Hi, all--

I know, I know-- long time, no update post.   But here goes.

Today marks the one-year anniversary since our dad's accidental fall.  So much has changed in just one year, and none of us ever expected what a huge change was coming our way the evening of November 8, 2020.

As of now, Dad is still at Redeemer Rehab in Minneapolis, but has made huge strides since moving there in January 2021.  He has regained the use and coordination of his arms and hands so that he can once again feed himself, attend art classes at Redeemer,  and put together model airplanes.  In fact, he and Mom did an art project of autumnal trees, and Dad drew the trunk of her tree just like he's always done before.  We're all so proud of how hard he's worked to get to this point after his accident.  He no longer requires a catheter (a huge relief!) and can stand for 30 minutes at a time with the help of his new, Transformers-esque, electric wheelchair.  Some of the nurses and aides at Redeemer affectionately call him "Grandpa-tron" because of his wheelchair.  He has recently been diagnosed with lymphedema in both of his legs, which makes his legs very swollen and stiff,  but thankfully hasn't been causing him any pain up to this point.  

Mom is able to visit him just about every day after work, and she and Katie try to visit with a gourmet dinner (McDonald's or Culvers being his favorites) once a week.  Ruth and Sarah and their respective crews visit when they can and especially enjoyed being all together for Father's Day.   We're all really thankful for the technology that allows us to send updates via photos and videos.  Mom is working with the social worker at Redeemer to find a suitable group home for Dad as his next step, but it's slow going since most group homes aren't taking new residents due to a worker shortage.  Mom has also been working hard to get all the paperwork submitted for Dad's Metro Mobility pass.  This pass would allow him access to wheelchair accessible public transportation so he can go out and about (new James Bond film, anyone?) and have more independence that way.   He's really looking forward to being able to go back to church and those good ol' church basement potlucks, too.  Mom and Dad are coming up on their 39th (!!!) wedding anniversary this week Wednesday, November 10th.

Again, if anyone would like to send a card or a letter,  I'm sure Dad would love to hear from you.  His mailing address is: