10/18/21

Thank you all for being patient for this update! Between preparing for the move to the on campus, out-patient apartments and getting engaged (which Kevin was told/asked about far beforehand) it has been an eventful few weeks!

I wanted to say a quick “thank you” to everyone who sent us congratulatory messages on the engagement. Words fall short to describe what it means to me to have a partner who has made such a significant promise after such a trying time and who already is like family with Kevin!

Craig and Progress

Kevin and Mom are now moved into their outpatient apartment on the Craig campus! This means Mom and Kevin stay together and do everything entirely on their own. So far, they have carried the incredible team the two of them have made into this space and are working harder than ever. It also means they have a lot more freedom and time to adjust before moving to Florida. They’ve been acclimating to their van and spending time out and about. 

During the weekdays, there are still some classes at Craig to attend but they end earlier. Kevin is working everyday on his arm strength and range of movement. The progress is slow but significant to us, each day that he can stretch a bit further or find more strength is a great victory.

In our last post, we shared that he had spent time in the pool. At that stage, the pool involved floating and lightly stretching with the physical therapist. Now, he swims around with his arms and wears a snorkel set. He has interest in getting scuba certified down the line and with Craig’s guidance we now know this is entirely within reach. 

With Kevin’s work on his arms he has now been given an adaptive brace to be able to eat independently. The first meal with this brace they told him he could take it slow as he adjusted to it – but instead he pushed on and ate an entire meal of 6 different foods. His second meal involved pizza from the chain we always ordered from as kids and a movie on TV. I will never again take for granted the simple, once improbable, joy of being able to eat cheap pizza alongside him.

On November 1^st Mom, Kevin and I will fly back to Florida. I will stay for a few days to help Mom and Dad get him settled. Kevin is daunted by flying with a new set of challenges but excited for the family, friends and mild weather on the East coast. 

Visited

As always, we can’t say thank you enough to everyone who has visited!

Our longtime family friend and neighbor Vicki came by to have dinner on Kevin’s first night of outpatient. Kevin’s friends Kelly and Troy took him out to his first dinner without Mom on Saturday. The Place family visited and brought along Parker’s new puppy for Kevin to meet. Mom’s dear friend Abby came by to get dinner and offer lots of love. Kevin’s friends Christian and Steven spent a night with him to cheer on the Gators and help Mom go to a family wedding. Several of Kevin’s uncles visited while they were in town to bring laughs and support. Mom’s friend Janet also came by to see her and give support!

Other

Kevin’s birthday is next week, Thursday the 28th. We’d love it if you could send some love his way! Dog pictures are always welcomed.

I also wanted to note that anything sent to my Mom or Kevin after this weekend can be sent to their Florida address rather than mine or Craig’s. Just let me know if you need it!

Kevin’s Donation Fund:

If you wish to make a donation to Kevin’s fund to assist with the cost of a power chair, beach powerchair, new adaptive vehicle, assistive home features, medications and other tools for his life ahead please select Kevin’s name on the drop down menu at the link below: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/t4f

All our love,

Katie and the Cavanaughs