June 12, 2014
Greetings Friends and Family Members,
Jake is continuing to make great progress as his speech is improving to put two or three words together during his day, but not sentences or paragraphs. Pronunciation of a lot words is difficult yet. He goes in waves where one day he may be real talkative and then the next day he is quiet. It depends on the type of influence from individuals or interactions during his day that can affect his physical and emotional state of well-being.
Jeff and I are greeted consistently with "Hi Mom" or "Hi Dad" everyday, even when I am training in schools. When I call to talk to Jeff and Jake, Jeff lets Jake know I am calling and asking about him and Jake acknowledges with a head nod and yes that he knows it is me. But interactions with others is limited. He may be able to repeat names when prompted but the next day will call them "Ma'am" or "Sir" because others that he has limited interaction with are perceived as possible nurses, janitors, or staff at the hospital. But Jake has consistently noted his brother's names and always gives them a thumbs up when we talk about them or when he is too tired to talk.
On Tuesday of this week, Jake's newly fitted molded braces arrived and are on his legs from his feet to his knees. This will aid in the transformation and correction of the foot deformation from inactivity, and to eventually prepare him for the stages of beginning to walk on a flat foot again.
Jake has also been introduced to pureed fruits slowly for the past 10 days to get used to the texture, to move the food around in his mouth, and to swallow it correctly. This is a slow process but will gain momentum over time.
We are excited that Jake's 2 older brothers will be spending the weekend with us to celebrate Father's Day at Bethesda. This marks 35 days that Jake has been in Minnesota and we're so thankful that Bethesda Hospital and nursing staff have provided a safe and healing environment for our son's brain and body!
Comments (9)
I'm so glad that your son is making progress. Even what seems to be little steps are really giant steps if we stop to think about it. Glad that he is improving every day. I do remember helping Katie with moving her foot. Katie's PT and OT really encouraged us to help her with always moving her foot. by exercising it, they shared it would aid so that she would not drag her foot. So glad that Bethesda is a great rehab hospital and the right one for Jake. Continuing prayers.
Happy Father's Day to Jeff and new daddy Ryan! Carolyn, you are a gift to have and so glad that you can share your experience with Naomi and family. It is a trial that outsiders will never fully understand - God's blessings to you! Continued prayers for Jake on his journey and the perseverance of his incredible support team - his family!
Wishing Jake good health with a complete and full recovery. Stay strong... little steps move in the right direction. So happy to hear you will have special time with your family this father's day... that is the best medicine. ;-)
Thank you so much for the update. I keep Jake in my prayers nightly, and it is so encouraging to see the gains that he is making! Much love to you all!
Hi Naomi, Jeff and Jake, it is so good to hear of his continuing improvements, I am so happy for his and your hard work, May God Bless all of your family and especially Jake and continue to make him stronger and healthier. Jeff I wish you a Happy Father's Day with only more good things and times to look forward to. as always, sending prayers and hugs. Joan Gavin
Thank you so much for these updates. I keep Jake & your whole family in my daily prayers. It is so good to hear he is making progress. No matter how small the process may seem it is still process and that is great.
So good to hear that Jake is continuing to make progress. We continue to send prayers and good wishes for continuous positive steps for Jake each day. Have a wonderful Father's day weekend with all of your family around.
Wishing all of you many blessings on the road to recovery for Jake. Keeping all of you in my prayers from afar here in Holland. I am with you in spirit. Happy Fathers Day Jeff and Ryan. Best to all of you and please enjoy the special time "together" this weekend.
This is great progress! He is working hard to regain his speech and motor function! Dan and I are so happy to hear the changes!