7/2/09 – 10:45 a.m. – Update from Steve

Dad has shown some measurable, encouraging improvement this morning. Most significantly, he is “voluntarily” reacting to various stimuli, in addition to the involuntary responses of the past day or two. Here are some of the things that are new since yesterday:

• Opened his eyes when spoken to
• Tried to smile at Steve when he spoke to him
• Gave a thumbs up on command from the doctor
• Stuck out his tongue on command
• Squeezed the doctor’s hand on command
• Has tried to remove his breathing tube (I’m sure it bugs him)
• Has been moving his left arm and hand more (in the past, he mostly only moved his right hand or arm)
• He also reacted “involuntarily” to pain and his pupils are reacting to direct light

We are encouraged by this good news today. Dad still has a long, long ways to go, but measurable progress is huge and we are grateful for it.

Also, the hospital staff is going to start physical therapy with Dad. He won’t be doing the work, the staff will be doing it for him, but they want to start exercising his muscles some.

Steve asked about the ventilator, since those tubes seem to bother Dad, and he was informed that Dad has to be able to voluntarily cough hard enough to clear any liquids before they can remove it. It is also not completely certain whether Dad can breathe completely on his own.

We thank you again for all your prayers. The concern and care we are receiving from Dad’s family, neighbors and friends is overwhelming. We feel truly blessed as a family to know so many people who care.