The Christmas Holiday and the few days after brought a wonderful gift. Reid was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve. The decision was made after his blood thinner reached the appropriate levels and he demonstrated to the physical therapist that he was capable of any test she could throw his way. The medical team removed his sutures, and he left mid-afternoon.

Reid was thrilled to get home and be able to rest and sleep in his own surroundings and soak in some attention from Diego, Poppy, Mowgli, and Alma.

The plan now is for Reid to enter an outpatient therapy program to work on his speech and cognition. He continues to make improvements every day but is anxious to start a regimen that will help him speed up his communication abilities. The information about the program should be coming in the next couple of days.

For the next stretch, Ellie is at home with Reid, assisting him in his recovery steps.

With the new year just around the corner, 2018 is ending full of gratitude. There are still many steps to go, including another surgery to replace the portion of the skull that was removed, but we are all in awe of how far he has come.

Reid is truly blazing his own path as he fights his way back, and we are so appreciative of all of the donations, support, prayers, outreach, meals, comfort, and compassion. They truly do more than we could accurately express.