Monday, July 21, 2008

Entries through July 19, 2008

Hello again! I've just looked at the blog and realized the LAST update wasn't sent (I wrote it off-line and left it!!). So you get TWO this time (just think of all the gains Terry's made since you last read!) James had Terry working in the parallel bars again for a few sessions. It's AMAZING how well he can stand now! It was a piece of cake! He's up to 400 feet in the pool each time, and doing that faster with practice. He did some walking on land a couple of weeks ago when we were with our son-in-law, and he thought Terry was moving pretty fast there, too. He was having quite a bit more pain for a while, so we went to the doctor. He tried a new medication, but that didn't help. Thankfully, it has mellowed somewhat, and Terry's doing better again. When we saw the doctor, we also went to visit RHI (where he was in the second month after the accident). We try to visit there every now and then. We went into the gym to look for his main therapist. We saw her, but she didn't see us. I helped Terry to stand and then he started walking toward her. I called her name and she saw Terry walking. She was THRILLED!!! When he had been there, they had no idea what the future might hold. It was great to see her joy! James has also had Terry work on standing up to the walker with NO
assistance. He has done it a few times, but practice will make it consistent. James came to do a "home visit" last week. He wanted to see what Terry's obstacles might be, and give us pointers to help his independence increase. While he was here, he had Terry get in bed to see what he can do toward sitting, etc. Terry couldn't sit up without help. James was trying to rig up something Terry could pull up on (rather than ME) and when he looked back, Terry was sitting!
If all of the conditions are right, he can sit up ALONE. Again, something that practice will help.
Terry has been sleeping in our bed about once a week, but then when he had all of the pain, he didn't even want to try that, so we skipped a week or two. We finally decided to get an extra "pressure-changing" mattress for our bed and that seems to work well. He has slept there THREE nights in a row! Progress is being made all the time. We went to the track for the fourth of July (actually on the 5th). They had a WONDERFUL fireworks display, and several family members were there, too. We also went to a special race there. They had an "Ironman" race---140 laps driven by one driver. It was grueling!! Donna had brought a special chair for Terry. Mike and another young man CARRIED Terry up into the clubhouse (a long flight of stairs) in his manual wheelchair. Once there, he stood to get into the other chair. We had a GREAT view of the race! The two grandsons (Garrett and Logan) have been spending the night on Saturday nights, then going to church with us on Sunday. Garrett calls it Sunday class, and
they really look forward to it, even wishing it was more often ("I wish it was Thursday class, Grandma!"). We went to the fair last Friday. The two boys were in a talent show with
their day care group. They did the Pledge of Allegiance and sang It's a Grand Old Flag. It was really cute! Next it was time for the horse contesting. Chase, Wyatt and Rylee all rode in ALL of the events, and Arlyne was one of those in charge. Unlike last year, we were able to stay for the WHOLE evening, finally getting home about 11:00 PM. It was GREAT to see them all trying their best. Last Sunday, we went to the festival at Lapel to visit with long-time friends. It was nice to see all of them. As you can see, we've had a FULL schedule. We've also had a full prayer
list. One of the organizers of the motorcycle benefit ride had a spill on his motorcycle (in Virginia) and was hospitalized there for a week. He's home now, and hoping to return to work soon. Also, a good friend of our daughter's died in an accident. So YOUNG!!! Many have been grieving. There are SO MANY people who need God's touch! We're thankful He loves us SO MUCH!!! That's all for now, but I'll get you caught up again soon! Keep praying! God
bless you!

Entries through June 27, 2008

Hello again! I'm sorry it's been so long, the time seems to speed by sometimes. We had a little bit of time to visit with our grandson while he was home, then he went back to CA on June 15. I've had some back pain, I'm not sure if I just turned wrong or if helping Terry with some new exercises is the problem. We DID modify the exercises some so that it's easier for me, and I AM on the mend. The motorcycle benefit ride went well. The weather was great that day (it rained the week before AND the week after!). There weren't a lot of riders, but the money raised was definitely helpful. Terry and I were also interviewed for "Steel Horse", a motorcycle show on channel 23. We have passed day 500 since the accident. I look back now and then and I'm AMAZED at how far God has brought us. One year ago, Terry could do VERY little for himself. He had NO muscle, except in his right arm, and that was weak. Now, he's WALKING without the aid of ANYONE!! We don't even hold on for safety anymore, because it's unnecessary. Terry walked 143 feet in one try last week, then repeated that this week. His average is about 70 feet. He looks forward to when his average is over 100. At the rate he is improving, I think it will be soon! He has so many muscles that are beginning to be useful! There were several that were "asleep" just a short time ago. Now it's almost as if EACH DAY there are visible, BIG gains! James has had him working on standing balance in the parallel bars. That brought back memories of December and the steps he took in the bars. The difference is HUGE!!! He stands up as if it's the easiest thing in the world. He still uses the bars for balance, but as he gets stronger, he won't need to hold on. James wants to do a home evaluation visit. Hopefully, he will give us pointers on how to best transition from how it is now to a better situation. I think we've gotten into some habits that should change as Terry gets better and more able to do for himself. Terry is having more pain, as well. We're not sure if it's caused by the increased activity or just changes in his ability to feel. Either way, we pray the pain will become more manageable. That's about all for now. I'll write again soon. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We need BOTH!! God bless you! Lynn