Inspections Yield Success --4/12/06

The Patient:
They are releasing Joseph in a few days. Yeah. . . and Opps! We're excited to have him come home. . . and nervous about the home to have him come to. More about that later. The news is: yesterday, upon inspection during therapy, the Triceps of Joseph's left arm showed signs of awakening. Very small signs, Joseph cautions us against jumping the gun, but signs nevertheless. All the staff at the hospital are professional but they are still friends and pray along with the rest of us for the miracles. Joseph is the recipient of the blessings. Saturday and Sunday were great days for visitors. Joseph was uplifted, as were we, with the families who stopped by. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy stopped by Sunday afternoon for a wonderful visit. He was the Area President in Brazil during Joseph's mission in Campinas. Joseph's friends are also always there for him-- physically, emotionally and spiritually. What a blessing to have so many who care so much.
Physically Joseph has managed on his own with resiratory, continuing with the trach buttoned night and day. He continually struggles with intermittant infections etc. which may not improve a lot until he is out of the hospital. He also continues with his inpirational positive attitude.

The Not So Patient -- but Wired!:
Saturday we got the roof sealed in. They haven't finished yet but it won't leak now. Joseph's room continues to make progress. Monday was a buzz of activity as the electrician's were here pulling their wiring and the good guys from AV Engineering were here volunteering an hour wiring Joseph's AV system. The Comcast Cable guy came a little later to wire in the TV connection. A great friend of the family was here wiring the telephone as well. On Tuesday the Utah Power and Light estimator came out to review the work needed to pull a new service. The inspection for framing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC is this morning. Then we can insulate and do the drywall. The big hangup may be having UP&L move the electric meter. The company building the wheelchair lift is behind shedule, they were supposed to have it installed a week ago but they have given a shipping date of April 28th (Joseph will already be home. I guess we will improvise). We are perfectly assured all will be well, even if it isn't how it would be most convenient. Blessings continue to pour down and we will take what we are given and be most grateful.

PHOTOS:
1) Joseph in a standing frame (you have to put weight on your legs or they lose bone density) with Misti and Gretchen. Misti broke her arm after this photo was taken. She emailed it while recovering. Get well soon, Misti)
2) Triceps
3) Elder Neil L. Andersen
4) The roofers seal down the waterproof underlayment.
5) Steve Francis and sons pull electrical wires, they are fast, effective and fun.
6) The AV Engineering guys pull speaker, video and data lines for Joseph.