7/20/10 - Day 78

Hi All,

I know it's been 2 weeks since I posted. I was out of town. I do have some things to write about at least.

Last Wednesday Steven went to therapy. His physical and occupational therapists both said that he will probably only need therapy for 2-4 more weeks! They both said there is not much more that they can do for him. Amazing...simply amazing.

The speech therapy is going to go a little longer...this is the one we thought he didn't need because he speaks just fine to us. He does use some of his own words sometimes but for the most part we thought he was doing great. However, according to his speech therapist, he says Steven has a one track mind and that he needs to expand his horizons...so that's what they will be working on. And I thought speech therapy was just that...learning to speak! The things I have learned in the last month and a half.

Last Thursday, Patrick took him for a follow up appt at ECMC with Dr. Wang, the rehab doctor. According to Dr. Wang, he can start to do volunteer work. We are looking into volunteering at either DeGraff (because it's close), ECMC (because Steven said he needs to give back, but it's pretty far away) or Meals on Wheels. We haven't decided just yet what he should do.

The doctor also said he could take a driving course so that he can start driving again. Holy cow!! Still can't believe it! Last night he drove for the first time! We asked him to move my car out of the driveway and his Aunt Brenda went with him. The next thing I know he's going for a ride around the block! Aunt Brenda said he did great! Went nice and slow...which I didn't think was ever possible! Lol.

Today, we had an appt at ECMC for his left ear(side with the injury) because he keeps saying that it's plugged. The doctors have looked in his ear to see if there was any thing blocking it, but nothing. So we think he may have some hearing loss. However, it was an absolute mad house at the ENT clinic at ECMC today. I didn't know it was just a clinic. I thought it was an actual doctor that we were seeing. I bet we would have been there about 4 hours...so we left! Lol. I made him an appt with an ENT here in town.

So because we were at the hospital, I decided to take him on a tour of where he stayed with in there. First we went to visit the rehab floor. The nurses were thrilled to see him. He did remember that floor. He was very sweet when talking to all of the nurses. He told them thank you for saving him.

We also went to ICU. It was very serene. The nurses were just thrilled that we came through there. They said it gives them reason to continue doing what they do. Steven was in awe of what it was like in there. He was staring at the patients and noticed that one patient had a trach in his throat. He said he was so glad he never had to have one of those. The nurse also showed him an empty room...she said it was like a space ship...which is sooo true.

When we left he told me that it was very inspirational for him to see the ICU and how bad it was. It will keep him fighting to stay healthy!!!!

All in all, it's been a great couple of weeks. Very, very happy that he is home.

Again, thanks for all the prayers.

7/6/10 - Day 64

Hi All...I know I'm late...I'm sorry.

I have to say there has been little change since last week. Steven is doing great. He's starting to go out a little more each week. We went to the mall on Saturday to see Cindy while she was working. He insisted on buying her a flower before we went. Very sweet.

I have to say...most days he is very sweet. He does have some mood swings, which is normal...but most of the time he is a pleasure to be around. He laughs and makes jokes...it's is just soooo great. I can't even explain it.

He is still going to therapy every week. He wasn't very cooperative this week to get his homework done. I told him he had to finish it up today before he goes back to therapy tomorrow. He was diligent in getting it done. I was very surprised! Not once did he say "I can't" or "I'll never finish it"...He sat at the table and got it done. It took him about 3 different session to finish it...but he did all of them except for one. He said, I'll finish it in the morning before therapy. My guess is, he'll get it done.

We had the family over on the 4th of July for backyard fireworks...It was probably the best 4th of July ever. Patrick's father, Steven and the rest of the family, all in one place for a great night. Could not ask for anything more.

We are blessed...every one of us. I thank God everyday that Steven is a miracle.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3