Friday, March 21 - approx 10:00am

I was finally able to make it back home. Joe and my 'Mom' Jean made it safe and sound last night. We have our family conference today at 11. At this meeting we will be given reports of MRI, Xrays, etc. We are looking forward to this meeting.

Dwight continues to improve slowly. He is very alert and extremely active with his left side. He is beginning to move his right leg periodially. (PTL) He also rolls from his back to his right side 'a lot' when he is awake and in bed. In his wheel chair he holds his head very well. He focuses well and follows with 'both' eyes.

During Physical Therapy yesterday he followed several 'commands' ... ie: looking at the therapist, hitting the beach ball back to her from his lap, he 'hitched' his right hip back on the matt by himself .... all these things are exciting as it is showing that things are beginning to 'click' ... He was also being mischieveous with a college friend yesterday and had a definite 'smerk' on his mouth!!!!!!

The lung doctor said that his lungs are clear (PTL) and they want to begin deflating the cuff of the trech and work on command swallowing ... he swallows spontaneously but needs to on command. They do a blue dye test in the mouth and so far NONE has gone to the lungs - BIG PRAISE!!! Please pray specifically that he will swallow on command because it is then that they will work on getting the trech out and thus mouth feeding thus no more feeding tube........

We appreciate your patience with us while 'snowed in' .... I am just SOOOOO grateful I got stranded at the hosptial not the house.

Denise flies out next friday and returns sunday ... please pray for a safe flight. Joe and Mom Jean drive back sunday. Thanx again for you care and prayers ...... May God find us faithful ..... joan for us 4 ....