Sorry it has been a few days since the last update for Jim.

Jim continues to improve which is great. Not big steps forward but at least he is not falling backward.

Each of the last couple days he has continued his weaning of the vent. On Saturday and Sunday he struggled to approx. one hour off the vent. Then yesterday morning he went 1 ½ hours plus in the morning, late afternoon with some big encouragement from Jenny he lasted right up to 2 ½ hours. He was tired but the good thing was his heart rate did not go up too high. Then today we received news this afternoon that he went 3 ½ hours in the morning. If Jim does another 3 ½ hours tonight they will do an 8 hour shut down tomorrow. Time to root for Jim. Go Jim Go!

Yesterday Jim spent time in the pink lounge chair. This chair is easier on him for the nurses to get him into. The wheel chair takes a lot out of him when they move him.

Jim had a tuff Sunday night with being by himself but he made it. It will take a few more of those to get him more relaxed being by himself. Have not heard how he did last night.

The PT’s and nurses took time today to set Jim on the edge of the bed. That lasted a whole 2 ½ minutes and then Jim felt nauseated so they laid he back. This is normal. Jim’s blood pressure went up which they say is good, as the day before his blood pressure went down.

Jim’s swelling has gone down, and show signs of a lot of weight loss. The feeding tube is not giving him enough. The thin man has become thinner.

Jim is able to move his left hand ok but does not hold a pencil well yet. He can lift his hand up slowly and put it back down but not more than one time. Jims right hand and arm remain the same not much moving. He can only move it slightly. The hardest part for the weekend was his legs. He has had cramping and having spas sums a lot. This gave him lots of head aches and lots of pain. He spent a lot of time asking for pain meds. Mike, Jim’s dad spent Friday and Saturday nights working and moving Jim’s legs for relief. Jims legs for movement remain the same except for when he sat on the edge of the bed he could work them back and forth.

Don’t know how many have seen Jim but his hair is growing long. I told him to keep it.

Jim has watched several movies on his personal TV and DVD player that one of the kind nurses spent several hours locating. Jim and Jenny like movies, so if your looking for something to send them, I would start there. Maybe gift cards telling them to use them for movies.

Not sure if I told you but Jim’s dad (Mike) spent most of the week end smiling. After spending 5 days away he could see some major advancement for Jim that not a lot of those that see him daily see. It was easier for Mike, Mookie and Charlie to leave Sunday morning, if you can call leaving easy. Being 8 hours away has to be hard, just being 1 hr 22 min. away is not easy.

It’s always special to see the caregivers at the hospital who have that passion in there hearts to come by and see how he is doing when Jim is not there responsibility. God has blessed them and it shows.

Jenny remains strong and Jim’s biggest cheer leader. How can you get tired of that smile she gives you, and would you want to say no to her. (Takes after her mother, he hee) I know you thinking she has to be tired and she is, but her faith, family and friends will not let her fall. Tonight at 7 when she can not be there with Jim, Jenny is with several of her girl friends on special support group dinner. How good can that be. God is at that table, he has to be as he made the appointment. Thank you Father!

What’s left to say tonight but Thanks to all you supporters, Those that visit and for them in Peoria a short visit from new faces would be heart warming to both Jenny and Jim. Best times would be during the day when Jenny is at work. Jenny continues to save her time off for when Jim goes home. Thanks to all those out of town that have huge prayer support, God is hearing them as Jim continues his forward path. Jim at this time does not really know how far he has recovered in such a short time, so a nice prayer would be for Jim to be thankful for where he is at this time compared to just 10 days ago.

May God Bless you and Keep you Healthy!!

John

Special thanks to Gene (Jenny’s Uncle ) from Rochester Minn. who drove down Sunday to spend the day with Jim on Monday when nobody could be there. For Jenny’s Aunt Sue ( My Sister) who drove over from the Champaign area again to spend the day with Jim. She must have kept Jim going with the vent less time this morning, what a cheerleader she must have been.

More special thanks to Jenny’s friend Amanda who is having tuff time personally herself and stops daily to see Jim, and is there for Jenny when ever she is needed and more.

How about Jim’s good friend Matt who helps his friend with simply showing up at special times.

More thanks to those who show up and I don’t know it, and Just show Jim that they care. They don’t need to say much, just being there is enough. Ya gotta love it.

How about me writing this email during the Illini game with Wisconsin. 1 10 to go and we are up by 13. Go Illini!!!!!! Sorry badger fans. Final 66-51

My Story - Episode #1