Update for Sam: spent the morning with Sam and took him some jammies, some cream for his scars, and shaving kit. Before I arrived this AM, they'd showered him up, so we popped him out of the hospital drapes and into proper attire for lounging. He seems to feel immediately better, just being cleaned up and freshened up.
Brought him so smoked chicken/pasta sale from home and the wife brewed him up some fresh peach sun tea. That seemed to go down pretty well. I'll admit I had to lie a bit by claiming there was bourbon in it, but whatever works... Got a raised eyebrow from the nurse, btw.
Before i could get him shaved up, physio came to work him over. I had to run off for a few hours, but made my way back late afternoon. He was much higher spirits, but was complaining a bit about his ribs being sore. Got him a pain pill, and then the phone began ringing with lots of worried folks calling. Bill included in that-
Still never got him shaved, but will do tomorrow. Big news today was, we finally tracked down his dentures! Had to hire a team of private investigators to sift thru two hospital wings, a mail room, 3 nurses stations, and 4 floors of patient rooms, but we found 'em. I'm hopeful that will stimulate him to eat more, as his appetite is still low.
I'll tell you from personal observation, the calls make a huge difference in his mood. If nothing more, he enjoys the company with those he knows and has history with. Current circumstances are still foggy for him, so easier for him to interact with longer term mates and friends.
He's pretty wiped by 7:00PM, and tends to go a bit wonky as the pain mess begin to take hold, and fatigue. So mid morning, until late afternoon are very good times to reach him and get the "real Sam" on the other line.
Cheers-