On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, my family welcomed my third grandchild and my first granddaughter, Thea Joey Fajardo. She arrived at 7 pounds and 7 ounces and both she and mommy are doing great.
Thea’s middle name, Joey, was given to her by my son and daughter-in-law, in my honor.
Her older brother, Thiago, and my other grandson, Caden, both were able to meet her on the day of her birth. I know that Thiago will be a wonderful older brother, and that Caden will be a gracious older cousin. I’m looking forward to meeting her sometime in the near future.
A Brotherly Visit
I also was able to enjoy a wonderful three week visit from my younger brother, Tuly, who came all the way from Puerto Rico to not only spend time with me but also to help Jennifer with some of my day-to-day care responsibilities.
Besides making me laugh every day, Tuly was very helpful with transfers, bathroom assistance, meals, and giving me the best and closest shaves I’ve had in a long time.
Tuly and I enjoy playing RISK together, although he has never been able to beat me. In honor of our love for the game, and in recognition of my family champion title, Tuly had a tattoo placed on his arm, symbolizing my game domination over him. The tattoo includes our favorite numbers, mine being 12 and his being 21. I’m hoping to add my version of this tattoo to my calf soon.
A Successful Test
Last Friday, Feb. 17, I had a swallow test performed, which included drinking liquid laced with barium and eating bites of pears and crackers, also laced with barium. My speech and swallow therapist, along with a doctor, were able to observe my swallow abilities in real time by x-ray.
The test concluded that my swallowing is still very good and unaffected by my ALS progression. This test will now serve as a baseline for future tests. Because ALS impacts patients differently, it doesn’t mean that I will lose the ability to swallow. But it is good to know that the test demonstrated that my ability to swallow remains strong.
We’ll have other updates in the next week or two regarding new pieces of equipment now available to me.
I want to thank everyone who has sent messages of support, and to those dear friends and family members who surprised us with items on our new Amazon wish list, and made new or additional contributions to our GoFundMe campaign. These contributions are helping offset our higher than expected bathroom renovation costs and the growing assortment of equipment necessary to support me as my ALS progresses.
Jennifer and I are grateful for your support, friendship, and love.
What a cute little royal: Thea Joey Fajardo!
That reminds me of an experience I had with my princess when she was maybe 5 years old. At Halloween time, we were coming down an escalator in Sears, and there before us was a costume with a tiara. She spotted it…and she wore it all the way home and into our brief stop at a mom-and-pop store for dinner supplies. Everybody chuckled the “princess”! Soooo, plan on supplying a crown in the future!
Also, very happy to hear about the brotherly visit, barber and RISK player…and especially happy to hear about top-notch swallowing…just run it by your taste buds too!
aloha, Barb
Hermano…thanks for sharing. Glad you got some family time with bro. Priceless. Pa’lante….much respect for both you and Jen. Abrazos
I’m always thinking and praying for you, Jose. I wish I could give you my healthy body so you can continue living a full life together with your love ones. You deserve the best. If you need anything please let me know.
When any of my brothers, or sister, calls I always respond. And, in this case, José asked me to visit again to help both Jenifer and him. Jose, if you only knew how much I admire you. You show so much strength and the will to live on with ALS that everyone sees how resilient and determined you are to live on your life as normal as you can make it.
During my time at your office it’s extremely obvious the love the employees have for you. They genuinely love working with and for you. That’s why the Radio station was nominated this year as one of the best places to work, and believe me, it’s well earned!
As to Jenifer, she is a all star! I can’t believe how much work she not only puts in caring for José, but also maintaining her work load, as well as maintaining the home impeccable. The love and care she gives you is absolutely astonishing. While there I was amazed with everything she does. I love her very much, and she know it too! I would tell her that every night before she went to sleep.
José, I will always be just a call alway from returning again and spend every moment just feet alway to help you and keep you laughing even if it hurts. I love you! Tuly
Always sending positive energy your way, Jose. You are truly an inspiration to anyone facing tough health challenges.
Have I been following you since you’ve been posting your journey. You are quite remarkable and an inspiration to me. As I pray for you and your family, I hold you in the Light.
Thank you so much for the update. Always loving and praying for you and Jennifer! Thea is so adorable and I love love her middle name! Truly so sweet! All the pictures are priceless. That is great Tuly visited you. He is such a good guy! Love the tattoo and the story behind it! Great news on the swallowing test! So so proud of you! Praying for you Jose. Love July’s comment about you and Jennifer! Y’all are a blessing to each other.