Hello all - 
It’s been four weeks since Patty's accident, and what a whirlwind journey it has been. Let's pause for a moment to truly absorb that fact. From the initial shock of the accident to the rollercoaster of emotions in the ICU, I'm reminded of the power of prayer and the incredible strength we've drawn from the positive wishes and thoughts of our loved ones and this amazing community. Your support has been invaluable.

As expected, the weekend offered Patty a chance to rest and recover, although the much-anticipated shower had to be postponed until later this week due to the delay in the arrival of the shower chair. Nonetheless, it also brought the chance to see family and friends as Patty's sister Maryann, niece Joy, and friend Marnie came to visit. We're still navigating the balance between Patty's need for rest and healing and the joy that visits from loved ones bring. 'll be flying to Atlanta on Friday to spend the weekend with my parents, and I anticipate we'll have a clearer plan soon for accommodating all those who wish to visit Patty.

The team at Shepherd will spend this week continuing to evaluate Patty, but today felt like a glimpse into what might be a more typical weekday. Patty woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. She had a packed schedule with four hours of appointments, mainly focusing on the three major disciplines: PT, OT, and Speech. The sessions kept her busy and engaged, but the staff's positivity and Patty's unwavering commitment to recovery made every moment count. By the afternoon, Patty was understandably tired from the day's activities.

Her appetite has been good, and she's been eating well. One of the near-term goals is to remove the NG feeding tube, a step towards greater independence.  Additionally, Patty's respiratory muscles are gradually strengthening, although it's a process that will require time and patience. She continues to receive supplemental air support as needed.

As we begin this next chapter of Patty's recovery journey at Shepherd, we're deeply thankful for the exceptional care she'll receive here. While we can't predict how long Patty will stay in Atlanta, her day-to-day progress will probably be gradual. My plan is to update you a couple of times a week moving forward. But don't worry, I'll continue to share any significant developments as they occur. Thank you all for your unwavering support and for joining us on this remarkable journey.