Marty's Page: Maudy Saturday

I know that our Catholic friends honor Maundy Thursday, but we felt it more fitting here in Colorado to honor Maudy Saturday. When Alison was younger and was first learning that her Bubbe and Zayde had "real" people names, somehow she developed a Bostonian accent when saying Marty and it came out "Maudy." It continues to this day so it seemed fitting that, on this day when she was finally able to spend most of it with him, we officially dubbed it Maudy Saturday.

The Yoder's arrived in Denver last night and it was wonderful to see Dad, not just Marty, but the real smiling, joking, Harry Potter glasses wearing, fashion conscious, loving, sincere Dad. We all had dinner in our apartment and I got the biggest smile I remember in a long time when I was able to give them the surprise I have had since March 18...

See, many years ago, we were on our way, ironically, to Colorado for a family vacation. The green bagel played a crucial role in one of the now infamous family vacation stories...I could not help but "throw" it in our suitcase and bring it "back up" again.

So, what's the latest...Dad is off the ventilator and it was even taken out of his room two days ago (although we don't talk about it so as not to jinx things.) He is working on a pretty good cold so they kicked up the oxygen for few days to help him through the stuffy nose days. His shoulders are very sore and this is more apparent when he is getting into or out of bed. He is off tube feedings and is eating anything he wants. I'll give you one guess...yep, Smashburger for dinner. He also requested the bagel for breakfast! :)

As so many of the medical issues are resolving, he is able to do more and more therapy and rehab. But, on another level, so much of the therapy is social. We finally have been able to meet so many of the people (patients, families, and staff here at Craig) that Mom talks to (and about) on a daily basis. Mom said it best yesterday..."It is hard to believe we have not known these people all our lives." But, yes, there is still a little competition here...apparently Dad's friend Craig had "poncho envy" and had to do a little retail therapy as well.

It is late and I wanted to make sure I got this posted today. I will talk with Dad tomorrow and see what else he wants put in this blog...but in the meantime, below are some pics of the Jones' from their visit last week.