Update #99 from Linda

Hello! I hope life is good for all of you.

Things here are busy but fine. We're falling into a routine and getting things done. Probably the biggest progress we see right now is in Steve's eating, and that's most likely because we have the time and patience to let him eat at his own pace. Meals can take hours, but who cares? It's a huge improvement in the quality of his life.

Speech continues to be challenging. The quieter environment here and a different style of speech therapy, among other things, might be contributing. Something to work on. Sometimes he surprises us with the things he says, though. For instance, last night we went for a ride for ice cream and then to Kensington Park. When we got home, he said to me, "You know Darlene from therapy? She takes her dog to the horse trail at Kensington. I guess you can let them run there. I can't imagine what Nyah would do with a horse!" It took quite awhile for that to be said, and some repeating and air spelling, but he made his point! At other times, though, it's a struggle to say just a few words. On December 1st, they're getting Steve a device that might help him communicate; it was tried in the hospital but not successful there; they want to give it a try now that he's home. The thought is that he's "all there" as far as thinking, memory, humor, etc. goes, and they want him to be able to express what's on his mind more quickly and easily. The device also provides a voice for the things he types.

We're taking Steve to Muskegon this week to visit with some of our relatives there. One of his favorite places and some of his favorite people...he can't wait. Neither can we. We'll be gone all day Friday, and Saturday morning. If anyone would like to visit this weekend, we'll be home Saturday afternoon and Sunday...please stop by! We'd love to see you.

We are thinking of our many blessings this Thanksgiving and count you among them. We hope you have a wonderful holiday. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Love,
Linda