Thank God for this beautiful day!

Well, after several rough days, stopping the Viibryd, resuming the Amantadine, using small dosages of Trazodone as needed for anxiety, me losing my patience, getting antibiotics for chest congestion again, the past 3 days have been terrific. We've only had one crazy episode on Thursday, but other than that, Mike has been trying really hard not to repeat and has been calm. He is so nice to be around when he's calm and can think somewhat rationally.

I also think he is becoming aware of his brain injury and the fact that sometimes it makes him do things he really doesn't want to do. I have video taped him on my phone several times, but in the past when I tried to show him how he acted, it would just set him off into an episode. After the episode on Thursday, I asked him if he would like to see what happens when he loses control and he did.  This time it really seemed to register that what I've been telling him was the truth.

When he is doing well, he says things like "Thank God for this beautiful day!", "Let me help you with your coat, Jennifer", "How can I help you?" "I'm sorry I yelled at you." Music to my ears! Yesterday he wanted to go visit friends from church, so we called Dick and Diane and went to visit. Diane fixed a simple and delicious lunch for us and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

In a few minutes, Hugh is going to go with us to VUMAC (Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center) to the indoor pool and see how Mike does swimming for the first time since the accident. He was a very strong swimmer before, but his body is a lot different now. His left shoulder is much better since working out at Johnny's, but still has some limited range of motion. I didn't want to try going by myself with Mike for the first time, so am thankful Hugh can be there with us. I hope and pray Mike just takes off with no trouble. He definitely thinks he's able to swim just like before.  He told me, it's just like riding a bike, you don't forget.

My nephew and his wife (TR & Brittany) stayed with Mike Wednesday afternoon and I was finally able to have lunch with a friend from High School. We've tried a few times and things just didn't work out. It was such fun to catch up with Daphne on some of the happenings during the 30+ years since high school.

Next weekend, I have the privilege of sharing at a women's retreat along with two other ladies. Please pray for family members who will be staying with Mike, for Mike to be calm and not worried, and for me and the other ladies to share what the Lord wants us to share. I have felt led to share about our God of Hope and it has been such a blessing to be praying and preparing for this retreat. I believe it has been a Godsend to me to have this message to focus on while transitioning Mike back home.

Time to go swim! Have a great weekend!