Welcome Home JT!

Welcome Home Video

Thank You Jefferson County Highschool for Car Wash Fundraiser

This Photo is the organizers of the event! 
The Mossy Creek JR Cruzer members are as follows from the bottom to top,left to right:
1st row: Austin Wardwell, Zeke Bradley
2nd row: Bailey Hutsell, Jonathan Anderson, Cody Murphy
3rd row: Skyler Hempel, Nathaniel Moore
4th row:  Scott Noe 
not in picture is James Shelton
Thanks also to the administration, teachers and other students that participated in the event!  
We are Blessed to have such a wonderful community.  Happy Holidays All!!!

FES Bike has Arrived

We are Truly Blessed

Update. We returned home late Tuesday Evening for Our Thanksgiving Break which was our longest trip home!!! We had Thanksgiving Lunch at East Tennessee Iron & Metal with our Awesome Coworkers and Family.  We had Our Traditional Family Thanksgiving at our house.  My Wonderful wife and my two sister-in-laws Cooked some Amazing Food.  We also had Steak Dinner Thanksgiving on Saturday with Christie's Family.  The Amount of Food we consumed was Legendary!!!   Most importantly at each event we were able to reflect on The many Blessing we have received and Give Thanks for those as well as Giving Thanks for so many important people in our lives.  I was able to take both my Boys Deer hunting with the help of our Good Friends Doug and Ethan Crowder.   Jacob busted a nice 7 PT Buck  with a 192 yd Sniper Shot and J.T. Had one of the best Hunting days ever the story I can't elaborate on correctly in this short update.  I was so Awesome to be out in Gods Creation.  We did get to watch football which by the way we will not discuss except to say that We The Brooks Family are Vols For Life!!!   We also got to attend a Movie as a family.  I got to Love on my Beautiful and Super Smart Daughter Miss Peyton Brooks who I am so proud of.   I can not Thank my Wife Christie enough for all her hard work.  She is Truly a Gourmet Chef!!! You guys could not fathom just how much she can do in a Kitchen.  It felt so good to sleep in my own bed next to the Love of my life for an extended period of time.   J.T. got to Sleep in his new bed an actual real bed.  He got to take a shower in his new Bathroom and All in his new Bedroom that is almost completely finished.    We still have ramps and money other items to finish but atleart he has a room.  We are now back in Atlanta.  We  have two weeks of therapy left. Last week we only had two days but he said they were some of the toughest he has ever had.  He is Really Busting his Tail.  While home this morning we had God provide us with another Glimmer of Hope.  We are so Thankful for this progress.  The last two weeks here we will continue to ramp things up.  We have so much planning to do for our arrival home  we actually had some Prayers answered in respect to some care planning but we have so much more to work out.   The momentum we have gained in therapy is something we want to build on and continue to push when we get Home.   Please continue to Pray for Healing, Patience, Understanding, Strength, The ability to make good decisions,  and most of all for Gods Will!!!

Thanks again for everyone Concern and We are Truly Blessed and Thankful for you All!!!  #Fightfor5 One Day at a Time!!!  God Bless You All!!!

Take the time to Enjoy the Little things for these are Truly Blessing!!!

Update. We have spent the last few weeks with J.T. Busting his tail in BT. I walked in and saw him after his first day and he was white eyed!!!  These are the type workouts he is used to.  He has been doing tons of Core and Upper Body Strengthening.  His Attitude has been the same ole J.T. .  We have a Schedule that usually consists of Tuesday thru Thursday and in between we have been traveling back and forth to Home.  He has School as well during the week.  With our time in Atlanta drawing to a close preparations are being made at home with the finishing of his room and bathroom . As usual it will be right down to the wire.  We have also been in the planning stages of getting his accommodations for rejoining his Classmates at Cherokee For the Spring Semester.  I never realized all the things that needed to be done.  At times it seems overwhelming.  We just have to try and clear the next hurdle in front of us.  With Travel back and forth sometimes I feel like all I do is pack drive unpack and then repeat!!! While it is hard it is still better to spend time at home with Christie, Peyton , Jacob and our Family and Friends.  We did get to Go and see The Vols take on Kentucky and Win!!! We have also been preparing to do a little Deer Hunting at Home.    The Weather did not really cooperate this weekend but we will hit it hard come Thanksgiving Break!!! We traveled back this evening to get in two days of therapy before heading back Tuesday Evening for a Family Thanksgiving that has been a Focal point for us for a Long time.  We can not wait to Feast on some Amazing Food, Spend time with our Awesome Family, Watch some Football, Catch a Movie, Do some Deer Hunting, and Most of All Give Thanks for All Our Many Blessings!!!  As far as Progress goes he Continues to make Strength Gains.  He has had some minor developments that give us Hope.  We have had to Battle a few medical issues.  We have been so Lucky to have Dr. Chris Calendine be available at a moments Notice to help deal with many things .  He is not only an Amazing Doctor,  he is Our Friend.  He traveled to NYC and Competed in the NYC Marathon Raising Money for The Reeve Foundation.  While we were home over last weekend he had stopped in and was checking on J.T.  He Secretly left a bag of Goodies for J.T.  That just happened to contain his Medal he was Awarded for Finishing The NYC Marathon.  I just want to say Thanks which is in no way enough for All that Chris has done for Our Family!!!   We will be able to attend Our Company Thanksgiving Lunch Wednesday with the Wonderful Employees We have at East Tennessee Iron & Metal.  They have been so Supportive during our very difficult time.  I have the pleasure of having so many longtime and Trustworthy Employees.  That Peace of Mind Enabled me to spend as much time as needed in Atlanta with J.T.  I was able to do most of my duties via Phone, Text,  or Email.  Having a Company that is More of a family than a business is a Great Blessing to me.    I would also like to say that when I lay my head down at night and say my Prayers I Thank The Good Lord above for my Community that has Supported us every step of the way.  I would also like to Wish Everyone of You a Happy Thanksgiving.  I can Truly say that you should not take anything for Granted especially Your Family and Friends.  Take the time to Enjoy the Little things for these are Truly Blessing!!!  Please continue to Pray for Healing, Recovery, An Easy Transition, and Patience.  God Bless You All!!! We Truly Love and Value Each and Everyone of You!!!

My strength relies on My Savior, My Family and My Community!!! God Bless and fightfor5

Update. It's been a awhile since I have posted an update.  We have been very busy.  Last weekend we came home for the last Chiefs home game.  It was Senior night and since J.T. Started on the Varsity as a Freshman he felt incredibly close to the Seniors.  He has such a strong bond with them and he has said multiple times thru tears that he will miss them dearly.  So many of them have been so supportive.   Especially River, Eion, Huston, Grayson and Miskus.  He truly Loves his teammates and can not wait to be home.  We made it home to see five of the games this year.  Next year he plans on being with them every step of the way.

    While at the game I was so humbled by the show of support from our friends from Grainger County.  I had a long conversation with the principal Briscoe at the game .  I am really good friends with his brother and have gotten to know him over the years.  He was truly compassionate in his concern for us.  J.T. Got to see an old friend and teammate who played for Grainger Jacob Bunch .  He is a Great kid that I coached as well.   He also visited with the Grainger Cheerleaders one of which is his Cousin and visited with his cousins Stephanie, Ally , Alexis , and Aeryn Mitchell who Proudly wore Fighfor5 Gear.  We had a long weekend with family and then headed back to ATL. To begin the next step which is Beyond Therapy.  BT is a very intense and strenuous program in which we hope to gain core and upper body strength and aggressively pursue gaining more momentum toward his Goal of walking one day.  We will have access to cutting edge machines which include the Lokomat.  After the first day of evaluations I came into the Gym to find him after a three hour workout completely white eyed.  He was spent and the therapists and he himself said he went all out with Great effort.  This part of rehab is prob what most of you envisioned he would be doing all along.  It has taken a long time to get to this point and we are so excited.  The strength he gains will hopefully give him a huge bar to build on and continue once we come home for the rest of the Winter and into the Spring. 

   We ended the week and J.T. Had planned on being home for the 5k which was took place in his Honor Saturday morning.  He ended up being selected by his recreation therapist Chris Ravotti to go on a Special Deer hunt at The Lauren's County Handicap Sportsman Club in Dublin Georgia.  Home of one Ballou Barrett.  It was an opportunity too good to pass up.  J.T. Had been going Shooting at the range with Chris who had taught him to use a rest that attaches to his chair and a trigger attachment.  He is quite the marksman.  We loaded up all our gear. It seemed like everything we had and traveled to Dublin, Ga..  The Hunting club had an opening night Dinner.  We got to together with the landowners who raise money all year to plant food plots and set up blinds to accommodate these Handicap Hunters most of which are Veterans and Kids!!!  We hunted out of a scissor lift blind that was attached to a trailer and had ramps . They had brushed it in with camouflage and We had a Blast.  We did not see a ton of deer but just to meet other hunters and hear how they overcome obstacles and pursue the passion they have for hunting is so therapeutic.  You would be amazed at some of these folks!!! The last few minutes of light a doe showed up in the food plot we had been Hunting and J.T.  Patiently got in position and Dropped The Hammer on her.  The look on his face was worth it all. To know he could still do this was Awesome!!! The Lauren's County Hunt Club deserves so much Thanks for providing The Hunting, Meals and mostly the Encouragement to these Hunters.  We can not forget Chris Ravotti and The Shepherd Center.  Things like this are what make learning to move forward possible.  He gained so much confidence and continues to build a network of friends that have told him of many opportunities for him whether it be Hunting or just dealing with this SCI.  We were exhausted and headed back for R&R before we start back at BT next week. We returned to find some Wonderful Cards and Notes from ERBC Kids lots of whom J.T.  Knows personally some of which are Zander Harris, Owen Snodgrass, Cade and Cole Putnal.  It brought tears to my eyes and warmed our heart to read them all.

    Lastly I want to mention The Fine Folks at our Church ERBC, Jason Royston, the Youth , Robin MacLellan and our whole Community who came out and Supported J.T. In the 5K Run/Walk.  The Pictures and Videos are so Humbling.  The Prayers and Support can Never be repaid. We Love You All!!!  Please Continue to Pray for Healing, Understanding and Progress.  We desperately miss being Home and especially Christie, Peyton and Jacob.  I seem to struggle so much in the down times and  my mind tends to race the questions never go away. My strength relies on My Savior, My Family and My Community!!! God Bless and fightfor5

 

5K Walk/Run 11-5-2016 Come out and join us!!!

UPDATE:  5K Fundraising Event happening tomorrow 11-5-2016 in Rogersville in honor of JT Brooks.  #fightfor5 We hope everyone comes out and joins us!!!



Jason Royston organizer of the event said-- ”We currently have over 80 signed up.  We will start at East Rogersville Baptist Church and go through Historic Downtown Rogersville to Armstrong St.  At the end of Armstrong St, we will go East on Broadway to Depot St, then East on McKinney Ave back to church. We have over 20 volunteers that will be at registration, crossings, pictures, water station, and finish line.” 



You can register online at www.Thefightfor5.com or at the event tomorrow at 8:00am at East Rogersville Baptist Church  1100 E McKinney Ave. Rogersville, TN 37857

Thanks to all the runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters!!!

Early Registration with T-Shirt Extended to 10-30-2016

To make sure you get a Special 5K T-shirt.  We have extended the Early Registration to Sunday 10-30-2016.  Please sign up online or drop registration off at East Rogersville Baptist Church. If you have any questions you can call ERBC at 423-272-2496 or Robin MacLellan at 423-921-0207.

Help us Thank The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation for all they do!!!

J.T. Brooks and his family have been so blessed to have the support of  The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation.  They have truly been an answer to the family's prayers.  

Peyton Brooks posted 10-27-2016:

Excited to announce that I am participating in FUSAB's HAVOC! I will be raising money for The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in honor of my brother and hero, J.t. Brooks. I'll be raising money from Monday-Friday on campus. I'll take Venmo (@PeytonHAVOC), cash, or checks. I cannot wait for this competition to start.

For more information on The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, check out their website- https://www.christopherreeve.org



Just in Hoodies and Short Sleeve Black T-shirts

Hoodies and Short Sleeve Black T-shirts

Order online www.thefightfor5.com, pick up USave Drugs, CHS game 10-28 or 5k run/walk 11-5. #fightfor5

Please continue to Pray for Healing and Understanding

Update. It's been Three Weekends since my last update.  We came home two of them and that reason alone is most likely why.  It generally takes all our efforts just to accomplish getting home and back to Atlanta. 

 

Three weeks ago after being forced to evacuate Charleston Courtney Brooks and some of her friends and fellow Track teammates at The College of Charleston brought Cracker Barrel and hung out with us.  We had a great time and Cassie even got in the pics!!!

       We came home three weekends ago and attended the Hawkins County Super Bowl.  The game was great and the Chiefs played Awesome.   We were Greeted and Treated with open arms by The whole Volunteer High School Community.  Bobby Wines, Jimmy Whalen , Chuck McClain and the whole staff were so nice and accommodating.    A former Teammate and Brother of mine Drew Bishop is on the coaching staff at VHS and he came and talked to J.T. .  We had a family get together at the house ate some Ridgewood BBQ and watched the Tennessee vs. A&M game.  The next week was Fall Break so Christie and Jacob came and stayed all week which was great family time.  It helped so much to have them here.  Ethan Crowder came down late week and stayed a few nights. He went to therapy with JT for a couple of days.  I do have video of JT, Jacob, Christie and Ethan singing Karaoke and the end of therapy one day!!!

   Last weekend we traveled home and watched the CHS vs Greenville game.   J.T got to see many friends and family and one of his good buddies Greene Devil Nash Newberry made special efforts to hangout with him.  Coach Ballard also gave him some encouraging words.  Saturday morning we headed to Knoxville to watch the Vols vs. Bama game .  Needless to say neither game turned out as we would have liked.  Peyton made it in and we really enjoyed spending time with her and Jacob.  JT had a visit from an incredibly encouraging person Stephanie McDuffie Freeman who gave him one of her Marathon Medals. 

   This weekend Christie came down and on cue we did absolutely nothing but rest.  It was much needed.  Angela Drinnon Ross made an Amazing home cooked meal and delivered it to us Friday afternoon.  Homemade Pasta, Salad, and Apple Pie made for Great comfort food and fit right into our not so busy weekend plans!!! She and her family are from our area.  It was so nice to visit with her and discuss all the connections we have.  What a Blessing!!!  

    In the past Three Weeks J.T. has worked extremely hard.  He did have the outing to the Georgia Aquarium I posted Video of. His Great Friend Dallas Dallas Jordan Disbro Graduated last week and handed the Boxing Gloves down to J.T. Most importantly he continues to improve .  The Time on the Lokomat is so Valuable.  They have increased the weight bearing, Speed and Distance.  We have had further development in his muscle movement in his lower extremities!!! This is something we are so excited about.  It is still a slow process.  He will graduate from the Day Program Friday and Transition to Beyond Therapy the following week.  He continues to do his school work with his Amazing teacher Sherry.  They attended  the Play Macbeth performed in Midtown this past week. 

   So many people continue to send cards weekly, call, text and most importantly lift him up in Prayer.   His Attitude has remained unchanged.  His resolve and determination are so evident.  I sometimes feel like a lost sheep wondering around.  My Savior, My Family, and the community support are my direction  and are what  I lean on when times get the toughest!!!   We miss Home!!! I am sorry for the lack of updates.  We just try to keep our priorities straight and plow forward!!! Please continue to Pray for Healing and Understanding.   He has come so far but has so far to Go!!! Thanks to everyone for your Love and Support!!!   #fightfor5

Wonderful Underwater Experience at the Aquarium!

J.T. Got picked to take part in a Wonderful Experience last week with some of his Great Friends and Current Patients at The Shepherd Center!!! It was Truly Amazing to see them have so much fun!!! A Huge Thank You goes out to The Shepherd Center , The Shepherd Center Staff, The Georgia Aquarium and Staff and Home Depot who Provided them with this Unbelievable and Therapeutic Experience!!! Enjoy this Awesome Video of them Swimming with Whale Sharks and many more of Gods Creatures!!! God is Great!!!

ERBC - 5K Run/Walk Nov 5th Information & Registration

Know that JT Fights Every Day with the Heart of a Champion

Update I finally have time to post an Update. As always is the case when we travel home. The next week we are so tired and covered up that it usually takes a week to recover.  I will try and hit the high spots.  This one goes back to last Thursday a week ago.  We went to and had an awesome time at the GT vs. Clemson game.  Navigating The GT Campus proved challenging but we were successful .  Landon and Justin came down and we had a Blast. After a late night we awake on Friday for Therapy in the Park at Piedmont Park which is kinda like Central Park but in Atlanta. The Park was beautiful.  J.T. Got to do some Fishing , The East Tennessee Tangler caught the first fish of the day on a Red Worm.  It was a Catfish.  We had a Picnic there at the Park and he got on a hand bike and peddled around.  He really enjoyed it.  We loaded up at 1:30 went to the apartment and got Cassie so we could head home in hopes of going to see the Chiefs play at Davy Crockett.  Traffic was atrocious!!! We drove straight to the house dropped off Cassie and picked up Christie, Jacob , Peyton and her friend Andy.  They had picked us up Pals and we are in the car on the way.  We made it to Crockett at 8:30pm just in time to See Japeth Curtsinger's 99yd Fumble Return for a TD.  I really was wondering if it was too much, but when J.T. Saw his Coaches and then went in the Locker Room and the reaction of his teammates it became evident that we made the right decision.  They were so fired up to see him. It was very touching.  He hungover on the sidelines , enjoyed the win.  The reception that Crockett HS, The fans, Jeremy Boskens and the Crockett Players and even the Cheerleaders gave J.T.  Was equally impressive. We met another young fellow who had been to the Shepherd Center and his family and they were so encouraging.  The next day we made our first trip back to Neyland Stadium where we saw The Big Orange Break an 11 year streak against the Florida Gators.  It was an Amazing day that JT spent with his family and friends.  River, Ryan, Huston and Eion got to sit with him.  We ended the evening at Outback Celebrating the Win with a huge group of us.  We ran into other folks from Rogersville who came over and encouraged him.  We packed up after a late Breakfast Sunday and headed back. Needless to say we were so tired and he had started facing some difficulties with a UTI and some other issues with Blood Pressure that we ended up dealing with all week.  Some of which was caused by dehydration and fatigue.  His week of therapy went well.  We had hoped to get back on the Lokomat , but the schedule is a week out so we didn't get to get on it.  That was disappointing.  He got a little frustrated with some of his issues but continued to push hard in therapy.  We were able to get in the pool Wednesday which he loves and then we attended the 4th floor SCI BI weekly dinner which is great because we just get to eat good food and hangout with other families in our situation, which is very therapeutic.  Dr. Elmers started this when JT was in the in-patient program and he was the Mayor so he still wants to go.  He likes the connection to the other patients plus he gets to see Dr. Elmers, one of his nurses Julia who was Awesome and even some of the wonderful techs that took care of him.  We ended the week with Christie arriving a day earlier than usual on Thursday.   That was awesome to get to spend extra time with her.  Peyton came over from Furman on Friday. It was Family weekend and unfortunately we couldn't go so she came to us.  We all went to the movies and saw Magnificent Seven and had Dinner.  Saturday we slept in and watched The Now Famous Dobb Nail Boot Hail Mary Pass Win over Georgia. JT had made some gentlemen's wagers with the Bulldog therapists he works with.  Now they have to wear a Tennessee shirt.   A nice Lady from Passion City Mrs. Catherine Day fixed us a home cooked meal of Chicken Pie and all the fixings for Supper this evening.  We rested some more today and he's in bed.  He already picked out his Tennessee Gear he is wearing tomorrow.  We are so Thankful for being able to come home last weekend. It was our second time and we just didn't want to leave . We are still Amazed at all the Support and encouragement that we are getting.  I am so sorry the updates are few.  Time is just so precious.  We are spread thin.  Know that we feel the Prayers and Love.  Continue to pray for Progress, for healing and for patience.  We look forward to being home full time.  Know that JT Fights Every Day with the Heart of a Champion.  At times I get down and truly hate that he is missing so much,  I often feel cheated and do not understand, but when I see JT and his determination at such small things that we take for granted I realize that he doesn't feel sorry for himself. That energizes me and makes me realize that he has Faith in God and in himself. It's a tough lesson to learn but God is in control and we have to Trust in him.  God Bless You All and #fightfor5

 

Fall is Here!! Get your Long Sleeve Fight for 5 T-Shirts

Available at:

• U-Save Drug Center in Rogersville 9am to 7pm Mon-Sat and Sun 2-5pm
• East TN Iron & Metal  in Bulls Gap M-F 8am-4pm
• Online (shipping included) The Fight for 5 Website
• Keep posted for other dates of fundraising events
• Keep posted for new items

East Rogersville Baptist Church Awana Fight for 5 Silent Auction and Bake Sale

Come out and support ERBC Awana group in their community service project.  This week 10/3/16 to 10/5/16, they will be having a Silent Auction.  You can place your bids M-W 8am-12 and 1pm-5pm at East Rogersville Baptist Church.  On Wednesday, they will accept Silent Auction bids up until 7:00pm.  In addition to the Silent Auction, they are having a Bake Sale on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm or when sweet run out!  So proud of these children!  You can visit    http://www.erbc.org/ for more information on this Event and the Awana Program

JT- "I moved my left big toe today!!"

Update. Praise Update. After settling in to Day program J.T. had been doing well. I on the other hand was really struggling. Just being away from Christie, Jacob and Peyton and especially feeling like I just wanted so much more Healing and improvement. Sleep has been difficult and I had started questioning So much. I was generally discouraged. I have been Praying hard and hoping for some kind of break thru that would jump start him and give us more Hope. After not sleeping... a wink last night with so much on my mind. I came to pick JT up after Therapy today and he had some Good News for me. He moved his left Toe 7-8 times for the therapist today. He had actually done it one other time when Christie , Peyton and myself saw it one weekend , but when he tried to show the therapist he couldn't do it. In order to get on certain machines insurance wise he has to do it for them, so now that he has proven to them he has movement he can now get on the Loco Mat and use other aggressive techniques . While the movement is small and the road is Long this is Huge for Him and Us. We give All The Glory to God and want to Praise him for this!!! We would also like to thank everyone and ask that you Continue to Pray. The Lord is in Control and his plan will be revealed. I continue to Pray for Healing and Progress. We are Ecstatic!!! I am so Amazed at J.T. and his Attitude he never gets Down. Thank You All and Most of All Thank You Jesus!!!! Pray for our safe trip home. #fightfor5

Hope everyone has a Blessed Weekend

Update JT finished up Therapy this week.  He has worked very Hard.  He not only does Therapy but he has Academics /School Work Daily.  His Teacher is excellent and he Loves Class.  He got to go do some Rifle Shooting this week and loved it.  He wants to come home and do some Deer Hunting.   He wanted to come home for the South game tonight but we have decided to rest and try and come home next weekend.  Tennessee does play Florida next week!!  On the Tennessee Front one of the new Patients here is Former Tennessee Vol Lee Otis Burton who was a member of Johnny Majors first recruiting Class.  He played with Reggie White.  He was is so nice we had a group dinner with the patents on the 4th floor and JT and I ate with him.  JT has such an Amazing attitude and takes time to visit and encourage other patients. The Peer Counselors here use JT to help them.  I am so proud .  Today we had a visit from Ga. Tech QB Justin Thomas and RB Nathan Cottrell.  Another JT wearing #5 and Cottrell played at Knox West.  They brought JT his own GT #5 Jersey.   They had a nice visit and were very encouraging.  This was all set up by an old ETSU fellow named Jay Shupe.  The Head Trainer at GT.  He is from Wise Va. And was at ETSU when Coach Sivert was there.   JT also had his picture made withDr. Elmers daughter we'll only one one was a little shy.  Both are so cute and I was so impressed when this little girl met J.T.  she looked at him and told him he had a beautiful Smile.  How Sweet!!!  We Love Dr.Elmers and her Family.  Heck she is Family now.  It has been a Blessed Week and we look forward to spending time with family and resting.  We have had some difficulties getting his supplies but we switched to a company that is local.  A company that is owned by a former E&H graduate and Football player Charlie Cole.  Charlie and his Brother Jeremiah aha e went above and beyond what is expected to take care of J.T.  And we are so Thankful.  Pray for safe travels, Patience, Understanding, Discipline,  and Healing.  Gods Grace is Sufficient and we are so Blessed.  The Tragedy that happened in the Boone Community is enough to remind us of that.  Please continue to Pray for that Community.  Hope everyone has a Blessed Weekend . Remember to enjoy the the little things and take nothing for Granted.    God Bless and #fightfor5

We miss our Home and Our Community. God Bless You All.

Update. I am sorry it's taken so long to update ,  but now that his in in out-patient .  Our Schedule especially mine is non-stop.  I jokingly refer to myself as a Doc-Tech-Nurse.  I will try my best to at least update weekly.  The daily Narrative is just not possible.  We jumped into the Day Program with Orientation and Therapy last week.  The Freedom we have is Good.  The adjustment to fitting in everything is somewhat overwhelming. After the Amazing but tiring weekend  we had at home we pretty much crashed mid week. He was just so tired.  He has set many Goals in getting better at every day things and also long term Goals of getting more flexibility , strength, movement and ultimately Walking.  As I have always said this is truly a Marathon not a Sprint.  By Thursday evening we had things organized and seemed to have our heads above water as far as our routine.  At times he still has to wake up every 4 hours for care which is very tiresome.  We are attempting to adjust his schedule for more rest which he needs dearly.  Their are so many extra things I feel like I need to be doing but just can't seem to fit it all in.  Friday Christie arrived we had missed her so much.  She still struggles with everyone being apart as do I.  For the weekend we had no plans.  As much as he needed the weekend at home he and all of us needed a weekend of Sleeping, eating, resting and watching Football.  The R&R we got was so good.  We just bought some groceries and stayed in.  This week he has had more energy and he seems to be doing well.  I am Amazed at the Positive Attitude he has. He just never gets down.  Myself well I am sometimes frustrated as I want so much more for him.  I have tried to give him normalcy by trying my best to do for him what his Wonderful Mother would do.  So I have been fixing him Breakfast and Supper.  I am in no way as good as Christie but I can Grill things and fix Cheese Burger Mac.  He needs to add weight for strength and for the simple fact that he has lost around 35-40 lbs since the accident.  He is so skinny.  We have had concerns over skin issues due to being so bony.  We are trying to get a plan for so many of his personal care needs and that struggle will not be sorted out soon. It's just trial and error and improvement.  Plans are flowing well at home for his room.  We were given our discharge date for Day Program and that is Oct 14th.  We also have a date of Oct 17th for his transition into Beyond Therapy.  We are so Thankful that this plan is in place.  It's still one day at a time but that should put our arrival home at Sometime around Thanksgiving.  What a Wonderful Day that will be.  He is a barrel  of laughs and loves getting to spend time texting and face timing friends.  We had tickets to the Battle of Bristol but that was just not the best decision. Friday night he listened intently to the exciting Win the Chiefs had over Cocke County.  Saturday we prepared all day to Watch The Big Orange Whip Va.Tech.  I admittedly had mixed feeling because Jacob was at the game and it broke my heart not to be there with him.  He had a Great time and said his favorite thing about the game was the National Anthem and tribute to our Great Country.  This made me proud.  Peyton is busy at Furman and we miss her too.  I am so sorry that I can't update more but we still desire your Prayers and Genuinely appreciate everyone Concern.  On that note JT was very upset at the tragic accident that happened to the young Raybun girl,  her boyfriend Sanders and the whole Boone community.  He actually was friends with the Raybun girl and spoke highly of her.  The whole Boone community and especially their families are in our Prayers.  I have visited with Aaron Wilder here at Shepherd and they need your Prayers too. We also continue to Pray for Logan Condra.    Sorry for the long post.  Just wanted you to know that JT is Fighting everyday.  We miss our Home and Our Community.  God Bless You All.  #fightfor5

Pick up at USave Drug Center or East TN IRon & Metal.