update #63 from Linda

Hello! Steve walked today. I can hardly believe I am able to write those words, but it's true. He supported his arms on a sort of tall table on wheels, held onto the handles, and started walking. The PT people told him what to do - "step forward with your right foot, lock your right knee, step forward with your left foot, etc." After a couple minutes of this he just got into the rhythm, and slowly walked two thirds of the way around the room! The place was going crazy, from PT people to doctors to other patients. Amazing.

One of the other patients (and one of Steve's biggest cheerleaders) is a man named Ron who lost an arm and a leg in a motorcycle accident. He's pretty loud and very funny, and Steve loves being around him. Today Ron told me that when he was hurt he just couldn't believe that he was the person laying there so injured. But when his friends and family surrounded him and supported him, it helped him come to terms with what had happened to him and made him believe that everything would be OK. It was interesting to hear that from the perspective of someone who had been through such a challenging situation. I'm sure Steve is thanking every one of you for your support and your love!

After therapy we got on the computer, which we had done before without much success. But this time he was able to read a couple messages (from his friend Ryan and from Uncle Rick) and could maneuver the mouse a little and click on a few things on Facebook. I think part of his success was due to increased control over his right hand, and part was due to better vision. His right eye is open so much more now and tracking better He also decided to wear his glasses even though they're uncomfortable. I'm sure that helped.

Speaking of glasses, someone from the Kellogg Eye Institute in Ann Arbor is coming tomorrow AM with a selection of frames and they're going to make him a new pair. We were able to track down his latest prescription...he had his eyes examined last fall in Las Vegas when he lost his contact and didn't have any spares...a long story! But that place faxed us his prescription, the Kellogg people were kind enough to bring frames to the hospital, and Danielle (yeah!) is going to help him order his new glasses. His vision problems could involve more than just glasses, but it's a good first step.

The doctors decided to x-ray his shoulders today to see if bone spurs might be forming in his left one. It gives him significant pain which could be "tone" - something connected to his brain injury - or it could be something else. Just checking this out. We'll let you know the results.

Goodnight, everyone, and take care!
Love,
Linda