It's the little things that are making the biggest difference as Jim Trickey continues to show improvement following an experimental surgery to treat his Lou Gehrig's disease.

Trickey, of Cape Girardeau, had surgery last week in Beijing, China, to implant cells into his brain in hopes of regenerating cells damaged by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

In just the few days since his surgery, his strength has improved, said his wife, Brandy. "His strides are longer and faster as he walks. He can hold a can more steadily. And this morning as I was getting him dressed he was able to help me," she wrote in an e-mail message sent Saturday.

The doctor who performed Trickey's surgery said he continues to improve and doesn't expect him to show any drops in recovery. The medical staff also is letting Trickey venture out of the "foreign ward" and into the garden.

On Sunday, he and Brandy and several other patients and caregivers were able to visit some of the sites in and around Beijing. The couples visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. "Wow, what an amazing experience. We also went to a place called Beijing Dragon Jade Gallery, and were able to see how jade was transform into jewelry, statues, etc. It was very interesting. I have lots of pictures that I'm eager to show everyone. You know, you read about these extraordinary places in high school, but to actually get to experience them for yourself is truly amazing."

'Walked the entire day'

And one of the best things about the trip is that "Jim walked the entire day," Brandy wrote. "He must have walked at least two miles in the Forbidden City. There were a lot of stairs to climb and Jim had no problem going up and down, especially with all the people pushing and shoving. I tried to stay by his side, but he insisted that he was going to do it by himself -- he didn't even have to use the hand rail."

"You know these may be such small tasks to some, but for him they mean the world. He is starting to accomplish things that he once lost."