[Excerpts taken from recent update on ]
My dad suffered a stroke almost seven weeks ago. Therapy and exercises have been a big improvement. We've discovered that chewing gum, concentrating on his right side, improves the facial muscles. His walking is better as well.
All six daughters, and some of their spouses and kids, have been able to visit and he has received calls from his two sisters in Holland.
He has received the greatest inspiration from God's word. It blesses our hearts to hear him sing the old hymns and choruses like God Is So Good. He often shares with the therapists how blessed he is to know the Lord and to have Him as his strength.
Some feet swelling has come under control, and severe deteriorating vertebrae which cause pain are being helped by regular doses of Tylenol. The immobility of his right arm may be reversed some with a type of therapy machinery. Right now he is able to grasp some things but is not able to write or type.
We are placing all encouraging messages and cards into a scrapbook one of the granddaughters came up with, and Dad enjoys looking back over them and reminiscing about the senders.
Dad's goal is to return to his apartment, but time will tell.
Thank you so much for lifting him up in your prayers. They are felt!
Warm regards,
Johanna (Buining) Caraway
6105 Waterman Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
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