Hello Friends,

This week Dad made some great progress. He has been getting up every day for physical therapy. This usually involves working with a trainer for a half an hour or so as well as working against gravity sitting in a chair. He is working to build his core strength back up to help him sit unassisted. He did so well yesterday that we were able to take him for a stroll around the facility in his chair. He has also started a bit of occupational therapy -- he will be working on doing familiar things like brushing his hair and washing his face.

The big news, however, is that the tracheostomy incision has healed enough that they were able to put in a 'size 6' trach. This allows air to move through the vocal cords, which means he will be able to try to speak. Dad hasn't talked in three weeks, so, as you can imagine, things are rusty, but he is trying. It is still somewhat of a whisper, but as he is a Cahill, we are sure that will be 'telling us all about it' very soon.

It has been a pretty exhausting week, so Dad is resting this weekend. Luckily, he has the company of wife Pam and his favorite blue-eyed daughter, Christine. We've been reading him all your wonderful cards and emails. Thanks to all of you who are keeping him in your thoughts.