Update 8/30/11

Today is a good day at the Shepherd Center.  Warren is attending a class at the moment having completed his Occupational Therapy session in which they made chocolate chip cookies in order to practice cooking skills!  "I didn't get burned so I passed!"

Yesterday he worked on standing between the parallel bars and was helped to take steps with the use of the bars, leg braces and spotters.  Leg control is something he is struggling with due to certain muscles that need strengthening.  Lifting his legs is getting easier every day thanks to his strong quads.  In the evening he went on an outing to Target and said everyone had a great time.  Patients are required to attend a certain number of outings to various places in order to help them notice accessibility and get them comfortable in public.  I am sure it was nice just to be out and about.

It is amazing how much better he is feeling this week.  As a result he seems to be getting stronger by the day.  This afternoon he will get one step closer to independence.  They are removing the pick line and he will finally be "tube free".  His next step is to get rid of the back brace.  That will happen when the orthopedist is confident that the vertebrae are healed.

This afternoon we have the "Goal Setting" meeting.  We'll keep you posted......

Henley, Jerry and Warren