Thanks!

Hi! It's Jill. Thank you, Dad, for all the time you have put into this blog. Dad continues to get busier and I'm ready to help out. So I will write an update myself this time.

I am alive and kicking. I continue to ride the rollercoaster of recovery, but slowly I am learning what to expect. I had been feeling better over the last couple of months (human, I like to say). Last weekend I got dehydrated from some flu-like symptoms and ended up in the hospital for a couple of days. After filling up on fluids I felt quite well. As a result of the hospitalization my doctor raised me back up on one of my medications and I am dealing with the side effects of that.

Life goes on and I am feeling more confident and hopeful about my recovery. The good days remind me that some day I will be off a lot of these medications and feeling like a real person. In the mean time I am making good use of my time. I've been learning about how to take better care of myslf, getting into town and exercising as much as I can (not much, but it's a start.) In addition to our many errands, Mom and I finally got out for a movie; I'm happy to say that Dad is home from his summer trips for a while; and, I'm looking forward to seeing Harley and his kids this weekend. I am sorry that Amy will not make it down because she is working hard in Urbana.

I'm overwhelmed again and again by the support I feel in this journey. It is amazing how many people still follow my progress. It seems when I am struggling I always find a kind note, a wish for health or a reassurance that someone is praying for me in the mail, over the phone or on-line. I can't tell you how much that support and interest means to me. Sometimes I feel so alone, but never for long. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and all of the time you put into supporting me.

Jill