Update #54, Sept 24, 2009

Sean is starting a new phase in his rehabilitation. He'll be going to a local rehab center for "out-patient" therapy, so that he can use specialized machines to help strengthen and train his body and brain. He was evaluated by physical therapy and occupational therapy on Wednesday. He had his speech therapy evaluation Friday. He will have all three therapies 2 times a week on Mondays and Fridays. He is beginning another part of his journey and improving more and more each day. We are thankful for each day. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

We promised photos from when Sean went to meet his friends Annie & Jeff and their family. We traveled to Gunnison in southwest Colorado to have a short visit; they were vacationing in the Four corners area on Jeff's family's property near Pagosa Springs. The top is Sean with the Steinmanns, and the bottom is of Sean and Jeff. He really enjoyed the visit with Annie, Jeff and their children. That was the last long trip we took in his Hummer before turning it in to GMAC after the lease was complete.

Update #53, September 15th

Sean has had 2 weeks off of therapies waiting to go to outpatient rehab. He will be evaluated next Wednesday and Friday. He has enjoyed taking naps whenever he liked and not be awakened by a schedule. But even he admitted that he is looking forward to working out again. We had his eyes examined and his vision is 5 times worse than before. The eye doctor said his own eyes changed a lot after having heart surgery and he laughs whenever he reads that heart problems do not effect your vision. Sean actually engaged in, started asking questions and making statements the other day when we were discussing the girls(our 2 female dogs) getting into another fight and what we should do. They asked for his social security number last week and I said it would take me a minute as I have it written down. Sean gave the nurse the number matter of fact without hesitation, I was impressed. Still making progress each day and we are very thankful for each of them.

#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.