This message comes to you from the Central Texas Rehabilitation Center on the 8^th floor of Seton.  I arrived here Tuesday evening and began Physical Therapy (lower body) and Occupational Therapy (upper body) on Wednesday.  There are a few problems from being bed ridden for a month, but the doctors and therapists (and Evelyn) are gradually solving them.

I can already see that I am getting stronger, but I have a long way to go.  I am still on kidney dialysis but the doctors remain optimistic that my kidneys will begin functioning on their own.  I could possibly be here another 2-4 weeks depending on my progress.  Therapy is scheduled for 3 hours a day and the therapists are very nice and competent.  There are goals that I must meet every week before I can come home, and I am determined to meet them.

 Evelyn, usually nice and mild mannered, has turned into a no-nonsense person who demands things get done in her time frame!  I don’t know how she does it, but the nurses, doctors and therapists have found that it does not profit them to cross her when she makes a request.  The hospital food is the only problem she (and thousands of others) can’t conquer so she has taken to cooking my meals at home and bringing them to the hospital.  (Imagine hospital cooks not using Filet Mignon for stew meat!)

                Our two sons, John and Pat, are here in Austin and drop in frequently to check on us.  Susan and Evan, our daughter and grandson from Houston, come in every week and Paul, our son from Birmingham, will be here next week for a short visit.  We are so grateful for our family and all of our friends who continue to send cards and emails.  Many have asked if it is OK to call and visit yet.  I think that when I get home and am settled, I will welcome company.  Right now, the therapy keeps me busy and it is hard to visit with so many interruptions.  I do look forward to hearing from all of you.

                Rounding third and heading home,

                Bill