February 14, 2009 Update

As you can tell by the date, today is the two year anniversary of the accident. We certainly go over things about that day and the days before when the anniversary is approaching. Of course, we miss some of the things that we've lost, but we're GRATEFUL for many of the blessings we've gained! We have a MUCH stronger appreciation for our God and His provision for us. We've also grown much closer, both as a couple and with our family and friends. Although we "knew" beforehand that money and 'things' mean little in the grand scheme of life, we have seen very clearly ways in which we were remiss in being AWARE of God and His CONSTANT PRESENCE and great LOVE for us! We're learning!

Now for the update...We've had several changes just in the past month. Because it has been so cold, we've realized that the van REALLY doesn't operate well if it's very cold. We HAVE cleaned out and re-arranged the garage (with MAJOR help form two sons) so that I can park in there overnight. That seems to help greatly! It also means I don't have to scrape the windows. Another bonus is I can unload in the "warmth" of the garage. Yeah!! Even with all of that, we still missed 3 therapy sessions, two due to snow, and one because of BITTER cold. We were blessed during the snows. Our driveway was plowed TWICE by two different, anonymous, "snow angels". It has long amazed me how many ways people think of to help. There are ALWAYS friends at church watching out for us, and I also know that there are MANY people I could call for help if needed. Thankfully, we are becoming more self-sufficient, as well.

Terry had a day out with Mike last month. They enjoyed their time together, and I enjoyed the 'break'. I don't often have time alone at home anymore, so it was a nice change. Terry had an appointment with his neurosurgeon last month also. It was on a day that snowed quite a bit. We allowed ourselves extra time, but were late anyway. The news was GREAT, though. Terry has been experiencing a new sensation lately, and the doctor said it sounded like further healing. PRAISE GOD!! Terry's right leg is continuing to heal~ Our hope is that it will heal sufficiently so that it will "feel" and function normally. The doctor's words definetly gave us hope for that possibility.The doctor ordered a CT scan, just to check for any movement of the screws and such. We should hear the results of that soon. It was a good visit. The doctor was VERY impressed with Terry's progress. After the surgery, he had LITTLE idea that Terry wouldn't be paralyzed. God is SO GOOD!!! After the appointment, we headed home. The snow was falling thicker and traffic was SLOW!! We FINALLY got home about 6 1/2 hours after we left. The total time SHOULD have been 3 1/2 hours. What a LONG day!!

Now for the REALLY interesting stuff. Terry is making GREAT gains in distance. Last month I wrote that his walks were at least 100 feet. As of Monday, 2/09/09, James said he wouldn't accept less than 300 feet per walk. Terry's best distance,a new record he achieved on 2/13, was 515 FEET!!! He works SO HARD!!! That 515 feet left him WORN OUT! Thankfully, recovery time is getting shorter, too. They're also working more on standing/balance, and I realized I misled you last month. When I said Terry had stood for a minute, I didn't say that James was holding Terry's hips (lightly, but holding). This month I can report that Terry stood WITH NO SUPPORT for 15 seconds! The balance and trunk strength still need work, but progress is being made all the time! Each session brings new gains, as well as renewed hope. There's no telling how far Terry can improve!

That's all for now. I'll get back with you next month (I hope). Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, as well as for all of your encouragement!