Dear Friends,

Dad has moved back to the rehab facility in Walnut Creek. He now has his own room with a sliding glass door to the courtyard, so Mom is able to roll him outside while he is in his chair. Yesterday they saw a large woodpecker on the beautiful trees in the courtyard.

His infections are clearing up, and the therapists think he looks much stronger than when he left for the ICU. In particular, he is sitting up better, not using pillows for support.

Mom reports that today he was clearly printing words, and that is a great help with communication. The speech therapist also put the speaking valve back on his trach, and he was able to more clearly enunciate words. This will continue to improve as his throat gets even stronger.

He watched the Giants game with Mom last night. He was wearing his NLCS playoff hat from Mike Ayers; clearly it is a lucky hat! He'll be wearing it again tonight (sorry (but not too sorry), Cousin Maureen in Michigan!).

Thank you for keeping him and us in your thoughts and prayers!

The view from Dad's new room!