{"id":9734,"date":"2016-01-18T11:02:39","date_gmt":"2016-01-18T17:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?p=9734"},"modified":"2016-01-18T11:02:39","modified_gmt":"2016-01-18T17:02:39","slug":"dynabrass-bandleader-jeff-mleczko-update-1172016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?p=9734","title":{"rendered":"DynaBrass Bandleader, Jeff Mleczko, Update 1\/17\/2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

First, an apology\u2026 I am so sorry for the long delay in reporting on Jeff! Between the holidays, work, kids and other things \u2013 life has very busy and all I can say is I am truly sorry. Second, I have been feeling bad because it has been about 3 weeks since Bob and I have had a chance to visit with Jeff ourselves. However as I type this, I realize perhaps that too was a blessing in disguise. Why? Because sometimes \"Jeff<\/a>you can\u2019t see the forest thru the trees when you are standing too close\u2026 Much like during regular visits, sometimes you don\u2019t notice the little gains, but when 3 weeks go by and you see how much progress Jeff has made \u2013 YOU COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND THANK GOD EVEN MORE!<\/p>\n

So, here is a recap since my last report\u2026<\/p>\n

Christmas came 4 days early for Jeff when on December 21st, Jeff had the trach removed. Whenever you would ask Jeff what he wanted for Christmas, he would say, \u201cto go home\u201d or \u201cgo back to work.\u201d He didn\u2019t make it home by Christmas, but the trach being removed was a huge step in that direction and Jeff left the rehab facility on January 6th.<\/p>\n

Jeff is currently at his parents\u2019 home in Ortonville. When we walked in today, he was finishing soup that his mom made him for lunch. He said, \u201cThe food is much better here!\u201d We all laughed. After much visiting and watching football together, I looked to see the cat\u2019s bed (a large pillow) in the dining room. I said, \u201cJeff, is that where your parents make you sleep?\u201d He said, \u201cNo!\u201d He then got up from the wheel chair and took Bob and I down the hall to his bedroom\u2026 He walked without any type of assistance from us and without the aid of a walker. I had not seen him walk this well since the stroke! Connie, his mom, kept smiling at me saying, \u201cSee? See?\u201d IT WAS AMAZING!<\/p>\n

Jeff still has some noticeable deficits in his right arm and with his speech, but overall is making such wonderful and quick progress. Connie said that every therapists and doctor can NOT believe with the type of stroke Jeff suffered, that A) he lived and B) that he is doing as well as he is. They are calling him a miracle!<\/p>\n

Jeff has a full schedule especially during the week. Monday thru Friday he has in-home therapists (speech, occupational, physical) as well as an in-home nurse that comes regularly to work with him. The goal is to get him well enough so that he can then go to out-patient therapy to continue making gains with the hope of making a full recovery.<\/p>\n

Jeff has his basket of cards in the living room. Connie says that he often goes thru the basket and reads and re-reads them. To those of you who have taken the time to send a card, please know how much it is appreciated. We believe it is your words that continue to give Jeff the motivation to keep improving. If you haven\u2019t yet sent a card, but would like to, you may do so at:<\/p>\n

Jeff Mleczko
\n3001 Bald Eagle Lake Road
\nOrtonville, MI 48462<\/p>\n

Thank you again for all your continued love, prayers and support! Jeff\u2019s road to recovery has been made easier because YOU have been there for him and inspiring him to get well. My hope is that in the very near future, Jeff himself will be providing you with updates. Till then, stay tuned\u2026.<\/p>\n

Becky Knieper-Naessens<\/p>\n