What a difference a week makes!

Boy, are we glad to be home. Joel is doing so good. He just had his last home health care visit with a nurse this morning. He is down to 202 pounds (six months ago he weighed 257). Last fall, he stopped eating seconds and purposely started coming home to eat a healthier lunch. He has lost 55 pounds in 6 months or an 8 year old :). So proud of him.

He is adjusting quite well to his new medicines. He is on some pain pills (but slowly weaning himself off), a blood thinner, baby aspirin, and a few beta blockers and ace inhibitors (so his heart doesn't have to work so hard). They hope to have him off all medications in 90 days.

He is getting around really good. Taking a shower by himself. Getting dressed without my assistance. Doing small things around house like laundry or emptying the dishwasher. And, most importantly, getting caught up on past episodes of Judge Judy.

He can't drive for a month. So, I have to pack him up like a toddler in the back of a mini van and drive him around. That doesn't make him very happy. :)

I need to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us. Your support, love, concern, and prayers have helped us get through this. We couldn't have done it without you. We are forever grateful.

To everyone who has sent us cards, e-mails, instant messages and words of encouragement, you are awesome. Your words of motivation and compassion were just what we needed.

To Amy and Gary Robbins, thank you for coordinating food to be brought to us and for coming to see Joel in the hospital in Chicago. What a wonderful surprise that was. Also, thank you for bringing us your own family dinner on Wed night when you found out we hadn't eaten yet! You are the best friends anyone could ever ask for!

To our families -- thank you for ALL you have done to support us through this time. We could not have done this without you. I so appreciate how you've just jumped into to help us when you saw we had a need for something. We are so blessed because of you.

To God, thank for you answering all of our prayers and seeing us through his time.

Joel will go back to Northwestern for a follow up visit in a few weeks. Doctor said he should have his pilot's license back in 3 months. Yay for Joel.

Enjoy your weekend because we sure will!

With love, Michelle