Days 99 - 104

Ryan and I received approval for the simulation apartment. We move in next week. It is about five miles away from QLI. It is a two bedroom, two bath, fully furnished apartment. We are VERY excited to be a little bit closer to "normal." We will finally have some peace and quiet at meal times and have more space to spread out. Yea!

Ryan's physical therapist, house coordinator, some house staff members and I went to the apartment to check it out. They wanted to see if Ryan was capable of navigating the apartment on his own. He did well. He still needs help transferring out of his chair to the shower bench, bed, etc. But, other than that, he is highly independent. The physical therapist did mention "transfer poles." They are a floor-to-ceiling pole that is placed where needed. Ryan can stand on his own but his balance isn't good enough to transfer without holding on to something to stabilize himself. The therapist thought it might be helpful for Ryan to have one by the bed and one by the shower/toilet. 

This weekend, Ryan and I attended the Navy Birthday Ball in Oklahoma City, OK. We stayed in a lodge on Tinker AFB. The ball was held at a Western Museum in town. Aside from the 7.5 hour drive, the weekend went well. (Sadly, I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures to share. Sorry!) 

We were invited to this ball by the Admiral at Stratcom (the command based out of the AFB near QLI in Omaha). He is the second in command of Stratcom. He and his wife are very friendly, caring, gracious people. The Admiral was the guest speaker at this ball. He was so kind to mention that Ryan and I were there. Everyone was so friendly and thanked Ryan for his sacrifice. The stereotype that mid-western people are good, kind-hearted people is definitely true. If only they had a beach, we might have to move out here. :)