As we are all aware, today marks the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Many young people were called to serve in the military as a result of these horrific events. Some may not know that Mark was one of those young men. Let us never forget those that gave their lives that day and in the days and years to follow so that it would not be repeated.
We are back home after a wonderful week in Florida with Mark, Jess and her parents, Wayne and Irene. We had such a good time together, that the kids were beginning to get worried we were getting along too well! All joking aside, we enjoyed spending time with each other and the week was productive as well.
We were able to meet with the entire transitional team and got to introduce them to Wayne and Irene who joined us for the meeting. Mark's progress was discussed and we went over what we could expect upon his discharge. He will continue with therapy on an outpatient/day program basis. His walking has improved quite a bit. We were able to see him walk with quad canes, as well as practicing with forearm crutches. He still uses the walker, but he is improving with the other devices as well. He has not been cleared to walk outside yet, since most outside surfaces are very uneven.
We also met with the Army Medical Evaluation Board doctor and started the process to have Mark medically retired from the service. This process will take four to six months and therefore, he and Jess will stay in Tampa until it is completed. Of course, being in Florida for the winter does have its benefits.
They took us to see their new apartment and it is wonderful. The apartment is roomy and bright with lots of windows and a big, open floor plan. Mark can manage to get around every room without any problems per se, but the therapists will go in and add any adaptive equipment he might need for the bathrooms, etc. We parents agreed it was much nicer than any of our first apartments!
Mark looks very well and is very healthy. He has certainly come a very long way over the last 22 months and I affectionately tell him he is on his second life!
3 comments:
Hi Mark, We are so happy to see you are progressing so well. We will need your new address for our Sunday School class here at St. Matthews. We hope you will be able to visit up north next summer and golf in the Jerry Givens Memorial Golf outing with the church. Hi to your mom and dad. Laurie Adornetto & Lynn Saris
Hi from Texas!
Enjoyed seeing the pictures. Mark and everyone - y'all look great! So glad you had a great visit. We continue to pray for you!
Love, Kathy and Bill
Great talking with you tonight!
Good luck with the dog. If you arn't comfortable with the place you visit Sunday there are a number of other options. Thanks so much for wanting to volunteer for WWP. I will try to think of how I can best use you. Let me know if you have any thoughts.
Again, I think you will make an exceptional Peer Mentor.
You are a great guy!!
Talk to you soon,
Jonathan
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