It’s been a few days since updating on Brad’s journey, my apologies for that! We’ve been pretty busy and by the end of the day, my brain is too tired to tackle it. But the kids get to spend a few days up in Michigan hanging out with their cousins, so I have a couple nights to myself, freeing up my time (and my brain!)

Once again Brad has made more progress!
Brad was discharged from Loyola Thursday night and was transferred to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab for therapy. At first we weren’t excited about this…we just wanted to go home. It had been a long two weeks, and the thought of at least two more weeks just seemed unbearable. But after learning more about what this amazing facility had to offer, we realized Brad had a great opportunity to improve much faster if he came. Apparently this place is number one in the nation! We feel blessed that we live so close to such an amazing rehab center, and we knew in the long run it was in his best interest.

While there have been a mix of good days and bad days, overall Brad continues to improve. His days are pretty busy filled with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and some cognitive therapy. Overall all his therapists are impressed with his ability considering what he went through, but there is still work that needs to be done! Being on a ventilator for six days, and in bed for about two weeks definitely took a toll on Brad’s weight and muscles. The surgery and seizures obviously took a toll on his brain. So we continue to take one step at a time, improving each of these areas. Brad is motivated to get stronger and improve so he can come home.

Overall, we are very happy with Shirley Ryan. The facility is beautiful and their therapy area is phenomenal. Brad is also enjoying really delicious meals, and has a nice view of the city out his window. While he would rather be home, this is the next best thing. We aren’t fully certain how long Brad will be there, but we are estimating about two weeks, give or take.

Thank you for the continued prayers, texts, surprise gifts, and cards. One of my favorite things to do is go to the mailbox to see if we have any fun mail. The constant encouragement puts a little pep to my step and is a reminder that God is with us, often through our community. There have been plenty of times that the right card or text came on the right day. God’s timing never fails!

We of course would love for you to continue to pray with us through this journey.

Here are some specific ways:
+Thanks that Brad continues to progress in the right direction
+Thank you for the opportunity to go to a top of the line rehabilitation center
+Protection over the girls (one of our daughters is taking everything a little bit harder, which is hard to see)
+Continued strength and courage for all of us
+Peace, joy, and stamina
+Patience as we are still separated
+That needs continue to be met
+And of course complete healing

While the days feel long, the weeks are flying by. We feel like we are stuck in a time warp. Sometimes it’s hard to even know what day it is. We can’t believe we are almost half way through July already. (Where is the summer going!?) Sometimes it’s hard to be on social media and see everyone’s fun summer vacations and activities. Sometimes it feels hard to keep missing out on things. It’s been hard shuffling the girls around. We just want to do something NORMAL. Brad keeps reminding me we will get to do those things again. We are learning a big lesson in patience and contentment. Sometimes I pray not necessarily for our situation to be changed, but my heart and attitude to change. (Because we all know a negative attitude gets us nowhere…) We also ask for prayers in this department.

Thank you for being our prayer warriors. Please know we appreciate EACH and EVERY card, text, voicemail, email, and gift that has been sent our way. We’ve read them all, many bringing tears to our eyes. I’m sorry that I have not been good about replying and sending out personal thank you’s. Please know that we have appreciated everything that has been done for us. We have quite the community wrapping their loving arms around us!

We continue to feel loved and see God’s hand throughout this entire journey.

Being strong and courageous, and taking one step at a time,
Lindsey