There's no place like home!

Tim returned home (San Jose) a little more than two weeks ago. His first (and really, his only) request upon returning was Jake's Pizza and Coke. He had fantasies of eating Jake's in silence, which is basically what we did. I doubt I've ever seen anyone enjoy pizza more and it was our pleasure to watch him eat.

Tim enjoys getting up early, bathing and having morning coffee and quiet time. Most mornings are a little rough for him, as the medications and affects of surgery seem pronounced during that time of the day. But as the days progresses, he can be found doing physical therapy on the floor or near the banister with supervision, sleeping, eating and just being his pleasant self. He continues to make progress each day.

As of now, the left side of his face is still mostly paralyzed. It's difficult to tell, as we see him every day, but it seems that his face is improving. When he is not overly fatigued, his speech is quite clear. Drinking thick milkshakes through straws helps stimulate movement in his mouth and cheeks, so he obediently drinks something like this every day. Today it was a banana, peanut butter smoothie or two! =)

His right arm is getting stronger and the movements are a bit more defined. His hand is still unable to help him, but there is considerably less tension in his fingers, which is great progress. His left leg is getting stronger, too! He is able to use it a bit to help him move around a little and with the help of his friend, Nick, he can walk around the pool table. Thanks Nick! This takes every ounce of energy Tim can muster! Over the last few days, as he's been weening off the steroids, he has been too dizzy and fatigued to try it, but this kind of determination is what will help him walk again. To walk again is Tim's greatest hope! We (his family) are confident this will happen in time and have even greater hopes for him- like being able to drive again.

I imagine that over next month, Tim will need all of the prayer and encouragement that he can get. If he does not progress as quickly as he wants, he may get discouraged and worried. We want to guard against him loosing hope and so we ask for your continued prayer.

Tim regrets that he is not able to read well enough to keep up on Facebook or e-mail and I know that he wishes he had more energy to talk on the phone, but this will come in time. I will be sitting down with him this week to read through his Facebook and e-mail with him, so your words of encouragement will be passed on.

As a family, our greatest concern in that a CT Scan will reveal another tumor and he will have to undergo another surgery. We continue to trust in God's sovereign will for Tim's life. He continues to be a blessing and a witness to us all.

Thank you to those of you who have encouraged Tim, whether it be through the continuation of friendship and prayer, a word of encouragement, a drive over the hill for a visit, a snicker-doodle, or a walk around the pool table.

Love,
Christy and family

To your health!

No doubt Tim is wishing everyone a healthy new year 2009!

Christy had a great visit with our sister, Stephanie at her home in Naches, Washington. It's been difficult for Steph and Einar to be so out of touch with Tim. So, they took a trip to California and brought the baby, of course. It has been nice for everyone to visit and for Tim to see his niece, Liv for a second time. He is a proud uncle and thinks she is so cute.

We all wish that Tim could spend more time at home (folk's house) with us, but we are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving at Dominican. It certainly seems that the nurses like him and await his return when he gets a pass to go home. As far as patients go, Tim is a good one. I continue to be encouraged and amazed by his optimism and truly sweet disposition, despite his incredible adversity. I know I speak for the entire family when I say that occasionally I have to catch my breath when I realize Tim's reality. He makes this whole thing seem like a mild inconvenience. Believe me, it is not!

Tim still cannot read because of dizziness and blurred vision. Don't let that stop you from writing to him on Facebook and through cards. We read everything to Tim and these notes, along with food are his only pleasures in life...seriously. He reads text messages as often as he can and really appreciates scripture blessings. Even if you just send the reference, we can look it up and read it to him. I believe that praying scripture over him is the best healing balm we can give him, so please keep them coming.

Tim has an insatiable appetite, which is due to the steroids that he is taking. We really love to watch him eat because it's one of the few things he can enjoy right now. He's certainly had his fill of sugar over the holiday season!

Tim has made so much progress in the last few weeks! His left leg, which was mostly paralyzed after surgery is now moving quite well. He is able to move his arm at the shoulder and with a lot of concentration and hard work, he can grip a hand. He is able to move his hand at the wrist, which is excellent. He can hold himself up on his hands and knees and is getting better at being able to stand with assistance. He is working very hard at his physical therapy every day. We are certain that with his persistent spirit and self discipline he will make a remarkable recovery. Our goal for Tim is the coming weeks is that he will progress to a point where he is able to take care of his needs in the bathroom and be able to move himself from bed to wheelchair and back.

Tim is so anxious to come home and is pretty unhappy in the hospital. He wants to be able to shower every day and enjoy the outdoors more. These little things we all take for granted are the very things he longs for!

He still gets tired out pretty quickly, but loves the company, so please continue visiting him!

Thank you for all of the prayer and well-wishes!

Christy and family