Three Days To Go and Counting......

Hello Everyone,

I hope all is well. Things are extremely exciting here for us because we know we will be home in 3 more days. Last week was Butch's hardest week. It was mentally draining but he handled it like a champ....we would not expect anything but, right! Despite his busy days, we have been able to visit some new places and see a little more of the city.

But first, let me tell you about a session that I was able to attend. Butch was amazing. He had to identify and describe what he saw in some pictures in the news paper. This therapy was/is helping him narrow his conversations and stick to the key points so that he will be able to keep people engaged.

This therapy is so important because a lot of times, most people are not good listeners, too impatient, ready to "jump" in and figure out what Aphasian's are trying to say which frustrates them and doesn't allow them to practice the speaking skills they have worked so hard to develop. So, if he is able to answer key question about a story, give you the substance and not just what they refer to as "empty words/conversation, you will be more engaged and likely to communicate better with him until he is TOTALLY healed. Yes, he will be totally healed in Gods time. I am so proud of him.

This last week they are working with spouses, caregivers, parents and significant others on strategies to help their love ones to continue to progress while at home . They will also send back detailed recommendations about what they feel should continue in the participants therapy plan. Yes, Butch will continue therapy when we return. And, as for working, he will not until therapist and physicans examine him. Even after then, it will be a gradual process to ensure that its a positive and NOT a stressful experience.

He has made significant strides but still has a ways to go. His communication skills however have increased and strategies to help people understand has been remarkable. All thanks to God.

With this said, we both feel that the program was well worth the time away from home. He does not want to return to Chicago for therapy again but is very happy that he came. Butch even has a couple of people in his program in Cary that he wants to attend R.I.C's Intensive Aphasia Program.  He thinks it would benefit them also.

As for our dining experiences and weekend excursions, I have forgotten to take a lot of  pics. Now you know I have some to show you but I did forget to take pics of some great restaurants and amazing movie theatres.

Our last weekend here was really chilled. I was under the weather. I had a friend to visit during the week and I thank God I got sick after she left. Man, can you believe that our rolls had to change....really weird to me but Butch did a great job.

We love you all and can't wait until Thursday. Missing our kids terribly especially knowing one is leaving for NY for another internship on Saturday and our son is moving to Atlanta the following week. We can't wait to smother all three of them will love, conversation and just being in their presence.

Please continue to pray for us and we will do the same for you. Also, thank you to those who took the time to respond. Butch loved reading your comments and so did I. Have a great week and be blessed.

Sherron and Butch....pictures below.   

                                      Butch and my girlfriend Shelly at Butch's playground.                                          

                          Bob from NY, a participant in the program that has taken a likin' to Butch

                                   Dinner with Bob and Carol from NY at Le Colonial. We had a great time!

                          AMC River Movie Theatre where we saw Tyler Perry's latest movie

                                                         Blue Chicago Blues Club

When you pull up the site "Blue Chicago", this gentleman that's inviting you to come visit, found me a seat in an extremely crowded club. Even Butch was grateful but I got the privilege of taking a picture with him :)

Great French Restaurant that specialized in Champagne, bread and desserts.

sherronw1010@gmail.com

Yes, I am country. Window cleaners still amaze me :)

SOFITEL: Great atmosphere after dinner to relax 

                                                      Shelly and I doing just that....relaxing!