Rubber Tree Plant

I just had a nice phone conversation with Tim - he's in good spirits and really beginning to take charge of his future. He met with one of the volunteers at the Spinal Cord Injury Association who shared some practical knowledge (hindsight is 20-20!) about living with his injury. Tim is beginning to put together a wish-list of equipment, modifications, services and treatments that will help him live a full and independent life, along with helping him reach his long term goal of walking. He's talking about volunteering his time, taking some classes at BCC and finding some part time employment. Sounds like he is making a plan. Wonder where that came from?

He spoke very positively about some "little things" that he has noticed that make his life a little easier than it was a few weeks ago. As mentioned earlier, he finds that eating is not much of a chore at all. He was able to bend over while in his chair and get something out of the bottom of his closet and sit himself back up - a function of stronger abs and improved balance. Adjusting his pillow to a comfortable position used to require calling in a nurse, and last night he was able to take care of that himself, due to stronger triceps and better coordination of his arms. Still, he is aware that his right side is not keeping up with his left. I reminded him that he first moved his right toe only about three weeks ago.

Back in West Stockbridge, Amy had an extensive meeting with a contractor and the woman from the insurance company as we start to plan for modifications to our home. Tonight, we'll pack and get ready to head back to Boston. This trip includes a Boston Red Sox game on Sunday. It's a fitting game - Tim's first major league game was an O's - Sox matchup at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. Tim was 5 months old (1989) and we attended with Jefferson, Dick and Roger, who came to visit. George HW Bush through out the first pitch and Joan Jett sang the national anthem. We're looking forward to the game.