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!