Daryl recently had another speech evaluation and his therapist continues to be very pleased with his progress.  In areas where he had previously scored 100% , he has maintained that and in all the others areas he has improved.    It's simply a journey.   His mind is clear, he knows what he wants to say,  he just struggles to get the words out.  He's great at using gestures, complete with sound effects😁 when necessary so it is rare that I am unable to figure out what he is trying to say.  

Since I last posted, we have gone to church a few times; we arrive a few minutes late and leave a little early which has worked well.  Each time we have gone we have seen a few people we knew and it went well and was not overwhelming.  We also attended a friend's wedding and went to reception but left before it got into full swing.  Each time he has been pleasantly surprised that things went better than he thought they might.  Just imagine that you are a very friendly extrovert who loves to visit with and encourage people and all of a sudden you can't.  You know what you want to say,  but are not sure you can and then there is the fear and embarrassment you might feel if someone talks to you or asks you a question and you can't respond.   He handles it all so well, but I can only imagine what it must be like to be in his shoes. 

He maintains a great attitude which is such a blessing.  We have so much to be thankful for, and we are!  The fact that he is mobile, self-sufficient and his mind and personality are intact is wonderful.   Recently, we met with another speech therapist while ours was out of town and she remarked, what a pleasure it is to work with Daryl and went on to tell him that most people in his shoes are depressed and unmotivated and that working with him was such a joy.  I know that is the Lord in him and your prayers at work.  Thank you!

Over the course of his speech therapy we have had three different interns, the one currently working with him is from Amarillo and he so enjoys working with her as they talk about their hometown.

As it stands now, we are still going to speech therapy twice a week and in the next month or so will drop down to once a week and we will continue daily sessions at home. 

Though life is not quite what we thought it would be like in retirement, we feel blessed beyond words that we can be on this path together and discover just how deep and rich our relationship is with each other and with Jesus.  In Deuteronomy 31:8 is says, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."   We continue to experience this promise daily, so we'll continue on the Journey with Jesus!

Holly & Daryl