Hi all. Apologies for the infrequent posts ... but when you're getting better, there's less need!

Zak visited Jim and Grace for a week (1/21 - 1/28) to help with the transition home. Overall Jim is doing great!! While he is eager to get better, he knows (but doesn't always remember) that he needs to take things slowly. 

Here's the lowdown:

• PHYSICALLY he's getting stronger every day, and has started physical therapy at home. He is still on a soft foods diet  ("mechanical soft 2"), but the stoma (opening) from his trach is closing up nicely and his G-tube should come out soon-ish. He's becoming adept at his walker, taking 2-3 walks around the parking lot of their complex each day.
• COGNITIVELY he's showing huge improvements: short-term memory is getting better, as well as command of language (and humor). Attention span is increasing. Conversations are becoming more nuanced and complex. He's still struggling to relearn his iPhone, so calls and texts are sometimes difficult
• EMOTIONALLY he's on a bit of a rollercoaster, alternating between fear, frustration, hope, confidence, joy, and acceptance. Getting calls (and, whenever safe, visits) from friends and family boost his spirits immensely
• SCHEDULE - he's up around 8am and goes to bed around 7pm, with naps typically before lunch and dinner. Evenings are difficult for him; his mental acuity drops off around 6pm.
• HOME - The house is being outfitted for his needs, and there is now a live-in caregiver providing round-the-clock care and helping Grace out. Evelyn is with Jim weekdays, and Maria weekends. They're fantastic!

Feel free to call or text Jim directly at this point; emails are a bit harder for him. If you can't reach him or he doesn't respond soon, try Grace, or one of their kids. Schedule a visit or video call!