Hey, Virginia.... we're back!

Like ALL the way back! My sister and brother came out to Atlanta and helped us pack up, clean up and move out of our Shepherd apartment the same day that Steve finished up outpatient therapy at the Shepherd Pathways program in Atlanta. He had a little graduation ceremony and then we drove straight to the airport and flew home. It feels great to be back for good!

During our Christmas break, we visited the NRH outpatient program and realized that we have an excellent option in DC, with all the bells and whistles, so close to home. It's been hard to be away from our girls, so we made the choice to come back after a couple more weeks, and here we are.... yay!

Steve started his evals and assessments in speech, OT and PT yesterday and we are psyched about his team! And we're so grateful to NRH for scrambling to get us on their schedule so quickly. 

As I sat in on all of his evals, I watched as they tested him on several things he was tested on previously, at Shepherd. He's got a lot of room for growth, but he's progressed so much! It's exciting...

Still some difficulty with that left side-- his shoulder especially. The orthopedist yesterday said there's the possibility we're dealing with a frozen shoulder. We're scheduled for an MRI next week, to investigate further. 

Steve has his phone again (has for the last several weeks) so your texts are going straight to him. He's not doing a lot of responding yet, but he's seeing them! Thank you for sending them. 

Despite a long road ahead, we are so so glad to be home, finally.  And glad to have the opportunity to see so many friends and our family. That said-- structure is very important during this phase of his recovery, so my plan is to work on a schedule for him with lots of visits, music, hikes, drum lessons, workouts, art, walks-- and open to more ideas-- with friends. It's good for the soul, and bonus-- it's all therapy! I've heard from many of you about your interest to jump on his schedule and help out in this way. Thank you! I'll be reaching out soon as I get this plan together. And if I haven't heard from you yet, but you'd like to be included, please text me- 703.899.2601. I will work you in!

Thanks again, everyone, for sticking with us these last few months. We are so lucky to have your friendship, love and support. We hope to see you soon!

All my love to you,

Martha