(Geoff with his fancy new beard)
Since my last update, my dad has grown a beard to help keep him a little warmer in this bitter winter weather. That's not the only change since my last post. On the contrary, that's one of the smaller changes!
The first bit of exciting news that has happened is that doctors were finally able to get my dad's IVC filter out that was in his leg. Two previous attempts in Chicago would make this try #3. Third time's the charm, right? It wasn't a big deal if the filter had been left in, but it's a relief to know that we don't have to deal with it anymore.
In therapy my dad is continuing to work with the LokoMat. It's very cool to watch the way it works. It makes him walk perfectly. The therapists work him hard on it, putting him on the top speed! (We'll try to post a picture of this in the next update.) He never uses a cane while indoors anymore. He uses it outside to be safe and in busy public places, but is becoming more confident all the time. My dad has also started water therapy at Sister Kenny. He says he enjoys the therapy.
Speech is continues to slowly improve. He can read out loud more and more. We'll often have him read signs that he can see from the car, which he can do a lot of the time. He is speaking more and can so much more often say what's on his mind. Often times it's just a word at the start, but he'll say phrases and every now and then a full sentence, as we ask him more questions. He has an amazing sense of direction and always knows where we are. We've been working with him on saying 'right turn' and 'left turn' so we always know where to go!
We continue with the electrical stimulation at home on his arm and wrist, as well as his ankle now. His continues to make substantial progress. The one thing we're working on specifically right now is releasing his hand. He can squeeze it into a fist quite easily, but needs to practice releasing the squeeze. He's getting closer!
"Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." John 16:22
Oh it was so good to check my emails this morning (on which we permanently have the link to Geoff's blogg) and see a new posting. Every time we read your new postings, we miss you all terribly all over again. We will be coming to the cities over Presidents Day weekend for Darin's All State Choir performance at Orchestra Hall on Saturday the 19th. Do you guys have any plans for that Saturday? If not, you might enjoy coming to the All State Concerts that day. The Choir concert is 10 am - 12 noon and the Band concert is 2-4 p.m. We are planning on going to both and will grab some lunch within walking distance of Orchestra Hall in between the two concerts. So think about it........it would be soooooo great to see you all and I think you all would love the concerts. If that does not work, we could maybe visit you all on Sunday afternoon the 20th. Let me know fairly soon so we can get tickets...320-269-0942. Love you all and pray for you constantly, Marc and Jan Stevens
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