In morning phone conversation Ruthie suggests I find a new pulmonologist; a doctor that is not “hostile to the idea of my father recovering.” In the ICU Dr. Nawaz is near my father who is sitting up in bed and looking all around the room. He tells him to “open your mouth” and sticks an object into his throat. My father lets out a yell and says “no!” Dr. Nawaz gently says “I’m sorry Mr. Neustadter, I was just testing your gag reflex. I won’t do that again.” Speech pathologist evaluates and says for now he cannot safely swallow food, but she shows me how I can wet his mouth and lips with a foam lollipop dipped in cold water.

On or about this day I started leaving messages to talk with IMCU / ICU head nurse Susan King. I wanted to tell her about Dr. Weiner and get her recommendation for another doctor. I also called customer relations and was put in touch with Carolyn Williams, who told me she would get back to meet with me to hear what happened.

My father is in a light sleep the rest of the day, but he mouths amen when I’m davening Mincha.