“I just woke up”.  That was the first time that John has been able to communicate anything on his own behalf to me. I created a two-page alphabet to make it easier to pick letters, and that’s what John wanted to say for his first words to me. It was amazing! The next thing he asked was “Where are we?”

Although John is alert, he suffers a bit from no short-term memory and doesn’t remember day to day. When the psychologist came in to talk to me, she explained even though John is alert, he still can’t make his own decisions because of the short-term memory problem which is associated with being on a ventilator and in the hospital. When he gets off the ventilator it should come back fine so not to worry. We discussed anti-anxiety medication in the future since John is more alert now and will be realizing his situation. His pneumonia is cleared completely which is a big relieve and tube is out of his lungs.

John can move is head now, up and down for yes and no, and side to side. He can move his jaw up and down and side to side and even move his tongue now. He smiles too! He tries to speak often but can’t really mouth the words, so the idea of the alphabet works best for now. You can figure out the next letters to make it go faster. He does get a little tired focusing on spelling out what he wants to say, but was so exciting actually communicating and not just yes and no questions. You can know what John would like to say!

Thank you for your support and prayers.  It’s exciting seeing so much progress so quickly.

John's oldest brother

25 Comments

  • Leandro Aragonez says:

    Oh my God! That’s really wonderful, Fred!! John’s smiling, you’re smiling in the photo and all of us are smiling together with this news! Once again, HUGE thank you for everything and for the updates!! Abraços, obrigado amigo!!! ❤️🙏✨

  • Fernando says:

    We’re praying for you John!🙏

  • Patty Campiere Seal says:

    Fred, we all truly appreciate the updates and are so encouraged by the signs of progress. Please let John know that his Delta family has shared the news, and many have been praying for him since we first learned of his situation. I have also shared his name with my church family here in Dawsonville, and they are keeping him in their prayers as well.

    During our Delta days, John was like a brother to me. Such a caring and loving person.

    We continue to lift all of you up, asking God to surround John with His grace, comfort, and healing. Please share this message with John.

    Patty Campiere Seal

  • Alan Beck says:

    So happy to learn John is recovering and regaining his health and memory. Please let him know Alan Beck is by his side , rooting for his continued recovery. I send my love ❤️💝and prayers to him.
    Alan Beck

  • Durrett Evans says:

    Wonderful news and update! Thanks Freddy. Hey JT, keep focused, get rest and believe. Believe that you’ll recover 100%! We’re rooting for you!
    Big hug from Atlanta,
    Durrett

  • Durrett Evans says:

    Wonderful news and update! Thanks Freddy. Hey JT, keep focused, get rest and believe. Believe that you’ll recover 100%! We’re rooting for you!
    Big hug from Atlanta,
    Durrett

  • Steve Luben says:

    Love love love these last few updates, Fred! Amazing progress. I mirror what Patty & Durrett have said. Let’s keep this going, and flatten any speed bump that might try to get in his way! Hallelujah, JT—you’ve got THIS, instead of it getting YOU!

  • Russell Lord says:

    Please tell John that avi and I love him.. we are so happy to hear that he is on the road back.

  • Morisa Guy says:

    This is the best news I’ve seen in a long time! Tell John that healing is like a slow cozy walk where you sometimes stop for snacks and naps, and to be gentle with himself. I’m looking forward to following up with my promise to visit him! Sending hugs and love, and I’ll be right here continuing to cheer him on!

  • Amine Gabbouj says:

    Go dawgs!!! miss you john

  • Jay Marsh says:

    Keep fighting John! Praying for a huge recovery!! Love and hugs!!! Jay

  • Jay Marsh says:

    Keep fighting John! Praying for a huge recovery!! Kisses and hugs!!! Jay

  • Marcos Molina says:

    That’s absolutely good news, am beyond happy with his progress! Way to go John!

  • Craig Smith says:

    This is such wonderful news. Please tell John that Rafi and Craig love him and are praying for him.

  • Gary Murakami says:

    This is such great news to hear!

  • Maria Peppard says:

    Sending a message of hope and prayers John from my Family and know we think of you and know you are in great care 💙

  • Laura Kunath says:

    Bravo Giovanni,
    So happy to read about your progress, keep fighting and we will keep praying.
    I miss getting your messages, especially the ones in Italian.
    A presto caro.

  • Sophia Hyder Hock says:

    What incredible news! I have been keeping him in my prayers every day. Thank you for these precious updates.

  • Erin Hall Smith says:

    Thinking about John often and happy to hear that he is progressing. Praying that he continues to heal to a full recovery ❤️

  • Maria Peppard says:

    John Sending good wishes of hope and continued healing. Prayers are continuous each day as we wait to learn more of your progress.

  • Stephen P Cobb says:

    Greetings John – Good thoughts and positive vibes from Cape Cod.

    Praying for you to heal til you’re back on top!

    Stephen

  • Stephen P Cobb says:

    Greetings John – Good thoughts and positive vibes from Cape Cod.

    Praying for you to heal til you’re back on top!

    Stephen

  • Richard Krieger says:

    Fred,
    John is lucky to have you – and we’re lucky to have John (and you too). John is in our hearts and prayers for a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

  • Heidi Podjavorsek says:

    I am so happy to see that John is doing better every day. How wonderful to hear and read this. Thank you Fred for being there for him, it means the world! I keep sending positive and healing energy for a good recovery. Love you John~

  • Danny Guerrero says:

    What great news, you got this John!

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