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!