Easter Weekend - blog update by Nancy

Hi, blog followers,

Since I last posted, Steve's progress has been so encouraging to witness!

He left the ventilator behind about 5 weeks ago and recently was able to give up the low level of oxygen he was receiving through his nose. His spelling board is a thing of the past and they took his laser light back to inventory. Steve sounds like himself when he talks (here he will shrug at me and indicate, "Who else would I sound like?") He talks with everyone now and doesn't get winded. I am even enjoying his "tutoring" once again as I try to make his computer behave! Steve passed the last swallowing test and now is only one level down from "normal" food. We still thicken liquids like lemonade and hot tea and he can't have straight water. He calls these his "mixed drinks":)

The last few days leading up to and including Easter have been such a time of celebration. First, Thursday night, our small fellowship group from church had their weekly Bible study in Steve's room. At his turn around the circle, Steve read from the Gospel of John, with his Bible propped up against his computer. He was very much a part of the whole conversation.  

Saturday night Steve was wheeled down to the chapel by nurse Chelsea for his baptism service. As you may recall he has been pondering this for quite a while. He felt the baptism he had in 4th grade was before he really understood what it meant. His testimony of why he is re-consecrating his life now was so beautiful to hear -- inspiring, and touching every person in attendance. Our son, Tim, performed the ceremony and his words about the last year brought many tears to the surface. About 30 friends and family were there and sang several hymns acapella, led by Connie Salyers. The last one was accompanied on guitar by family member Chris Taylor, "Take my Life and Let it Be Consecrated Lord to Thee." This was only the 6th time in the last year that Steve was out of the unit! We are so grateful to Chelsea, Brenda, and Sandy from the Drake LTAC unit for making this service in the chapel possible.  

Soon Steve will be leaving this unit. The staff have become our second family. You kind of get to feel that way when you've seen them save Steve's life several times and cheer him on for a whole year to swallow, talk, and breathe on his own. Steve has been asking for a badge with "Tenured Patient" on it! We may leave within the next two weeks. I've visited several skilled nursing facilities and we are close to making a decision, with the expert help of Chantelle, our case manager. Here the emphasis will be to get Steve frequent rehabilitation services as he works to move his arms, hands, and legs. 

Please keep praying!

Love to all,

Nancy and Steve