Honest Abe, George, and Joe -- 2-21-06

See http://www.bringjosephhome.com/

This week end has been laid back as far as physical therapy etc. goes, with most of the regular staff off for the holiday weekend. Joseph had to pay the price for relaxing today, as his regular workout was pretty tough. . . but then so is he. He's enjoying a shower sitting up in a special shower chair at the moment (his second), an accomplishment by it's self. He has enjoyed the weekend so much because of the wonderful visits with friends, former EBM missionaries, ward members, work associates, professors from school, and family members of all of the above. Monday night the Jewkes family from the Bennion Hts 8th Ward did a family home evening with a great message on "angels all around us". Joseph said it was really spiritual and a great blessing.

He has been doing remarkably well with breathing. He has gone for a couple of nights breathing on his own, with the vent following along and providing limited pressure support. The days have been spent off oxygen, breathing room air for the most part, and on the speaking valve. The sensations in the right arm continue, there was some possible action in electrical stimulation tests today, his left wrist responded well too. The miracles are small, but with all of your prayers and faith, none of us expect a quick end to miracles.

The work on fixing the house is moving forward. We really appreciate so many helping out, it is humbling. It's an overwhelming task, but with so many "succoring the weak, lifting up the the hands that hang down and strengthening the feeble knees" we feel succored, lifted up and strengthened. God bless you all, for the love of the Lord that shines in your lives.