I hope everyone is enjoying spring. Freezing temperatures and snow every weekend is great, isn’t it? Don’t worry, summer will be here before you know it. Amy and I wanted to give you a final update and say thanks again for all the support we received over the past year. April 22nd of last year our world was turned upside down, but we are getting used to our new normal.

I am still going to therapy but only for OT. Last week was my last week of PT and speech therapy, but I still have plenty of things to do in those areas. I work on my speech with an app and my speech therapist follows my progress. I still walk with a limp but every now and again I take five or more steps normally. It’s just about getting my right leg stronger and walking every day. We plan on going hiking on the honeymoon so I have to get in shape or she’ll leave me behind! We are working on my wrist and hand in OT. Just the last week I’ve started to see some progress with opening my fingers. Right now I can close them and get a grip on something but releasing the grip is impossible right now. I don’t think I will be able type or write with my right hand (I always thought left-handers looked cooler anyway) but I will settle for grasp and release. Just as long as I can grip the golf club I’ll be happy J

Most do you have seen this already because Amy posted on Facebook and I posted on Twitter, but KUMED did a story on my stroke.  https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/en/neurosciences/stroke-center/patient-stories/travis-mattox  The article also includes a picture of the real hero in the story, Matty!

May is stroke awareness month and I am honored to be highlighted by KU Med. A cool thing that I am going to take part in is the stroke awareness day at the K. They’ve asked me to sit in the Buck O’Neil seat on May 5. So set your recorders and you can see Amy and my smiling face if you want to.

Amy and I would like to thank our families and our friends for their love and support over the past year. You guys have made a difficult time easier for us and for that we are eternally grateful. This has been an unbelievable year and I cannot wait to see where we go from here. I could have picked a better partner to go this unplanned adventure with me. Amy has been my rock and she has never wavered. I am blessed!