Its time for an update.  Much has happened since my last time so here we go.  Jim continues to make great progress on this journey.  As you know he spent 100 day in inpatient rehab at Manhattan Nursing and Rehab Center in Jackson.  He can home for the first time in 5 months on December 8th to a new set up with a bedroom on the first floor and equipment to make the transition easier.  He could transfer from the bed to his wheel chair and to the car seat.  All of this was major accomplishments, and very necessary for the transition of him to the house and he being able to be self sufficient.  Home health/therapy was used through the holidays to get our house in order and keep up the physical and occupational therapy while we learned to be at home again.  Jim walked with the help of a walker and a therapist.
     The first week after Christmas we had a visit from our whole family - Andrew and Liz from Oxford with their two Doodles (Olive and Reise), Nolan from Denver with his GSP (Cash), Hannah, Guillaume, Marlon, Neve and Linden from Denver and my father, Dr. Ralph Brock -almost 95 years came from McComb joined Jim, Bella our GSP, and myself. All under one roof, we celebrated Jim's continued recovery and his 71st Birthday.
    Two weeks ago Jim was invited back to Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital for two weeks of therapy and evaluation.  It had been 5 months since he had been on 5th floor.  We were back with many of our same Doctors, nurses and therapists.  They couldn't believe that his was the same person who came from St. Dominic in August. Hard work continued at MMRC with goals of walking and going up steps.  These goals began to come true.  Jim did a lot of walking the halls of MMRC with therapists encouraging his balance and stamina increasing each day.  He also started the process of going up stairs.  Progress every day.
    Jim is now back at home beginning his next step on a extensive road to recovery. He will begin outpatient therapy next week.  He is looking forward to hard work at St. Dominic outpatient therapy department. The list of things that Jim can do again is much longer than the things he has yet to accomplish.
       Jim can sit up, stand up, transfer from bed to wheel chair to chair, dress himself, cook, write, his signature is back, bathe, his memory is excellent, tell jokes, and remember more that most of us. Jim and I both thank a host of Doctors, medical staff, friends, church, family and prayers that have shared their knowledge and concern throughout this journey.  We could not have made it with each of you and the multiple parts each of you played in getting Jim better.
     The journey is not over, we continue to covet your thoughts and prayers and he goes to therapy, work and home.  For patience, safety, strength, and an extra does of patience that is always needed when long term recovery is involved.
     Thank you all and pass the word.  Jim is a master at encouragement.  Let him know if you know of someone who needs a word of encouragement  - he would love to pass it forward.
   Thank you again - Brenda
    PS Pictures to follow