More cast time

Well, it was kind of a bummer day in some ways. I did not realize I would be wearing my cast for another three weeks. I did at least get the pin out of my hand that was holding the torn ligament to the bone.

Rhonda is still making progress, although she flunked the "drunk driving" test today at physical therapy and she did not even drink. The therapist asked her to stand with one foot in front of the other with her eyes closed and try to keep her balance. She couldn't do it. So it looks like no driving for her yet.

PT and tough mornings

Rhonda had her first day of more intense physical therapy yesterday and she felt it this morning. Her legs felt weak and heavy. Mornings still remain tough. Overall though, it is good to see her slowly gaining her strength back.

It helps that Cody is enjoying preschool and Bennett is enjoying first grade. When Bennett asked him what his favorite part of school was yesterday, he said, "Everything." Cody said it was celebrating another kid's birthday because "they got rice krispee treats"

First day of first grade

When I picked Bennett up from school and asked him how his day was, he said, "Fantastic." Rhonda when I got home said her day was "fair." Since Cody did not have his "best brother Bennett" for play time, mommy was constantly asked things (even with Grandma's best efforts to play knights, etc.). The new expecations and demands wiped her out a bit. Rhonda said tonight one of the toughest things is feeling a little bit better. You start to do a few things and then the weariness hits. She is still walking better, but the headaches and weariness are constant companions on the walks.

We did enjoy some firsts today in addition to the first day of first grade. The boys had their hair cut by someone else other than mommy. Due to someone's generosity, we all enjoyed in-house haircuts. It was a great blessing. Bennett was fine, but Cody had to be bribed with some Smarties (the Canadian version).

To all the MOPS from Rhonda: "Thank you, Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I loved the baskets and the pajamas were wonderful. How did you know that I needed some? I have felt so loved and taken care of. The meals have been so wonderful and so helpful. Thanks also to Kim for the yummy birthday cake. It made our birthdays really special. I continue to make progress each day and have started outpatient physical therapy. Thankfully I don't need the walker anymore and hope that my legs and body will strengthen quickly. I hope to see you soon."

Walking more

Today, Bennett proclaimed, "Mommy, you're walking around without your walker!" She still occasionally holds on to things because she does not always trust her balance. Our visit to the physical therapist today gave us some insight into why. We discovered that her thigh and torso muscle areas are quite weak. As a result, she does not feel steady at times. She will continue exercises to strengthen those areas.

We're all excited about the continual progress. Emotionally, I think it also helps all of us to see the continued steady improvement. Every couple hours Rhonda still has to lay in bed for an hour or so. Nonetheless, she slowly feels like her strength is returning every day.

We continue to be lavished with wonderful generosity thanks to our Sunday school class, MOPS, friends, and family. Thanks to everyone for our wonderful support and prayers! We are continually thanking God for such Christ-like love and care.

Happy Birthday 2

Ok, my last post was wrong. We did not have quiet birthdays. My wife and other accomplises surprised me with a night out on the town (and I needed it). The boys had been great all week, but Saturday was certainly not one of our better days. I enjoyed some adult conversation instead of refereeing.

Rhonda was also surprised. She was treated to an evening of Bush's chicken, chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, and a housefull of wonderful friends at her beck and call. They even cleaned the house! One awesome gift was a in home pedicure (the boys were especially wondering what was being done to mommy's feet. Rhonda is wondering how she will ever return to normal life again after all this wonderful pampering. She has felt very loved and spoiled. Thanks again to everyone for all the sacrificial love you've shown us.

Happy Birthday 1

Last night Rhonda enjoyed relaxing with my mom by watching a movie while I took the boys swimming at a friends' pool. We've really appreciated all the wonderful help from friends (the offer of a swimming pool for the boys, lots of wonderful meals, Mitch Thompson mowing our yard in the hot Texas heat, a ride to the car repair shop). After I got home she seemed to be wheeling the walker around quite quickly. This morning we were wakened by Bennett coming in and singing happy birthday (it's my birthday today and Rhonda's tomorrow). We have found mornings are still quite difficult. Rhonda still wakes up in the night and in the morning feeling the odd nerve sensations associated withe the GB syndrome in her legs. This morning Rhonda had breakfast and immediately went back to bed saying she felt exhausted. We'll probably enjoy rather quiet birthdays.

As things have slowed down, we've had more time to reflect upon the whole whirlwind of events spiritually. Giving all your fears to God is something that we've had to constantly face each day (it's amazing how easy it is to let your fears start going on the drive between Hewitt and Hillcrest and not take the whole situation to the Lord in prayer). We also think it quite odd that it seems we've been hit with ailments that directly effect our gifting. I write and love to play sports and I'm now had to limit my typing and my major sport is chasing the boys around the house. Rhonda loves to serve other people and now she is the one that needs to be served. We are certainly reminded of how fragile we are and are need for God's grace and strength as well as the body of Christ. We are not the type of people to ask for help (it is especially tough for me to see someone else sweating while mowing our yard), but God is also teaching us some humility as well as our need for Christ's body when we are so weak and helpless.

First full day home

We're enjoying our first full day with Rhonda home. The kids are enjoying doing puzzles with mommy on her bed. Rhonda is able to move around some with the walker, and she can at least shower on her own with the assistance of the walker. It just takes lots of time and breaks. She still feels incredibly weak. The mornings are especially difficult and she shed some tears this morning and commented, "You wake up and just remember the reality of it all." Thanks again for everyones support. The meals have been wonderful and they sure help my mom and I focus on Rhonda and the boys.

The Walking Stick

The boys are sure enjoying having mommy home. Bennett said, "I'm so glad you're home mommy because now I can hug you whenever I want." We also got a laugh from Cody calling Rhonda's walker her walking stick.

Rhonda's home

Yeah. Rhonda just got home from the hospital and we are adjusting. Of course, the boys are glad and the great thing is that although mommy can't get up and find that favorite lost toy, she can give lots of hugs. Currently, she still has some numbness and burning in her hands and legs. She also feels very weak and needs help getting to the bathroom and walking around. Emotionally, the reality of the long term recovery process is starting to sink in and that has brought some tears. Rhonda will soon be starting a regimen of physical therapy three times a week.

Thanks everyone who has prayed for us and offered their support. We'll keep you posted and hopefully you'll hear from Rhonda soon.

P.S. For those who might want a good summary of Guillan-Barre Syndrome you may want to see: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/guillain-barre-syndrome/DS00413/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print