Saturday October 31

John on his Harley Road King


John coming into the house for the first time since June 2


John and Holly in their living room


John and Paulette's Boston Terrier Chanel...couch time!


John and his neighbor Juan


Paulette and John


Russ, John and Jen, John's neighbors

Believe it or not...these photos were taken today! Over the weekend, John received a day pass from TIRR and was able to leave the facility for a few hours with Holly for the first time since June 2! Holly decided to take him home and hopefully spur his memory a bit about his house and some familiar surroundings. John enjoyed the ride and some much needed couch time and he and Holly got to relax a bit in their home and a couple of the neighbors who had seen them drive up came over to greet John. One of the things Holly has consistently said she misses is just that, "Being at home", feeling. Even if it's watching t.v. or cooking dinner, we can easily forget how that being taken from you would make you miss it. Maybe it's the normalcy or the mundane but since things have been so chaotic, it was a much needed break for both of them.

It is difficult loading and unloading the wheelchair into the truck but for the most part John is able to get in and out of the truck and buckle his seat belt unassisted. John doesn't need the wheelchair all of the time but it's good to have it just in case he gets tired. He is able to walk on his own but we always make sure to be nearby or hold his shirt. At times he seems to feel as if he is going to fall until you remind him to get his balance and try to relax. It's amazing that at this point he has to tell his brain to tell his legs to walk which is something that most of us simply do without any thought. There are times when he feels like he can't do something but usually when we remind him of all he has accomplished, he overcomes his feelings of insecurity.

One of the things which has not changed one iota with John is his friendliness and ability to be grateful. He has such an amazing attitude about this situation and he tells us constantly thank you and that he loves us and takes the time to pray before each meal. His unfaltering faith is beautiful to see and although at times he has bad days and is frustrated, these bad days are becoming less and less frequent. He asks about his situation and he sometimes tells us that he is sick but we remind him that although he has had a heart attack, he is in excellent physical condition and is healing. We tell him to be patient and that all of his emotions are normal. When he is upset or scared we let him know that that is okay and try to reassure him that he is in a place of healing but we also reiterate the need for him to keep on fighting which he seems to do inherently. His drive to get better comes from that inexplicable place deep within. Combine that with the nurturing he receives from the staff at TIRR and from those who love him will and there is little doubt that huge success looms nearby.