Update #59 from Linda

Hello! Just returned from the hospital (Beth has the overnight) and thought I'd let you know a few things that are happening with Steve.

One pretty amazing thing is that he likes going to therapy, especially physical therapy. It's such hard, and often painful, work, but he truly seems to look forward to it. He also likes wearing a shoulder brace they got for him, and a brace for his left hand. I really think he understands that these things will help him get well, and he's glad to take them on. The other day I took him to PT a little early and pointed out some people with other injuries...some who can't (and probably never will) move their legs, hands, etc. I commented that he's so lucky to have an injury like he does compared to some others, since he'll eventually be able to move everything again. His eyes got really wide and he gave me a "thumbs up"...it was quite a moment.

Communication is a combination of hand signals, eye signals, and writing. There's not much we can't figure out. Tonight he wrote "this means higher" then pointed at the ceiling. It turns out that he was trying to scratch the top of his head and couldn't reach...wanted us to lift his arm higher so that he could! So now we know what that signal means! Rehab engineering gave him a computer loaded with a program that scans letters and he clicks on them to write messages. Writing with a pen and paper is much faster for him, but it's fun to use the computer and works on hand/eye coordination. Beth put a program on his computer where he can use a cordless mouse to click on letters and phrases to write messages...we haven't had much time to try it out yet, but plan to this weekend. We also used the computer in the dayroom and checked his email and got on facebook. He had to write his passwords and let me enter them for him...it was obvious that he didn't want to do this, but agreed to after I assured him I wouldn't snoop! I had to do all the clicking, etc. but he enjoyed sitting in front of a computer again.

As Danielle said, we are more than thrilled with the news that our discharge date has been moved farther into the future. I explained this to Steve and told him that it's because he's working so hard and making such good progress. He understands that the goal is to get him well and then home.

You know we've mentioned that Steve's surgeon also operated on Bob Woodruff. Well, Bob Woodruff spoke at UofM commencement last weekend, and Steve's speech therapist arranged for him to sign a book for Steve. She also took the book when she went to Washington, D.C. last week to pick up her daughter, called Dr. Armonda (the surgeon), spoke with him, and then met him so that he could also sign the book and pose for a picture. She presented this to Steve on Tuesday. It was such an amazing act of kindness on her part, and the book is a treasure Steve will have forever. Thank you, Laura! Here are the messages that were written: "To Steve and Family - It has been an honor to be part of Steve's care! Through the love of his family, skill of his therapists, and support of friends we look forward to his continued recovery. Dr. Rocco Armonda" and "To Steve and Family - In so many ways we are now brothers, TBI brothers. This is a long road to recovery but it happens. Keep up the fight. Yours, Bob Woodruff (and Rocco is the best surgeon!)"

One other thing that's on my mind is the overwhelming gratitude we feel for all of you who take the time to read this and offer support in so many ways. This is a life changing and exhausting journey and we truly gain strength from you. Every thought, prayer, and other kindness is treasured and appreciated by all of us.

Take care of yourselves!
Love,
Linda