Family, Standing Frame, & Pizza

We have some good news to share today!

Thomas hit a new record of 25 minutes in the standing frame, made possible because his glute muscles came back!

Thomas is also making progress with his manual wheelchair. He still relies on taking breaks using the power chair... but progress is good!

Thomas has been wearing his glasses since the accident, but they were becoming rather a nuisance during his work outs in the gym. Together with his OT therapist, they figured out a way for him to put his contacts in for the first time!

Thomas and Natalie enjoyed a wonderful weekend with their mothers and a good friend from back home. The weekend was filled with picnics in the garden at rehab, catching up, playing games, and Thomas' favorite Georgetown pizza!

Join us in prayer!

Prayer Warrior Spotting - Ohio

Thomas & Natalie excitedly welcomed their mothers and a friend into DC last night.  They will be enjoying time with their guests this weekend and an update will be shared early next week.

In the mean time ... prayer warriors have been spotted in Granville, OH & Toledo, OH!

"Was overjoyed when I received this in my mailbox today.
Couldn't be any more honored to wear this."

Thank you for the bracelets! It reminds me everyday 
what a journey you have been through
and how strong you both are. 
You are constantly in our prayers!!

Join us in prayer!

Shock Trauma Follow Up & Au Bon Pain

Thomas and Natalie went to Baltimore yesterday for Thomas' follow up appointments at Shock Trauma.

Departing in the early morning hours in the handicap accessible van (an ambulance-type van that has a powered flat lift to get Thomas and wheelchair inside), they arrived at the out-patient shock trauma clinic, and Thomas was transferred to a stretcher and taken for a CTscan to look at his fusion.  Following the scan, they met with Thomas' surgeon and another attending physican on the Shock Trauma team.  They were thrilled to see Thomas "looking fantastic!"  The meeting went very well and the Doctors confirmed that Thomas is now considered ASIA C because he has regained some controlled movement below his level of injury -- he can now move 4 out of 5 toes in his left foot!  They were happy with the CTscan results and said "everything looks very good!" 

The surprise of the morning was when the Doctor proceeded to remove Thomas' surgical collar and throw it in the trash!  "Well then, guess we don't need that anymore!"  While Thomas has been feeling so much better and stronger in his neck, he and Natalie definitely weren't expecting him to be cleared for the collar to be removed!  And you can imagine how thrilled Thomas is!  They did give him a soft collar for him to wear for comfort whenever he wants, which he did for the very bumpy ride back to DC.  They have asked to see him again in 6 weeks. 

The driver had told Thomas and Natalie that they could take as long as they needed, so they made a visit to the 4th floor to see their nurses!  Natalie said, "It was a very surreal experience, but really good to see the nurses and respiratory techs! Everyone was so thrilled to see Thom and kept saying how incredible the transformation is so far!" 

Before the long trek back to DC, the two sat at Au Bon Pain (where Natalie and other visitors shared countless meals) together for lunch...and Thom was thrilled to finally get a sandwich of his own.

Join us in prayer!

Superheroes of the Real World

Thomas and Natalie's follow-up appointment with the University of Maryland Shock Trauma team of neurosurgeons was postponed till tomorrow, so we don't have much to update you on. These days have been ones of steady work for Thomas, and, during the weekend, much needed rest and quiet.

In rehab, Thomas began working on transfers -- from his bed to the wheelchair and his wheelchair to an elevated mat in the gym. This is done using a transfer board and required maximum assistance from his therapist. The long-term goal is for Thomas to be able to do transfers with 25% assist (essentially just being spotted by another individual). It will take a long time to work up to that goal; transfers require an incredible amount of upper body strength and balance. But an exciting start!

He was fitted for a customized manual wheelchair (leather gloves and rubber tubing on the wheels help him grip the wheels)! He began using it and will be alternating between the power wheelchair and manual one as his strength increases. He is really excited about it!

His therapist added a weightlifting class to his routine. It was his first time using the outpatient gym -- a very large room with a wall of windows that let in lots of natural light and a view of the changing leaves outside. Not a bad work-out space! He was able to do 5 pounds, but he is just getting started!

Thomas said, "These three things are a reminder of how much more there is to learn, and how much stronger I will need to be before mastering these tasks, but this is an exciting start!"  

+ + +

We also want to share with you this incredible article about the Shock Trauma Center at UMMC, whom Natalie calls the "superheroes of the real world." From the Baltimore Sun.

Within minutes, the patients are wheeled into the Trauma Resuscitation Unit, rushed from the ambulance bay two floors below or the helipad on the roof six floors above. More than a dozen bodies in those pink scrubs surround each patient until they are stable or no longer have a pulse.

It’s a rush of what staff and veterans call “organized chaos” that was responsible for saving more than 8,000 lives last year. The routine at Shock Trauma, the nation’s oldest — and, they say, busiest — trauma center, meanwhile has informed trauma care around the country and world with its focus on the “Golden Hour” — the idea that rapid treatment of traumatic injuries prevents deaths.

It evokes a pride, if not an arrogance, in the health care workers there that has helped drive both high admissions and survival rates.

“I’m not allowed to say, ‘Oh my God, that’s awful,’ ” says Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician-in-chief. “I absolutely believe I am saving that person’s life, even right up until they die. We believe we can do the impossible, and sometimes we do.”

Read the whole article here.


Join us in prayer!

Prayer Warrior Spotting

Sisters in Michigan

 

#istandwiththom&nat  #prayerwarriors

Join us in prayer!

Showing Support

When Thomas was first in the hospital, and visitors were checked into the Shock Trauma Center, they were given bright pink visitor bracelets. The visitors continued to wear these bracelets as a sign of support and physical reminder to pray for Thomas, Natalie, his care team and others in similar situations.

Friends of the couple commissioned the design and production of silicone bracelets for those who were not able to come to the Hospital!

The design of the bracelets include the following elements:
THOM & NAT PETERS - SHOCK TRAUMA PRAYER TROOPS
+ IHSV {IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - In this sign you will conquer}
AMERICAN PAPIST - FIAT MIHI {Let it be done unto me}

We are going to begin a mailing of these bracelets to past donors who have given $100 or more.  Going forward, any donation of $100 or more will receive one as well. 

We are grateful for all of the love and support that Thomas and Natalie have received and these are meant to be both a thank you and physical reminder to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

"Rejoice always.

Pray without ceasing.

In all circumstances give thanks, 

for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Join us in prayer!

Update: Exercises, Haircuts, and Bits of Progress

Thomas' therapists definitely do not hold back and have a creative approach. His routine continues to evolve and change and he improves every day. The more he can take on, the more he is given to do. The challenge never decreases. Here are some things they've been working on:

1) On Wednesday, with the help of occupational therapy, Thomas was able to take his first shower since the accident! This is great for building strength and coordination.  

2) Also on Wednesday, his physical therapists introduced an exercise involving a standing frame.  It’s a metal frame that he is strapped into, and with the help of a lever, they stand him up. The exercise is meant to help re-engage his brain with the feeling and concept of standing, in hopes that eventually he will once again be able to manipulate his legs. It also helps build core muscles.  An effect of SCI (spinal cord injury) is difficulty regulating blood pressure, so Thomas'  first try in the standing frame lasted 3 seconds. After three tries he was up to 42 seconds. They will continue working on this.

3) We mentioned previously that electrical stimulation (called stimming) has been used on his legs while he uses a powered bike. This week they began stimming on his wrists and hands. This exercise is also meant to re-engage his brain and awaken the muscles in his hands and wrists to help with the recovery of fine-motor skills and strength-building.

4) One of the goals is transitioning him into a manual wheelchair, however to achieve this goal, and several others, Thomas really needed control of his triceps. Thomas and Natalie had been told that it is not uncommon for C-6 SCI patients to never get their triceps back. Needless to say Thomas  made this his prayer for the week and on Thursday he noticed these muscles engaging once again!  On Friday his therapist confirmed that they were back! 

Meanwhile: in anticipation of the weekend, Natalie surprised Thom with a visit from his favorite stylist for his first haircut since their wedding (!!!) -- he is clean-cut once again and looking dapper!

Natalie continues to work with Thomas as he strives to take on more tasks himself. It requires patience and ingenuity as he works to adapt and utilize the limited dexterity he has. His creative problem-solving is definitely working to his advantage; this weekend, on his own, Thomas was able to hold and serve himself coffee, a slice of pizza, and sandwiches.  Exciting steps towards independence!     

Upcoming:

On Wednesday the couple will visit Thomas' neurosurgeon for the first time since moving to rehab, to see how his neck is healing from the fusion surgery. They are hoping for good news! Please keep this in your prayers. 

Join us in prayer!

Thom's Cool Tricks

Thomas is working on regaining his dexterity.  We mentioned earlier that he is now able to use an iPad by typing with the knuckles of his pinky fingers.  We wanted to show you a picture of what the IT guys rigged up to make this possible.  Pretty cool, huh?

Thomas has also been practicing by picking up gummy bears or other small food items and eating them.  He is getting pretty good at it!

OT has also been training Thom on how to use a “helping cuff”.  This device assists Thom to hold things, like a toothbrush or spoon.  He even recently tried a pen! 

Thom’s optimism and creativity is a huge bonus and will be necessary in the coming weeks.

Join us in prayer!

Happy Friday

Published: We have been collecting articles written about Thomas and put them together on our "Clippings" page.  If we missed any, please email us. 

Fixed: The PayPal button is officially working again!  Thank you for your patience while we got this sorted out.

Updated: Visitor Policy - kindly see the Visiting & Reaching Out page.

Reminder: Cards of encouragement are welcome, as always, and can be sent to the National Organization for Marriage at the address listed at the bottom of this page. 

Watch for tomorrow's cool "Tech & Tools Update".

Thank you for reading, praying, and giving!

Join us in prayer!

Family Meeting & Outlook

Thomas and Natalie had a meeting last Friday with Thom’s team of doctors, therapists, head nurse, and case manager to talk about the progress he has made thus far, and what the goals are, both upcoming and long-term, for his rehabilitation.  Here's a look at much of what they talked about.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
The current focus of physical therapy is to increase the strength in Thom’s shoulders and upper body.  The long-term goal is to help him become more independent, so he can do more for himself (feed himself, lift things, get dressed, etc.), and eventually transition from his power wheelchair to a manual one.

PT is also focused on helping him regain balance.  He can now sit balanced with his legs crossed at “contact guard level,” meaning he only requires someone spotting him.  Another exercise helps him balance with his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms outstretched behind him.  So far, he can do this exercise at a 50/50 relationship with the therapist, meaning the therapist does 50% of the work.  Achieving good balance is critical for many of PT’s long-term goals, including being able to assist in transferring to a wheelchair or bed, getting dressed, etc.

Late last week physical therapy introduced a stimulation bicycle into his routine. This motorized bicycle operates his legs like he is riding a bike, while electrodes are place on his legs that send shocks in an efforts to “re-train” his brain.  He said that it feels really good.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy sessions are currently focused on dexterity and upper body coordination.  They are working with him on learning how to roll from side to side and so far this relationship is about 50/50 (again, meaning the therapist does 50% of the work).

Thomas has successfully learned to operate his own power wheelchair and can get around the rehab facility quite well!  Their long-term goals include helping him be able to feed himself post set up (meaning after the meal is prepared and set up for him), dressing himself with limited assistance, and some personal grooming as well (brushing teeth, etc).

NURSING
The nursing team is closely monitoring bowels (including re-training), skin, and pain levels.  SCI (spinal cord injury) patients are especially at risk for skin breakdown and pressure sores which can be incredibly serious and, if incurred, would ultimately halt rehabilitation until healed.  They will be teaching Thomas how to check for signs of breakdown on his own.

OUTLOOK
Looking ahead, the doctors anticipate that Thomas will be living at rehab for the next 6 weeks before being released to come home. (It can be extended to 8 weeks, based on his needs and therapy goals.) While the idea of living at home once again is exciting, rehabilitation certainly doesn’t end. The doctors hope he will be a candidate for the day program at rehab, which would provide the same therapy routine per day, but would allow him evenings and weekends at home.  Following that (for however long it is needed) Thomas would transition to out-patient therapy. More will be know as they go down this path; there is a long journey ahead.

Housing was also discussed, and unfortunately, the newlywed’s current living situation will be impossible for Thom. The quest for a handicap accessible apartment is now underway and will need to be expedited so that medical equipment (wheelchair, etc) can be ordered and arrive in enough time to be ready for his discharge.

Note: if any of our local readers have recommendations of DC apartments that are handicap accessible (elevators, roll-in showers, etc.), please email us at the blog address.

Their case manager is currently compiling additional documents for Natalie to help them with all of these next steps. Much of this depends on what insurance will pay for/allow in terms of length of continued stay, how many days covered for the day program, out-patient rehab etc. Please keep this in your prayers, as well.


Join us in prayer!

Weekend Recap

It’s been quite a full week for both Thomas and Natalie since we last wrote! 

Thursday brought two welcomed events and kicked off a really great weekend!

First, Thomas’ trach was taken out - completely!  Yes, he is completely breathing and talking on his own!  Over the next few days, speaking was a little more challenging, as air escaped out of his trach site, but he was still able to speak and the site is nearly closed!  Another victory -- and something that, early on, was thought to be unlikely! 

Second, the last of the Zmuda/Peters family were able to visit him in DC!  Natalie’s older sister and husband, along with one of their two children, were in town from Thursday evening until Monday evening.  They enjoyed a wonderful reunion and spent as much of the weekend outside as possible, exploring the beautiful outdoor garden at the rehab facility.

{With special thanks:  This trip would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of a caring donor who used miles to purchase the tickets!  We are so very grateful for this!}

TUESDAY
Thomas has 18 of the 20 staples removed from his posterior incision (the one at the back of his neck) and his doctor said everything is healing very well!

PT introduced stomach work on the mat, which included planking and push-ups!  Thom did well and continues working hard!

With the nifty assistance of his “helping cuff,” for the first time Thom completed his entire teeth brushing routine by himself from start to finish.  It’s incredibly exciting to see the small steps of each day’s therapy build up to the successful completion of a task!  He also fed himself lunch for the first time!

Thomas met a couple other C-6 SCI patients and really enjoyed the chance to hear the stories of other men with the same injury.  Both of these men have been in rehab longer than Thom and were incredibly encouraging about the process and are making great progress!   


Join us in prayer!

9/3: Labor Day Weekend

Thomas enjoyed a fairly quiet weekend.  Because of the holiday he only had a couple therapy sessions.  He and Natalie enjoyed some down time together, continued to settle him into his room, explored the outdoor garden at rehab, and caught up with some friends.  He is ready and excited as his week kicks off! 

In our last post, we mentioned that his trach would be downsized and they would begin "blocking" or "plugging" it so that he can practice breathing completely on his own, through his mouth and nose.  Also, the "plug" in the trach, allows Thomas to speak without a speaking valve, in his regular voice.  Well, Sunday morning this smaller trach went in and he is actually tolerating the "plug" for the entire day!  This is great progress and a very good sign that phasing out the trach completely will go smoothly.

Thomas has been working with the IT tech at rehab to come up with a clever way for him to use an iPad for reading and hopefully even email soon!  He can operate the touch screen with his knuckle and with a little practice might even tackle email in the near future. :) 

Stay tuned! 

Join us in prayer!

An Introduction to Rehab!

We know. We know! You're all wondering what rehab is like!!! We were too -- it's been a very full couple of days for Thomas and Natalie as they settle into a whole new routine. Natalie sent us an update yesterday, and it's just chock full of awesome information.  Rehab is good. But it's hard too.

Here's what she reports:

• Thomas has an extensive team of specialists, therapists, and doctors who are committed to him and his case. Other than a rotation of nurses, the rest of his team, at large, will be consistent.  They will get to know each other and can best evaluate progress and his needs.
  
• His days start at 6:30 am with breakfast. Every day he is given a printed hourly schedule and from this they move him through his day, one type of therapy session to another, until about 4:00pm! There are no sessions on weekends, though Thomas is hoping he'll be able to do some "work" on Saturdays as well. Some sessions are in his room and others are in the main gym.
  
• Unlike at the hospital, he has his own of everything, meaning, his own wheelchair fitted to him, etc. It saves a lot of time that they aren't constantly starting over every day.   

Thom's progress thus far:

• During his first evaluation with his primary doctor, we learned that, while Thomas' fracture is C-5, his injury is actually considered / classified as a C-6.  This score has to do with a whole lot of factors, but basically Thomas has sensation and function below the C-5 level and consistent with C-6. So that's cool!

• His first morning in rehab he was taken off trach collar completely, which means he is receiving no oxygen from an outside source. He is no longer attached to anything whatsoever!  Perhaps this should have been the first bullet, because it's downright amazing to see! 

• Equally amazing, Thomas wears his speaking valve all day long and only takes it off to sleep! Awesome! With ease he is able to communicate all of his needs, ask questions, and be very involved in his therapy sessions.

• His secretions are almost completely gone! He said it's totally unreal. All the pain, and struggle, and work he had to do weeks ago to just be able to breath, and now it's nearly all gone. (Natalie writes: "I count this among our miracles :)  He is so happy!")

• Upcoming, they will downsize his trach and will start putting a "block" on it for short periods of time.  Once the "block" can be tolerated for a full day, the trach can come out. The "block" forces Thom's airflow to only be through his mouth and nose, like we all breathe, weaning him off the trach. (A fun side note, the doctor who will be working on this has a 100% success rate in getting patients off trach support. Thomas is in good hands!)

• He passed his swallow evaluation in 5 minutes flat! He no longer has any restrictions whatsoever! The first thing he asked for was a Dr. Pepper :)  His appetite is finally back and he is eating great! He said the food is actually really good. They get the week's menus in advance and Natalie helps him pick all his meals. (Your RB is thrilled to report that they use some local and organic ingredients - a big improvement from the hospital's offerings.)

• His pain is still under control, in fact, they were able to wean him off a little bit.  He gets a little neck pain from time to time, but it's really more sore muscles from working hard - and that's a good kind of pain!  

• And speaking of his neck, he can move it a lot more to look around.  It's still stiff from the surgery, but some movement / flexibility coming back - and they expect much more as the weeks go on.

• He has a cool strap for his hand to help him feed himself - he's getting pretty good at it, with a little assistance. It's a lot of work though, so his meals mostly have to be fed to him still. But he's practicing. He can also hold his own cup, or small bottle, and bring it up to his mouth for a sip. His arms are considerably stronger even in the last 3 days...he can even make the sign of the cross once again - something he's been working hard at! 

 

We'll be updating every other day, now -- giving some insight into the different exercises Thomas is doing, etc. Let us know if you have any questions! And thanks, as always, for your support!

PLEASE NOTE: Thomas does have a roommate, and his room is very small, so please do not send gifts, flowers, balloons, etc. There simply isn't room for it all. Cards are welcome, as always, and can be sent to the National Organization for Marriage at the address listed at the bottom of this page.

Join us in prayer!

Thank You UMMC + Off to Rehab

Thomas was released to rehab yesterday afternoon. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the medical staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center, especially in the Shock Trauma Unit.

We'll be quiet on the blog for a few days as Thomas settles into rehab. In the meantime, please join us in prayers of thanksgiving for all those who took care of Thomas these last 42 days.

8/27: Keep It Up!

Natalie wrote to us last night: "Planning is futile but prayer isn't, so keep it up!" A good motto, friends!

Thomas was not released to rehab yesterday, but he had another full morning in expectation of being released later this week. The main barrier right now is his nightly fever - which is not uncommon in spinal injury patients - and which they are trying to work out. Please keep this in your prayers.

The morning started off with physical therapy, then Natalie gave him a shave "so that he looks dapper when he's checked into rehab." They shared another full breakfast together. At this point, he is eating just about everything and with no difficulty. He no longer has to think about chewing and swallowing.  His swallow is no longer painful. This is incredible progress.

In the afternoon, the hospital changed out his trach for a smaller metal one. The fun surprise was that the smaller one makes using the speaking valve even easier for him. And, since his secretions were at a record low today, he was able to wear his speaking valve for a record of 5.5 hours! 

He also sat up in his chair for 3.5 hours and did great! Friends brought dinner, and were able to sit and chat with Thomas and Natalie. After a quiet evening, Natalie says Thomas was in absolutely terrific spirits and very excited to get to rehab!

Join us in prayer!

Our Paypal button isn't working right now, but you can still Send Money Via Paypal. Use tpetersrecovery [at] gmail [dot] com for the "To" field.

Weekly Update: Rehab Soon!

Thomas had a very packed morning as they tried to get everything prepared for him to be released to rehab. His hair was washed, OT and PT spent an hour and a half with him doing all sorts of therapy and charting to send NRH the most up-to-date information possible.  He sat up for 2.5 hours in his wheel chair and then took a nap. Your resident blogger brought up a big meal of fresh and nutritious food, and Thomas ate a ton! 

As far as the hospital is concerned, they have done everything to meet the standards of admittance to the rehab facility: he is infection free, he is eating well, his feeding tube was removed Monday afternoon, he is no longer on the ventilator (the trach collar is accepted), he can tolerate sitting for long periods of time, he successfully made the transition to all oral meds and his secretions are improved to the point that he can get much up on his own or be assisted with chest PT rather than cough assist (chest PT consists of rolling him on his side and patting his back, or just letting him lie on his side for 10 minutes at a time to loosen secretions). 

So, they hope to be discharged within the next day or two. Please pray they don't have to stay another night, and that everything goes smoothly with the transfer. They are very ready to leave and ready for the next phase! As Natalie said to us: 

"We know the road ahead will be long, our perseverance and patience will be tested, and the outcomes unknown; but truly, we are eager to begin and filled with thankfulness to be moving out of the critical phase to the recovery phase."

As always, this couldn't have been done without your prayers and support, so thank you! And please continue to join us in prayer!

Please note: there has been trouble with the Paypal Donate button. If you are experiencing troubles, please email us to find out another way to send your donation.

8/24 + 25: A Piece of Chocolate Cake

SATURDAY:

After a rough first night in the step-down unit, Saturday started well, as all days should, with a big breakfast. A whole banana, nutrigrain bar, greek yogurt, and most of a Naked smoothie. They counted calories all day.

They also figured out a better balance of pain medications, so he had a much more comfortable day, and was able to take a long nap in the afternoon. In the evening, he sat in his wheelchair, while Natalie read all your notes and comments and cards. 

SUNDAY:

A quiet day of rest. They both slept in, catching up from the turbulence of the last few days. Thomas had another good sized breakfast. The feeding tube is still in, though he is not receiving any nutrients from it. The doctors are happy with the amount of nutrients Thomas is eating, so Thomas and Natalie expect it will be removed soon.

During rounds Sunday morning, one of the doctors took out the stitches of Thomas' front incision. He had a relative pain-free day, so the new pain management plan seems to be working well. His secretions were also very much improved from yesterday, which is fabulous (it's another thing they will look at to discharge him).

A local priest stopped by in the afternoon, and said a wonderful Mass in Thomas' room. And Natalie surprised Thomas with a piece of chocolate cake after dinner. Yum!

Thomas and Natalie are hopeful that he will be released to rehab sometime in the next week. Several things need to line up to make this happen (the feeding tube needs to be removed; his secretions need to be under control; there needs to be no sign of infection, etc.) -- please pray that this happens soon, and that everything goes smoothly with the transition.

Join us in prayer!

Sunday

Brothers and sisters,
You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:
“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.”
Endure your trials as “discipline”;
God treats you as sons.
For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?
At the time,
all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,
yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness
to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.
Make straight paths for your feet,
that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.

- Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

Christ Crucified by Velasquez

 

The Novena of Thanksgiving concluded yesterday! Thank you for praying with us, and please do continue to pray for Thomas and Natalie, for their caregivers, and for all those who are injured similarly but have no one to pray for them. Blessed Sunday to you all!

Update 8/23: Thom's Toes Wave Hello

Yesterday was a big day at the hospital. With Thomas off the ventilator, they decided to move him to what they call a "step down room" -- a smaller room within the same unit for stable and improving patients. This is a big step, and confirmation of the tremendous strides he has taken in the past week or so. From here he'll move to a rehab facility -- hopefully very soon!

He is off the ventilator, but still on the trach collar, which provides 5% oxygen and humidity to keep secretions soft. The feeding tube is still in, but they have started counting calories, and adding things like Ensure to his diet to see if he can take in enough so the tube can come out (hopefully) in a few days. Still no thin liquids, sadly. It was a day of progress, but also trials, so please keep praying for them!

But the really big news is:

This is the real deal: completely and totally voluntary! Thomas and Natalie offered up prayers of thanksgiving, and ask that we all do the same! 

The Novena of Thanksgiving continues. Join us in prayer!

Update 8/22: Still Flying!

We have some great news to share: Thomas is STILL OFF THE VENT from Wednesday morning! They're just letting him fly! At this point they won't put him back on the ventilator at all! This is incredible news -- the first major step to being released to rehab.

Thomas has been eating - french toast and sausage for breakfast, peaches, applesauce, and a mini 3 Musketeers (because dessert is a must). A few people have asked how Thomas is getting his nutrition:  he has a feeding tube which, now that he is eating during the day, they only use at night. It is likely this will be removed in the next day or so. After breakfast he sat in his wheelchair for two and a half hours.

When he was back in bed, Natalie gave him a shave (first one since before his surgery, so he was going a little crazy!)  To do this, he has to lay flat, and they remove the front of his neck brace, and he has to lay very still....but he did great and so did Natalie!  (She emails: "He looks fantastic :)")   Natalie also cut his nails and soaked his hands / exfoliated them to get all the dry callused skin off. Thomas told his nurse that he felt he had been taken to the spa. (Natalie is also learning how to help his nurse change his trach dressings and the interior pads of his neck brace.)

Please note: Thomas and Natalie cannot receive any more packages at the hospital. Their room is full! Please refrain form sending them there. If you want to send something, please send it to:

Thomas Peters Recovery

National Organization for Marriage

2029 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20006

The Novena of Thanksgiving continues.   Join us in prayer!