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Ya know when you are on a roller coaster, it will travel up and down then...steep ups and whizzing downs and then veer off to the right and more and more right to create a circle, then more up and now to the left and a quick u-turn to more up up up and zing...down in a split second!!! Well that seems sometimes to be what Scotty has been on but when the ride is done, the experience of it will be looked back upon as wow, what a ride!!!

So all in all Scotty has moved to San Antonio and after our first meeting with the staff at Meridian Care (7181 Crestway Dr), we are very pleased and encouraged with their positive attitude for Scotty’s rehabilitation. The dietician told us a story of a young man that was like Scotty, with a bone flap, a trach and respiratory troubles. His family had given up on him (probably too much to bear) as he wasn’t given much of a chance for a future. A long while later, they came by and were amazed at the progress this young man had made, up and eating, eating, eating, about ready to leave for another challenge in his life...his home. Be encouraged everyone! Don’t give up on Scotty!

We have heard so many wonderful pull through stories and am thankful that so many desire to share them with us. Here it is. As you know, he has had a couple of huge challenges with his respiratory system and because of that it has set him back twice, but then we have to think about this properly...this could have been a reason that his body couldn’t heal other things when the one (breathing) was so in harms way. We are therefore grateful that this time has been given to Scotty to be able to get that “under control”. Basically Scotty is on the same meds, as TNC Austin, he’s moving his right hand and arm quite a bit most of the time. He’s now moving his left arm and his legs as they shake sometimes (from being cold)...we finally get to lay the handmade prayer quilt that his mom and her prayer companions made with each stitch covered in prayers soaked in tears of praise to God, thank you ladies and gentlemen.

He is breathing good, is mouthing words, would be saying words but the trach prevents that as we form words with air from the larynx (voice box) and right now the trach is in the trachea only (not the larynx) that gives him access to air. The surgeon told us that it will change later when they are sure of his safety of his respirator issues. He is wide awake most of the day, he is alert, he knows the activity around him, watches the person whom talks to him, responds to who is with him and watches the trees blowing outside the window. He knows, and he understands, although Scotty was always laid back in his thinking (except when showing off, cutting a joke, or having fun), so the process time of thinking is a little slower now but all this can and will change to the better given enough time.

Marie asked that this information be shared, so here it is: During the 1st week after the accident, the brain swells (common with traumatic brain injuries), the surgeon removed a small section of the skull so that the swelling will have a place to leave. They take that section of the skull and place it in the freezer to replace at a future date...this is also customary, isn’t that something? It’s called a flap, so when you visit you may see a section of his head that is sunken, it’s an area we don’t touch, but please don’t worry, the flap will be replaced when he has totally recovered.

Tuesday we visited Scotty again, Grandpa lifted his shoulders out a bit and I(Grandma) placed a pillow under his head and shoulders, and was gratefully surprised and elated when he held his head straight up so strong, at least for a minute or more on his own. When he got tired he, on his own, laid back down in the pillow! He also moves his head to the right or left nicely, Praise God. Way to go Scotty, we’re so proud for you. He’s now swallowing good too, not good enough to trust swallowing food yet, but it’s just a matter of time, we will need to be patient. He’s come such a long way, but has a long way to go. We can’t wait until we can get him a big hamburger...maybe 2 or 3!!!

The officials asked if Scotty was there long term, or short term. Our immediate response was short term, we want him back with us, well and able to do things, say things, and express his love. With that there was no question what their job was...to help get him rehabilitated!!! We would conclude that God knows what He’s doing...He has given Scotty and all of us this opportunity to increase in stature, confidence, strength and wellness, and faith, by believing in him and changing his address. We thank the LORD for his faithfulness and gentle leading.

When you think of Scotty, don’t see him as not progressing, or an invalid, think of him as one day at a time growing in strength, determination, and perseverence. Be safe, careful, alert and don’t do anything to place yourself in harms way. Praise God. Contact information for Scotty is: Meridian Care, 7181 Crestway Dr., San Antonio, TX, (210)599-3005, visiting hours: 12-10pm.