Thursday, July 10

It's "steady as she goes" with Tommy. Yesterday at dinner (after two previous meals of taking the spoon but finding he was unable to maneuver it adequately), Tommy again reached for the spoon--with his right hand, no less (very significant, as it was the right side of his body that was set back by the stroke). This time, Tommy fed himself the entire meal; with his elbow on the wheelchair armrest, he was able to pivot his upper arm back and forth from plate to mouth, requiring a huge and sustained effort. After the meal, as the dozen or so patients and their family members left the dining room, many stopped to congratulate Tommy on his accomplishment and, although he hasn't smiled yet, he did nod and say "Uh-huh" to each of them. Meantime, Tommy's left arm is functioning well; Catherine reports that, with his left hand, he turns the pages of the small photo album of boatyard staff, customers and friends that Janis recently sent.
This morning Karen and her clan will visit Tommy before heading back to southern Virginia later in the day. Also this morning, the center's staff will meet to assess Tommy's progress and future treatment, so I am expecting to hear news of that meeting when I go up there this afternoon.