07/21/2004 at 7:45 A.M.

Good morning to everyone, this is Joey and I will be giving you the update from yesterday. Jess gave a thumbs up to one of the doctors treating him today that had not seen him do it yet. My mom said she spent most of the day holding ice on Jess's jaw. His jaw is swollen, probably from Jess trying to get accommodated to some freedom in movement, since they removed the rubber bands. They replaced his trachea tube with a smaller tube, which is a step closer to removing the trachea altogether. The next step in that process will be to cover up the tube and have Jess start breathing through his mouth again. My little brother is recovering step by step. I'm sure he can feel the love that surrounds him from every direction. Thank you to everyone who is participating in this journey with us. For everyone who lives in Blaine County, Jess's girlfriend (Kelsey) and friends are having a car wash on Thursday, July 22 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church to raise money for medical costs. Thanks Kelsey you are an angel! Jess, we surround you with safety and love. We create a space for you to heal. You are loved. Have a great day!