LeRoy or Lazarus?

I don't know if we should call my dad LeRoy or Lazarus, because he seems to have risen from the near-death state we thought he was in a mere month ago.

He really could be a character in one of the parables. Jesus helped the lame walk... and this week Dad has actually been able to use his walker again! This seems like a miracle to us kids, who witnessed his frailty while he lay in bed and, just 10 days ago, sent the message he really didn't care if he got out of it. Ever.

He must have had an epiphany of some sort -- I will credit the power of prayer -- because suddenly he wanted to get out of bed again, get dressed and regain some quality of life. Now he has been a regular this week at the dining hall tables during meals AND during special activities like BINGO and polka-ing.

Yes, he has! How does one go from a wheelchair to a walker to wiggling his hips in such a short time?

Only God knows. That's for sure.

Now the key will be for him to not overdo it so he suffers a setback. Although we have been prepared for the worst for a few weeks now, this sort of changes things, doesn't it? I realize it's just part of the rollercoaster ride, but maybe the hills are evening out a bit.

Or maybe not.

I don't want to succumb to false hope but I certainly feel blessed he is with us another day. Another week even. And maybe even longer.

We all know my dad has 9 lives like a feisty cat. I guess we're just not sure which one he's on.

Maybe Lazarus has an idea.