October 29 to December 3, 2008‏

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