Going for a Stroll!

Hey folks!

Well, it's only been a week since our last post, but a lot has happened. So let me get right to it.

Dad is really doing well with his recovery. To start with, he talked the medical staff into getting a little more aggressive with his ventilator therapy. This week, not only did they turn Dad's vent down to 6 (breaths per minute), but he also started going a few hours each day without the vent. That's right, he's breathing a little bit on his own each day without the aid of the machine. He started on Wednesday with 1 hour, and by Saturday, he was up to 4 hours. Dad set a goal for himself, and that is to be off the vent by Thanksgiving. It's an aggressive goal, but one we hope he can meet.

Lastly, the medical staff helped Dad get into a specialized wheelchair this past week and wheeled him down the hallway. It's the first time he's been out of the hospital room since they transferred him there back in August. The picture that you see is of him and Mom in the hallway. They took Dad to a big window where he was able to look outside with his own eyes for the first time in 4 months. Needless to say, Dad was overjoyed with the sight of the pretty fall leaves and blue sky. And of course, there wasn't a dry eye to be found on the floor for the rest of the day. Dad has gotten up everyday since Wednesday, and they will be doing the same next week to keep him in a routine. In fact, they might even take him outside for just a little while if the weather warms up enough.

Now, the prognosis is still the same for Dad from a medical standpoint. He's still going to need multiple years of therapy, and he will most likely need an aid for a little while to get around the house until he's back on his feet. But all of this is still a ways down the road, as we still have a long way to go. Dad's nerves are still regenerating, but I can see a little more movement in him each week when we visit. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that the day Dad will leave the hospital and go home is closer than what it use to be.

I know with the holidays coming up that Dad would love to hear from all of you that are keeping up with his progress. So don't forget to drop him a line via card or email when you get the chance. His address is P.O. Box 2364, Danville, VA, 24541, and clink on this link to get to the hospital's website for email. He's in room CRCR #5. Dad and Mom would also like everyone to know that you really mean a lot to them. Truly, they could not have made it this far without your love and support.

OK... that's it for now. Take care of yourselves and thanks for keeping Dad and Mom in your thoughts and prayers.

Team Jerry all the Way!!!

PS - Dad is also very excited by the prospects of RHS doing well in the playoffs. He's still rooting for the home team, even though he's far away. So for Dad, let's all say, "GO BIG BLUE!!!"