I just talked with Mia. She was on her way home from the hospital and she said Gary had a fun, remarkable day. He had a cheeseburger with fries (and ketchup) for lunch with two or three kinds of drinks and he kept saying, "mmmm, this is good!" Plus, as of today he was still getting some tube feedings. Mia thinks they will discontinue that this weekend since he's eating so well. Also, they are supposed to remove the trach tomorrow and she feels that will help Gary a lot - he stays frustrated because he wants to pull at the trach tube. Therefore, they have to keep the mitts on his hands. With the trach gone, he won't have to wear those.

Mia said that he teased with her today and seemed like she had her Gary back. They did another EEG today and the technician showed her the difference in the one a month ago and today's. She said he had LOTS of brain activity today compared to the one in June and she said she wasn't surprised since Gary was talking so much now and doing so many things.

Mia had a long talk with his primary care doc this evening and he agreed that some of the treatments, tests, etc. could now be discontinued or lessened. The physical therapist as well as the speech therapist couldn't believe the change in Gary this week compared to last week.

Please keep Gary in your prayers, as well as Mia. They've got a lot of work ahead of them to bring Gary back to where he was before his heart attack, but knowing them, they can do it.

Much love to all, Bill and Nancy

Gary had a visit from his dog, Tobie, today and got to visit with him outside for about 45 minutes. Mia said it really went well and that Gary seemed to enjoy it. Tobie knew Gary and Gary knew Tobie; however, he didn't call Tobie by name, but just said, "Hey, there!" Tobie tried to jump up on Gary, but then just laid down at his side and Gary rubbed and pulled on Tobie's ears like he always does.

Mia said that a lot of the staff was outside for a 4th of July picnic and even the Nursing Director was taking pictures of Gary and Tobie. She said it was entertaining for everyone and even some of Gary's coworkers were visiting and got to enjoy the show.

Gary didn't do too much talking today, but he did enjoy the time he had with everyone. Leah said he gave her a hug and told her he loved her when she got ready to leave. She had brought Tobie down to see him. She also brought a video of her last soccer game and showed her dad. He thought that was pretty cool.

Thanks for your continued prayers. God is so good!!

Much love to all,

Bill and Nancy

WONDERFUL NEWS TONIGHT!!!

Mia called us tonight while we were eating with a bunch at Colton's in Benton and we couldn't hear well with all the background noise, but she was so excited. Gary has been TALKING today where they could understand him!!! She put the phone up to his ear and told him to say, "Hi Meemaw" and he said what sounded to me like, "Mom." But the more I held the phone, the more it sounded like Meemaw. She said when I started talking to him that he started looking around the room like he was expecting me to be there.

Earlier in the day, the speech therapist who was working with him, mentioned something to Mia about Northridge (which is where Leah goes to school) and Gary said, "Leah." Then he said, "Fashion" which is her major. Both Mia and the therapist were astonished! Several other things came out of his mouth today and Mia said that she thought he said her name one time. He sat up again for a few hours and then when he got back into bed, he began to try to talk again. She's worked with him all day. She was still there around 8 p.m. CA time!

She also put the phone to his ear for Danny to talk to him, but Danny could not hear him respond. We're going to try again tomorrow. Mia tries to put a picture of the person with whom he's talking in front of him so that might bring back a memory when he hears the voice.

Mia didn't mention anything else except that everything else was fine. I'd say it's BETTER than FINE!!

Thank you, Lord! And thank all of you for your prayers and love.

Bill and Nancy