Today seemed like an inch forward day. After talking with the physical therapist, she suggested that instead of trying an inch forward each day, Rhonda should try to go forward one day and then maintain that level of activity for a couple days before trying to go forward that next inch. So today, Rhonda got out of the room once for dinner and and an after dinner trip to the back patio. We'll probably try the same thing the next day or so.

I've entered the try and understand more about GB stage, so I've ordered a few books. We'll see if they help. What I find is that medical journals are quite good at providing some overviews of symptoms and the current state of treatment, but I have not found as much information about what to expect regarding the recovery process. We find ourselves continually asking, "Is this normal?" Part of the frustration is that the recovery process varies dramatically. I read things like "three months to three years" or "a few days to a few years" (e.g., http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm). Rhonda's case is certainly mild compared to those who had to be on respirators, but the relapse makes us wonder where she fits into the range now. The main thing the Lord is teaching us is that the recovery process requires those difficult Christian virtues of patience and hope.

The kids remain a wonder in the midst of it all. I notice they paused a little more when they saw someone else with a walker in church. You sense they feel the brokeness of the world a bit more. Yet, they also glimpse the work of God's redemptive community. They ask, "Why are people bringing all these meals?" Other times, it seems like things have not bothered them much at all (especially Bennett), which can be a blessing. Their energy and joy is a wonderful reminder of all that is good in this sometimes difficult world.