Laura Kompkoff|Oct 5, 2018
Mel! I just learned of this last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gigi and your family. In my specialty I get to see those who’ve suffered from brain injuries following strokes or trauma. Those who are fighters recover beautifully. Advice from my patients’ experiences is to want to recover but be patient with yourself. The gains may not come as fast as you want but even those small changes are rebuilding those nerves and connections. Some days may feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back but your brain is still learning because you’re still doing. The brain can grow new neurons and make new connections at any age which is so exciting in the field of neuroscience and for all of us as ever changing human beings. Listen to what you need and remember to be patient with yourself.
Gigi-I will call you later today.
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Pat Owens|Oct 5, 2018
Hey when you watch football relaxed in your recliner is that with eyes open or closed. Lol 😘
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Pat Owens|Oct 5, 2018
Good morning sunshine. It is a beautiful day in Tampa this morning it is below 90 degrees. 😆 I wanted to wish you a blessed day and tell you I love you. Keep up the good work in your PT. Go gators
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Paula Wright|Oct 5, 2018
So glad that you are posting on here so we can keep up with what is going on. We were so sorry to hear the news! You all are in our thoughts and prayers! It's good to hear that Mr. Mel is improving so well. I hope he gets to go home on Saturday to watch football. Bill's favorite place to watch it is in his recliner, also. Hope to see y'all back in LaGrange before too long. We sure do miss you! Lots of love and prayers to you both!

Paula and Bill
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Julia Cossman|Oct 5, 2018
Keep up the great work, Mel. I can't wait to see you back at the Barbie cooking the best ribs in this hemisphere! Paul still salivates just at the mention. PT his really difficult stuff but you are up for it!
Much love and tons of positive thoughts are flying your way! Thanks Gigi for keeping us updated. That is so wonderful and a comfort to us and you are amazing!
Julia and Paul
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Sheri Buretta|Oct 4, 2018
Hi Gigi and Mel...thank you for the update. I continue to keep you both in my prayers and know what an amazingly hard worker Mel is so I am not surprised his therapist was impressed! He moved mountains at Chugach so its only a matter of time before he is kicking that stokes A$$! Keep up the good work and let me know if there is anything we can do to help or do.
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Meredith Ahearn|Oct 4, 2018
Relieved to hear of Mel’s progress, but not surprised. Hope to be able to visit soon.
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Melanie Osborne|Oct 4, 2018
Thank you for your posts, Gigi. Mel is amazing and determined.
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Lisa Konoplisky|Oct 4, 2018
Gigi, It was so wonderful to read this journal post. I'm glad that the therapists are challenging him and that Mel is rising to that challenge. It doesn't surprise me one bit. He's military--he knows how to get a job done and what it means to have a mission. I do hope he can get home for some college ball. Maybe someday Mel can explain football to me. I'm hopeless and could use a tutorial. Also glad that you've gotten practical and emotional support. You have to make sure you are taken care of as well. And yeah for being right near the nurses station. Nurses are the BEST! Stacey and I are headed to a cabin up north for 3 days (finally, a vacation). I'm not sure what the Wifi will be like. If it works I'll check in. If not, I'll check in when I return. Love and hugs and prayers and TOUCHDOWNS (I feel like Mel is scoring touchdowns in his rehab!). Ask him if he's gonna work on his end zone dance. Love, L
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Devon Gokmen|Oct 4, 2018
Love the good reports! Praying for a relaxing day in front of the TV Saturday!
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