Hello everyone!! I don't have as much this time, but it's GOOD!!!
Terry did get his new leg back in late October. When we got it, we found out that it was the one our nephew hoped Terry would get. Chris (our nephew) has been working on a research project concerning amputees from the Vietnam war. Shortly after the accident, he commented that Terry ought to try to get this particular leg. It helps SO MUCH with normal function! Without saying too much about a particular type of computer leg, that's what we ended up with. One of Terry's doctor's said it was the "Cadillac" of prosthetics. We certainly have been VERY pleased with Terry's progress with it! Terry was able to extend his best single distance from 210' to 335', within about a WEEK of getting the new leg! He has also extended his cumulative distance in one day from under 500' to a new record of 645' in three "walks". The new goal is 1000' cumulative. I don't think it will be TOO far in the future.
The therapists have decided that for now, we'll discontinue water therapy. The new leg can't go in the water, so in order to best become adjusted to it, he won't put the old leg on for 3-4 months. That will also give James (land therapy) more time to work with Terry. It seems that the gains in ability AND strength are coming so FAST that James runs out of time before he runs out of ideas for therapy. Terry will have land therapy three days a week, now. They have also added occupational therapy for a while. They will show him some tricks and tools to help in DAILY function (dressing, showering, etc.). Terry has the strength and balance to begin re-learning those things. Again, he picks it up pretty quickly, even without all of the abilities the rest of us take for granted. It IS more time-consuming, so pray for PATIENCE (for BOTH of us!!!).
Terry is walking more often and farther at home, now. He finds that most days he hurts less if he exercises more. Some days, there STILL doesn't seem to be any way to escape the pain, though. On those days, he is understandably reluctant to do much.
We had a GREAT Thanksgiving weekend!!! We attended THREE Thanksgiving meals, and one extra family dinner. At each home (one dinner was at the track) Terry WALKED in!!! Two of the three homes had two steps leading in. Terry couldn't navigate those AT ALL (had to be LIFTED), and the other had a threshold he needed help over. All in all, though, we were all VERY PROUD of his determination and progress! He sat in recliners (which he can only get out of with help) and a couple of regular chairs. He also did some extra walking each place. His pain level was down, so we were able to stay and visit more, too. It was a GOOD four days!!!
We celebrated our 32nd anniversary last week. Lots of memories then! Who would have thought we'd be HERE now? We're very BLESSED,though. We have such a CLOSE marriage, one that's been tested in many ways, and has grown stronger because of the trials.
I had the fun of going to see Lion King with my Mom last week, too. It was GREAT!!! It had been quite some time since I'd done anything like that. I was glad for the opportunity!
That's all for now. PLEASE keep us in your prayers. Terry still fights pain on a daily basis. Thankfully, most days it stays at a fairly low level.We also have friends and family members battling cancer, and friends dealing with recent deaths. Thank you for all of your support and concern!! Have a BLESSED Christmas! Lynn
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
July 20, 2008 to October 30, 2008
Hello friends! I FINALLY can update this blog. About the time I was ready (around Aug. 31) I began having computer problems. That, of course, took a back seat to the more important things in my life---like Terry! We HAVE come a LONG way since last time, so I have WONDERFUL gains to share. Terry is finally sleeping in our bed more nights. He is STILL more comfortable with the hospital bed, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks lots of nights. At P/T, he has advanced to his best single walk being TWO HUNDRED TEN feet!! That's 40 more feet than in September. He still doesn't like to walk too much at home, though. There are too many obstacles and turns. James (P/T) had Terry try a stationary bike at therapy. It was interesting to see how well Terry could do. It wasn't very effective, though. We're also trying to practice with Terry just standing on one leg. If he can get to where he can stand and pivot, then sit in his wheelchair, that will give him more options (middle of the night, after water therapy when the leg is wet, etc.). On land and in water, they're working a bit with a single step. In the pool, that means Terry only has ONE handrail to help. On land, he's in the parallel bars when he tries the step. They have taken the walker completely away in water therapy. When he walks, he has a rail at the side of the pool to hold onto, but that's all. They're also working on him standing in the pool, TOTALLY unassisted! He has to go from a "floating" position to his feet and stand upright completely on his own. It's VERY hard!! He doesn't have quite enough strength and balance, yet. The best he's managed is about 10 seconds. James (P/T) and Julie (W/T) are BOTH working on strengthening, as well as Terry and I doing exercises at home every day. His left thigh is getting stronger quickly! James says that although most of the outward damage was done to Terry's left side, apparently the spinal cord damage affected his right side. Therefore his right leg does not respond as quickly to strength training and exercise. We'll keep working on it though. We're nowhere NEAR the end of the road!
One of the BEST things that has happened is that Terry got a COMPUTERIZED leg! We had thought that would be the next step, but we weren't sure when it might happen. It got to the point that the first leg was almost as much hindrance as help, so then it was time. The process took about 10 days from start to finish, and he got a "practice" computer leg 9/23. We all noticed a GREAT improvement right away! He has a more natural walk---which makes it less tiring, AND he stands taller. The new leg expanded his outlook IMMENSLY!!! With the old leg, Terry couldn't see EVER getting away from the walker. Within the first two weeks, he began to see MANY possibilities. We've gained HOPE!!! That, of course, gives him more drive and enthusiasm. As I said, this was a "practice" leg, so in order to get the right one, we had to give that one back. We MISSED it! They thought it would take only a week to get it ready, but it ended up taking TWO AND A HALF WEEKS!!! In that time, Terry was shown just how much difference it had made---in comfort, mobility, and strength. We DO finally have it back, so we'll see how he progresses now.
The final change is that Terry has begun Occupational Therapy again. They will help him to learn various tricks and tools in order to become more self-sufficient. I'm interested to see what kind of advances he can make there.
Now on to the less interesting stuff. I did clean out the workshop some, and we bought a ramp so that Terry can get in there. Jimmy built a table for Terry's scroll saw, and he's been able to use it a little. He STILL doesn't have a great energy level, so he's not out there often. I also cleaned the garage so that Terry can do transfers to the Jimmy more easily. He really needs a flat surface. The gravel drive, or the apron of the garage, weren't very good options. Now I have enough space to at least pull partway in and he can transfer easily. Now, if we'll just plan the extra few minutes it takes...... Terry has also begun keeping a record of good, medium and bad days. He has a pocket calendar that he marks each day. Even though he has a lot of pain at least PART of every day, the good days are out-numbering the bad. PRAISE GOD!!! It helps to look back and realize that on the worse days.
We went to several cook-outs over the summer. Those were great because it means Terry doesn't have to try to get in anyone's home. We don't realize it, but many homes can't even accommodate a portable ramp. It's amazing the things we don't think about until we're faced with an obstacle. We also went to a few festivals to visit with friends. Some friends we made in the concession business we only see at festivals. It was nice to see them and show them that Terry is MUCH better than a year ago.
Finally, I want to ask for prayer for many people. We've had several YOUNG friends die in accidents recently. Their families and friends need our prayers. Also there have been various health issues with friends and family. Please, just pray for comfort and healing. Terry and I can always use your prayers, too. Many days are VERY challenging, and we need strength AND vision to continue on the path ( of course I don't think we can get off the path right now.....). Once again, THANK YOU for your prayers and patience. I'll try to keep this working. God bless you!
One of the BEST things that has happened is that Terry got a COMPUTERIZED leg! We had thought that would be the next step, but we weren't sure when it might happen. It got to the point that the first leg was almost as much hindrance as help, so then it was time. The process took about 10 days from start to finish, and he got a "practice" computer leg 9/23. We all noticed a GREAT improvement right away! He has a more natural walk---which makes it less tiring, AND he stands taller. The new leg expanded his outlook IMMENSLY!!! With the old leg, Terry couldn't see EVER getting away from the walker. Within the first two weeks, he began to see MANY possibilities. We've gained HOPE!!! That, of course, gives him more drive and enthusiasm. As I said, this was a "practice" leg, so in order to get the right one, we had to give that one back. We MISSED it! They thought it would take only a week to get it ready, but it ended up taking TWO AND A HALF WEEKS!!! In that time, Terry was shown just how much difference it had made---in comfort, mobility, and strength. We DO finally have it back, so we'll see how he progresses now.
The final change is that Terry has begun Occupational Therapy again. They will help him to learn various tricks and tools in order to become more self-sufficient. I'm interested to see what kind of advances he can make there.
Now on to the less interesting stuff. I did clean out the workshop some, and we bought a ramp so that Terry can get in there. Jimmy built a table for Terry's scroll saw, and he's been able to use it a little. He STILL doesn't have a great energy level, so he's not out there often. I also cleaned the garage so that Terry can do transfers to the Jimmy more easily. He really needs a flat surface. The gravel drive, or the apron of the garage, weren't very good options. Now I have enough space to at least pull partway in and he can transfer easily. Now, if we'll just plan the extra few minutes it takes...... Terry has also begun keeping a record of good, medium and bad days. He has a pocket calendar that he marks each day. Even though he has a lot of pain at least PART of every day, the good days are out-numbering the bad. PRAISE GOD!!! It helps to look back and realize that on the worse days.
We went to several cook-outs over the summer. Those were great because it means Terry doesn't have to try to get in anyone's home. We don't realize it, but many homes can't even accommodate a portable ramp. It's amazing the things we don't think about until we're faced with an obstacle. We also went to a few festivals to visit with friends. Some friends we made in the concession business we only see at festivals. It was nice to see them and show them that Terry is MUCH better than a year ago.
Finally, I want to ask for prayer for many people. We've had several YOUNG friends die in accidents recently. Their families and friends need our prayers. Also there have been various health issues with friends and family. Please, just pray for comfort and healing. Terry and I can always use your prayers, too. Many days are VERY challenging, and we need strength AND vision to continue on the path ( of course I don't think we can get off the path right now.....). Once again, THANK YOU for your prayers and patience. I'll try to keep this working. God bless you!
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!
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
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Thru June 4, 2008
Hello everyone! I know it's been a LONG time, but Spring brings a LOT to do outside. I've been working in our flower beds, the kids have been playing outside, we've had a graduation, and things have been BUSY!!! We've started babysitting the boys on Saturday nights, then taking them to church with us on Sunday. They sat through several Worship services with us, then I started taking them to Sunday School. They enjoyed that enough that over the next two weeks (when I didn't have them for Sunday morning) they kept asking about it. They REALLY like going with us! We've also started a Bible Study on Monday nights. It's with a group that has invited us several times in the past, but with the business, we felt there wasn't time. It's interesting how much our focus has changed! Our grandson, Eric came home from Iraq sometime around April 30. He was HERE for 3 days, then had to go to CA for 2 weeks. Now he's here on a 30 day furlough. We've spent some time with him, but hope to have more before he leaves on June 14. Last Friday and Saturday Indiana had tornadoes! Several people from our church sustained quite a bit of damage, some had so much that their homes are not livable until MAJOR repairs are done. We PRAISE GOD that there were no injuries!! Now the good stuff! Terry is improving all of the time! About three weeks ago, the "quad" muscle FINALLY started working! They've tried LOTS of things to help that to work, to no avail. Then, during one therapy session, it fired for the first time! Now we're doing all we can to strengthen it and help it be more functional. This includes a new set of daily exercises, so I'm helping a lot in that. He also learned CAR TRANSFERS!!! For the first time in 16 months, he got to ride in the passenger seat of the Blazer!! We don't take it every time, because that means he has to use the manual wheelchair, but we try it 1-3 times a week. His walk time in the pool (300 feet) is diminishing all the time. The first time Julie timed it, it took over 17 minutes. Now, it's slightly over 13 minutes! On land, he has almost DOUBLED his best distance! He walked almost ONE HUNDRED feet on Monday at ONE attempt!!! He's standing in the pool each time, also. He hasn't yet achieved a minute (standing WITHOUT the walker), but he's ALMOST there. James is also working on Terry PUSHING off of his chair to stand on land! That is going well, also. We passed the one-year anniversary of Terry starting rehab at HMH. We've been looking at the early days and realizing how FAR God has brought him!! He had NO strength last year!! Now he's doing SO much more of his own care. I don't think I'll be out of a job too soon, though. What he is able to do is HELP me with his care, rolling himself onto his side, pulling himself up into a sitting position, etc. He still needs MUCH more strength, but there's more hope than ever before for an almost COMPLETE recovery. He will probably have limitations, but they may be much less than we would have thought just a short time ago. GOD is SO GOOD!!! He still sleeps in our bed once a week. I'm praying that increases SOON! The more he can do things in the "normal" way, the quicker he will improve. It IS a work in progress! Please pray for strength and wisdom for BOTH of us. Each hurdle seems harder than the last, and some days it seems he'll NEVER be free of pain. Thank God, He's promised to never leave us or forsake us. I'm SURE none of this would be possible without HIS care and comfort! Thank you for YOUR care and support! Keep praying!! Love, Lynn
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Weeks of April 22 to May 9, 2008
Hello again! It's been a short time, but MUCH has happened!! Terry slept in
our bed on April 22. The first time since the accident! It went pretty well. He didn't have much pain, and I was THRILLED to have him there! There are some things to work on yet, but with time it will be comfortable. He's trying it about once a week, so far, but I'm hoping that will multiply soon! I've begun to do a little walking on the "Pennsy Trail". It's the walking trail here in town. I REALLY want to get some exercise and lose some extra pounds. Terry went with me once, and will probably go again. If we could just get this Indiana weather straightened out... We've both been a little more sensitive lately. We NEED to gain perspective! So MANY hurdles have been crossed! God has been SO GRACIOUS!!! We've begun having Garrett and Logan overnight on Saturdays and taking them
to church on Sundays. They've done BEAUTIFULLY!!! They are so well-behaved in
church, I almost don't recognize them! We will continue this for the season, since Esteina will be working at the Track. I just thought I was going to work there... I like this even more! Terry walked at our church on April 13, then at Mom's church the next week.
They, too had been praying for Terry. The following week, a nephew had his confirmation, so we went to their church! We FINALLY get to go to OUR church again on Sunday! It has been nice to share with others, but we miss our friends! Last time, I wrote that Esteina was having some problems. They never really came up with a reason, but she is fine now. I want to thank everyone for their prayers! Eric has come home from Iraq! PRAISE GOD!!! He came to IN for 5 days right after he got back, even surprising Papaw Terry at therapy one day! He'll be here for a month beginning May 15. He HAS signed up for another four years. That
bothered Terry a bit, but we'll leave him in God's hands. We had a special "talk" to do at our pastor's wife's workplace. She wanted us to talk about the "new life" that has been gained since the accident. The day went VERY well! Several people spoke to us afterward, and I think God did touch some hearts through our words. We were certainly blessed by the
experience! We have sold the business. MOST of the equipment is already gone. Now, there's just a LOT of organizing to get some order in all of our storage spaces. It's AMAZING how much useless STUFF we have!! Now to the REALLY GOOD stuff. Terry is improving DAILY!!! He's doing some walking at home almost every day! A t therapy, he's stretched his longest walk to 54 FEET!!! He's also working at standing TOTALLY UNASSISTED in the pool. That time has gone from 21 seconds to 52 seconds in just two weeks! He works SO HARD!!!! He's also trying to get used to more time in his wheelchair. As the weather gets better, he WANTS to be outside more. If we'll get enough warm days together, he'll be up and about a LOT!!! God keeps blessing and Terry
keeps working! That's about all for now. You know I'll write again soon. There's too much
for me to keep it secret! Thank you for your caring and support! God bless you!
our bed on April 22. The first time since the accident! It went pretty well. He didn't have much pain, and I was THRILLED to have him there! There are some things to work on yet, but with time it will be comfortable. He's trying it about once a week, so far, but I'm hoping that will multiply soon! I've begun to do a little walking on the "Pennsy Trail". It's the walking trail here in town. I REALLY want to get some exercise and lose some extra pounds. Terry went with me once, and will probably go again. If we could just get this Indiana weather straightened out... We've both been a little more sensitive lately. We NEED to gain perspective! So MANY hurdles have been crossed! God has been SO GRACIOUS!!! We've begun having Garrett and Logan overnight on Saturdays and taking them
to church on Sundays. They've done BEAUTIFULLY!!! They are so well-behaved in
church, I almost don't recognize them! We will continue this for the season, since Esteina will be working at the Track. I just thought I was going to work there... I like this even more! Terry walked at our church on April 13, then at Mom's church the next week.
They, too had been praying for Terry. The following week, a nephew had his confirmation, so we went to their church! We FINALLY get to go to OUR church again on Sunday! It has been nice to share with others, but we miss our friends! Last time, I wrote that Esteina was having some problems. They never really came up with a reason, but she is fine now. I want to thank everyone for their prayers! Eric has come home from Iraq! PRAISE GOD!!! He came to IN for 5 days right after he got back, even surprising Papaw Terry at therapy one day! He'll be here for a month beginning May 15. He HAS signed up for another four years. That
bothered Terry a bit, but we'll leave him in God's hands. We had a special "talk" to do at our pastor's wife's workplace. She wanted us to talk about the "new life" that has been gained since the accident. The day went VERY well! Several people spoke to us afterward, and I think God did touch some hearts through our words. We were certainly blessed by the
experience! We have sold the business. MOST of the equipment is already gone. Now, there's just a LOT of organizing to get some order in all of our storage spaces. It's AMAZING how much useless STUFF we have!! Now to the REALLY GOOD stuff. Terry is improving DAILY!!! He's doing some walking at home almost every day! A t therapy, he's stretched his longest walk to 54 FEET!!! He's also working at standing TOTALLY UNASSISTED in the pool. That time has gone from 21 seconds to 52 seconds in just two weeks! He works SO HARD!!!! He's also trying to get used to more time in his wheelchair. As the weather gets better, he WANTS to be outside more. If we'll get enough warm days together, he'll be up and about a LOT!!! God keeps blessing and Terry
keeps working! That's about all for now. You know I'll write again soon. There's too much
for me to keep it secret! Thank you for your caring and support! God bless you!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Weeks of April 6 to 22, 2008
Dear friends,
If I don't get caught up with this soon, it will take all day! SO much has happened in the past two weeks, it's AMAZING!!!! April 6 began the racing season at the go-cart track. We went out there after church to "hang out" a bit and visit. They were SO BUSY that I offered to help. They gladly put me to work! Before I left, I offered to be there most race days, so my Sunday afternoons should be fairly busy for the summer. Terry, of course was there also. He'll help some as his healing and strength allows, but even spending the whole day in his w/c is an aid to endurance. He did very well that day!
A couple of men from "Bikers for Christ" came to visit. They want to have a benefit ride for Terry!! With all of the on-going expenses and the fact that we can't really work much, yet, it will be a blessing! The ride is to be June 14, beginning at New Life Christian Fellowship (our church) at 8:30 A.M. I have never really seen anything like this, so I don't know what to expect. I look forward to see what God has in store!
We've sold the concession business. It all went so quickly, we certainly feel that God has blessed the timing. Now we just have to do the work of straightening out ALL of the areas we had stored various equipment. I'm sure we'll have LOTS of warm days to work on that!
April 9 was a RED-LETTER DAY!!!! Terry walked 5 feet AT HOME!!!! He had been doing a lot of walking at therapy, and at our family's Easter gathering, he had walked 20' (since we had several strong men there for safety)! James (therapist) had said we should try to walk at home, but we were BOTH afraid. We FINALLY trusted that God would be with us, and Terry did it! That was the first of many "walks" at home. Some days he walks easily, and some days it's
HARD. He's building strength and confidence all of the time, though. The next place I wanted him to walk was church. He balked a bit at that. He wanted to be sure that the glory went to God, NOT Terry Adams. We arranged it with Mark (our pastor), and April 20 he walked about 25 feet in each service. Everyone was so THRILLED to see the work GOD has done!!!
Water therapy is going well, too. They're trying to work at BALANCE. Over the months of rehab, Terry has learned to rely on his arms for most of the work. He uses his legs SOME, but doesn't really trust them, yet. In water therapy,they want him to try to stand without holding onto anything. The first 2 weeks, he couldn't stand for more than 4 seconds before falling. We kept praying for a breakthrough. His body seems to "remember" what to do, but in his effort, he "over-thinks" many things, and can't seem to get it easily. Then he gets frustrated, and that just adds to the problem. Finally, on Friday April 18, he stood for 14 seconds!! And on Monday April 21, he stood for 21 seconds!!!! I PRAISE GOD for the breakthrough!! God's working on me, too. Through much prayer and patience, I've FINALLY realized that I'm allergic to the pool. I've always loved to swim, and never had any problem before, so it took a LONG time for me to realize what God had been trying to tell me. I kept praying for insight to my allergy problems, and through a series of events, He showed me the answer! I've not been in therapy with Terry for a WEEK, and the improvement is GREAT!!! God is SO FAITHFUL!! Why does it take SO LONG for us to TRUST HIM??!!!!
The weekend of April19 was challenging. Esteina didn't feel "right" all day and was pretty dizzy and having chest pains. We watched the boys all day Saturday so she could be checked. They didn't find anything really wrong, but she was to be "watched" and not be alone for awhile. We kept the boys overnight, too, so she and Mike could rest and recuperate. Mike brought her to our house on Sunday morning to spend the day until he was done at work, so it was a weekend
of family time. We asked for prayer and guidance so that the answer would be found. I'll update that more in the next blog.
April 22 was CHRISTMAS!!!! I have looked forward to the day that Terry would join me in OUR BED! He's been in the hospital bed since he came home. It is SO easy to handle EVERYTHING from there (since we've had so much practice). That bed is a HAVEN, as well. We've both been praying for courage and wisdom to know when to try our bed. I tried to think of everything to make it easier, as well as asking SEVERAL people to be in prayer for us. It went GREAT!!!!
Terry was able to sleep there all night with few problems, and LITTLE pain!! THANK YOU LORD!!! That was a HUGE step!!! Terry won't plan on sleeping there EVERY night, yet, but it will be soon, I'm sure.
As I said at the start, it's been a VERY full two weeks! God has BLESSED us in SO MANY ways!! Our grandson Eric will be coming home (to the US) any day, and our nephew Josh is already here! They are both Marines, and have been in Iraq. God has kept them safe for us, and we look forward to seeing them again! I'll write again when things start "piling-up". Maybe I'll have to go back to once a week! It's been so EXCITING to see the many things God has accomplished in just the past few weeks! THANK YOU for all of your prayers and support! I THANK GOD for all of YOU!!!
If I don't get caught up with this soon, it will take all day! SO much has happened in the past two weeks, it's AMAZING!!!! April 6 began the racing season at the go-cart track. We went out there after church to "hang out" a bit and visit. They were SO BUSY that I offered to help. They gladly put me to work! Before I left, I offered to be there most race days, so my Sunday afternoons should be fairly busy for the summer. Terry, of course was there also. He'll help some as his healing and strength allows, but even spending the whole day in his w/c is an aid to endurance. He did very well that day!
A couple of men from "Bikers for Christ" came to visit. They want to have a benefit ride for Terry!! With all of the on-going expenses and the fact that we can't really work much, yet, it will be a blessing! The ride is to be June 14, beginning at New Life Christian Fellowship (our church) at 8:30 A.M. I have never really seen anything like this, so I don't know what to expect. I look forward to see what God has in store!
We've sold the concession business. It all went so quickly, we certainly feel that God has blessed the timing. Now we just have to do the work of straightening out ALL of the areas we had stored various equipment. I'm sure we'll have LOTS of warm days to work on that!
April 9 was a RED-LETTER DAY!!!! Terry walked 5 feet AT HOME!!!! He had been doing a lot of walking at therapy, and at our family's Easter gathering, he had walked 20' (since we had several strong men there for safety)! James (therapist) had said we should try to walk at home, but we were BOTH afraid. We FINALLY trusted that God would be with us, and Terry did it! That was the first of many "walks" at home. Some days he walks easily, and some days it's
HARD. He's building strength and confidence all of the time, though. The next place I wanted him to walk was church. He balked a bit at that. He wanted to be sure that the glory went to God, NOT Terry Adams. We arranged it with Mark (our pastor), and April 20 he walked about 25 feet in each service. Everyone was so THRILLED to see the work GOD has done!!!
Water therapy is going well, too. They're trying to work at BALANCE. Over the months of rehab, Terry has learned to rely on his arms for most of the work. He uses his legs SOME, but doesn't really trust them, yet. In water therapy,they want him to try to stand without holding onto anything. The first 2 weeks, he couldn't stand for more than 4 seconds before falling. We kept praying for a breakthrough. His body seems to "remember" what to do, but in his effort, he "over-thinks" many things, and can't seem to get it easily. Then he gets frustrated, and that just adds to the problem. Finally, on Friday April 18, he stood for 14 seconds!! And on Monday April 21, he stood for 21 seconds!!!! I PRAISE GOD for the breakthrough!! God's working on me, too. Through much prayer and patience, I've FINALLY realized that I'm allergic to the pool. I've always loved to swim, and never had any problem before, so it took a LONG time for me to realize what God had been trying to tell me. I kept praying for insight to my allergy problems, and through a series of events, He showed me the answer! I've not been in therapy with Terry for a WEEK, and the improvement is GREAT!!! God is SO FAITHFUL!! Why does it take SO LONG for us to TRUST HIM??!!!!
The weekend of April19 was challenging. Esteina didn't feel "right" all day and was pretty dizzy and having chest pains. We watched the boys all day Saturday so she could be checked. They didn't find anything really wrong, but she was to be "watched" and not be alone for awhile. We kept the boys overnight, too, so she and Mike could rest and recuperate. Mike brought her to our house on Sunday morning to spend the day until he was done at work, so it was a weekend
of family time. We asked for prayer and guidance so that the answer would be found. I'll update that more in the next blog.
April 22 was CHRISTMAS!!!! I have looked forward to the day that Terry would join me in OUR BED! He's been in the hospital bed since he came home. It is SO easy to handle EVERYTHING from there (since we've had so much practice). That bed is a HAVEN, as well. We've both been praying for courage and wisdom to know when to try our bed. I tried to think of everything to make it easier, as well as asking SEVERAL people to be in prayer for us. It went GREAT!!!!
Terry was able to sleep there all night with few problems, and LITTLE pain!! THANK YOU LORD!!! That was a HUGE step!!! Terry won't plan on sleeping there EVERY night, yet, but it will be soon, I'm sure.
As I said at the start, it's been a VERY full two weeks! God has BLESSED us in SO MANY ways!! Our grandson Eric will be coming home (to the US) any day, and our nephew Josh is already here! They are both Marines, and have been in Iraq. God has kept them safe for us, and we look forward to seeing them again! I'll write again when things start "piling-up". Maybe I'll have to go back to once a week! It's been so EXCITING to see the many things God has accomplished in just the past few weeks! THANK YOU for all of your prayers and support! I THANK GOD for all of YOU!!!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Weeks of March 17 to April 6, 2008
Things have been moving along very well since the last time I wrote. Terry's average distance while walking went from 10 feet on March 14 to about 25 feet by March 28. He is SO determined!! I PRAISE GOD for the strength of character I see in Terry EVERY DAY!!! He had set a goal of being able to walk 140 feet by the end of March , and he met that goal a WEEK early! Then, since Terry was doing so well, the therapist (James) started working on other things. We started learning "stand & pivot" transfers to and from his chair or bed. For the first few times, we only practiced that at therapy. Then Terry and I got brave and started trying at home. It works VERY well, at least MOST of the time. Just for some excitement last week, we had one attempt that didn't work. He was trying to sit on the bed, and was too close to the edge. He kind of did a slow slide to his prosthetic knee. Not knowing what else to do, we laid him
down on the floor (first time he's been there in over a year!), then called 911 (help! He's fallen and he can't get up!! HA-HA-HA!!!). They of course came right away and it was all taken care of VERY WELL, with no problem. They were glad to get an update on the "accident victim", since they had also been on that run (February 14, 2007). Several people called to make sure all was okay. It's so WONDERFUL that so many people watch out for us! We have decided to sell the business. We think we're headed in a different direction at this point, and we weren't sure we could really do the business justice anyway. There's still a LOT of therapy and practice needed, and that all takes time. Spring is here --sort of-- so that means Esteina needs to work more. We get to baby-sit on Saturday's!! YEAH!!! We've missed those kids. Terry is SO much better then he was last year! We think we can handle the energy of the kids a LOT better. Back to PROGRESS news - up until March 20 Terry was walking with a lot of help from the therapist. Then, on that VERY SPECIAL day, James "locked" Terry's prosthetic knee, and HE WALKED ALONE!!!! He used the walker for balance, but NO ONE was holding him!! He walked an average of 25 feet each time after that. At one point, James said that with the progress Terry's making, he should be able to move around the house AS HE WISHES by MAY 31!!!! We IMMEDIATELY joined hands and PRAISED GOD for HIS work in Terry! It seems SO SOON after this LONG year! We started water therapy again this past week. James thinks the water is the best -- and safest -- place for Terry to work on balance. After the first week when we had three days in the water, we'll go to 2 on land and 2 in the pool. That way, he will get the benefits of both. I'm EXCITED to see what God has in store for us! We've been asked to speak about all of the new life we have experienced since the accident. We're looking forward to it, and trying to "see" if this is the first step in the new direction we're to go. We are doing our best at trying to listen to God's leading. He's been SO FAITHFUL to us through all of this, we are humbled and GRATEFUL for HIS many blessings! I think that's about all for now. It has certainly seemed the progress is getting faster and faster. Terry's strength and endurance improve all the time!
BALANCE is the current hurdle, but with God's help, Terry will gain that soon, I'm sure. He still deals with a fair amount of pain, but we THINK that means the spinal cord is healing. The pain seems to be in a certain area for 2-3 weeks, and then moves down. We hope for COMPLETE healing, so that he can feel his legs and feet better. I'll write again when I can. I'll let all of you know if I'm going to "finish" this sometime. THANK YOU for your PRAYERS, ENCOURAGEMENT and continued interest. All of YOU are being used by God to keep us going!
down on the floor (first time he's been there in over a year!), then called 911 (help! He's fallen and he can't get up!! HA-HA-HA!!!). They of course came right away and it was all taken care of VERY WELL, with no problem. They were glad to get an update on the "accident victim", since they had also been on that run (February 14, 2007). Several people called to make sure all was okay. It's so WONDERFUL that so many people watch out for us! We have decided to sell the business. We think we're headed in a different direction at this point, and we weren't sure we could really do the business justice anyway. There's still a LOT of therapy and practice needed, and that all takes time. Spring is here --sort of-- so that means Esteina needs to work more. We get to baby-sit on Saturday's!! YEAH!!! We've missed those kids. Terry is SO much better then he was last year! We think we can handle the energy of the kids a LOT better. Back to PROGRESS news - up until March 20 Terry was walking with a lot of help from the therapist. Then, on that VERY SPECIAL day, James "locked" Terry's prosthetic knee, and HE WALKED ALONE!!!! He used the walker for balance, but NO ONE was holding him!! He walked an average of 25 feet each time after that. At one point, James said that with the progress Terry's making, he should be able to move around the house AS HE WISHES by MAY 31!!!! We IMMEDIATELY joined hands and PRAISED GOD for HIS work in Terry! It seems SO SOON after this LONG year! We started water therapy again this past week. James thinks the water is the best -- and safest -- place for Terry to work on balance. After the first week when we had three days in the water, we'll go to 2 on land and 2 in the pool. That way, he will get the benefits of both. I'm EXCITED to see what God has in store for us! We've been asked to speak about all of the new life we have experienced since the accident. We're looking forward to it, and trying to "see" if this is the first step in the new direction we're to go. We are doing our best at trying to listen to God's leading. He's been SO FAITHFUL to us through all of this, we are humbled and GRATEFUL for HIS many blessings! I think that's about all for now. It has certainly seemed the progress is getting faster and faster. Terry's strength and endurance improve all the time!
BALANCE is the current hurdle, but with God's help, Terry will gain that soon, I'm sure. He still deals with a fair amount of pain, but we THINK that means the spinal cord is healing. The pain seems to be in a certain area for 2-3 weeks, and then moves down. We hope for COMPLETE healing, so that he can feel his legs and feet better. I'll write again when I can. I'll let all of you know if I'm going to "finish" this sometime. THANK YOU for your PRAYERS, ENCOURAGEMENT and continued interest. All of YOU are being used by God to keep us going!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Weeks of March 3-16, 2008
Dear friends,
Entries will be a little less frequent from now on. Terry is steadily progressing, THANK GOD!!! I will try to keep everyone posted of major events. Since Feb. 25, when he began work with the walker, he's improved his distance almost 300%!!!! The first day he walked 22 feet, and on March 14 he walked 62 feet!! His endurance is improving all of the time, and he doesn't need as many rest breaks either. He walked the 22 feet in 5 starts and stops, and it only took 4 starts and stops to walk the 62 feet. His greatest distance at one try has gone from 3 feet to 16 feet!! He DOES need the help and experience of the therapist still, so he can't yet walk anywhere else but therapy. We continue to practice standing to the walker at home each day. He's getting better at that all the time, as well. Our daily routine includes MUCH more activity from him. The therapist is having Terry do some kind of exercise or stretching every hour. It's encouraging to see the benefits Terry reaps in strength, balance, and ability. We seem to continue to have van problems. Apparently, these types of vans are NOT well made, and many are prone to various problems. We had a very special visit last week. It was a snowy, low-visibility day, and we were trying to decide if we would be able to go to therapy. At one point,when I looked out the back window, I saw 20+ Great Blue Herons!!! They were evidently flying as a group when it got too difficult to fly well. They stayed for about two hours, just sitting in the pasture. It was WONDERFUL to see!!! Terry saw the hand specialist again, and he was pleased with Terry's progress. Since Terry can't really feel that hand very well, the doctor didn't think he'd improve much. He said to just keep working. Feeling is returning in stages. We're THANKFUL for that, but it unfortunately means Terry hurts more. Right now, he can feel all of the hardware in his back. We pray for a lessening of the pain. That's all for now. I'll write again soon. THANK YOU for your prayers and encouragement!
Entries will be a little less frequent from now on. Terry is steadily progressing, THANK GOD!!! I will try to keep everyone posted of major events. Since Feb. 25, when he began work with the walker, he's improved his distance almost 300%!!!! The first day he walked 22 feet, and on March 14 he walked 62 feet!! His endurance is improving all of the time, and he doesn't need as many rest breaks either. He walked the 22 feet in 5 starts and stops, and it only took 4 starts and stops to walk the 62 feet. His greatest distance at one try has gone from 3 feet to 16 feet!! He DOES need the help and experience of the therapist still, so he can't yet walk anywhere else but therapy. We continue to practice standing to the walker at home each day. He's getting better at that all the time, as well. Our daily routine includes MUCH more activity from him. The therapist is having Terry do some kind of exercise or stretching every hour. It's encouraging to see the benefits Terry reaps in strength, balance, and ability. We seem to continue to have van problems. Apparently, these types of vans are NOT well made, and many are prone to various problems. We had a very special visit last week. It was a snowy, low-visibility day, and we were trying to decide if we would be able to go to therapy. At one point,when I looked out the back window, I saw 20+ Great Blue Herons!!! They were evidently flying as a group when it got too difficult to fly well. They stayed for about two hours, just sitting in the pasture. It was WONDERFUL to see!!! Terry saw the hand specialist again, and he was pleased with Terry's progress. Since Terry can't really feel that hand very well, the doctor didn't think he'd improve much. He said to just keep working. Feeling is returning in stages. We're THANKFUL for that, but it unfortunately means Terry hurts more. Right now, he can feel all of the hardware in his back. We pray for a lessening of the pain. That's all for now. I'll write again soon. THANK YOU for your prayers and encouragement!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Week of February 25, 2008
Terry is doing so well in therapy!! He walks farther each day. His endurance is improving, as well. He doesn't seem to need the long break periods between attempts at walking. When he started, he'd walk a few steps, then rest for 3-4 minutes. Now it's down to a minute or so. We had to go to Methodist for a test this week. While we were there, we went up to the CCU. We saw a couple of the people that were VERY involved with Terry's care. They were SO GLAD to see his progress. He spent so long just barely alive. God is SO GOOD!!! I got the chance to go to the circus with Esteina ,Garrett, Logan, Rylee, and Donna. We had a GREAT time! I even rode an elephant! The evening out was good for me. We are practicing standing with the walker at home. Most days, that goes quite well. With time and patience, he'll be walking!!! We continue to pray for strength and determination. Some days seem VERY hard!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Week of February 18, 2008
This has been a good week! Terry is practicing standing at home, and since we couldn't get help a couple of days, we're doing it ourselves! It's good to not have to try to fit in someone else's schedule. At therapy, James has begun having Terry work at walking with the walker. Tuesday was the only time this week, but Terry took 4-5 steps during each of three attempts. He's doing
FANTASTIC!!! We also saw the orthopedic surgeon this week, and he MARVELLED at Terry's progress! He just grins with glee upon hearing of Terry's achievements. It's SO encouraging for us! While there, we made an appointment with the hand specialist. We hope the EXTRA bone growth is ready to be taken care of. That will mean another surgery, but Terry is wanting more use with that hand. We'll see him in March. On Friday, we had Julie for therapy again (James was out). She was also impressed with the gains Terry has made since she last treated him. It's been a GOOD week!
FANTASTIC!!! We also saw the orthopedic surgeon this week, and he MARVELLED at Terry's progress! He just grins with glee upon hearing of Terry's achievements. It's SO encouraging for us! While there, we made an appointment with the hand specialist. We hope the EXTRA bone growth is ready to be taken care of. That will mean another surgery, but Terry is wanting more use with that hand. We'll see him in March. On Friday, we had Julie for therapy again (James was out). She was also impressed with the gains Terry has made since she last treated him. It's been a GOOD week!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Week of February 11, 2008
This has been a roller-coaster week! We've weathered some tough memories, both before the accident and after, but there have been many WONDERFUL things to remember, too. The way everyone has gathered around us with prayer, love, and TIME given has been overwhelming. There have been many gifts given as well. I look back over the year and am humbled and awed at the many ways God has used people to do HIS work in our lives. We are forever grateful!!
It's been a week of ups and downs in progress, too. Therapy on Monday was canceled because James was sick, so we had a play day. We went to dinner (my birthday was Tuesday) and ran a few errands.
Tuesday therapy went well, and we did a little birthday shopping that day. The weather isn't cooperating much. We had sheets of ice on the walk, the drive, etc. I tried to clear it, but then just put salt down.
Wednesday Terry had his first time in his Jacuzzi tub! A grandson and I lowered him in and Terry REALLY enjoyed it! When he was done, we had to lift him out, too. It was awkward for all of us, but I thought Terry ought to get to try it, and that was the only way.
Thursday was a full day. Terry had a doctor appointment in the morning. Then we went to visit our friends at RHI. Terry showed off a little bit, and they were all glad to see him. We came home for a bit, then headed out for the surprise party I had planned. We had mostly our family there, with a few friends, to celebrate LIFE!!! We're all thankful that Terry's still here and doing SO WELL!! He received lots of cards of encouragement. It was a GOOD evening! We made it through the hardest week!
Friday therapy went well. James taught me how to "help" Terry to stand at the walker, then told us we should begin doing that at home. What a scary thought! If we will do that at home, he can work on walking at therapy. Plus, Terry will strengthen that much quicker with more practice.
On Saturday we had Jimmy over to help with the standing. For a while, we'll have a strong man there to assist as needed. He may not have to do much, but we need the safety factor. It went WELL! Terry stood nicely 7 times, with only one bad attempt in the middle.
Sunday was a fairly quiet day. We had our grandson to help with the standing. For whatever reason, it didn't go as well. He only had two good attempts, with several poor tries. We'll get a refresher tomorrow at therapy. As usual, it's been a FULL week. We're glad to be past the year mark. The next year looks very hopeful!
It's been a week of ups and downs in progress, too. Therapy on Monday was canceled because James was sick, so we had a play day. We went to dinner (my birthday was Tuesday) and ran a few errands.
Tuesday therapy went well, and we did a little birthday shopping that day. The weather isn't cooperating much. We had sheets of ice on the walk, the drive, etc. I tried to clear it, but then just put salt down.
Wednesday Terry had his first time in his Jacuzzi tub! A grandson and I lowered him in and Terry REALLY enjoyed it! When he was done, we had to lift him out, too. It was awkward for all of us, but I thought Terry ought to get to try it, and that was the only way.
Thursday was a full day. Terry had a doctor appointment in the morning. Then we went to visit our friends at RHI. Terry showed off a little bit, and they were all glad to see him. We came home for a bit, then headed out for the surprise party I had planned. We had mostly our family there, with a few friends, to celebrate LIFE!!! We're all thankful that Terry's still here and doing SO WELL!! He received lots of cards of encouragement. It was a GOOD evening! We made it through the hardest week!
Friday therapy went well. James taught me how to "help" Terry to stand at the walker, then told us we should begin doing that at home. What a scary thought! If we will do that at home, he can work on walking at therapy. Plus, Terry will strengthen that much quicker with more practice.
On Saturday we had Jimmy over to help with the standing. For a while, we'll have a strong man there to assist as needed. He may not have to do much, but we need the safety factor. It went WELL! Terry stood nicely 7 times, with only one bad attempt in the middle.
Sunday was a fairly quiet day. We had our grandson to help with the standing. For whatever reason, it didn't go as well. He only had two good attempts, with several poor tries. We'll get a refresher tomorrow at therapy. As usual, it's been a FULL week. We're glad to be past the year mark. The next year looks very hopeful!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Week of February 4, 2008
This was a week of ups and downs. We had a foggy day Tuesday, and on bad weather days, Terry's therapy doesn't go as well. He also hurts more. We missed Monday and Thursday therapy, so I was concerned about progress. Then on Friday, he had a GREAT day! The therapist is still having him work on standing at the walker - sometimes weight-shifting and sometimes reaching with one hand. Terry did all of that well. Then as a strengthening and re-enforcing exercise, he stood up and sat right back down TEN times in a row!! It definitely wore him out, but he was pleased with the progress. We had several visitors over the weekend, and enjoyed that time. The one year anniversary is coming, and we're having mixed emotions as a
result. We have SO MANY blessings!!!!! But it has also been a LONG, hard year. We're trying to look to the future and remember that God is our strength! He's been so near to us this year. We PRAISE HIM for the guidance and HEALING!
result. We have SO MANY blessings!!!!! But it has also been a LONG, hard year. We're trying to look to the future and remember that God is our strength! He's been so near to us this year. We PRAISE HIM for the guidance and HEALING!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Week of January 28, 2007
Terry's been working (in therapy) at standing with a walker. James really focussed on that this week. Obviously, the parallel bars are not portable, but when Terry gets comfortable with the walker, he can stand ANYWHERE! That day is coming SOON! Also, WALKING with the walker shouldn't be too far behind. I'm getting S-O-O-O excited! I just keep PRAISING GOD for His WONDROUS work in Terry!!! Terry's still doing some form of movement each hour of the day. That seems to be getting easier to remember and accomplish. Sometimes a nap might interrupt. I've been working on the journal this week. I wrote it in spiral notebooks, in a rather haphazard fashion. I've been trying to get it all in order in a binder so it is easier to read. In the process, I've been reading it. It's AMAZING how far God has brought us in a year! We had a few visitors on Saturday. It made for a nice day! We're praying for continued strength and healing for Terry, as well as determination to reach the goal. Some days it seems pretty far off yet. That patience thing...... Thank you all for your prayers!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Week of January 21, 2008
Therapy on Monday went very well. Terry was able to lay down and sit back up with minimal help from the therapist. Then, when the session was over, James helped Terry stand and pivot to get back into his chair. When we get to the point that I can assist with that--safely-- it will make a HUGE difference in Terry's mobility. Tuesday therapy was fantastic! Terry was working in the parallel bars. That day, he STOOD AND WALKED WITH NO ASSISTANCE!!! Then just to prove it wasn't a fluke, he did it again! Praise God!!! The strengthening and improvements are coming much faster at this point. After therapy, I took the van in to be worked on again. We didn't get it back until Thursday, so we got a ride to therapy on Thursday, but didn't go anywhere else those days. Friday at therapy was a harder day. James has shown Terry that his balance point is off-center, and wants Terry to find the RIGHT balance. Due to all of the injury to his left side, he leans to his right a bit. Since he's done this for so long, it's HARD to FEEL that it's wrong. This will be an on-going challenge for a time. We baby-sat for two different sets of grandchildren this week, and had one set overnight. It was great to spend time with them! We also had a couple of naps in our bed. I look forward to the time when Terry's pain and discomfort are down enough that he can sleep in our bed for a full night! We had a full, EXCITING week!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Week of January 14, 2008
James (therapist) is encouraging Terry to do more "regular" exercising. Pick a few things, and do 15-25 reps of one each hour. Over time Terry has gotten out of the habit of moving, so he has to INTENTIONALLY re-learn that habit. Terry has worked at it fairly well this week. We had to take the van to McCrocklin Ford this week. It needs a couple of things worked on. They have ordered the parts, and we'll take it back for repair when they come in. I took the day off on Wednesday, Jimmy stayed with Terry and I spent the day with my mom. We went downtown this time. It was a COLD day, but we enjoyed the time together. On Thursday, Terry pointedly asked James about his progress. James said that in the past two weeks, he's seen a LOT of improvement. He sees much more potential than he had for awhile. The land therapy seems to be strengthening Terry just as we had hoped. On Friday after therapy, Terry and Mike went to the wood-working show at the fairgrounds. That gave me a few hours at home alone. I got a few things done, and just enjoyed the un-interrupted time alone. On Sunday, we went to Sunday school for the first time in a LONG time. We enjoyed it! Later, Esteina invited us to go bowling with her and the boys and Donna. We all had fun doing that! Esteina was the champ of the day, almost doubling anyone else's score. We had a quiet evening.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Week of January 7, 2008
I was sick from Sunday to Wednesday. We went to therapy anyway on Monday, and found out we have a problem with the door on the van. We tried to get it worked on, but will have to take it to the mobility place next week. Later in the week, we also found a gas-line leak in the van. Sometimes it seems we have more than our share of problems. Therapy this week - Monday, Thursday, and Friday went well. We keep finding things Terry CAN do that we weren't aware of. The therapist will have him try a new way of moving, and he'll just do it. Hopefully it will translate into new functional gains in the next weeks. He's definitely getting stronger! Terry went to Pro Bull Riding with Michael on Friday. It was a surprise evening planned by Mike. I got the evening off, so I had a hair appointment, and then went to visit Esteina and the boys. It was a nice evening! Saturday was family day. We had one family for brunch, and another for dinner. We hadn't seen much of the grandkids since Christmas, so we were glad to see them. As usual, we've had a full week!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Week of December 31, 2007
We started land therapy exclusively this week. Terry's hit a plateau in the
water and needs the strengthening that land therapy will provide. One of the
major things they will be working on is balance. In order to really walk,
Terry will have to find his balance WITHOUT holding on. That was a tough one.
Wed. was the first time he tried, and it was frightening! He'll get better with
time and practice. We saw the neurosurgeon this week. He was very pleased
with Terry's progress, and AMAZED that he's taking steps. The doctor doesn't
need to see Terry for a year, now. The rest of the week was fairly routine, but
Terry is making progress in therapy. He has strength we weren't aware of, and
we'll build on that. I woke on Sun. feeling under the weather, so we didn't
get to church. Before 1:00, we had received three phone calls with people
from church checking on us. It's GREAT to be cared for by so many. God is GOOD!!
water and needs the strengthening that land therapy will provide. One of the
major things they will be working on is balance. In order to really walk,
Terry will have to find his balance WITHOUT holding on. That was a tough one.
Wed. was the first time he tried, and it was frightening! He'll get better with
time and practice. We saw the neurosurgeon this week. He was very pleased
with Terry's progress, and AMAZED that he's taking steps. The doctor doesn't
need to see Terry for a year, now. The rest of the week was fairly routine, but
Terry is making progress in therapy. He has strength we weren't aware of, and
we'll build on that. I woke on Sun. feeling under the weather, so we didn't
get to church. Before 1:00, we had received three phone calls with people
from church checking on us. It's GREAT to be cared for by so many. God is GOOD!!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Week of December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve with the family was GREAT!!! We went out to the track again, so we had PLENTY of room. The kids (and Terry) chased around a lot, and we all had a good time just catching up. Terry's sister and family were here from N. Carolina. Jeannine and Craig hadn't seen Terry since he was in intensive care, so they were VERY pleased with how good he looks. It was a wonderful day. On Christmas, we went to Mom's. It was a small gathering this year. Lincoln and Jen are in England (they called) and Debbie and her family are on their normal Christmas vacation, so there were only 7 of us. Terry was hurting a little more than usual today, too, so we didn't stay long. We enjoyed the time, though. It's ALWAYS nice to visit. with family.
We had a quiet day at home on Wednesday, just trying to catch up on housework. Jeannine and Craig came for a visit. It's easier to talk when everyone is not there. We enjoyed seeing them again.
At therapy, James said we would try land therapy only for a while. It will still be 4 days a week, but all on land. Two days we'll work on walking, and the other 2 will be time for other skills and strengthening.
On Saturday, we finally babysat the boys again. It's been a LONG time! It was good to spend some time with them. The rest of the weekend was quiet.
We had a quiet day at home on Wednesday, just trying to catch up on housework. Jeannine and Craig came for a visit. It's easier to talk when everyone is not there. We enjoyed seeing them again.
At therapy, James said we would try land therapy only for a while. It will still be 4 days a week, but all on land. Two days we'll work on walking, and the other 2 will be time for other skills and strengthening.
On Saturday, we finally babysat the boys again. It's been a LONG time! It was good to spend some time with them. The rest of the weekend was quiet.
Week of December 17, 2007
Water therapy on Monday went MUCH better. He was able to stand unsupported for about 3 minutes. He IS getting stronger! Aunt Liz had therapy today, she had a large tumor removed. We'll be praying that her cancer treatment goes well.
At Tuesday therapy, Suzanne from church came to tape Terry walking. The church has been SO supportive, we wanted them to have visible proof of the power of prayer. They'll edit that and show it on Sunday.
On Wednesday we went to have Terry's leg shortened just a bit. Now that he is standing on land, he noticed a pinching. They took care of that, and he could tell a difference immediately.
On Thursday Debby Knox came to do a follow-up on Terry. They showed it that evening! (There is a link to it on this site.) She continues to be impressed with his progress, as we all are. Praise God for His wonders shown! After they left, James wanted to try a walker with wheels and a seat. James sat on the seat facing Terry, and they tried that. It's a little early yet, but it looks like it could be soon.
At Friday therapy, we discussed the possibility of going to land therapy only for a while. Terry seems to be at a plateau in the water, so it might be time for a change again. We'll talk to James about it next week.
Saturday was a fairly quiet day.
Then we had the exciting Sunday! We got to show the video of Terry!!! Everyone was pleased. We had a quiet day after that.
At Tuesday therapy, Suzanne from church came to tape Terry walking. The church has been SO supportive, we wanted them to have visible proof of the power of prayer. They'll edit that and show it on Sunday.
On Wednesday we went to have Terry's leg shortened just a bit. Now that he is standing on land, he noticed a pinching. They took care of that, and he could tell a difference immediately.
On Thursday Debby Knox came to do a follow-up on Terry. They showed it that evening! (There is a link to it on this site.) She continues to be impressed with his progress, as we all are. Praise God for His wonders shown! After they left, James wanted to try a walker with wheels and a seat. James sat on the seat facing Terry, and they tried that. It's a little early yet, but it looks like it could be soon.
At Friday therapy, we discussed the possibility of going to land therapy only for a while. Terry seems to be at a plateau in the water, so it might be time for a change again. We'll talk to James about it next week.
Saturday was a fairly quiet day.
Then we had the exciting Sunday! We got to show the video of Terry!!! Everyone was pleased. We had a quiet day after that.
Week of December 10, 2007
This was a week full of ups and downs. Terry was having a rough time early in the week. Therapy in the pool wasn't going too well, and that is discouraging. Then Tuesday came. He had land therapy today. James wanted to work in the parallel bars. Terry got all set up, then he TOOK SEVERAL STEPS!!!!! Then, just to prove he could, he did it twice more! PRAISE GOD!!!! God definitely lifts us up when we need it most! Thursday therapy was good again, but then Friday in the pool he had a hard time again. He can't seem to put weight on the prosthetic in the pool. Then it snowed on Sat., so we were homebound Sat. and Sun. It was a FULL week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
