The days have developed their own rhythm. It is amazing how much comfort can be found in routines. When we first thought of coming home, with the long list of what Doug would need to have done for him, it seemed endless and stressful. Now that he has been home over a month the stress has been overcome with routine and ritual. We are no longer using the Hoyer. Doug can brush his own teeth at the kitchen sink, since he can't get in the bathroom with his big wheelchair and he can take his pills on his own when given to him. He is doing a standing transfer into chairs and bed. We use a gate belt and I help to pull him to a stand and he makes small steps into the chair or bed. While caring for Doug is still a lot of work, it is definitely less than last month.
Today I went back out to the Knights of Columbus. Kerry, Doug's PT is encouraging him to get out of his electric wheelchair into a regular wheelchair so that he can manually move around. This will give him more exercise. Since we don't have a regular wheelchair I needed to see if I could get one. Dale, at Knights of Columbus asked me if Doug was a veteran. I told him yes. He disappeared and came back with a brand new wheelchair for him. It is yellow. It seems a little bold for Doug, but I was not going to complain. After all it is brand new and exactly what Doug needs. I am so impressed with the ministry of the Knights of Columbus. They have saved us thousands of dollars and it is wonderful that there is a place where people can donate things they no longer use and a place for people to get expensive items they may need for a long time or a short time. We are so thankful for this ministry.
And so we pray:
Holy God, of Continuous Journey, we give you thanks for paths that lead us on each day. We give you thanks for routines and rituals that provide predictability and a rhythm to our day. We give you thanks for inspiring men and women to ministry. We are especially thankful for the ministry of the Knights of Columbus; for their dedication to filling health care gaps. Be with Doug tomorrow as he attempts new exercises and in beginning to use his new wheelchair that will help him to become stronger and strengthen his independence. Amen
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