before dinner. But for now, that won't go on after dinner when Bruce is tired and ready for bed, so we figure the AFO will give him support enough to exercise and then walk to bed.

Bruce agreed to the AFO after lunch and then sat and read for one hour-no TV-until Laundry, Estim, snack and prep for tomorrow. I was able to sneak in a shower.

Leo reported he walked to BR and bed. My only complaints when I got home were with Leo, but I can deal with that: Bruce did not toilet before bed, Leo left the oven on, Bruce did not wash up and change into night clothes and Kira's water was all over the floor.

My caregivers have been with us for three years, and yes there are times I have to remind them of what I expect. I am a phone call away. If Bruce is acting out, call me. He will talk to me and Bruce knows what I expect. Personally, none of this is on Bruce.

After a quick clean up and change, we talked. I am so proud of him. This was really a terrific day for Bruce, personally. I told him I felt he was reconnecting with life and his life; what he wants for himself and us. I think it is really with stroke affected families that we pare things down to this level. To watch someone with a brain injury have such a complex day. See his improvement and recognize those small things. To an outsider, I probably sound nuts. To those of you who deal with this every day, it is enormous. Yes, tomorrow will be different. But hopefully another step forward. Debbie