Only a week to go, hopefully.

Hello again everybody,

It's Cathy again since my sidekick Cejae has returned home.

John is scheduled to come home next Wednesday unless something changes. We have several follow-up visits to try and schedule and I have asked them to coordinate them in a time period that we could make one trip back up. We will see how that goes.

He is eating good enough now that they are no longer counting his calories. He is getting very independent, which is good and bad. He feels good enough that he thinks there are some things he shouldn't be monitored on, but there are still rules that need to be followed. He has been so eager to please and do whatever they tell him up to this point that I hate to see him balk at the required instructions. Hopefully, he will understand that they are only doing their job and have his safety and well-being in mind.

He is getting stronger as well. Today he lifted weights, rode a bicycle with his arms w/weights for 12 minutes, did physical therapy, and practiced writing. They keep him very busy and he tires quickly, but I think he feels he's accomplishing something. And he is. He has come such a long way in two weeks and we are so thankful. They are so encouraging, positive and fun. It has been a great place for him to be.

He received beautiful flowers today from Bob and Sue Tomlin. They are just gorgeous; thank you so much. He also got more cards. Again, we can't say enough how much we appreciate everyone still thinking about us and continuing to support us. How nice everyone has been.

John has lost quite a bit of weight. I, however, have not. I was talking to the speech therapist yesterday and she was telling me all of these things I could make when I get home. She said, "John needs the calories, so you could make cream soups with real cream." I'm thinking, "John needs the calories; I do not." You may not recognize either one of us when we get home. Him because he's so thin and me, because I'm not. I also may never want to eat out again. It's getting a little old. Oh well, at least I am able to eat anything I want. When we are healthy we take so many things for granted. We often don't realize how blessed we are until there are things we can no longer do.

His mind is so sharp. He doesn't forget anything. It's sad when we have to tell the guy who had brain surgery what we need remembered, because he's the only one who can. And he does; every time.

Well, my large butt is dragging, so I'm going to take a bath and hit the hay. Love you all and hope this finds all of you well and doing great.

Cathy