Michael has been marching forward with determination, enjoying time with family and friends and doing PT and OT at home and at the Shepherd Center. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of family and some old friends - great food, laughter and lots to be thankful for. We hope you and your families found lots of inspiration for gratitude and had a Happy Thanksgiving as well.

Yesterday Michael had his first appointment with the plastic surgeon/wound care specialist. For the incision on his neck, his muscles are still in the process of moving back to where they were before surgery, so he needs to be careful doing exercises and lifting things while they are moving over the next several months. Nothing serious, but the wound on his head is not healing up as quickly as it could due to scar tissue, so we are adding bandages, ointments and nutrition in order to speed the healing process.

Today was the Orthopaedic surgeon appointment, another milestone we’ve been looking forward to. Michael has been waiting patiently to rip his neck brace off as soon as the doctors gave their okay and today was his lucky day! Our good friend and Michael’s college roommate Brian had just pulled into town for a visit and he accompanied us. We asked Dr. Murray more questions than I think he cared for and he kept repeating, “No diving, no football, and wear your seatbelt, I’ll see you in six weeks!” We’ll take it! Michael walked out without his brace, cautiously trying out the range of motion in his neck. All of us, but the doctor in particular, were happily surprised to see how much he could move his neck after being in a brace for six weeks - very reassuring!! We all went home to meet up with Aidan and celebrate this happy occasion!

Michael will continue to work resolutely on strengthening and gaining range of motion and coordination in his hand, arm, leg and foot. His persistence and attitude have been nothing short of inspiring and impressive, we are so grateful for all the amazing medical care he has received. We would like to thank you again, our friends and family, for your thoughts, prayers, messages, phone calls, visits, listening ears, meals, thoughtful cards and gifts. You have helped us to share the story of this whole experience and to shed tears in a safe place, you’ve helped us keep our anxieties and fears at bay, helped us laugh at life again and even at parts of this experience, and you’ve further reinforced just how important you are to us. Thank you for your love and support.♥️ And oh my, thank you to our amazing neighbors who allowed me to even be down in Mississippi with Michael and kept our house standing and cat alive!

Sending love and light, and hoping you are enjoying this special holiday season,

Michael, Maria and Aidan