Bill, Sunday Aug 25 -- Apartment packing; great progress

Hi there. Today you're getting an update from Brooke. I'm Bill's younger (not little) sister. My mother added me as an author on her blog. She didn't say anything about it -- I just got an email one day last week notifying me of the change. I can only assume it means that she wants me to write an occasional blog post.

I'm sure if mom were writing, she would apologize for having missed a couple of days. Apparently there are a lot of people keeping up with Bill via this blog, and of course it's concerning when there's not an update. I know I freaked out a little bit the first time my mom missed a post. So if you're like me, take a deep breath. Everything is fine, just very busy!

Bill and Ayn have decided to leave their current apartment. Since their lease is up on the first of September, *they* don't have a lot of time to pack and get out of there. In fact, they don't have any time to do it! They are very busy with rehab. So my super awesome mom is coordinating everything. If you're wondering how you can help, I'm so glad you asked: We need boxes, and hands to help pack things. Can you spare an hour sometime early this week? Let us know!

Professional movers will come to do all of the heavy lifting next weekend.

Now, on to my update about BILL himself, and his progress...

I went to see my brother yesterday (Saturday) for the first time in a couple of weeks. It was the first time I've been out to the skilled nursing facility, and the building is a bit confusing. It's not as bad as the hospital, but still...yikes! I got a little lost!

When we (my husband, daughter, and self) finally found Bill's room, we were joyed at his greeting. Bill looked right at us, waved his hand and said, "Hello Brooke." His voice was a loud whisper; clearer and stronger than what I expected, even after many descriptions from my mom. I can't tell you how much I wanted to squeal and hug him after that greeting. It's a huge improvement from two weeks ago.

I contained myself, however, and instead gave an enthusiastic wave and hello in return.

While we were there, we witnessed Bill drink from a cup entirely on his own. I know that doesn't sound like such a big thing, but I've taken it for granted. There's a lot of coordination involved in grabbing, lifting, and drinking. It was a marvelous sight to behold Bill drinking.

We also saw him eat his first "solid" foods. It was actually super-duper pureed food in a variety of bright colors and looked pretty much like baby food. (I'm not knocking it; I've made and eaten a lot of baby food in the last couple of years.) Plus, again, the fact that he's eating solids is a huge step forward!

But before lunch came, we had some time to play. Bill is really good at batting a balloon around, so we knocked it back-and-forth for awhile. My toddler loved to watch, although she lacks the skills to participate.

On the way out I chatted with my mom very briefly about Bill's next step from here, which is the inpatient rehab facility (RIO). Bill needs to be able to do about three hours of activity on his own before he will be ready to move. I don't remember precisely what my mom said -- either he's at that minimum right now, or else he's very close. This coming week is going to be hectic with packing the apartment and moving, but when it is done, I think we'll be looking pretty seriously at moving to RIO. It won't be long after that before he can go home!

In the meantime, please continue to send your kind thoughts / positive energy / prayers his direction. I promise you that Bill is funneling all of it into continued improvement.

Rock on, big brother! We love you!