April 16, 2009

Hello again friends! It's been a VERY FULL month!! One of the most WONDERFUL things happenned on March 17, right after the last update. Terry let me get rid of the hospital bed!!! It's GONE!!! PRAISE GOD!!! He hadn't been sleeping in it much, but it was still the most comfortable place to be. Thankfully, he gave me the "gift" of letting it go. I FINALLY have my family room back!

There have certainly been other great advances. He figured out the "tricks" necessary to sit up on the side of the bed unassisted! That was a HARD one to conquer. Some days it still isn't possible, depending on his strength in the morning and his level of pain. He also has begun walking MUCH MORE at home. James assigned him the "homework" of five 100' walks each day. MOST days he's getting in at least four of them. It's made a LOT of improvement in his ability to stand from his chair, and to walk with more assurance. It's still difficult, but it IS getting easier.

On April 16th, he had his first therapy session at the Wellness Center ON LAND. James wanted him to start some upper body strengthening. He also needs to regain his flexibility. Since we've concentrated SO MUCH on walking, and his hands are always on the walker, he's lost mobility in his shoulders. I think that will improve QUICKLY!! We will have a FEW sessions under the direction of the therapist (Julie again), then we'll be on our own there. We'll still see James twice a week at the hospital, then have two days a week at the Wellness Center.

James introduced Terry to a new pain-blocking device. Terry seems to have fairly constant pain, but sometimes it's too much to handle very well. This new unit will help with that. It's been great so far!

In our family life, we're beginning to baby-sit more often. We'll have the two boys most weekends over the summer while Mom and Dad work. We take them to Sunday School with us, and they really enjoy it. An older cousin comes with us a lot of times. She spends the night fairly often, and is a GREAT help with the boys!!

We are just beginning a new ministry. We're EXCITED!!! After having gone through all of the physical difficulties that Terry's endured, he still has a VERY positive, joy-ful attitude, praising God for His help and provision. Our pastor felt that Terry had been uniquely prepared for a ministry of encouragement. We're in a short "training" period now, trying to learn how to be MORE useful. We're looking forward to serving God and seeing His work accomplished!

We had a GREAT Easter with family! The kids had an egg hunt, and we just had fun family time together. We tried to catch up once again. Some of the kids we don't see as often, so it's always nice to spend time with them.

That's about all for now. Next month looks like it's going to be at least as full. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes in Terry, too! I think they'll keep coming faster and faster at this point. THANK YOU for all of your prayers and support. Keep praying for our ministry, please, as well as for a lessening of Terry's pain. God bless you! Lynn