Paul's Update - 07/14/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had a pretty good day today. He went outside for a bit this morning. After coming back in Steve (occupational therapy) came by. He was planning to come early next week before he goes away for two weeks. He has Air Force Reserve duty that he needs to report for on Sunday and he wanted to get in another day of therapy before he left. He worked Paul's arms a bit before moving to the kitchen to stand up at the sink. Dad encouraged Steve to let Paul stand up by himself. Paul reached up and grabbed the sink and pulled himself up to a standing position. He stood there for a little bit before sitting back down. He rested for a bit and then was able to grab the sink and stand up a second time! Dad & Steve helped him stand up a third time. He immediately sat back down after the third time and wouldn't even try for a fourth. Everyone was very pleased that he was able to do that much. He doesn't have good balance yet but he is pretty strong. His chewing and swallowing gets a little better each day! Paul was able to hold and feed Max today. He enjoys his son! Aunt Shirley, Uncle Wally and Great Grandma Johnson came by today to visit Paul. They went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's after visiting for a bit. Tabby & Bobby were out shopping so they met them at the restaurant. They hadn't seen Max yet so this was a nice opportunity to see him. Tonight Tabby went out with Bobby & his girlfriend to do Karaoke. This is something that all the kids did often before the accident. It will be nice when Paul is able to go with them again!! Dad, Audrey & I stayed with Paul & Max for the evening. Audrey does "double duty" with Max when he cries!! She is a blessing to have around! Tabby talked to Social Security today and it looks like she will receive an extra $600 a month for herself and Max. It doesn't seem like a lot but it will surely help! I was looking at the calendar today and realized that today marks the 36th week since the accident ... 252 days! The doctor this week said that we will probably look back in December and be amazed at how far we've come ... I'd say that now. Although we have a long way to go, we have been very blessed ... and we are most certainly grateful that Paul has made so much progress!

Have a great weekend! Love, Lynne & Carl