Randy is progressing beautifully! Last Friday, the feeding tube in his stomach was removed, so he is eating entirely on his own. He is continuing his daily routine of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. We have expanded this and most days we go for a "walk" around the hospital, or outside to get a little fresh air. Yesterday, he had an appointment across the street in the outpatient offices, so that was a fun adventure to actually go to another building and see the sunshine. He went for an EMG test, which tested the functionality of the nerves in his face. As the stroke affected his right side, they wanted to assess the level of nerve damage, if any. The news is great--the nerves are a bit weak, but they are functioning correctly and as they should, so it will just take a bit of time to heal, and his face should return to normal. His whole right side is feeling stronger everyday, and he really works hard in all his therapies. He also works hard in the evenings at beating all of us at a fun game of Quiddler. Last night we enjoyed a couple of hours with a few of us and one of the CNA's for a full Quiddler match.
Yesterday, the doctor said Dad's new release date is aiming for July 4th. While this is of course a flexible date, it is nice to have a goal. He will have an x-ray on his neck on Monday, and we are really hoping that it will be good news and give the go-ahead to remove the halo next week. He is coming home this weekend for a weekend pass. Before a patient is released, they have them go home for a weekend as "practice". He is nervous about it, but knows it will be good for his confidence. The halo really causes some anxiety and caution because it throws off his balance, and restricts his movement and line of vision. He thinks he will really "turn the corner" once that is removed and he can get the feel of things without the extra weight and restrictions of the halo. He said yesterday was his best day yet, and each day seems to be getting better and better! Thank you to all of you for your emails, notes and prayers. We love you!

Randy is continuing to improve with each day! The doctors are hoping to take his halo off around the first week of July!

He would like to send a BIG THANK YOU again to everyone for your calls, cards and e-mails! Right now sitting up and typing is challenging, but he will definitely reply to you when he is able to.

Thank you again for your continued love and support!

Father's Day

As today was Father's Day, we had a special party with PIZZA! Yes, he requested pizza and Pepsi. For lunch he had a hot dog, chips and a Pepsi. It was a fun day! His expected release date from MetroHealth Medical Center is July 1. From there he will be traveling to Las Vegas to live with Denise and Marie, until he is ready to go home. This date is of course flexible, but it is a reasonable goal. He will still be in a wheelchair, not walking until his pelvic fractures heal, and the halo will remain on for a short time after, but he should really be ready to be out of the hospital and continue treatment on an in-home basis in Las Vegas. Randy is really enjoying visitors, phone calls and reading all the cards and emails that have been coming in from so many people all over the country and world. He is overwhelmed by the magnitude of the response he sees in the emails, cards, calls, newspaper articles, prayers and love. He is so grateful! He has been pleased to hear about Mom's funeral and the events and visits we all recieved from so many. He is completely at peace about all of these events, as he knows, beyond a doubt, that this has all been part of the Lord's plan. He is upbeat, peaceful and working hard at therapy everyday. His schedule each day includes and hour each of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. As I mentioned earlier, he is eating regular foods, and increasing the amounts every day, so hopefully they will remove his feeding tube in the next week.
Love,
Randy's Family

Randy is doing better each day!

His tracheotomy was removed a few days ago.

He will remain in his wheelchair with his halo for another month, but hopefully not longer than that. He continues to do GREAT in his therapies each day!

Randy is eating everything and loving it! He has been able to have saltines and milk, which are helping him feel back to normal. He has been able to take a few sips of his favorite soda, Pepsi. He had Hostess Cupcakes tonight for dessert!

Randy and his family would like to thank everyone for their kind letters, cards and e-mails! He LOVES receiving them, so please keep them coming!

Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers each day as he continues to recover.