just an update to all of those who prayed for my old man... Last night, I stopped in around 630 pm and he looked completely different. Was full of color, and opened his eyes completely when I talked to him. It looked like he was going to talk, but there was a bit of a disconnect there. He certainly knew when I said "hey dad" because he fully engaged and locked eyes. By far the most responsive i've seen since the incident (today is Day 12). Nurse told me to come back in morning and give him time.
I don't want to get too excited because he was not speaking, god forbid something is wrong with him upstairs but he was super responsive and for once I have real hope we might be able to avoid that tracheotomy, or even get him home with a nice recoveryI He's off all sedatives and has no fever, so I don't see why he'd take a step back here.
Finally have some real hope this morning, thanks again everyone.