Greetings to all of Mark's family and friends, it has been almost a month since our last post and I am happy to share that I only have good news to report. 

As of today, Mark has been home since 11/15/22. I personally apologize for lack of updates to this page and relying more on 1:1 outreach. If you're familiar with my line of work you'll understand that the outcome of Minnesota's election changed demands dramatically and as anyone who has dealt with a critical health incident personally or with a loved one, there are stages of capacity to deal with the weight of the moments. 

A brief summary of the last 3 weeks, Mark was discharged from the ICU on 11/9 to general hospital care. These were really, really, challenging days for him and his desire to come home was strong and immediate. Thank you to everyone who called him, answered his calls, and talked and walked him through those days. As we've written about, the challenges patients face in recovery as the mind reconnects to the body are significant and lead to a lot of confusion, anger, and frustration. I don't need to share much about that week because the circumstances are already in the past and he's come back to us! 

Mark was able to come home on 11/15, and he was THRILLED. He is sleeping in his own bed, eating the food he wants, when he wants, prepared the way he wants. And if you know Mark, he is very food centered and motivated! Each day his strength progresses, each week his milestones seem enormous. As of today, he is walking around the house sans walker (still using occasionally when appropriate), he is able to venture out on mini excursions to a favorite family retreat, Costco, where he's able to walk laps and eat snacks! He is able to shower, shave, dress, etc. 

Last Thursday he went in for his first follow up since coming home, with Dr. Spooner. We can happily report out that everything is healing incredibly well and he is making all the strides towards complete recovery. He is even at the point now where he can put a bit of weight on his arms without the fear of the metal wires keeping his rib cage together breaking.

He is able to take and make phone calls, so please feel free to reach out to him, he is also accepting visitors! He does get tired after talking for too long, so please understand it's not you, it's him. But, we are so thrilled that it is him and the three of us are just beginning to process the emotions of the last month. We continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the many communities each of us has. You have blanketed us with love and support and we are so thankful. Mom and I are still pinching ourselves every day that we get to talk and be with him and that he is here with us. We are looking forward to being together and celebrating our family and friends!