So pleased to share...

October 2. 2023

This past week’s improvements are exponentially greater than the two previous. 

1. Rachel’s head control. She is able to slowly turn her head to the left and right! Every day her neck muscles are stronger. 

2. Speech therapy sessions have been amazing. She is chewing ice chips and swallowing the water. She is making faint, but audible “ah” & “ha” sounds. 

3. A plan is in place to have her trache tube removed on Monday, 10/9. (This is subject to her maintaining her current progress.) She has “graduated” from her one-way valve to a cap on her trache. She is inhaling and exhaling through her mouth and nose!

4. Music therapy is amazing! Often this is a co-treatment with occupational therapy. It engages her brain, fine-motor skills and large muscle movements. She loves it!

5. Rachel’s shoulder joints are also getting better…she is able now to get the full benefit of the hybrid electrical stimulation machine. (Stimulation & range of motion)

Rachel still is not moving her eyes side to side or blinking. This, along with the small muscle movements in her mouth/lips are our primary prayer requests. (This is important for facial expressions as well as working towards speaking again.) Thank you for your continued prayers!

My time here has been so uplifting as well. 

I thoroughly enjoy working side by side with Rachel’s care team. I continue to be impressed with their patience teaching & training, compassion in their care matched with professionalism and expertise. 

“One day at a time,” is more than a cliché we say to one another in the midst of difficult times.  I am so grateful for the additional support and “togetherness” I share with the other residents at Helen’s House (family/caregiver housing).  Some are here supporting loved ones and others are in the outpatient rehabilitation program.  

Selfless love is powerful!

As you thank God for answered prayer, please also say thanks for daily Grace. 

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in our times of trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

With gratefulness & joy,

Jeremy