Friday

As the theme of most of these updates has been Steve's continued improvement, I will beat that drum some more.  Every morning when I accompany Steve to his physical and occupational therapy sessions I see something new that wasn't there the day before.  Whether it is the duration he can keep his eyelids open, the ability to lift his left arm over his head, or the determination and concentration on his face as he propels himself with his legs across the rehab floor with the assistance of the zero gravity machine, Steve is making strides every day towards his inevitable recovery.  

As many have mentioned in previous updates, it is important to paint an accurate picture of what Steve has ahead.  While he is making continued progress, the road ahead will be long and bumpy and his recovery is going to measured not in days and weeks, but rather, months and years.  The ENT doc came in today to scope Steve's vocal cords and noticed that only one of them moves.  She was not certain if the paralysis of the second cord was caused by the stroke or intubation.  She seemed to think that it could be rehabilitated and was going to discuss treatment with her team.  

Steve continues to thrive on in-person visits from friends and family, emails sent to the hospital, and the wonderful cards that you are all sending.  Every time I pick a card up to read it to him I usually just give him the street address of the sender and ask him who the card is from.  Amazingly, Steve can often name the sender. I can't believe it, Steve's brain is like a steel trap that only gathers information and never lets it go.

Todd Jinkins