Stephen has now entered the next phase of his rehabilitation. From June until today, he is a walking miracle. After surviving ICU, he was transferred to inpatient Rehab at Immaunual Rehab Center. During that time he learned some basic fundamentals, such as feeding himself with little help, move somewhat in a wheelchair, few other basic functions. One of our many surprises was when we walked in his room and heard his voice, as he had no sounds for over 2 weeks. (That was phase one).
The first month of insurance was used quicker than we realized and we had to make a major decision on the next phase. After significant negotiations, he was accepted in the world renowned QLI rehab center. The dedicated therapists, Doctors, and caregivers worked his tail off from morning till night. With encouragement and unconditional Love - Stephen was determined to get better every day. He learned to walk with a cane, make some of his meals, use the bathroom, shower, and accomplish so many everyday things that we take for granted.
His insurance ran out after 2 months and to move to the next important phase, he just needed more professional dedicated help for improvement. He accepted a significant challenge - “Get well enough to live by yourself” - This objective was such a significant goal - Would additional help make a difference? - After a comprehensive review of the situation and the challenges ahead a decicsion was made to move forward... Everyone on the careteam needed to come together and accept the challenge - beleive me ...they did and God bless them all!
Getting the careteam together was only one part, the other part was up to family and friends...With the extraordinary help of family and friends, funds were raised for him to stay one more month. A small amount of time but wow, It made all the difference. In that month he learned to live semi-independent. With much pondering, and with his acceptance and the care team at QLI, we moved him into a one bedroom apartment- living somewhat independently. We worked with caregivers to come in for 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour at night. We installed cameras thru out the apartment and many other safety items. As we can see his apartment from our house, we were with him everyday and taking him to out-patient rehab, acclimating him to eating at restaurants, shopping at Wal-Mart - even trying to let him drive his own cart ...well not sure we will try that again - but we had a ball!
For more than 3 months (during the coldest months in Nebraska) Stephen was doing great- Getting better every day , and still relied on Caregivers for some of the routine issues of life. As progress continued, long term funding was being jepordized, thus the next phase began. As we began to contemplate the next phase - Stephen was taken to the emergency room and it was discovered that he had 2 more small strokes - A setback, but, a new phase has now started as now he cannot be left alone.
Stephen’s dad Ken and wife Ginger have lovingly taken him into their home in Evansville.
For Stephen’s Omaha family, it is bittersweet... We love and miss him everyday but also know that he is in caring safe hands. We hope that he can return to us in the future.
Thank you all so much for your love and support. Feel free to call Ken and have a visit, or take Stephen out to lunch. Bring lots of money - He has a big appetite! He still has that great personality and is full of joy 💕
Aunt Ali and Uncle Curtis... and the Omaha Family ❤️
