Saturday

As I read back through Rob's update from Wednesday, I will just tag onto that.  Steve continues to make impressive incremental improvements each day.  Over the last several days, I have watched Steve make progress in his ability to cough and swallow which, according to the respiratory therapists, is essential for him to remove the trachea tube.  He regularly uses the suction device himself and the therapists encourage him to work on swallowing secretions whenever possible to re-engage his throat muscles.  

He had an impressive PT session yesterday where the therapists had him standing for about 5 minutes and switching his weight left and right.  He is regaining some of the left leg weakness he has been experiencing.  He did not need any help to hold his head up, just some verbal encouragement.  The plan for next week is to get him walking with the assistance of a stand up walker and some help from the PTs.  I have no doubt that Steve will perform as he always does, flawlessly.

The left arm is still weaker than the right but is regaining more movement every day.  Today, Rob brought in a banjo and Steve had a couple sessions of playing AND singing.  It was exciting to see him sitting up and engaged.  He is still 100% in there, just waiting to blossom again like a spring tulip.  He stays awake most of the day now and we have been keeping him busy with music, books on tape, and reading his birthday cards to him.  He really loved hearing those cards!  On that note, we got through all those cards and I know Steve would love to hear more, so keep them coming!

One of Steve's docs came in today for a check up and asked if there was anything he could do for Steve.  All he said was "Get me out of here".  So on that note, I will end knowing that Steve is going to give it his all to get back home to the family and community that loves him.

Todd Jinkins