March 12, 2017: Day 112

On Friday Doug had been at the Elks 3 weeks. This is his fourth weekend here.  The first 2 weekends he had no therapies.  Last week he had one hour of occupational therapy.  This weekend he had  physical therapy yesterday and occupational and physical therapy today.  At the end of last week they had increased his therapies from 3 hours to 4 hours a day. They are pushing him further and while he is tired he is handling it well.  Even though he is so tired at the end of the day he keeps trying.

I have included two pictures of Doug on the bike today.  This is a very cool bike.  He is hooked up to electrodes that are attached to the bike.  The therapist sets the speed and resistance level then Doug petals.  When he starts to get tired the electrodes stimulate his muscle to engage it. And  when he gets tired the bike does more of the work for him.  The therapists are able to monitor his data day after day to see the percentage of support that he needs from the bike. He rode the bike for 25 minutes today.  It is very exciting to see him using his legs with a reciprical movement.  The bike will definately help his legs to get stronger and to help him develop the movement he needs in order to walk.

You will also notice there is a screen on the bike.  He has an avatar.  He can imagine himself riding through the hills, towns etc.  I am not sure Doug is too excited about this, but it is kinda fun.

There was another big first today.  The physical therapist helped to get Doug into his own small wheelchair. They allowed us to go outside for a walk.  We had our dog Stryder in the car and so we were able to take Stryder for a walk.  It was wonderful that Doug was able to sit-up in his own wheelchair and drive it himself.  He loved getting outside and getting some fresh air.  He loved being able to drive himself and not be dependent on others. And of course he loved being with Stryder. It was nice to have another taste of normal.

We enjoyed the company of Gina this afternoon.  She had not seen Doug for a while and so it was nice to share his progress with her.  Fr. Dave brought us communion.  It is always wonderful to have time with him. His daughter Rachel, Doug's Goddaughter, had her first baby on Friday.  We are all so delighted to welcome Charlette Ann.  Fr. Dave, shared all his baby pictures with us and we were filled with ahh and love for this new little life.

Day by day, moment by moment, Doug is progressing and we give thanks.

God of Promise, we give thanks for the steady day by day progress Doug is making.  We give thanks for your presence in our lives manifested in those around us. Today we are so thankful for the love and support of friendsor; for Ingrid's willingness to continue to organize companions for Doug as well as she and Jerry's continuous support.  We give thanks for being given the opportunity to share this journey with a community of people who are continuously joining us in prayer for healing and wholeness.  God of Promise, we ask that you will continue to heal Doug's body and restore him to health.  Be with him when discouraged or challenged by the hard work that is required of him.  And as we begin this new week, be with us as we seek the resources Doug will need to heal and to come home.  In your name we ask it.  Amen.