update #87 from Linda

Hello! I hope you had the chance to look at Danielle's videos. Steve is getting stronger every day! We are all walking with him in PT so that we can be cleared to walk with him at other times. He does the walking...we're there to help support his left arm and steady him if needed. They had him standing against a wall on Friday in PT and looking in a mirror to help him see how to keep his shoulders straight. They're also working on stairs and walking in a variety of ways. He walks better just using a gait belt and a person on each side of him, but they also use a cane/walkers to help him learn to walk more independently.

In OT Patrick has been doing lots of work with Steve's left arm and hand. He can open and close it better all the time, and can maneuver it to hold (although not strongly yet) a cup, etc. His shoulders are weak, so lifting his arms is challenging. His right one is coming along, though, which makes it possible to bring food to his mouth or scratch an itch on his head. Depending on the position he's in, he can do this alone or with a little help from us.

He has been tasting a variety of foods...very slowly and carefully...a swallow study is scheduled for Wednesday. Please send positive energy and prayers!

Rob brought Steve home for a couple hours yesterday, then we went to the Dream Cruise. We were there for about six hours...way too much for me, but Rob and Steve loved it! We ran into many of his friends there, then all met up at the end of the day so he could visit with them. He also had visits from friends on several other days this week. It would be so easy for these people to go on with their lives and busy schedules and not find time for Steve, but they don't. We are so thankful for them.

Have a good Sunday everyone!

Love,
Linda