Hi all, sorry this is again so late. I had some email and other problems the last couple days. That is another story that is much lower priority that Jim and so many others.

Jim continues on a road to recovery. We saw Jim again today. He had a smile. Different from Tuesday is that he can lift up his left elbow 4-5 inches off the bed. The right arm still can not be lifted off the bed. His hands and forearms appear to be getting more coordinated and stronger. The ball he threw the other day did not go farther but he can move his left arm up to his face very easy. He looks a lot normal when he has his left hand resting on his chin.

His legs just remain about the same, not much different. he can almost pull the heals up but not let. His hip was one of the first to go and will probably be one of the last to come back. They do remain in some pain.

Jim has sat up in the wheel chair for almost 2 hours yesterday, He did well. This chair has a power tilt and can almost lay back all the way, and Jim would be in the sitting position. This is big as he had a real hard time with this wheel chair the other day.

By the way I am writing this during the announcement of player for the Super Bowl. Sherry is in Peoria for the night so she can be with Jim tomorrow. I will go back and get her tomorrow.

They put Jim two days ago in the sitting position on the side of the bed and put his arms behind him to prop him up by himself. He was able to do that for two min. The nurses stood in front and behind him. He did well with this.

Yesterday after a bid good day with one of his special nurses he slept many ours. He need to listen to his body, and rest when he needs rest.

Biggest over the last two days to me appears to be a much better positive attitude. I think Jim can see and feel some progress especially with the Ventilator. Thursday he did the same as Wednesday and did two 4 hours times without the vent. Then Friday they disconnect the vent tube and connected him to oxygen for almost 4 hours. He liked that very much. So well that they did that yesterday twice. Then now today the planned a 8 hours period without the vent tube connected and only the oxygen. When he was planned to end the 8 hours he asked if he could go longer and the respeitory guys said how about another two hours and he continues on this while I write this update. Go Jim go!

Today I was with a visitor friend of Jims in the morning, He shared with Jim some neat thoughts and gave Jim some wonder motivation that he appears to have liked.

Jim’s feeding tube IV line was discontinued last weekend to my surprise on Friday. He has been feed now on a larger amount pushed into stomach every four hours, most to simulate normal eating habits.

Thanks for all your continued prayers.

John

My Story - Episode #1