Atlanta Style......

First full day back and it's been a busy one.

We would like to thank each and everyone of you for the prayers, concerns, comments, encouragement and down-right anger that saw us through the last 3 weeks.

We have found that Justin managed to lose almost 20 pounds in the three weeks he was at VA and lost a lot of his muscle strength. PT/OT worked with him all day and ran tests to confirm he has had a set back. They are, however, encouraged with his determination and some return of sensations so everyone is confident he can come back while in the day program (which begins Tuesday morning).

Justin knew that he had lost of what he had gained in his first 7 weeks here and knows he will have to work extra hard if he wants to surpass the level he was gone prior to VA. That was a huge part of his fear being at the VA was losing everything he had worked so hard for. Now, he will have to find the strength to work double hard to get back what was lost and gain more.

What we know thanks to Shepherd---he has sensation in his left foot; basically he can feel a Q-tip stroke and a pin poke, he just cannot distinguish between a dull poke vs. a sharp poke. They cannot list him as a "yes" because of not being able to differentiate but continue to be amazed at what he does have. He also has sensation that is a T4 level, well below the level of injury. He can tell when his bladder is full and when he gets relieved by his IC and has started to reflex again but just small amounts--no more than 50 cc but that is lots better than the bone-dry he was doing for 4 days in Augusta.

Everyone here welcomed Justin back with smiles and kindness. He has returned to himself in spirit and personality. Dad left him sitting in the "garden" enjoying the wonderful night view; he said it was awesome down there. I thought he had seen it during the night time but he said not this late at night, he's loving it. And I'm sure knowing where he came from this is like a slice of Heaven to him right now.

He has some movement in both thumbs but not enough that Doc will change his Asia; they told him that they would continue to watch them for further developments. He was even allowed a push-pass and was able to visit the local CVS to stock up on junk. And Yes, Preston was allowed on the floor which meant he could be with Justin all day. He helped Justin play Taboo at TR time and ate supper with him in his room tonight. Of course, like father-like son, Preston had the nurses stumbling over themselves bringing him pudding and grape juice......LOL!!!

We qualified for housing again, so no more hotel expense---thanking God big time for that one. 21 days in Augusta----I definitely do not want to see another hotel room for a while and I only spent 17 of those 21 there, Scotty hasn't been home in a month. He hopes to get back next week and get started on getting the truck running and the construction started for the home modifications. Not sure how long day-program will last, all we know right now is 4-6 weeks.

Just seeing Justin's spirits up and the reaction when he returned here lifts all of ours so we know he will move forward in all ways possible. We know this has come with the help, love, prayers and support from you all.

I've probably forgotten something and will fill it in tomorrow as they come to me. It has been a long 2 days and at 8:40 pm EST we are exhausted. Gonna try to get 'little man' to sleep and see if we can do this all over again tomorrow. Justin does an 8:30 PT then of course he'll spend the rest of the day waiting for that much talked about LSU-FL game (Go Tigers!!!!).

Love you all and appreciate everything you ALL have done for us, hope to continue to see progress and hope to see everyone soon!!!!!