Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:00am

JOHN IS CONTINUING TO MAKE PROGRESS

It is hard to believe that a week has passed since my last posting.  In many ways it was a "routine" week in the life John and I are now living.  He continued working hard in his daily therapy sessions as well as on the many exercises he needs to do independently.  We do see progress in his strength and ability to move his body, but each thing is a continual struggle for him and pretty slow progress. He is able to "assist" a bit in his transfers now which is critical to going home.  John's feeding tube was removed and the opening is healed, but the feeding issue with facial muscles is still a drag. We did enjoy some delicious cheesecake together!  And we enjoyed visitors on the weekend when he is "resting" for the week ahead.

On Monday, John got a motorized wheelchair!  This is great fun for him and intended for his stay in the rehab so he can have some real independence.  The expectation is that he will go home in a regular wheelchair fitted out just for him.  It took some practice.  On our first outing to the main hospital lobby, he was so slow getting into the elevator, the elevator got stuck, the automated voice kept asking us (loudly) to close the door which wouldn't close and the alarm went off.  It was quite a commotion for everyone and maintenance was called.  Our next outing was yesterday with our dear friends, Judy and Fred Davis, and we had a wonderful time strolling through the Renewal Garden and just basking in the Arizona sunshine.

At yesterday's weekly review, all the staff involved with John's rehab gave enthusiastic reports on his progress.  We are staying on track and expect to go home in 2-3 weeks; next week we will probably set a specific target day.  The goal is for John to be independent in his daily living with minimal assistance from me.  I am now busy working with the occupational therapist to obtain the necessary equipment and make the necessary adaptations at home to accommodate John's needs.  I am praying that our landlord will be cooperative with the required changes.  The bathroom is the real challenge and we will need 2-3 short ramps over thresholds.

Thanks for the prayers and some direct advice regarding the insurance issues.  I think we are on a good track now and I am making progress in sorting and paying the stack in front of me.  The application for disability is a detailed process and a challenge - this has been a complicated road through four medical facilities.

John, as always, continues to be upbeat, optimistic and determined as well as very, very grateful. For the friends and family and "silent readers" who continue to send notes and cards of encouragement, please know that we read each and every one many times.  I have no time to answer each one, but they are all a treasure to us.