February 22, 2012

Mrs. Doug called and said they arrived around 11am in Jackson.  He made the trip fine.  He slept most of the way.  But he has been awake and alert the rest of the afternoon.  They did some preliminary evaluation stuff and said for him to get ready to hit the ground running at 8 in the morning!  Before therapy, he will start eating in the dining area, which will be good for him to adjust to being in a more public place to eat.  She said he needs to get used to that because they certainly don't intend to be living out of one room for the rest of their lives.   But for now, the room they have is really nice.  Mrs. Doug said it's really a big room and she has a couch bed to sleep on, which looks better than the one she has been sleeping on in Baldwyn.  She will have a meal ticket to eat in the cafeteria while she is there and a parking pass. 

They hope to get the trach out soon and then the feeding tube.  They also said they will be able to evaluate his sight.  Really, they will be able to work with his whole body in therapy to improve all areas.  He has insurance coverage for 4 weeks, and they told her that when it comes time for him to go home, they will make sure they have everything they need in terms of additional therapy or home health.  It's going to be really exciting to see how far he will be able to come while he is there!

Today while they were unpacking, she handed him his Bible that he used to preach from and he held it closely at first.  Then after a while, he started reading it a little while and then put it down.  A little while later he would pick it back up and read it some more.  She said she's pretty sure he is reading because he uses his finger to mark where he is.  He seemed to be enjoying reading it. 

"⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9