Back at the Courage Center!!

Jimmy was released from Abbot a few weeks ago and is now back at the Courage Center in Golden Valley. He is feeling much better and seems to have lots more energy. The Doctors said that this will hopefully increase his ability to recover faster and be given more strength to undergo more intense therapies.

Physical therapy this week has been wonderful. On Monday, they actually had Jimmy standing up on the parallel bars, with much assistance, but he stood up straight without bending his knees. As he stood, he looked so proud of himself and the therapist were very impressed. The Physical therapists said they would like to start getting Jimmy on a bike machine, having leads hook up to his leg muscles to help with his coordination. They are now using a standing machine (EZ stand) to assist him in getting to and from his chair and bed. Jimmy is able to stand on his own with the machine assisting his upper body and he is able to balance in his bed, in a sitting position for more than a few minutes. The staff at Courage were very impressed with his strength and are looking forward to see him progress even more throughout the next few weeks.

Occupational Therapy has come along way. Jimmy is able to pull, push, throw and catch objects with more coordination. He is able to feed himself almost all meals, using a spoon or fork. They have been using a modified drinking cup to help him with swallowing and he is able to drink from it himself. His fine motor has come along way and enjoys playing many games on his iPad, including pacman, basketball, bowling, air hockey and ant smasher. Jimmy really likes playing the game Connect Four and is really good at picking up the chips and placing them into the game (the games are on the shelf in the family room if you would like to play them when you visit).  Along with his fine motor skills, Jimmy has been able to use the computer lately, using the mouse on his own to click on pictures, videos and Facebook.

The other night, we were dancing to music and Jimmy assisted me in a few spins under his arm, wrapped his arms around me for a slow dance and even wiggled his hips to "Sheri". His speech is still coming along and can be stubborn on talking, but when his buddies are with him, they joke around, laugh and he talks quit a bit. Jimmy sang me "Walking in Memphis" and "This Little Light of Mine" last week.

Jimmy has really enjoyed seeing all his family and friends and the Social Worker and nursing staff at Courage Center have commented how much more of a personality, happiness and encouragement Jimmy has been given because of your visits and faith in him and his recovery. We are blessed beyond belief for everyone that is in our lives and thank you again for all you have done. Please come and visit Jimmy soon, he would be so happy to see you!

God bless you!

(If you would like a prayforjames bracelet, please email or facebook us your address, thank!)