We have been in for Monte over three weeks now, and it has been wonderful. We arrived at our house on a perfect summer's day, and were welcomed inside by the smell of fresh flowers-- there were vases of flowers in every room. It was so beautiful.

The first day back, Dad went into work to check up on things. I think he could have felt discouraged heading back and realizing everything that he cannot do yet, but instead he jumped right in to what he can work on and was encouraged by that. Of course it was still hard for him because he can't do everything he used to, but he will get there- slowly, but surely. He goes in to work once or twice a week.

The therapy program in Monte has been wonderful thus far. The Monte hospital completely redesigned the rehab area, and just finished in time for Dad to use the new facilities! The therapists have been absolutely wonderful! They have different ideas of how to go about working on his speech, arm, and leg and the exercises they are working on are great. The therapists are working Dad very hard!

Once Dad gets home, he doesn't take a break. He is constantly working on his therapy. He has many speech exercises, arm stretches, and leg muscle flexibility practices that he works on all the time.

We feel that just since being back in Monte Dad has made progress- especially in his speech. We think it is partly his rehab therapy at the hospital, and also the practice in speech that Dad is constantly doing as we see all of our friends and Montevideo folk! My dad and I went to the grocery store to get a few items, and we saw over 10 familiar faces- a five minute trip turns into 45 minutes. It is so great seeing everyone again. It's great practice for my dad, as well as encouraging for him, too. Everyone is excited to have Geoff back in Montevideo.

After a long day of therapy exercises, Dad likes to sit down to a game of Solitaire on his iPad. He will often spend an hour or two trying to win the game. He is becoming a master, and wins a good amount of the time! I am sure many cells and new paths are being built in his brain when he plays the game, so we consider that a therapy exercise, too!

We have gone down to the Java River Cafe many times, taken plenty of walks, visited the local apple orchard, and are constantly enjoying the fresh Montevideo air- it's definitely good to be back! Progress is only speeding up right now, and we are all encouraged daily with the progress that Dad makes.



"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6