I've come a long way from here.  Over two years ago, at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, they began to dress me in regular clothes each day.  Seems such a simple thing, but it was a beginning to some normality in my life.     

One day my cousin, Kali, came to visit me and when she came in she said, "Hi, Joe." and to everyone's amazement, I said, "Hi, Hi, Hi."  Mom and Aunt Marianne were there and it was a great celebration!  There has been since times I have said different words, "Hi" or "Mom" and even an entire sentence, "I know I did!" when one of my therapists said, "See, you did it all yourself."  I have the ability to speak, but it's as though there's a passage to an area in my brain that I haven't yet learned to access at will.   

At RIC there were a lot of discoveries made about just how and what I might react to, but insurance has limitations, so I must go home where my mother continues to be my main therapist and care giver.   

My mom constantly struggles to find new avenues allowing me to continue my journey.  Here we are in Merrillville, In. as an out-patient receiving occupational therepy, physical therepy, and speach therepy twice a week, but once again financial limitations determine how long I continue.  Carol is speech, but she might also encourage me as I work in PT or OT.  

Amira works with me to sit up by myself and hold my head upright.  I have my good days and some days I might not be as motivated.

Kankakee Valley High School continues to consider me a student and has been such a great help in providing tools, equipment, and people committed to helping me on my journey.  Mr. Epley faithfully visits, reads to me, shows me pictures, and searches for those keys to unlock doors for me.        

"Big Jim" with the help of Eva, my nurse, use the pool at KVHS for water therepy.  He's constantly thinking of new ways to help me along my journey. 

Brook has also been filled with inspiration to expose my body to new sensations and strech muscles and joints that haven't been used in awhile.

Brook and Amanda stop "double-teaming" me long enough to pose with Eva for a quick picture.  I'm so grateful for a moment to catch my breath!

Here in my "stander" Mom is helping me re-learn to drink using a straw.   

It's all about learning to do what you want when you want.  Dad says, "Blow" and then blows and, as you can see, I try to blow too!

So when you don't use your muscles they tend to atrophy.  Dad is trying to help me strengthen my fingers with this little contraption.

People are so special!  When he learned it had been my desire to become an FBI agent, Chuck Grelecki presented me with some special gifts.