Date sent: 10/11/99 06:50 PM
Subject: Progress continues...

Hi All!

Updates are slowing down, but progress isn't! When I left MVH last night, Dan was able to lift his left arm to just below shoulder height, and move it from side to side. He is able to walk with one person assisting, and has progressed from a quad cane to a regular cane during his PT sessions, but they still have him using his wheel chair for general traveling around the facility.

He likes to practice range of motion skills when he is awake in the middle of the night... So, he is able to lift his left leg by himself, both straight and bent. He can make his left arm do arm circles. He lifts his arm with his right arm to do diagonal motion (like pulling a sword from scabbard...)

In general, he is in good spirits. Last night I brought challah for the first time, and although we did not have candles, we said the usual blessings and sang our favorite songs.... said kiddush, and motzi... had a nice shabbat dinner. It felt good to do something "normal" and "from home".

Many people have asked how I am doing... Well, I have several close friends here in YS and my sister, who are providing emotional support. I am asking for help when I need it, and doing pretty well in general. I try not to be particularly emotional right now because I know there will be time and place for me to heal as the major crisis portion of this episode subside. So, rest assured that even though I share mostly news of Dan's progress, that I too am making progress and healing and resting... I think I slept 10 hours last night!

With Love, Hope and Appreciation, Abi and Dan