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Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe back on his feet, able to 'shuffle' on his own

Helene St. James
USA TODAY Sports
Gordie Howe is able to "shuff'le" now on his own.

The benefit of being in a familiar environment again is helping Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe regain some quality of life.

Howe now has enough strength to be somewhat mobile, a stark - and much welcomed - late-December development after the month began with what his children feared was another serious stroke.

Son Mark Howe told the Detroit Free Press on Thursday that his father isn't so much able to walk, rather that "it's more of a shuffle, but he is making his way around under his own power."

Gordie Howe, 86, has dementia and has suffered a series of mini-strokes since summer. He suffered a severe stroke on Oct. 26, and when he was unresponsive for 30 minutes on Dec. 1, another serious stroke was feared. He was rushed to hospital and his three sons rushed Lubbock, Texas, where Gordie Howe is living with his daughter, Cathy. Tests revealed dehydration to be behind the Dec. 1 scare.

Gordie Howe was released from hospital within days, and being back in an environment he recognizes has played a role in his improvement.

"Change of surroundings makes his dementia worse," Mark Howe, a pro scout for the Detroit Red Wings, told the Free Press.

Helene St. James writes for the Detroit Free Press

PHOTOS: Gordie Howe through the years

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