So... my friends, this is Kevin writing again with an update we've all been waiting for :)

My journey through formal healthcare will joyously end as I go home on Monday July 20th!  When I do get home for the next several weeks, given managing pathogens, etc. I probably won't be able to have visitors beyond my personal health attendants and care team looking out for me while my wounds self-heal, so I won't be back at my old-self for a while still.

Nevertheless, I can’t tell you how much hope and excitement I am expecting as I will smell pine trees and flowers in outside air and feel the sunlight on my skin as I’ve been inside a hospital since June 16th.

All of your support over this past month has meant the world to me, I am blessed with the greatest friends in the whole world.  Seeing each of your comments and the ways you've shared your love, prayers, and steadfast support has kept me going, it truly has.

Earlier this week I had one really sad day that I called my pity party, I was so so sick and tired of being sick and tired and being in constant pain. I cried most of the afternoon and called up family and friends who were gracious enough just let me process my tears and pain.

The next morning I woke up refreshed and positive again ready for whatever challenges were ahead of me. And that seems to be the best way to go about life. But we need those dark times to regroup and appreciate what we have and what we’ve been through. 

My doctor just told me that I’m about 70% healed. I still have four open wounds that have to slowly heal together in what they call a wet-to-dry dressing that needs to be changed twice a day. I also need to take my physical body and slowly transform it back to normal with good exercise, nutrition, sleep, and lots of love from my friends, family, and Molly my puppy.

While we probably won't post again here on the CaringBridge site, know that we'll be sure to reach out and follow-up with everyone's generous offers to help in all the ways you have. Feel free to send me an email or text in all ahead and know that simply the experience of knowing you are sending me your love and prayers has carried me through this past month's ordeal. Who would’ve thunk this stubborn Norwegian would land himself here finally after all this time.

Also, as this is probably my last post, I just want to say, as you know, one of my passions is community involvement. And some dear friends have helped us set up this site in honor of my recovery: https://www.unitedwaybemidji.org/kevincease. Given how much we have been blessed already, please know that in lieu of flowers, cards, or any other care packages that you'd like to send, I'd be honored if you donated instead to the Bemidji United Way.

Thank you all so very very much again, and know I love ❤️ you all!