Day 25

In keeping with the post from Day 23, this post has been guest written.  Today Burt was joined by one of his favorite adopted sons, Benjamin Posner. Ben greeted Burt with song in their classic in-joke greeting. Burt sung across the room in kind. In case any of you are worried, rest assured that Burt remembers and can recite every nickname, in-joke and old story that are cherished parts of your friendship... even the ones you wish he would have forgotten.

As you may or may not know today is Yom Kippur but instead of fasting and atoning for our sins the Sterns decided to celebrate life. They spent the afternoon with Burt and accompanied him to his physically therapy session where he repeatedly stood (with assistance) and sat down again, much like you would if you spent the day in synagogue. He was tremendous and it was very encouraging to see his progress.

After therapy the Stern gang et al took Burt outside to the courtyard for a breath of fresh air. This is the first time Burt has been outside since the stretcher wheeled him into the Berkshire Medical Center three and a half weeks ago. The day welcomed Burt with warm weather, a blue sky, and plenty of much needed sunlight. Burt quickly complained about the abundant sun and the gang moved to the shade where they could sit and chat comfortably with considerably less squinting. They talked, they laughed and there were even some family photos.

When the Sterns had their fill of the picturesque hospital courtyard and when his tailbone had enough punishment, Burt ventured back to his room. With some help from the staff Burt returned to bed for some well deserved rest. He seemed to fall into a very deep sleep and as everyone agreed, in hushed tones, how well he was doing, Burt piped in "I'm still here." More laughter, then Burt announced that he was now going to shut his eyes and rest, for real this time. Translation, "stop talking behind my back." With that, the next hour or so was spent pinning up some pictures and prints around the room so that our man would have something beautiful to see when he woke. The pictures were pasted to his left so that he could continue to focus on engaging that side of his body.

The Sterns left Burt sound asleep and immediately wished he was riding home with them.

Tomorrow the Sterns will join him again for some more therapy and laughter. They will also be bringing him better fitting sweatpants. The ones he has are "too big" and even in a hospital Burt likes to look his best.

That's all for now. Goodnight and good yontif.