Thursday's WTHR Newscast

Scott Swan, from WTHR.com

"We have another story about Josh airing tonight at 5:30pm. It involves Conseco Insurance collecting items and sending them to injured Marines. I'll try to get it on our website later this evening..."

Jenni has just finished several days with Josh and now Julie, Brandon, Benjamin, and Ashley are in for the weekend.

Please remember Josh's buddies... they have their ups and downs during this healing phase. A little thought and a little prayer will help them turn the next day into a positive one. Mark and Tim need a little help right now...so ...do not forget them.

V

Radio Spot tomorrow

Mom, Dad and Josh will be interviewed on the Hugh Hewitt show tomorrow between 6:20 and 6:40pm. They will be discussing the support our family has received from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The fund and those who support it, have helped our family with travel support to see Josh. The fund was started by and is run by families of marines. Our 'case worker' Lisa has also been very theraputic for us. We are grateful for their support.

More infomration on the Semper Fi Fund can be found at www.semperfifund.org

More information on the Hugh Hewitt show and how/where to listen can be found at www.hughhewitt.townhall.com

Tuesday mail

The letters from kids are fabulous. The drawings and artwork and photographs that accompany them are priceless. Below is an example of a few favorites from today.

Nov 10, 2006
Dear Hero,
Thank you for beting the badgie's
I miss you so much
Your friend, Alexander

Dear Hero.
Thank you for trying to help our countyr.
I am sorr that you are injured. I hope you get better soon. Thank you for risking.
from Ethan

The American Flag by Brennan.
The American flag makes me feel Happe.
The America flag makes are cuchre saff.

Dear Sodier
My name is Austin McKinney.
I am nine year old.
and I hop you win the war.
and I hop you fell betr
your frend Austin McKinney

PS
and PSs
and Psss
and PSSSS
I lik piy.

Austin...we all like pie. Thanks for the letters.

Wish you could all see these physical therapy sessions. Everyone here is missing something, but they are some of the most delightful men and women you will ever meet. They push themselves and each other hard. Each story more inspiring than the next. One older couple brings three dozen cookies every week from a church group. Nicest little couple ever. Didn't know until they left that the man is a double amputee from the Korean war...his wife was his physical therapist. I can't imagine a better surrounding for Josh at this time.

Lots of love to you all.

Jenni

Monday night out

Jenn LeBlanc and I captured Josh and headed to Georgetown for pizza and a drink. If anyone is reading this from the hospital, I'm kidding ...but for the rest of you...trust me, it was absolutely awesome.

Also had a quick night tour of DC that included a stop at the US Marine Corp memorial. Wow.

Great to be here. More details soon after a good nights sleep. Spent the day talking as fast as we could.

Lots of love to all you.

Jenni

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We have so much to be thankful for this year.

Josh had Thanksgiving Lunch at Walter Reed. He met the Commander of the base & met Senator Bob Dole. He makes progress every day, although PT & OT are closed until Monday, so he'll have to practice lifting his Playstation, hand held games & maybe even Dad.

At Thanksgiving lunch today, my grandfather, Leo, showed up with a burr haircut in honor of Josh. Although we've asked Dad to do the same, he has declined!

Next week will be busy. He has OT, PT, Eye appt, Hearing appt, Dental appt AND, Josh will get fitted for his custom wheelchair. My son Ben asked if he can get flames down the sides, but... We'll let Josh decide :)

Have a great holiday weekend.

Julie

Tuesday..11/21 Mologne House ..day 2

Just PT today...but he went early and tried to stay late...just to keep working... took another xray on his hip today, just to check the healing process....if a strong desire to move forward and a great attiude can heal bones, then Josh's bones will be ready for weight bearing before they predict... The new Commandant, General Conway was in today and spoke to approximately 14 Marines including Josh in a small dining room.

Got PT again tomorrow then off for the Thanksgiving Holiday.... He wants to keep going. He wants to get his legs and walk home. He is a great inspiration to so many here. Your prayers and thoughts have made such a difference. We cannot begin to tell all of you the appreciation Josh has for what you all have done. He is healing and helping others. He went back to Bethesda today and greeted nurses, doctors, and patients. He looks good. He is already giving back to others the help you gave to him.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Put a smile on each other's faces...give everyone who gathers with you a wonderful hug that lets each other know how lucky we all are.

Virg

Josh & some friends from the weekend

Here is a picture of Josh & some friends that visited over the weekend. Wanted you all to see his progress & how he is looking better each day.

Julie

11/20/06

Hi everyone, it's Julie.

Josh is officially in the Mologne house. Mom posted the address yesterday for those of you sending things to him. Tonight he will room with dad for the first time (good luck with that) and sleep without any nurses, doctors or machines beeping all night. WOW, how much progress can one guy make in 5 weeks. I'm amazed!

In regards to many of the inquiries of how to help other Marines, we have been notified of some items that they could use overseas. I am coordinating with some families of loved ones in Josh's unit who are still in Iraq. They have given me a list of items that can be used & are needed by their brave Marines still fighting for our country. Many of these things are similar to what you have been sending for the Marines in DC. If you have donations being collected & would like them to go to the men in Iraq, please send them to me & I will be forwarding them to specific Marines in Josh's unit. This will allow those who may not be getting as many things to receive some packages from the states & keep our heros stocked with the things they really need.

Items that are needed:

• BLACK Hanes Crew Socks (must be black, Hanes seem to work the best)
• Gold Bond Medicated Powder in the GREEN bottle
• SPF Chapstick
• Baby wipes (travel packs, easier to ship)
• Boxer Briefs
• Athlete's foot medication
• DVDs
• Hand Held Games
• Chemical Hand Warmers
• Trail Mix
• M&Ms

If you are interested in sending things, my husband and I will take care of the shipping costs to Iraq. If you have items that you would like me to pick up (Indy, Greenfield or surrounding areas), I am happy to do so. OR, you can send them to us at 2725 Braeburn, Columbus, IN 47201 and we will forward them to specific Marines in Josh's unit.

Thank you all for your support of Josh, our wounded & the men and women who are still fighting in Iraq.

Julie

Sunday 5 weeks today!

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is visiting Josh this afternoon...but Lawrence Taylor and a group of former Giants football players were yesterday..they were really BIG. Even more fun friends Ben Lawton, Jeremy Anderson and Keith Carrol arrived Friday and found lodging close by in a questionable neighborhood..walked in the gate of Walter Reed and brought laughter to Josh and everyone who gathered to watch Michigan vs Ohio State. Julie was here for two weeks...friends Jenn and Mary and Ann visited to lift Josh's spirits and feed Virg and I..Nikki is coming Wed. Jenni(sister) returniing next Mon. and Alison Behr from Texas the following weekend. Josh should complete his move to Mologne House tomorrow....so his address from now on will be
LCpl Joshua Bleill USMC
Mologne House Room 455
6900 Georgia Ave NW Bldg 20
Washington DC 20307-5001
We have met many amazing young men and women and their families the last 5 weeks. They are brave in every sense of the word...they hold each other...share tears and find strength to heal and put broken bodies and lives back together....
In the true spirit of THANKSGIVING we wish each of you and yours a wonderful holiday...hold those you love close and thanks to each of you for loving Josh. M

11/18/06 Update

Happy Saturday! I've received a few updates on Josh from mom and dad & will try to share what I remember :)

Josh had his arch bars taken off yesterday. Those were the metal bars that held his jaw shut. He officially is able to open his mouth & start to eat real food again!

He is so determined & such a great attitude that he is healing fast. They have decided to move Josh to outpatient rather than inpatient by Monday. He will move across the street from the hospital to the Mologne House which houses many of the amputee patients. He will have Dad as a roommate & will travel to and from the hospital for PT, OT & any doctors appointments. I believe this is where he will live until he is done with his rehab.

He's had a great week with some special friends and mom & dad, making great progress & moving forward in his recovery.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend. Thank you all for so much love & support.

Julie

Address & Donations Update

We never could have imagined the number of donations that have been received for Josh and his fellow injured Marines. It's been SOOOO incredible that we now have to ask a favor of many of you. With the holidays approaching, the military & volunteer groups of Bethesda & Walter Reed have asked that we divert donations for other service members elsewhere due to the lack of space & the needs around other areas of the country. We want to oblige, so for those of you who are currently planning projects or have donations underway, please use the following resources to donate items. The Marine Corp runs the Toys for Teens & Toys for Tots programs. You can find local drop off sites at http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.asp . Secondly, your local VA Hospitals, who I'm sure can use items. We don't want any of your generous efforts to go to waste and there are many in need this time of year.

We are happy to help in this effort & appreciate all you have done to support our troops. We can distribute items in Josh's name for you. If you like this option, you can send things to our home at 2725 Braeburn, Columbus, IN 47201 and I will take care of getting things to military personnel that need it with Josh's direction. Nothing will go to waste & military families & personnel (injured or overseas) will have better holidays with your generosity.

If you have items for Josh specifically, they can be sent to him at Walter Reed. The address is:

LCpl Josh Bleill USMC (important to put USMC)
WRAMC
C/o Family Assitance Center
6900 Georgia Ave. NW
Washington D.C. 20307

Again, the outpouring of support has surpassed anything we could have imagined. What a wonderful group of friends Josh has made.

If there were bigger words than "Thank You", we'd use them, but until we find some, "THANK YOU".

Julie

11/15/06 Update

Hi everyone. It's Julie & I'm updating for Dad who is extremely busy with Josh this week, as going from multiple helpers to only 1 must be hard. I'm so proud of him for being able to update mom, Jenni & myself while still doing everything that Josh needs. WOW, what admirable men in our family! I'll try to get everything accurate, but forgive me if I mess something up and we find out later that I was completely incorrect (shocking, but it happens :) )

Just hit me that it has been exactly 1 month since Josh's injuries. He really has made us all step back and see how determined, proud, faithful, and strong of a man he is and what a strong family we have. You wouldn't think that a month in anyone's life would change so many people, but this last month has and we are truly stunned by the support you have all shown for Josh. We can only wait and watch the amazing things he's going to show us in the months to come.

General Health Update - All staples are out from Josh's hip & pelvis surgeries. The trach hole is closing up nicely. He has the bands off of his teeth, but is still really limited to any chewing as they don't want to mess anything up with his jaw if it's too early. He did get to eat pancakes this morning, which I'm sure was a wonderful alternative to the cream of chicken soup & oatmeal that has been his standard meal for the last 3 weeks. Josh received his shrinkers today. These are "foam rubber things" that keep his stumps from swelling. He's getting all the battery of tests for a new patient at Walter Reed. Xrays of his hand injuries, ultrasounds of his legs, flu shot, tests, & many other things. He has OT's, PT's, ENT's, and more T's that I don't know about.

He has had some visitors already to Walter Reed, good friends and acquaintances all there to support his recovery & help where they can. More "celebs" are coming. John Kerry tomorrow, Donald Rumsfeld on Sunday. I'm sure there will be more.

WR is definitely quieter & less eventful than Bethesda. I know that we all miss the families that we lived, laughed and cried with for the last month over at Bethesda & hope they are all doing well. For those of you keeping up to date on Josh's progress from Bethesda, please send us updates on your loved ones as well.

I'm not nearly as descriptive when I'm not actually in the room with Josh, but I hope this message gives you a summary of what's been happening since his move on Monday. We will have an address tomorrow for items being sent to Josh. As well, I will get a separate address for donations for the military that many of you have collected.

Have a wonderful evening & thank you all again for the extraordinary support you have given Josh. It certainly is making his recovery an easier task to tackle and your prayers for him are working!

Julie

11/13/06 Josh & Gary Sinise Picture

Here is the picture of Josh & Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump and on CSI NY currently)

Pretty cool!

The Marine has arrived at WRAMC

Today Josh was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Here is where his rehabilitation will begin and finish. Today was spent being checked out and briefed by everyone. He will have his first PT session at this facility tomorrow. He will remain here in this building as an in- patient till they feel he is ready to be moved to the Mologne House, where he will live as an out patient. He has room for his care-taker until he decides to kick his care-taker out. We do not have time lins now. We will provide a mailing address when the ladies of this family decide where letters should be sent .

He has a laptop in his room now and later when he moves. We anticipate a better weather day tomorrow so we plan to get outside and go exploring this place.

thanks for everything...

Virg

Sunday....an afternoon of cribbage 11/12/06

Josh spent most of the afternoon playing cribbage with friends...especially his good buddy, Bibbler...a fellow reservist who he went through San Diego with and still remain closest of friends..PT continued today, even on Sunday... his sense of humor comes through with pertaining to fall asleep or having bad dreams when he gets behind in cards...very funny and a great laugh as he pulls that off.

still waiting to get the word of moving to Walter Reed tomorrow...we will believe it when we see it done...

A beautiful day in Josh's road to recover...weekends are very quiet around here and it was great to have Dennis and Nancy spend the weekend with us..

Virg

Veteran's Day, 11/11/06

Lt. Dan, yes THE Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump, just visited Josh!! (Gary Sinise) Gary (Lt. Dan)spent time thanking Josh and talking about Walter Reed and the great amputee program! We took lots of pictures...and will get them on line soon. To ALL who organized and attended the chili supper last night a huge THANKS. What a wonderful reunion it must have been...friends from forever... and forever. Josh got his IV out today...is managing pain orally and with ice cream :) He has come so far in just 4 weeks...all your prayers, support and care have held him up and he is ready to start the next part of this journey.... Happy Veteran's Day to all ....hug someone you love Myra

11/11/06 Update & pictures

Hello. It's Julie. I wanted to give you a few updates. As well, I'm posting a few pictures of when I was there this past week.

This is Josh & Tim Lang when Josh visited his room this week. They had some good talks.

Josh is doing REALLY well. For the week that I was there, I saw him going from needing 3 people there to assist getting him into a wheel chair to him doing it on his own. He is determined & strong and has an attitude that I admire. He is already helping others in this journey. He got into his wheel chair to take a gift to another amputee that was injured about a week after he was and made that Marine's day. He sat and talked about his injuries & they talked about pain management & how to pass the time and get through it. Josh encouraged him that he would soon be wheeling around the hallways too and that they would meet again at Walter Reed. Later the Marine's parents stopped to tell us that Josh had given their son so much encouragement & he was the most up beat that he had been since injury after Josh's visit. WOW, that's my brother and I'm honored to be related to him.

Last night I attended the Knights of Columbus Chili Supper in Indianapolis with my husband & children. What an amazing turnout in support of Josh. They said they served over 600 people and raised a large amount of money to support Josh's recovery. Josh was able to make a phone call to the dinner and you could hear a pin drop in the room when he did. Attending were many amazing people, loved ones of Marines in Iraq, friends of Josh and our family and patriotic supporters from around the area. Josh really was touched by the outpouring of support and said to tell everyone Thank You again.

This is the picture of Josh, myself, Dad & the Commandant of the Marine Corp at the cake cutting ceremony.

We'll keep updating as we get new things to report. He should move to Walter Reed on Monday & we will get a new address posted.

Thank you all for everything.

Julie

NEWS FLASH 11/9/06

Scott Swan from Indianapolis WTHR Channel 13 just advised us the "Josh" special will be on
the news TONIGHT at 5:30 PM. (It will repeat tomorrow at noon) It is a 4 1/2 minute piece...most filmed at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda on October 31. Also later tonight it will be available as a video at www.wthr.com . TUNE IN

Move to Walter Reed

As of 10:00 A.M., we will remain here at Bethesda till Monday. This is not a set back...just an additional weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather.

He still has till Monday, November 20 to get his jaw unwired so he can do soft foods then 2 weeks later be ready for anything he desires.

Thanks for all the things you have sent. Please hold on sending any packages till furthur notice.
We will have additional info when we move.

thanks again for all you have done. He is making wonderful progress and would make you all proud on how he handles himself and gets out of his room and visits others who need his help.
Myra arrives this evening . She will be here till Monday.

I am doing just fine...

love

virg

Veteran's Day Fund Raiser Information

From the Knights of Columbus, in Indiana.

In Honor of Marine Lance Cpl Joshua Bleill, from Greenfield, IN, who lost both lower legs, suffered spleen and head injuries in Iraq on Sunday, October 15, 2006, the St Joseph Council, Knight of Columbus, 4332 North German Church Road on Indianapolis' Northeast side, will once again host a chili supper to raise funds and show our support to a local hero. The event will be held on Friday, November 10, 2006, 5:00 - 7:30 beginning the honoring of heroes one day before Veteran's Day. We feel there is no better way for the community to show our appreciation to this young man than to come together, enjoy a great meal and say "Thanks." The cost of the meal is a free will offering.

Also on display there will once again be erected temporary memorials for "Hoosier Heroes" who have lost their lives. The memorials will identify the three Hoosiers killed in the attack on the Pentagon, September 11, 2001, and each Hoosier serviceman or woman who has died in either Afthanistan or Iraq in the "War on Terrorism". The memorial will remain in place through Sunday evening November 12th.

Please call Grand Knight Bob Blagburn or his wife Holly at 723-3349 if you have questions or need more information.

God Bless YouHolly Blagburn

11/8/06 Update

What a busy day! Josh went down to the cake cutting ceremony for the Marine Corp birthday. The Commandant, General Mike Hagee was there & met with Josh & Dad. We have pictures. The Sergeant Major, John L. Estrada and many other important Marines were on site. They all met with Josh. He received all their coins which is very neat & a personalized poster of the Commandant to Josh. The Chaplain of the Marine Corp stopped by Josh's room & said an amazing prayer with us. Josh was in a wheel chair for the ceremony, wheeled himself down & back up, visited with Tim & did PT in his room later. He is currently with Tim again visiting.

The current plan is to move Josh to Walter Reed tomorrow. We are really unsure of the setup, access to computers, etc so it may be a day or so before our next update, but know that no news is good news.

Thank you all for your continued support. We are blessed to have you all in our lives.

Julie

Tuesday, 11/6/06 HOLD PACKAGES

Hi everyone. Sorry that we have not updated sooner, but all is just fine. I actually spent about 5 hours yesterday opening all of your wonderful packages. We need to put a hold on any that have not been sent yet, as the Marines here in Bethesda have filled their shelves over with all your wonderful things. They actually do not have any more room for additional things at this time, so please keep anything that has not been sent yet for a later date when we get a new address for Josh after his move OR when we can get a address of another facility that can place all of the items. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Josh is doing very well. The current plans are to get him moved to Walter Reed by the weekend, but as usual, plans can change. He went down in his wheel chair to physical therapy today, went down to get an Xray of his jaw bones & visited two of his fellow Marines in their rooms. He is such an inspiration. So many of the doctors & nurses stop to see how he is doing and are amazed at how positive & strong he is. We are thrilled.

General Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited the hospital today. He was unable to make it to Josh's room, but dad met him and received the military coin for Josh & we have taken pictures of the two of them together. It was very neat. Tomorrow, 3 major Marine Corp people will be here to celebrate the Marine Corp Birthday with a cake cutting ceremony. They have asked that Josh attend, which he agreed to. I will be sure to take pictures.

Josh has his epidural turned off which is going well so far. He hopes to get the first of his mouth bands off tomorrow so he can eat again. He actually has perfected the art of eating mashed potatoes with a straw. Spooning, not sucking. Just have to aim to get it between the bands on his teeth. He's doing better and better each day.

Thank you again for everything. I'm trying to write all of the things down to be sure we get Thank You notes to everyone, although I may miss something, so be sure to email me if you need confirmation of any deliveries.

Have a wonderful evening. Hug your families.

Julie

11/6/06 Monday

Hi everyone. It's Julie & I'm back in Bethesda. Josh is amazing. We watched the Colts until halftime in his room, although the TV is quite small & he and I had to both lean in a little & got cricks in our necks sharing the TV. He fell asleep & I went & finished watching the victory with Dad at the lodge. His trach has been removed but will take a little time to heal shut. He can't wait to get the jaw unwired, which hopefully will happen in the next week. He already has his wish list of what we are to find once he can chew again.

Have a wonderful Monday & know that no updates are good updates now! But we will continue to keep you aprised of his progress.

Saturday Nov 4 9PM

TIMe FLIES.... Josh had a good Saturday including a visit from a Marine pilot Purdue fraternity brother and family friends from North Carolina. He is enjoying the DVD's and looks forwrd to the COLT's tomorow (he has the appropriate Tshirts to wear) There are seven guys here now from Charlie Company...they have been talking to each other as much as possible... Josh shares all your generous gifts with them and others here on 5 East. A note: when you send packages through UPS etc the return address is the company address and if you do not include your name inside we do not know who has sent the gift. We are trying to get notes sent so please drop us a note inside the box or envelop...
Julie attended a a fundraiser for Josh in Greenfield today---wow what a wonderful supportive communtiy we have! We realize through the blog our "community" has exploded beyond Greenfield...and for each of you we are forever grateful.
Monday should bring a PLAN for Josh and his next steps toward independence. The different medical teams (orthopedic, trauma, ENT, and maxofacial) are to meet and put a timeline together..... Josh is still AMAZING.......more later M

Stevie & Josh & Jenni & Dad

12:00 Friday...

finished 30 minutes of physical therapy from arm curls with 10 pound weights to all kinds of things... back outside into the 40 degree temps for 15 minutes and now he's back in his bed to rest... hope to get a good afternoon of sleep but always somebody wanting to stop in and do something. another great day...

v

Give me a second chance

Virg Here,,,

can't begin to come close to the communication that the rest of the family does...but we got the photo to prove that Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac spent about 15 mniutes with Josh yesterday...sorry I tried to shove Josh out of the way.. She gave him a Nano Ipod completely loaded with all of her favorite tunes that she listens to before she goes on stage. She was wonderful. We are waiting for his second trip in the wheelchair... he's trying to rest before the day's activities.

later...V

11/2/06 Update.....GREAT DAY

Ok, you think that the little things are the ones that will blow you away at this point. A smile, a tube being removed or getting Josh to drink an Ensure or apple juice. All those have blown us away to date. BUT, then he goes and, WHAM, hits ya with a big one!!

My sister, Jen, called, and low and behold, Josh was in a wheel chair going down the hallway to see his buddy, LCpl Tim Lang. WOW, a week ago, we'd have never imagined that he would be to this point, but yes, they put him in a wheel chair & he was out of that bed! I really wish I had seen it in person, as it is hard to imagine, but they tell me it's true!

He visited Lang for a short period, went down the elevator & outside for a little bit & then back up to his room (exhausted, of course). I think that Ensure & milkshakes can only get you so much in the energy category, so he's asleep now. We are so proud of him and his spirit.

He continues to have the trach, continues to say he's not ready for visitors & continues to amaze us in more ways each day. All the same old stuff, or at least what seems like "old stuff" after the last 2 1/2 weeks that seem like an eternity.

The wonderful gifts from everyone arrive each day. Marines are so excited to have the amazing support that you all have shown. Today, some generous local friends had sent Marine Corp Beer Steins & Marine corp hats & t-shirts. You'd have thought it was Christmas on that floor. Such excitement as they passed them out! And, a local friend of Josh's, who lives in DC, has brought Mom, Dad, and Jen home cooked meals that they say are wonderful! When you are living out of a dorm fridge & microwave for 2 weeks, things like that are a true blessing.

It's hard to thank you all for everything you are doing. But we truly appreciate your support of Josh. He is strong, brave & sometimes pretty dam feisty, so I know he will make the best of his rehab and take everything on that they send his way.

Blessed to know you all!

Julie

SAVE THE DATE

Attention!!! We've been asked to post the following. Some wonderful friends of Josh are planning a fun event! Please mark March 17, 2007 on your calendars. There is a party scheduled that evening with dinner, silent auction & dancing, in honor of Josh & to support his fund.

As we get more details, they will be sent out.

Julie

11/1/06 A few answers to questions I'm receiving

Hi, It's Julie. I've received a few questions more than once in the last few days, so I wanted to just post answers online for you.

1. When will the WTHR special air? Answer: At this time we don't know. At the earliest Veterans Day, at the latest Thanksgiving. It will also be available online after it airs. Mom will meet with Scott on Monday to see how things are going.

2. What happens if packages are sent to Bethesda & Josh is moved to Walter Reed? They will forward the packages directly to him. If you haven't sent things at this time, please hold them until we get the new Walter Reed address.

3. And finally, what does Josh look like with facial hair? TA DAH!!!

And I couldn't be more proud to be someone's sister. Don't tell him I said that, it's just between me and all of you.

Julie

11/1/06 10:27 It's a great day...

This is from Virg. My first time updating. All is making such brisk progress. He will go after this physical therapy with vigor. I will be back later..

thanks to all of you and what you have done. We will get it done..

Virg

11/1/01 10am

Josh has had a busy morning. They started lines in his arm to remove the various lines that have been in his neck these past two weeks. The ENT dr was in and said he really wants to get the trach out, so rather than continuing to downsize, they are checking with one more group of doctors to see if it can come out entirely.

Josh is next in line to be moved to Walter Read (sp?) hospital, so they are really trying hard to get him prepared for that.

The physical therapist was in and had him lifting his legs, had him doing versions of situps and helping him learn all about the strength training he needs to begin in preparation for prosthetics. Dad has been great, as he can help with the physical therapy, and massage and pressure work on the legs.

They would like to have him in a wheelchair tomorrow...

Our blessings and good news keep coming.

xo Jenni