I can't believe that Barry has been at RIO (Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon) for two weeks.  The employees here have challenged Barry, cheered for Barry and cared for Barry.  Needless to say, they have been incredible!  A daily schedule, at RIO, consisted of 4-5 hours of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy.  Also added to his daily schedule was Recreation Therapy which is comprised of going outside to sit in the sunshine, playing chess and other games, and most importantly figuring out how to get out fishing again.  Most nights I would leave RIO at 7pm and Barry was fast asleep. This place definitely kicked his butt.  I have been very involved in his daily PT & OT so I would be prepared to help him live safely at home.  I took an incredible class that RIO offered about the brain and I learned how the tumor removal has and will effect Barry's brain, thinking, processing and mobility.  I wish I had learned this information before Barry's first surgery. The other night, we escaped the hospital and had dinner out.  Another couple (a patient here and her husband), Karen (the recreational therapist), my Uncle Tommy, joined us for the outing. It was a great experience to see first hand how we will navigate sidewalks, fellow pedestrians, a restaurant, and lots of obstacles that you don't encounter within the confines of RIO.  

Barry has made incredible progress at RIO.  He has learned to transfer from his wheelchair to a chair,  to take steps with a 4-prong cane, and to climb a few stairs.  

After nearly a month in the hospital and inpatient rehabilitation, Barry will be headed home tomorrow!  We have been busily rearranging furniture and getting ready for his homecoming. Barry can't wait to be home. He's looking forward to watching a tv without the sound being tinny and coming through a remote, taking his medications without having to have his ID bracket scanned, chilling on the couch with his doggies, getting hugs from his girls, eating bowls & bowls of cereal (yup who would guess that he missed eating cereal) and being part of the chaos of our day to day lives.  

A big thank you for everyone's continued support and love!!! 
~Beth