Hey friends and family! Apologies for so long in between posts; now there’s just that much more to talk about with y’all about Jared’s busy week. He is doing so many things, it’s just amazing to be a part of it, and see the progress each week and sometimes daily. We are just ever so grateful for the staff here at BIR. I know I’ve said it before but Jared is so blessed to have people surrounding him who are always encouraging him and pushing him for better and to do more. This week I have to give huge shout outs to two of his CNAs this week, Jocelyn and Ben. Not only do they treat Jared like family, but they go above and beyond when they are taking care of him. These are people that are with Jared more than nurses, doctors, therapists and even myself. Many of Jared’s victories and milestones are because of these amazing people. Just as we have with each place we have been at, we have grown into a family with some of the staff.
This weekend my sister’s friend came in town to meet and visit with Jared. His name is also Jared, so you know they are a couple of cool dudes that got to hang. Jared Skotek came to Dallas and competed in a Spartan race at Cowboys Stadium, a 5k with 20 obstacles throughout it. After the race, when he was visiting with Jared he mentioned that they were moments in the race that he wasn’t sure how he would get through it, but then he would think about Jared, not being able to, and that he had to do so for him. Not only did he finish in less than 40 minutes but he was kind enough to lend Jared his medal. He said he would get it back soon enough and Jared would be the one giving it back to him when Jared is done fighting his battle. Thank you for taking the time in your less than 24 hours here in Dallas to meet Jared, speak with him and pray over him! Jared and his wife Vanessa are dear friends of my sister and they have been praying for Jared and myself from the beginning of it all. It’s such a testament that these complete strangers to Jared and I have become family through prayer and the miracles that Jared is continuing to show. As I have said previously with other visitors, (other) Jared got to see the fruit of his prayers in (my) Jared this weekend! We hope to soon be making that phone call where Jared is talking and holding you to that promise of disc golf, fishing and 4-wheelers!
To recap this week…
Speech therapy has been working on several exercises with Jared, like opening his mouth wide, sticking out his tongue and smiling. They are working with him on ice chips and sips of water as well. We as a family are also getting to work with Jared with ice chips and water. We continue to pray for his swallow to strengthen so he can get that much closer to getting to eat food and getting his feeding tube out. Jared is continuing to respond to commands and questions more consistently and quickly. He is communicating more each day, his speech therapists say he has started to mouth some words as well. So we pray for Jared to find his voice and start speaking.
Occupational therapy has been doing more ADL (activities of daily living) tasks with Jared, such as getting dressed, bathing, and toileting. Although he still requires some assistance still on these, he is helping with all of them. OT has seen more movement happening with his right hand so we are excited to see how that progresses.
Physical therapy continues to work on walking with Jared, using both the Eksoskeleton and him walking alongside the hand rail on the wall. His right side still needs help but he is initiating steps with it more. His trunk control and head control are so much better, with that he is able to correct himself when needed to when he is upright and walking. We have noticed this week that Jared is initiating wanting to stand up much more and he is starting to shift his weight at times in his wheelchair. He pushes himself with his feet backwards in his chair and is wanting to bend forward more often. We are just blown away by the fight in Jared, everyday we get to see more of Jared’s personality come out and him show us something new.
Tomorrow (Monday) morning, Jared has to go back for surgery on his right eyelid. Last month he had a goldweight put in his upper lid to help close it so it doesn't get dried out. Well somehow the goldweight has gotten exposed and it needs to come out and make sure there is no infection, if not, a new goldweight will be placed. We ask for prayers going up in the morning that everything goes well with Jared's surgery and that there is no infection and that he can keep moving forward with everything.
Jared is a warrior and we continue to fight with and for him! Thank you to all who have donated, support him, pray for him, encourage him, and most importantly visit him. Thank you to those who have been here for me as well, wether it be mowing my lawn, things around the house, providing meals, praying for strength and patience, thank you!
Jared loves having visitors, so please come out and say hello!
Prayer Requests:
Jared will begin speaking
Jared will continue to strengthen his swallow
Jared will continue to get stronger and be able to walk
Insurance will continue coverage for Jared at Baylor and when the time comes that they will see his progress and approve coverage for him to move to transitional rehabilitation at PATE.
We will be able to make the needed renovations on the house in time and financially be able to in time for Jared to come home.
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