Paul's Update - 11/13/06

Dear Friends:

Saturday Dad went to Paul's to give him his tea and then went back home to work on the kitchen. Tabby was at home with Paul and the new nurse, Gladys. She is a wonderful lady and Tabby really likes her. She was quite moved by Paul's condition and she prays for him a lot. Gladys also likes helping Paul to walk and she helped Tabby get Paul to the bathroom several times. Tabby had to go out to get some things for Paul and Gladys was willing to keep Max for that time as well. She also likes to clean (something much needed!!) She cleaned dishes and the kitchen looks really good. Later in the evening Tabby & Paul went out for dinner to Akasaka Japanese Steak House with Ty & Laura from across the street. Paul really enjoys the Japanese Steak houses! Sunday was a rainy day. Paul & Tabby stayed home and watched movies. They watched Home Along ... they enjoy that one! Tabby constantly encourages Paul to use his right hand and he was able to open his juice can with right hand. She also has him do hand exercises to make his right hand stronger and get more dexterity. Monday Dad arrived early with Paul's tea (of course). Dad had a doctor appointment to go to this morning. It was a quiet day. Many of our days are pretty much the same. This evening Tabby was working with Paul to make sounds ... lots of sounds. She got him to do aayy, eeee, aahhh, ooo and ohhh. She tried to get him to do vvaaa and shhhh but he couldn't master those. He was able to blow out a lighter which makes him move his mouth in the round position to make the sshhh sound so maybe with more practice he can do that soon. She was also able to get him to put his lower lip to his top teeth to make the vvaaa sound ... he couldn't quite do the sound but he is able to make his mouth ready!! Then she worked with his hands. He is able to do the vulcan sign with both hands, he can also hold his two middle fingers together and move out the forefinger and the pinky from them. He can also do the "I love you" sign and the "thumbs up". Tabby is trying to get him to do these motions with both hands at the same time and also do separate motions with both hands at the same time. He moves slowly but it is amazing what he can do!! Tabby hasn't heard back from the doctor about the blood tests from Friday. We hope to hear by possible Wednesday. Then we will probably be decreasing the Depakote and eliminating it finally!!! It will be so nice to finally get done with this med change!! Thanks for your continued prayer ... things are going well and we are so grateful.

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl