From Heather 4/22:

Niilo Gobbled a dish full of raw broccoli first of the hospital foods tonight, after yogurt, blueberries, canned fish strips and rye bread brought from home.

He also sang the Finnish song Minun Kultani to me and told me something about sea urchins.

Rob and Peggy were other visitors this evening; he recognized both and was interested in conversation.

As long as things keep improving, Niilo is scheduled to be transfered to Denali Center, a shortterm care facility connected to the hospital that has plants and nice common visiting areas where Niilo should be able to spend some time out of his bed and chair. With the weather warming so rapidly, he may want to spend some time outside.

It is uncertain how long Niilo will spend at Denali Center before coming home; It will depend on his digestive system working reliably and on whether he will be strong and balanced enough to not risk falls if he gets up in the night. He is on the Active list for a room at the Pioneer Home here in Fairbanks, but it is not likely that such a room will be available really soon.

When we left tonight, Niilo bid us ‘bye with, “Nakemiin!”