Update No. 45 -- from Lori

Dear Friends & Family,
 
I'm passing on the last update from Lori, and apologize for the delay.  We were out of town.  Thank you all for your continued prayers.  We hope and pray you all are doing well.  God Bless!
 
Gina
----- Original Message -----
 
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 8:26 AM
Subject: Marinucci No. 45
(Another update from Lori.)
 
We continue to  be amazed that Gerry can sing the hymns, recite scripture and pray (sometimes coherently.)  Repeated themes arise and his face lights upwhen he discusses (sometimes rambling) about the importance of the "image of God" and understanding "His name."  It appears as if God is strengthening Gerry in his faith for which I am thankful.  He told me that "the angels are putting him back together."Ger is physically doing well and is getting stronger everyday.  He is beginning to eat lunches, soft diet, by himself and loved the chocolate shake yesterday.  His mechanics in walking are getting better.  His therapists believe he will continue to get stronger physically.  However, he needs to be cued andreminded of the mechanics.  He struggles with short term memory.   He has some long term memory but must relearn some things.  He does not recall the accident and doesn't consistently know where he is or why.  It is the specialized cognitive training that he needs.  He still has trouble with word finding and his responses consistently trigger on the first option given.  As expected, when he tires, his accuracy goes down.  The next major step is to acclimate him to self-start daily living tasks and restructure a daily routine with the eventual goal of coming home.  God has faithfully brought Gerry this far and it is with anticipation that I await what He will continue to do.
 
It has been stressy the last few days.  The insurance company is getting a management company as of August 1st; their job to oversee the big $ cases (keep costs down).  Gerry will need to go to another facility as part of his rehabilitation.The insurance/management company has weighed in that they want Ballard which is in their network. I have not heard great things about Ballard and I am attempting toget more accurate information. At this point I would like Ger to go to Casa Colina.  I believe the hospital and doctors will advocate for Casa Colina because it specializes in head trauma and has a transitional living center.  While most facilities offer programs for head trauma, stroke and spinal injurycollectively; some have separate programs and are better than others in acertain disciplines.  Also, often the insurance companies won't pay for the transitional living phase, but perhaps the victims of crime fund might be willing and then another move would not be required.  Many doctors, case managers, etc., are on vacation so timing is important as the rehab facility is selected.  Please pray God's will be done.
 
Love,  Lori