Update: 10:45pm on 6/6

I have some exciting news, but first I want to thank everyone for sharing your positive images of Forrest healthy and home. We love hearing your dreams and warm thoughts of Forrest, especially when told in such vivid detail. Forrest must have picked up on all the good vibes, because he's made good strides the last few days. He's been much more responsive for the first time in weeks. He's definitely in there. He played thumb war with me, gave me an "ok" and a thumbs up when I asked. He's answering some questions by holding up one finger for "yes" and two fingers for "no." He sat up on his bedside today with Mom and I, even though it was tough, he fought through it.

But not only is he making some cognitive progress again, we also got the green light today and are transporting by medical jet to UVA hospital tomorrow. We will post an update tomorrow when he's settled in to his new accommodations.

It's great that he's leaving Shepherd Center, where he made such amazing progress the first time around, on a positive note. His therapists, doctors, day nurses, night nurses, and techs at Shepherd have kept not only a vigilant, but also a loving eye on him during the months he's been here. Their positive and "can do" attitude has been instrumental to his recovery and his spirit. Just as they adore Forrest, we've come to think of them as family. We're looking forward to and envisioning the day Forrest and Team 44 walks back through Shepherd's door to say hello.

We will also miss our new friends in Atlanta who've been so great to us the last few months. They've made us feel like family and have been there to welcome us into their homes and their lives, lend a hand, offer encouragement, and let us recharge over dinner and conversation.

Love,

Austin and Team 44

Sitting up