#52, Sept 4, 2009

Sorry that we haven't updated this recently; our computer was being "tuned up" and in the shop. Anyhow, Sean has done just about all he can with in-home treatments and therapies, so we're looking for out-patient places so that he can do therapy with specialized machines. With the long weekend coming up, this process is slow at the moment.

#51, August 23, 2009

Friday was the day that we drove Sean's Hummer to the dealer for lease turn-in. With a couple of signatures, we gave them the keys and they gave us the license plates. That evening Sean told Andrea that he had to drive his car, and Andrea explained that he needed to be able to grab the steering wheel and the shifter to do that, and that both she and he needed to do exercises to strengthen their hands, and he seemed satisfied with that.
As always, thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. Sean's progress is slow but steady, with more strength returning to his hands and legs. We'll update you as he progresses.

#50 Update, August 14th

Today was the first time we saw any frustration in Sean. One of his medications was changed to a lower level and it will now be increased back. He is getting stronger everyday. The right side of his body is showing great improvement in coordination. We have been playing some of his CDs and he will occasionally sing along with them. I thought the other day he was going to get up and dance but he didn't. Steady and sure is the course.
Thanks for continuing to pray for him and us, we feel it and know it helps a lot.

#49, August 4, 2009

Yesterday we took Sean to Gunnison, Colorado, to see two of his friends from high school, Jeff & Annie Steinman. Jeff & Sean played basketball together; Annie was his junior prom date, whom he introduced to Jeff. They were staying in southwestern Colorado with their family, and Gunnison is about halfway between us and them. He enjoyed spending time in the Hummer and seeing them for the first time in about seven years. He had some trouble recognizing the kids, which is normal. The day was really nice - not too hot or cold, and enough clouds to let us enjoy the park.
On the way back, Sean was able to handle his drink by himself and take sips on his schedule, which indicates that he is regaining dexterity in his hands.
We'll post some photos so that you can see the Knotts and the Steinmans.

#48 Update, July 27th

Sorry for not getting this posted earlier, Mom here has had a few health issues, I'm fine. Sean is beginning to toss a ball overhanded with both his right and left hands which is great. Dr. Patrick is really working on strengthening those arms & hands. He has 1 lb weights on each arm as well to help strengthen those muscles. As a treat each day Paul has been taking him out in his Hummer for rides. It is hard to think about turning it in since the lease is up the 22nd of August, that will be a very sad day indeed. He had talked to us before surgery about turning it in instead of purchasing it and getting another truck. It is just hard to deal with right now. The other day I asked him while he was in the bathroom if he needed any help, or was it alright if I went back to the kitchen. He said "Who are you talking to?" back to me which is a good indicator that the brain is processing more and more with real time situations which is GREAT! He is working on coordination and getting the right body part to work when needed. Crossing his arms to the opposite side of the person in front of him is hard but getting better. He is able to put his socks and shoes on next comes tying them. He can take his shirt off and on as well. We are reminded constantly what miracles our bodies are and how they work especially when relearning comes into play. He always works hard and still loves to nap. :o) He and Delaney play ball a lot more now and she will cuddle him as well as pull on his shorts to follow her and do what she wants done. All of his therapist are pleased with his hard work and continued progress. He will laugh at "Two and a half men" and occasionally at other things, he doesn't comment on items often. I asked him what he wanted for lunch, he looked at me and said "What are my choices?" I told him I wasn't giving him any choices. I just wanted to know what he wanted, I normally would give him 2 or 3 choices. Of course he said "BBQ", which we didn't have available; but we did get him BBQ for dinner that night. Progress for sure. Thank you as always for your prayers and warm thoughts we feel them and as always appreciate them. All our warmth, love and prayers.

#47 Update, July 11th

Sean has improved a lot this week with the new physical therapist. They have been working on the strength in is right hand, right arm and shoulder especially. He is able to pull up his socks, put on his shoe and needs help to tie them but he has come a long way. He is working on dressing himself which is a nice step to see him make. It will still be a little while until he can completely feed himself, that will come with strengthening his hands and arms. He is talking more in sentences instead of just yes and no which is encouraging. His memory is coming back bit by bit. Thank you to those of you that have sent him cards, he looks at them and I think it helps to stimulate his brain to remember who you are and how he knows you. This week is the first week he has looked at his scars with any interest. We have talked about them several times and may talk about them even more but that is ok. He has the long vertical one from the heart surgery with 2 small circles where the drain tubes came out then the stomach tube circle and the horizontal scar on his left side from when they took the fluid off the back of his heart and the circle below it from the drain. Everyday he gets stronger slow but sure.

#46 Update, July 3rd

This is a 2 week update, sorry I got behind. Life happens while we are making other plans. Sean is reading more, writing more and actually drew a picture the other day, it is on the refrigerator. The new physical therapist doctor came to evaluate him Thursday. He is getting stronger everyday but the muscles in his right shoulder, arm and hand are weak. This new therapist is going to work specifically on those weak muscles and his coordination 3 times a week instead of the twice a week he was getting. He may be reintroduced to a computer soon. The goal is to introduce him to things that he can successfully achieve. Challenging him is fine but frustrating him too much is counter productive. He is beginning to engage in a conversation sometimes rather than just answering questions asked of him. We went to a Deli and grocery store the other day and asked if he wanted to go and he did. The outing was very nice for him not too long as his endurance is still not up to speed. He is staying up more and more but when he wants to sleep in or take a nap it is good for him to do so. He is beginning to feel more comfortable being out in public which is great, he said he would like to see the cousins up in Denver. We are working on some plans for him to see the cousins soon.