Monday, April 19th

Jesse has been home for a few days, and today's recap is brought to you by Uncle Mike [Edits by Jere]:

I drove to Lebanon and surprised Jesse halfway through his initial session at the First Choice Rehabilitation facility there (http://www.firstchoicerehab.com/). Unfortunately, I missed seeing Erin [Jesse's sister], who had driven him there and was already en route home to Boston. Sharon [Jesse's Mom] arrived a few minutes after me, having left work early. We met Jesse’s main therapist, Dale Hilbolt, and his other (occupational) therapist, Renee Long. (Jesse is entitled to thirty sessions with Dale, and twelve (albeit with co-pay) with Renee. He’s currently slated for 4 pm every Mon, Wed, Fri.) The therapists said that the biggest concern currently is re-gaining the strength in his right arm/hand, where his pinky & adjacent finger are still exhibiting some numbness and tingling (which are completely expected, given his injuries). He squeezed one of those hand-measure gizmos, registering 10 with his right hand and 60 with his left. Jesse admitted that his penmanship was never that great to begin with (don’t they teach cursive in Jonestown schools?!? I blame the elementary school teacher’s aides, ha ha), and he estimated that he’s currently at roughly 60% in that area. The therapists also want to improve the mobility/strength in his right shoulder (Jesse could outstretch his right arm and a bit more, but not for very long). Renee gave him a stretch band, with instructions to do various exercises at home. The therapists seemed less concerned with his right ankle, which remains quite sore --- their main concern there is that his ankle injury, coupled with the awkward bulk of the halo neck brace (due to be removed approx. mid-June), might cause him to lose his balance and fall (“the last thing he needs right now”). Dale asked Jesse to get off the couch at least once an hour and (with his cane) walk around, and always wear a solid pair of shoes (not barefoot) and please don't trip. The therapists were pleasantly surprised that he wasn’t exhibiting any significant lingering effects from his brain injury (e.g., no slurred speech, no memory lapses, etc.), that he’s tolerating the pain okay, and that he is entirely self-sufficient and able to handle everything on his own (getting dressed, putting on socks and shoes, etc… --- although, Jordan, FYI, he’s not flossing, LOL). They indicated that bodes well for a continued speedy recovery. Afterwards, Jesse gingerly got into Sharon's car --- difficult ‘cuz he can’t really tell if his brace is gonna bump. Back in Jonestown, we went to Pizzatown for a late lunch. (Tangent: with Jesse tilted back in my passenger seat, I asked Joe to navigate from the backseat. Alas, Joe’s sense of direction was off and he repeatedly had me taking wrong turns down bumpy alleys, no doubt to his brother’s dismay.) Jesse reported that his chicken parmagiana sandwich was better than the Altoona hospital food. Not sure, however, that that constitutes a rave review. Back home, he relaxed (e.g., fiddled on his laptop) while Joe, Sharon and I mowed the lawn and did other yard work. Harrison & I subsequently took a walk with Jesse around the block, while Sharon did some grocery-shopping and Joe helped out with the English-as-a-second-language session at church. After dinner, Joe & I played with the flarp (don’t ask), and Jesse played his guitar a bit --- it was encouraging to see him pick out a tune.

Jesse relaxing at home

Jesse shows appreciation for Joe's help!