Big Step Forward

On December 15, a major milestone occurred -- Jeff checked out of the Touchstone Neurorecovery Center and moved to the ranch! He now attends day classes at Touchstone three days a week, with Darcy acting as chauffeur and with Terry taking him to doctors' & other appointments as needed. On weekends, Jeff goes home to his house in Houston with assistance from his devoted friend, Terri Reneau. (For those of you who know Jeff well, we're sure you can appreciate how pleased Jeff is with this new arrangement.)

During his residency at Touchstone, Jeff participated in a 5-day program that encompassed everything from meal planning/preparation and life skills training to cognitive & physical therapy. His progress was so rapid that the doctors, program directors and support staff agreed Jeff no longer needed to be a full-time resident. His new out-patient program continues to develop memory training, cognition, physical fitness, mood management, and preparation to help him re-enter the work force. We are not sure how long the out-patient classes will continue, but are happy that his skills and physical strength keep improving.

We had a very pleasant 4-day gathering at the ranch for Christmas, with all the family except for the T-Macs. Jeff had spent the few days before that in Houston shopping & surprised us with presents for the family, including all his neices and nephews.

From Jeff and all of us, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!

Thanksgiving

Jeff joined the entire family at McRanch for a long Thanksgiving weekend. He prepared his special green bean casserole for dinner, and then led us in our traditional 'prayer' at dinner (an irreverent little song, "Stuff It Up Your Turkey"). During the weekend, Jeff helped Tom investigate some equipment problems and joined Bram on a short hike to mark trees along the Dogwood Path. Jeff was still bothered by leg pains, so that put a damper on some of his activities. But he really enjoyed being with the family, seeing all of his neices and nephews, and visiting with Lisa & Libby (two of Terry's friends).

Jeff wanted to write some words to everyone, but the weekend got away from us before he had the opportunity to do so. All in all, we truly had a Thanksgiving--so thankful Jeffrey was with us and we were all together at the Ranch--and we hope all of you did as well.

November's Big Move

On Thursday the 9th, we moved Jeff to the Touchstone Neurorecovery Center, a 26-acre campus just west of Conroe. Touchstone is dedicated solely to brain injury treatment and rehabilitation. Its goal, whenever possible, is to provide the therapy and training necessary for individuals to live independently.

Touchstone has a structured 5-day program for its residents where they spend time each day learning and practicing skills for 'reintegration.' And therefore, visiting hours are limited -- to late afternoons & evenings. On weekends, they have a variety of field trips and excursions. (If you are interested in more information about Touchstone, use the link at the right to go directly to their website.) A personal benefit of Touchstone is that its Program Director, Lyle Entrekin, is a high school & college friend of Darcy, Tom, and Terry. Small world.

Details and reports on Jeff's orientation to Touchstone and his first experiences there will come shortly. We just wanted to let you know that some truly positive steps forward seem to, at last, be in place!