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