As many of you know, Rusty Burke, one of the foremost REH scholars, suffered a near-fatal fall in December. The latest communique from his wife, Shelly, to Bill Cavalier is pretty hopeful:

“The news from Shelly is very encouraging!
- Rusty continues to make progress in his rehabilitation. He is feeling better, looking better and his communication and speech is improving by leaps and bounds! He talks on the phone more.
- He is making much more sense, as indicated by weekly visitors who note the amazing progress he makes from the previous week.
- He has his moments of confusion and his sense of time is screwed up but he recognizes certain things as being "way in the past". But these moments are decreasing day by day.
- His speech therapist has noted that Rusty is acing the verbal games during those therapy sessions and other people in the sessions have remarked to him, "Why are you even in this group?"
- Rusty is getting physically stronger, thanks to more standing and continued progress with his walker. His legs atrophied during his long stay in bed and he is building strength by using his walker to navigate the 100 yard perimeter of the atrium at the rehab facility. He also is working out on a treadmill.
- He will still need to get better at handling stairs. Shelly said that the rehab facility has estimated a March 12 release date for Rusty.
Shelly is certain that all the good vibrations and healing prayers from everyone are helping immensely and gives a special shout out to the fine folks of Cross Plains for their prayers and good wishes.
So, extremely good news on the recovery progress front. Let's continue to be encouraged that Rusty is making progress and help him through this.
He's hanging in there and moving forward.
‘Indy’ Bill Cavalier”

There you have it. Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming, sword-brothers!