Tyler Update

Good afternoon.  I sincerely apologize for not posting for a few weeks.  I am currently visiting facilities in the Midwest as part of my job.  The travel has been fast and furious and I'm just trying to keep up with everything.

Ever since Tyler visited the hospital a few weeks ago he has been steadily improving.  One test has now shown that he has a UTI which they are currently treating.  The home has also increased his fiber intake to aid his digestion.  Right now the team has decided to use medications and diet changes to resolve the issue.  If he continues to have periodic digestion issues we can always consult with a Gastroenterologist as needed.

The great news has been how well Tyler continues to get along with his staff and his housemate.  The young men are now learning to share some activities together.  Tyler is even sharing his wii bowling game which is an awesome step forward.  People are also reporting that Tyler is now talking a lot more, perhaps because he is picking up queues from living with another young man his age.  With his health currently in check and his continued enjoyment of his surroundings, it seems he is eager to experience more and more of this new lifestyle.

With each of these meetings and reports my wife and I continue to accept that Tyler is happy now and in many ways doing better than ever.  This is what we wanted for him more than anything.  But I would be lying if I said we don't feel a sense of sadness about that.

Now that Tyler has successfully completed 6 months in his new home, we feel everyone is ready for Robin and I and Samantha to be more present in his life.  We will still gauge his emotions and proceed carefully so as to not confuse or overwhelm him, but we never want him to lose his sense of belonging to his family either.  It feels like the right time to expand our new role in his life.  It sounds like our first visit to his home (with him there) is going to be in a few weeks.  Hopefully he will be happy to spend that time with us.

We continue to be so proud of him.  He has bravely taken on the biggest challenge of his life and found the way to not just survive, but to thrive.

Be well and God Bless.   Tom