A month at rehab, visits out to family, and steady progress

Josh has been at Toronto Rehab for one month. He has reached a few more milestones in the past week so we are thrilled. Last week Josh went out for his first restaurant meal since his accident. He enjoyed a delicious messy chicken sandwich on an outdoor patio at Swiss Chalet with his grandparents and sister. This past weekend he went on his first outing. He went for a short visit first to his grandma's house to celebrate her birthday and then on to a family engagement party. He really enjoyed himself. We decided beforehand to stay no longer than an hour, but as we made our way to leave the party, we noticed Josh was engaged in a game of bocci ball so we extended our length of stay. Josh was very tired at the end of the evening but he thought it was great to see all the family. On Sunday, Josh slept for a good part of the afternoon after having a busy day on Saturday.


We are enjoying our time together on the weekends as a family. Josh is able to move around the home unassisted and he is enjoying the freedom. He continues to be a great help in the kitchen and loves to help make breakfast such as bacon and eggs or pancakes.

We had our family meeting on Monday with the medical team. This was an important meeting as we were able to discuss Josh's progress at the rehab thus far, as well as make future plans for Josh's continued rehab program as an outpatient after July 29th.

We hope Josh can join us at our church this Sunday. He says he looks forward to seeing our church family and singing praises to God.

We are thankful for Josh's continued healing.

We are thankful for your visits to the rehab as it helps break up the day, especially the evenings.
A very special thank you to all of Josh's friends for all their love and support. It's great to see Josh's smile and hear him laugh with his peers as he plays cards or chats with them.

Please continue to pray for a complete healing for Josh's cognitive and physical abilities.

Please pray that WSIB will approve the hiring of the recommended therapists for Josh's continued rehab. Please thank the Lord with us that Josh has less confusion and is much more aware of his surroundings and day to day activities .

We thank you again for all your prayers, love and support and sharing in our journey. We have been so wonderfully cared for by you all.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

Love, Phil and Terri and family

A visit home, a green card, and coffee

It has now been two weeks since Josh came to the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Over these past weeks Josh has done well and has made some more huge accomplishments. First, he was able to come home last weekend for a one-night pass. We had a lovely weekend. It was uneventful but it was just good to be together with our family. Josh enjoyed napping on the deck and playing video games with his brothers as well as enjoying some home-cooked meals. Josh will hopefully be coming home again this weekend but for a two night pass instead. He and all of us are very excited!

Second, Josh had an extra special day today as he received his "green card" which allows him to freely walk unassisted throughout his unit. As you may expect, Josh was very happy about this as he has the freedom to get up from his bed without sounding all the bells.

It was a very emotional sight to watch Josh wander down the hall, stopping to wave at his therapists through the windows as they were having their weekly meeting... he was very happy indeed! Today Josh also received the good news that it was finally ok to drink unthickened water and therefore other liquids as well. He enjoyed his first cup of coffee this afternoon since the accident with his mom and grandparents while sitting in the sunshine.

Josh has very busy days with therapy but he never complains and he works hard.

We thank the Lord for all his therapists as they truly want the best for Josh.. they have been a wonderful support not only to Josh but to us as well.

We stand amazed at how the Lord is answering all our prayers and surprising us with the many accomplishments that Josh has made.

Thank you again for all your prayers.

Psalm 91:3. "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of your wonderful deeds."

Phil, Terri and the family