Dear everyone,

Just a quick update before I call it a night. Bob has been home from the Acute Rehab Unit since June 26th. They really worked with him, he is so much stronger it is amazing. He can walk with the walker at least 100 feet before he falters, and is able to stand for several minutes. (with the walker or an "assist" person".) Getting in and out of the wheelchair is going very smoothly as well as up and down with (into) the walker. This makes all the bath activities so much easier for both of us, and any aides. It is taking a while getting used to another new schedule, therapists, aides, a more normal eating schedule, new meds, etc...., but the new regime is falling into place.

We are still under Medicare's "Home Health Program", which means a physical therapist and an occupational therapist twice a week each for about an hour----They are coming up with all kinds of exercises---like tossing a small pillow to him when he is standing in the walker---and he tosses it back---he can toss ten times before he gets a bit unsteady. Both his balance and strength are improving daily. We also have hired two ladies to take turns exercising with him twice a day (sometime once). They both go to our church and also are neighbors. They are doing a wonderful job.

This last Sunday, the 6th, He went to church for the first time in almost a year for the "Silver Servant's Service"---we thought an appropriate first. He really enjoyed it---Carter and Doug and Jenny were able to join us. They brought the mike over to him and he thanked everyone for all the prayers and help in getting him to where he is. When he got home he slept almost all day and again slept well all night---a first. I think all the getting up, standing and singing totally exhausted him---I didn't know "How Great Thou Art" and "God Bless America" each had five or six verses!!!

I am getting a bit more sleep and that means I am actually accomplishing a few things around here that have been neglected for two, three years---good feeling! Still could use more sleep, tho!

On Saturday, August 2nd, we are having an open house to celebrate Bob's 80th birthday---(July 16th) and "I can walk"!! Noelle is handling the e-vites----hope all of you can come and celebrate with us. Bob is so pleased that he can walk----it was so iffy for so long.

Need to go to bed----Thank you again for all the positive prayers, thoughts, cards, and all the items I can't think of right now!!

Priscilla