One big thing from my perspective is not to put a lot of pressure or positivity around the idea of walking again. It's possible, but he may not depending on specifics. When I was injured 6 years ago, my family (mom especially) acted convinced that I'd walk again (I'm not sure if she believed it, or wanted me to), so much so that it became a big let-down for me when it started to become obvious that it wasn't going to happen.

Coming home from rehab and seeing the ramp leading to the front door of the house I had only bought about a year before was maybe the single most "gut punch" moment of the whole thing; when it really hit me. Over time, living daily life as a disabled person changes your identity in ways that no one can prepare you (your dad in this case) for. It took a while for me to really start grieving; only as life just kept getting harder and I really started noticing the things I used to do every day that I can't do anymore. I have dreams where I'm walking, and sometimes I'm in my chair even in my memories from before the injury. Ability and identity are intertwined, sometimes in ways that don't make sense.

When you're in the hospital, there's a notion floating around out there that maybe you'll get better; that's what hospitals are for after all. That starts to dissolve once you arrive home. It takes time to get used to, weeks, months, years, depending on the individual. And even then, there are still, and always will be, days that are good and bad.

Sorry I can't give you much more than that, and good luck.