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!

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!

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!

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!