Happy Birthday

Okay gang.... this is Niki and I have been given the opportunity to share that Jer is sitting in a chair as I am writing this. I just received a text from Joelle and she said that with the help of the therapists he is up sitting in a chair, he is not sitting comfortably but he is sitting up. I have to say that this is a pretty darn good birthday present.

I also have been given the duty of sharing some delicate information. Some of you that have been reading this may or may not be ready to hear what I am going to tell you all. I am sharing this info with you to help put any rumors to rest and so that we all can start to heal, understand and move on from here. Jeremy's diagnosis is "incomplete paraplegia" What this means is that Jeremy does have sensation of his lower extremities,but does not have movement.We are not sure if Jer will regain movement... and if he does what kind of function he will have. We are told by his neurosurgeon that it is unlikely for Jeremy to walk again. We are trying to remain hopeful and positive, and part of that means understanding what we are up against.

Paraplegia is paralysis from the waist down. He does have good movement of his upper extremities. The orthopedic doctor said that he can put weight on his right leg but can't put weight on his left leg, at this point because of the pin on that side of his pelvis. Jeremy is ready to start rehab and get going on his healing process.

Jeremy has orders that allow him to be moved to the 7th floor and out of ICU, but as of 3pm today he was still in ICU because there are not beds available on the other floor. Val came in today between classes and washed his hair, and shaved his face, so that Jer looks like the Jer that we are used to seeing. His IV fluids have been stopped and each time something is stopped or taken off it means that we are moving forward.

Please stay tuned to this blog for information on upcoming benefits that are being planned. As I find out more info on these I will pass it along. For those of you that have asked or are wondering Jeremy did not health insurance through the farm or as a bus driver. As some of you may also be aware Jeremy's enlistment with the military was complete July 30th of this year. Please continue sending Jer your thoughts and prayers, they are truly appreciated.