There's No Place Like Home!

What a great homecoming! Dad is sleeping well, eating better and enjoying visits and delicious dinners from friends in the neighborhood and church.

Simba took only a day-and-a-half to forgive Dad for being away from home for so long:

Happy Valentine's Day:

Olivia helps Grandaddy with Physical Therapy exercises:

Jiggity Jig!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

So great to have Dad home and to arrive to a party atmosphere with Gary, Peggy, Bill and Paul! 

He looks like himself a decade ago! Pictured here with Simba.

A Family Affair

It's been really joyful hearing so many kind words and blessings from the Sibley Rehab staff about our family. So many nurses and technicians have told us in such heartfelt ways that seeing our family here with Dad around the clock day after day, week after week has touched them. They apparently don't see that very often - most families pop in for a visit, drop off some flowers then head out. I completely understand that - life is very busy and for many families, it's not possible to be away from work and children. We're very fortunate that we've been able to make this work for us - there is no doubt in my mind that having family advocacy every second of every day has greatly informed, guided and improved Dad's recovery which has progressed so strongly thus far. 

Pictured at Zach's 2014 high school graduation!

Showing off!

This won't be the norm yet when Dad gets home tomorrow, but here's a glimpse into a future phase when he'll be walking upright with only a cane!

Pictured with Cindy, his wonderful Physical Therapist. These two have had some very emotional moments together, especially the first time she stood him up in front of a full length mirror!

He will have a lot of restrictions the next several months to keep the new spine perfectly straight while the marrow and stem cells (always vote yes for stem cells!) fuse everything back together. Dad's progressing quickly now - taking showers, etc. and had his first pain-free full night's sleep last night.

The staples come out of his back today!

Going Home Friday!

True to form, Dad is ahead of schedule!  He's going home on Friday (a week ahead of his Physical Therapist's original estimate and a day ahead of his own goal)!

He just had an EKG, the results of which the cardiologist described as "very youthful." Now he's got the spine to match the rest of his fountain-of-youth countenance!

Message from Mike and Diane

Dearest Friends & Family, 

     Mike is overwhelmed with joy by the loving support you show him each day. Your cards, visits, emails, texts and blog comments mean EVERYTHING to him. He wants me to tell you that he's sorry that he is not acknowledging them himself, but he takes them all to heart. His primary job is to work hard each day to become stronger and to meet his therapy goals set by his incredible PT and OT team. He thinks of all of you every day and thanks God for your presence in his life. We both send our love to all of you.

       Mike & Diane xo

Driving Mister Daisy!

Occupational Therapy is so much fun!

Reminds us of when Dad taught me how to drive 31 years ago!