Dad moved to National Churches Residences. He is in the main building (see above for more direct information). He continued to attempt words today. When you least, and he least, expects it, words have a way of popping out. If you are lucky enough for him to attempt around you, just try to slow down. Let him try, repeat back a word if you heard one. He will let you know if you are right. This is just our next step. We are still waiting for a room at Mother Angeline. He will continue his therapy, but we hope the change of scenery and ability to leave a room helps him move forward. I have to say the amazing change in one month's time has bolstered our resolve to push forward. Thank you for the prayers, God has blessed us truly!

Dad graduated today. He moves to a new facility today, so pray a bed becomes available at National Church Residences. Otherwise, we will be at Echo Manor. He took 6 assisted steps. He moved his left leg, the therapists braced him and moved his right. He said multi sounds today, as if they were easy as pie. He said his name, Judy, Andy and few more words. The connections are starting to connect. If you see him attempting to speak, please be patient let him form the thought and try. It truly is hard to not try and fill in the blank, but his brain is working really hard on telling many muscles how to say the word he wishes to say. The words are coming! He played a beginning game of soduko. Thank you for your prayers! They are working!

Dad is still rocking rehab. Yesterday he looked at newspaper. We don't know if he was reading it or just looking at the sports scores. These little steps are amazing. I am coming in for a visit today for the week. I can hardly wait to see how far we have come. There is still a long way to go, but we so appreciate your support and love!

The swallow test results are in. Although they are not as good as we hoped, they are hopeful. He still has some aspiration of high viscosity liquids (watery liquids get into his lungs). He was able to swallow the honey like liquids without this though. With more work, we will have him eating full meals in no time! Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts!

Dad is continuing to thrive in rehab. Yesterday he ate toast and drank water. These are huge steps. He will do a formal swallow test this afternoon. This will allow us to know how much more we can add to his diet. He is practicing his pronunciation skills. He hasn't been able to communicate his own thoughts, but we need to strengthen his vocal cords for when those connections happen. His stay at Mt. Carmel West has been extended to next Thursday. We are still looking at options for our next move. He is in a new room (as of last Friday). Be sure to check the board by the nurses station or ask. Thank you for your support and love!

Dad is doing great in rehab. He is doing puzzles, and may have even asked "where" the rest of the pieces are. His voice is gravelly at this time, but those around him swear they heard the word where. At this time, he will be leaving rehab on the 21st. This is more of an insurance issue, than anything to do with progress or lack of. When we know where we move next, I will post it. Thank you so much for your love and support! We truly appreciate and send it back to you!

Dad sang Happy Birthday today. As with most of us, singing this isn't much of a thought process. We do it by rote memory, much like counting or the abc's. So Dad, may not be communicating necessarily, but the strengthening of those vocal cords is so very important. This way when the communication starts to connect, he will have a great voice to use! Thank you so much for your support and love!

What a difference a week makes. Dad has been doing puzzles all week, most with a grin saying these aren't hard enough. He stood with assistance today. He has been eating ice chips and applesauce. Best of all.....he said hi and bye!!!! I'm still crying and dancing! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers! God has truly blessed us!

Rehab is doing wonders for Dad. We are seeing such progress. Dad isn't quite feeling it though. If you could send positive thoughts his way, that would be so very helpful!