It’s been awhile since we’ve posted any updates on Chip here, but we thought today was fitting as today is the one year anniversary of his stroke. Looking back on our first few posts, it’s a great reminder of how far he’s come in his healing & progress. We’ve gone from essentially “saying goodbye” at the hospital to now, where he is home, very coherent, on a normal diet (no feeding tube at all), speaking sentences, and has some slight movement in his right leg.
As an update, his speech continues to improve. He’s been able to communicate in short sentences, through context clues, and body language. There are even times when he is picking up his own phone, FaceTiming people, and speaking in full sentences! He’s fully coherent and understands everything being said to him. That said, with the aphasia, communication is very inconsistent still. He’s continued on with speech therapy through Medicare, and he will continue to do so as the progress is still happening.
His right arm is still fully paralyzed, and even though he feels his right leg and can slightly lift it, he has not seen any significant mobility or strength improvement over the last couple months. As of today he is wheelchair bound (zooms around on his own since it’s a power one!) and requires assistance moving from chairs, beds, and so on. His physical therapy through Medicare is coming to an end this week, but we are exploring other options through the VA for further PT.
Even though he needs a significant amount of healing still, we’re treating today as a celebration of life. One year ago we thought we were losing our father, husband, brother, and friend, but today he is strong, fighting, and continuing to see progress.
Psalm 100, verses 4-5 say “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
For prayer requests, we’re still focused on full restoration, but primarily we are praying for his speech and communication to improve. His ability to fully communicate with those around him will boost his quality of life by leaps and bounds. We’ve also applied for various financial benefits through the VA that would be a huge help should we receive any. Those have taken weeks to months to hear back on. Lastly, please continue to pray for Geri. Even though she’s been incredibly strong, this last year has been extremely difficult and it has taken a toll on her. Long term living situations or in-home care is being prayed about consistently.
Praying you all have a Merry Christmas and New Year!
-The Bevans
