9.30.08

Just a quick update...Steve's not feeling much better. He's still very uncomfortable. His doctors have requested another culture to make sure the antibiotics have been effective and have reduced the infection. We should know the results in a few days. In the meantime, please keep Steven in your thoughts. He's had a really tough couple of days.

Weekend Update

Steve isn't feeling well. He has two infections, a UTI and an infection in his lungs. He's on two antibiotics which should wipe his system clean, quickly we hope. Yesterday he was very, very uncomfortable. He stayed in bed and after a restless morning, he was able to fall asleep for the later portion of the day.

Please send our your love and hope that he makes a quick and thorough recovery as soon as possible.

Six month update

Tomorrow marks six months since Steve's accident. He's come a long way, for sure. And we all maintain massive hope for great possibilities for his next six months!

Steve has an optometrist appointment on Thursday--which is fantastic. We hope that he'll get a new prescription which will greatly improve his vision. With that, he'll be better able to use the computer with assistive technology. And since one of Steve's biggest battles is boredom, you can imagine how extraordinary getting online will be for him. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. He's still waiting on the necessary equipment.

On Saturday Steve went to the "shop" for the first time since he's been home. For those of you who don't know, the "shop" is Jeremy and Jason's workshop, where Steve and his friends worked on their jeeps. From what I can tell, it's a world of boy toys and Steve spent many, many hours there. Anyway, the industrious boys used some old street signs as wheelchair ramps, and they were scrambling till the last minute getting the place together before Steve's arrival. Steve went to check out the jeep that they are building for Jeremy Edwards, and the buggy that's they are building to sell. And he also got a Lee's Magic Tunnel Car Wash treatment as the guys spiffed up Steven's wheelchair tires.

Unfortunately, Steve's spasms continue to bring him immense discomfort and unease. We hope that they will calm down, perhaps once he has more regular physical therapy. Please pray for him to have more peace and less spasticity within his body.

Steve had some other wonderful visitors this weekend. Paula and her friend Debby came over with Kylie on Saturday night. And today his friends John and Abby came by with their little guy. As always, visits are their own kind of special medicine.

Thank you for continuing to come here to check in on Steve. We deeply appreciate your love and support.

Weekend Update

Steve had plenty of company this weekend! Friday he had visits from Courtney and Jim, and Jeremy, Melissa and Sydney and later in the day, Paula and Kyle. Saturday he had a good deal of boy time watching football games on the big screen with Kris, Bubby, Adam and Dirty (sorry If I am forgetting anyone!). April was there too!! Steve also had a visit from Chuck from Hunstville Utilities. Glad that he was able to enjoy so many friendly faces--love and light for the spirit.

Uncle Joe has been busy planning a Montauk fundraiser for Steven which will take place on October 19th! The event itself will take place at Rick's Crabby Cowboy Cafe at 2 PM. I have a feeling the entire town, along with many friends and family from around the island, will be there. We're so excited about it! (Steve--How much you want to bet that Cheech will be there with his wig on? He better, right? We love you!!!)

9.9.08

Steve had a good day on Saturday. He spent some of the day at Kris and Ashley's house. Their house is one level, which is great for Steve. When they got home, Steve and MaryAnn and Skippy when on a little cruise down the block. How wonderful to have some fresh air! Cooler days just can't seem to come quick enough.

Unforunately, Steven's nurse Tracey will be leaving at the end of the month. This is terrible news. She was dependable and sweet and really took good care of Steve. So now the search begins again for a new caregiver.

Before I forget, Steve's birthday is October 5th. He'll be 24. I'm just letting you know early so that you can get your cards in the mail sooner than later. What's an Aunt to do!

9.7.08

Hi all! This is a photo that I took on the grounds of a monastery that was built in 1759. Like you, I think of Steven all the time and so this is a spot where I said a prayer for him and took a photo of the well-worn bracelet that Sarah, Ashley's sister, made me oh so many months ago.

Yesterday the crew was heading out on Steve's first trip to Kris's house! I hope to get more details on that later, but I am sure that the change of scenery and the comforts of his brother's home were great for Steve.

MaryAnn and Joe hope to have an appointment with the eye doctor soon. The new doctor, whose office is wheelchair accessible, is hoping to squeeze Steve in the next week or two. Steve desperately needs a new prescription so this is great, great news.

Last Sunday Steve was able to practice maneuvering his wheelchair in the driveway. It was still very warm, but he was able to cruise around for sa bit. He apparently switched the chair into high gear and took off so fast that Joe and Kris had to chase him. And of course, once they caught him, he was laughing. As the weather cools, I am sure there will be more tales like this one. Classic Steven.

More soon. xo Aunt Jean