Tuesday, September 21, 2010


Sam came to visit us this past weekend from New York City . . . we took the metra train into downtown Chicago on Sunday, and spent an afternoon browsing the art institute, walking through Millennium Park, checking out the shops, and of course, taking our necessary coffee shop detour!

dad's therapy has been going well. we're very happy with the therapists he interacts with daily, and find my dad challenged to continue to push himself every day. although speech/communication remains an extremely frustrating aspect of my dad's healing, he has been making daily progress that always keep us hopeful; his writing skills, especially, seem to be getting better and better. this evening he was able to communicate something to us just by writing! we also hear more accuracy with spontaneous speech . . . for instance, if he wants my attention, he's much more likely to call out "Maggie!" than he would have been a few weeks ago. we try to work with him outside of rehab as much as possible as well -- identifying food at the dinner table, naming his kids, repeating certain words and sentences, etc. -- as a way to keep him working and thinking outside of the rehabilitation facility. his walking is looking very good, much more steady and even. every afternoon after therapy one of us will go out for a walk in the neighborhood with him, and the improvements are becoming more and more obvious. the therapists at RIC are also talking about putting my dad into some stroke study programs/research projects, which might be a neat opportunity!

we continue to be blessed here in Plainfield, IL, and daily receive love from all of our friends and family -- THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH, no act of kindness has gone unseen. we're happily adjusting to our new home and surroundings here, and it has been a new adventure for all of us:)

"i have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. in this world you will have trouble. but take heart! i have overcome the world."
--John 16:33

5 comments:

  1. Thank you, Maggie, for the update. As always it's so wonderful to hear of your dad's progress. His work ethic and personal determination will take him a long way. We miss Geoff here (and your entire family as well). Please know all of you are remembered EVERY day in thought & prayer. We all send our best.
    P.S. Your scripture references at the end of each blog are so touching and inspiring. They are a ministry in themselves. Thank you! :)
    - Becky Risa

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  2. Hi Hathaways,

    Fall activities have returned to Montevideo with school/sports/music/fall play starting and the fall programs getting started at church. But there is a big hole in so much of what we do.......as the Hathaways are missing!!! The youth worship group lead music the first Sunday in September and they sure miss Clara. Then on the second Sunday of September, Sunday School started and we had our usual potluck after church to celebrate the beginning of Sunday School again. We so miss you all at all our church activities.....and at school things.......and around town......and, and, and!!!! But we are so happy and praise God for Geoff's continued progress. We love you all and miss you all and are looking forward to having you back home whenever the Lord leads you all back to us.

    Lots of love and prayers, The Stevens family

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  3. Maggie, Janet, ALL the Hathaways-
    I am SO GLAD to read this latest posting. Thank you Maggie. I was away from my computer for a few days, so only read it tonight (Sat). But what good, positive news awaited me. As you know, I am thinking of all of you every single day. I'm so glad to know Geoff is slowly but surely finding his way again. There is so much to be optimistic and hopeful about -- that is the most important thing of all.
    As ever.......sending you love, love, love.
    Julie K.

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  4. Glad to hear things are going so well. You guys are missed for sure. I was thinking about some theatre projects to get off the ground and wishing the other G would be around to help. I'm sure he will be in time, but don't want him to overdo it!!!

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  5. Hathaways--This message is from the Courtney's from Willmar. I have been reading these updates since Geoff's stroke and am amazed at the faith in your family!

    He is truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. I am thrilled that he is improving and know that with all of the support around him he will make a full recovery.

    I have been connecting with some of our Cretin gang and they all have Geoff in their prayers.

    Thanks for the blog, and I too appreciate the scripture readings.

    The Courtney's from Willmar--Dick, Shari, Patrick, Nicholas, and Zachary

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