When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's son Saint was born a few weeks ago, the celebration was interrupted by a bit of sad news. Khloé Kardashian posted a sentimental tweet that implied Lamar Odom was still in the hospital. Although not directly mentioning his name, Khloé wrote about how she knew the hospital's halls "way too well" and spent her time hopping from one room to the other — to visit newborn Saint and presumably a still-recovering Odom. Besides this, though, there hadn't been many updates ever since the NBA player was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel in mid-October. All that fans knew was that his brain injury presented serious obstacles for the star. But on Sunday, TMZ reported that Odom allegedly made a huge step in recovery — quite literally, actually. According to the site's sources, this week Odom reportedly took steps without assistance for the first time.
The report only gets better: TMZ reports that Odom's brain function is improving, too. He was allegedly able to recognize a hospital staff member and raise his arm above his head. These were two things he reportedly has previously struggled with, and TMZ's sources claim that he may be headed to a rehab facility soon. Us Weekly is also reporting that Odom's health is on the upswing. Their source says,
He gets better a little bit every day. He took a few steps without the walker. It’s very slow and he’s supposed to go to the rehab any day now.
While it sounds like Odom has a ways to go in terms of recovery, reports like this are certainly promising. If true, it's wonderful to hear that he's beginning to conquer milestones like walking on his own. At the same time, it's a bit heartbreaking, because it highlights the severity of his condition. Considering Odom once was known for running down basketball courts, it's sad that he reportedly struggles to walk now.
At least he has Kardashian by his side. While Khloé and Odom are no longer romantically involved (although they're still legally married), it is great she's always there for him. During an interview with Ellen Degeneres in November, the reality star explained,
Well I’m there helping [Odom] and I love him and I’ve always loved him. And that will never change and I just feel like it’s a really insensitive thing to fast forward a divorce. But I love him and I always will and he’s a fantastic person who deserves support and love and for someone to be by his side and for me I’m that to him.
She's 100 percent right; now is not the time to rush a divorce. If Odom is only now reportedly being able to walk again and remember people, the technicalities of their marriage should be of the least importance. Khloe is there when it counts, even spending Halloween with Odom in the hospital.
Bustle has reached out to Odom's rep for comment on this latest report, but hasn't heard back at this time. Although the reports about Odom's progress are limited — and Khloé's comments usually only come in the form of vague tweets — here's hoping this is just the beginning of good news and that 2016 is the year that Odom makes a full recovery.
