Mike's Move and Other Updates

Last weekend (August 9th and 10th) Sonny and I decided that Brinlee Creek Ranch was the best place for Mike. The first part of this week has been very busy making sure everything has been taken care of and getting Mike ready for his trip. I bought Mike a plane ticket and on Wednesday morning he was on a plane to Dallas. From there he was taken to Brinlee Creek Ranch in Anna, Texas. Angie, the coordinator for Pate Rehab has been wonderful. She flew one of their nurses down to New Orleans to fly with Mike so that he would be monitored at all times. Once he arrived at the ranch he was again checked by the staff nurse to make sure that he had made the transition okay. When I arrived at the ranch a short time later, Mike was resting comfortably and doing wonderful. Today (Thursday - 14th) and tomorrow he will be settling in and also will be assessed by several teams.

Pate Rehab is what is called a Post Acute Rehab facility. Mike will work his way up to participating in therapy from 9 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon six days a week. This will be a big change for him. I spent much of yesterday meeting with his team leaders and physicians as well as spending the afternoon and evening with Mike. Mike's brother lives about 20 minutes away and Mike also has a sister who lives about an hour away. It took me four hours to get there yesterday as well as over the weekend. I am sure with time, I will be able to find a shorter route.

Mike continues to do well. He is not aware of time or place. Right now he has a cough and is a little congested. The nurse was going to see about having the doctor see him today (Thursday). He looks wonderful. Mike is up to 140lbs. I brought some of Wesley's transformers with me and gave him one while I was sitting with him. I decorated his room with many of his personal things hoping that these items will help him in time. The staff and physicians all are very positive. Once Sonny and I both spent time here we were both at peace and knew this was the place for Mike. Brinlee Creek is a state of the art, moderate rehab facility. It is awesome. The kids and I will be back next week. They can even bring their bikes to ride and Mike and I can sit and watch :)

After this weekend, I will get Sharron to post more information about visiting and such. This is a wonderful place. Feel free to visit their website.

New on Mike

Mike continues to do well. He continues to be healthy and is tolerating his therapy. Sonny (Mike's dad) and I are in the process of visiting locations for continued rehab for Mike. This is the next phase for Mike. Even though he remains semi-conscious he continues to go through daily therapy and is ready to progress to what is called "post acute" care. We will be visiting two locations in Texas this weekend. Mike has been accepted to several outstanding TBI rehab programs. These facilities specialize in recovery for patients who have had a traumatic brain injury. The two that are in Texas have evaluated Mike and feel that Mike can make progress in their programs.

Please continue to pray for Mike and that God will guide us in making our decision on which program will best meet Mike's needs.