Only two more days until Dale gets to go home!!! We have been housecleaning like crazy, trying to get everything ready for Dale's homecoming. Do you know how much stuff you acquire just being in a hospital? And he's been in three! After we get Dale home and our new schedule starts (with in-home rehab), we are going to have to seriously get rid of junk. Not, of course, any of the wonderful cards and gifts people have so thoughtfully provided for Dale and his sisters---just some of the regular, piled-up, "we've had this stuff way too long and what does it do anyway" junk!
I know we've stated that every day Dale is getting better and better, but it's true. On Friday, Dale actually told his SP therapist, "Bye, Erina," without being prompted. The only other time he has used her name is after he and I practiced it. He also made the OT therapist's day. All week in SP Dale has been practicing making faces in a mirror. This helps him see how straight his face normally looks and how he can change it to show pleasure at seeing someone (or sadness, anger, surprise, etc.). The OT guy, Kirk, has been asking Dale every day to show him a smile. He'd say, "Dale, I'll let you out of class early if you'll smile for me." Dale never would, even shaking his head in response to Kirk's plea. On Friday, Kirk tried his standard line. Dale looked at him and turned the corners of his mouth up a little. We both thought that was nice---then Dale widened his mouth in a full smile! Kirk was thrilled! Praise God, I get to see my son smile again!
Tomorrow is Dale's "Performance Day." The day before a patient is discharged, they get to have Performance Day and show off how much they've improved since they've arrived. I've seen other patients who, when they arrived, could not walk on their own, had difficulty feeding themselves, etc. As they get closer to their discharge date, they begin walking into the dining room under their own power, their faces get brighter, and they obviously are feeling more confident about going home. Tomorrow is Dale's chance to shine. Other patients, nurses, and staff have been commenting on how well Dale is doing and how good he looks. He still shakes some when he's concentrating on doing something, usually with his hands (brushing his teeth, feeding himself), but I think he's learning to steady himself. He initiates speech voluntarily more now; his balance while standing, walking, and bending over is great; he is spending time building muscle tone and strength; and he is working on improving his concentration level. I think he's ready to go home!
We were informed that our insurance has approved Rehab Without Walls, so the next step in Dale's rehabilitation is in place. He will be discharged from Good Sam on Tuesday and Rehab Without Walls will begin on Wednesday so that there will be no disruption in his therapy schedule. I'm not sure exactly what our new schedule will entail, but I'm looking forward to it! Being able to have in-home rehab therapy is convenient for us (to say the least), but it will also enable Dale to work on PT, OT, and SP while surrounded by the wonderful familiarity of home. What a comforting word that is---home. If I'm this calmed just by thinking of being able to be in my own home here on earth, how much more complete will I feel once I am at home in Heaven? 'Tis a powerful thought.
This morning, Katie (second oldest) was with Dale, and he asked her a leading question. He asked, "How did I get here?" She wasn't sure at first what he meant, so she asked, "You mean...here in the hospital?" He nodded his head. We have at various times told Dale bits and pieces of what happened, basically telling him that he had had an accident at the beach but that he was safe now and in the hospital. This morning I guess he wanted more information. Katie did a fine job of answering him without panicking him. She told him they were all on a teen activity in Long Beach, WA, having fun, when he had an accident in the water. And since he was under water for so long, he had had to be taken to three different hospitals. She went on to tell about the different hospitals, effectively changing the subject for the time being. Later, when she told Dad about Dale's question and her response, Chad was able to talk to Dale more. Chad told Dale that he had been in the water for a long time and the rescue response team had had to do CPR before taking him to the first hospital. I believe Chad also explained in simple terms what each hospital did for him (breathing, urgent care, basic medical attention, rehab), and Dale was able to listen, I think, through the whole explanation. This will probably not be the last time Dale wonders where several weeks of his life went, but, with God's grace, we will be able to answer his questions and retell the tale of God's goodness, His healing power, and the miraculous answers to prayer that are evident each time Dale draws a breath.
Psalm 150: 1-6 "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Update Thursday afternoon 9/15
We had alot of fun today! The TR therapist, Dale, and I went to the Puyallup Fair---which just happens to be located right across the highway from the hospital. We were able to go and walk around for about 2 1/2 hours, and going first thing in the morning meant that there were fewer people at the fair. Dale seemed to really enjoy being out of the hospital and in a fun environment. He got to pet a 3-day-old piglet and a goat; we walked around the Hobby Hall with its interesting collections of Legos, Star Wars figures, and china (that one was mine); we shared an elephant ear with raspberry jam. Dale did so well walking around even though the terrain was uneven; he even climbed up onto one of the giant hand-shaped chairs. We got a picture of that!
But the best part of the day came as we were headed for the exit gate. We passed by a concert in progress featuring "Billy and the Hillbillies" (true hoe-down music!) and stopped to listen. Dale started grinning and clapping along with the music! He kind of bobbed up and down and tried stomping his foot, smiling all the while. This was the happiest I have seen him in a long time, and his pleasure was our joy to behold. I'm sure people around us were wondering why the therapist and I were egging Dale on to act silly, but we were loving it!!!
Even though he was soooo tired from his morning at the fair, Dale really tried to work hard during his therapy classes this afternoon. He was extra fidgety and had a difficult time concentrating during Speech, but he still did great. PT had him walking down stairs and working out with the weight machines, building muscle tone. OT wanted him to draw a shape and then cut it out. He made things harder on himself by drawing small shapes which were, of course, harder to cut out, but he finally managed it.
He is right now enjoying a well-deserved and much-needed rest of both body and brain before dinner. Praise the Lord for His goodness! Six weeks ago, we were certain we would have to say goodbye to our son, and today, we walked around the fair with him and saw him smile!!! God is so good---six weeks ago and today and always.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
But the best part of the day came as we were headed for the exit gate. We passed by a concert in progress featuring "Billy and the Hillbillies" (true hoe-down music!) and stopped to listen. Dale started grinning and clapping along with the music! He kind of bobbed up and down and tried stomping his foot, smiling all the while. This was the happiest I have seen him in a long time, and his pleasure was our joy to behold. I'm sure people around us were wondering why the therapist and I were egging Dale on to act silly, but we were loving it!!!
Even though he was soooo tired from his morning at the fair, Dale really tried to work hard during his therapy classes this afternoon. He was extra fidgety and had a difficult time concentrating during Speech, but he still did great. PT had him walking down stairs and working out with the weight machines, building muscle tone. OT wanted him to draw a shape and then cut it out. He made things harder on himself by drawing small shapes which were, of course, harder to cut out, but he finally managed it.
He is right now enjoying a well-deserved and much-needed rest of both body and brain before dinner. Praise the Lord for His goodness! Six weeks ago, we were certain we would have to say goodbye to our son, and today, we walked around the fair with him and saw him smile!!! God is so good---six weeks ago and today and always.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Monday, September 12, 2011
Update Monday night 9/12
Well, it was definitely Monday today! Dale seemed tired and somewhat "off" all day. He didn't actively rebel; he just didn't fully participate in some of his therapy classes. I think this is partly due to Sunday being such a lazy day and partly due to his digestive tract acting up. (Read what you will into that!)
Speech went well, though. Dale's therapist had a few computer games for him to try. Whoo-hoo! These games are set up to respond to Dale's voice only; he had to make the effort to speak into the microphone in order to get the characters to move. What a brilliant and fun idea! Dale really liked doing this, even to the point of sustaining his voice through a long sound ("aaaahhhhh") and increasing the volume ("AAAHHHH") while trying to move the character to win the game. Ever since we got here, Dale has been trying to get to a computer to play some games; it's been comical to watch him grab at a mouse or try to type on the keyboard (which is key-code locked). Today, he got his wish---and loved it!
PT was pretty uplifting, too, because the therapist had Dale practice getting into our van. We were unsure how Dale would do climbing into the van and adjusting his seatbelt. How silly of us!!! Dale climbed right in, settled himself in the seat, and looked at us. You could almost hear him thinking, "Was this some kind of test?" We then instructed him to fasten his seatbelt which he did with ease. I had to quickly remind him that this was just practice because he looked so expectant. He is sooooo ready to go home. We keep counting down the days---8 more to go!
The van practice time also assured me that getting Dale home and in his natural environment is definitely the next, right step in his rehabilitation. I believe that, once Dale is home and surrounded by familiar things, he will progress so much the more. I can't wait! Having said that, I pray daily that the Lord will help me be patient and trust Him and His timing. Not only are we here at Good Sam for Dale's sake, but God may have us here for someone else's sake. I do not have the time or space to tell you of all the people whom we have had tell us that they have been praying for Dale and our family---not knowing us, but having seen his story on TV or in the papers. Just today during PT, we were walking down the hall and a lady on her phone started to pass us. She stopped, told the caller to hang on, and said to me, "I just want you to know that we are praying for you." I had never seen her before and may never again, but she blessed my heart with her words. The other day in the PT gym, one of the therapists told us that an outpatient had seen Dale in the gym earlier in the week and wanted to do something special for him. This person made some (excellent!) baklava for us and left it with the other therapist to give to us. How incredibly kind! We enjoyed every bite of their thoughtfulness!
Wherever we are, whatever we encounter, we are in God's hands---and there's no safer place to be.
Ephesians 3:20 - 21 "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Speech went well, though. Dale's therapist had a few computer games for him to try. Whoo-hoo! These games are set up to respond to Dale's voice only; he had to make the effort to speak into the microphone in order to get the characters to move. What a brilliant and fun idea! Dale really liked doing this, even to the point of sustaining his voice through a long sound ("aaaahhhhh") and increasing the volume ("AAAHHHH") while trying to move the character to win the game. Ever since we got here, Dale has been trying to get to a computer to play some games; it's been comical to watch him grab at a mouse or try to type on the keyboard (which is key-code locked). Today, he got his wish---and loved it!
PT was pretty uplifting, too, because the therapist had Dale practice getting into our van. We were unsure how Dale would do climbing into the van and adjusting his seatbelt. How silly of us!!! Dale climbed right in, settled himself in the seat, and looked at us. You could almost hear him thinking, "Was this some kind of test?" We then instructed him to fasten his seatbelt which he did with ease. I had to quickly remind him that this was just practice because he looked so expectant. He is sooooo ready to go home. We keep counting down the days---8 more to go!
The van practice time also assured me that getting Dale home and in his natural environment is definitely the next, right step in his rehabilitation. I believe that, once Dale is home and surrounded by familiar things, he will progress so much the more. I can't wait! Having said that, I pray daily that the Lord will help me be patient and trust Him and His timing. Not only are we here at Good Sam for Dale's sake, but God may have us here for someone else's sake. I do not have the time or space to tell you of all the people whom we have had tell us that they have been praying for Dale and our family---not knowing us, but having seen his story on TV or in the papers. Just today during PT, we were walking down the hall and a lady on her phone started to pass us. She stopped, told the caller to hang on, and said to me, "I just want you to know that we are praying for you." I had never seen her before and may never again, but she blessed my heart with her words. The other day in the PT gym, one of the therapists told us that an outpatient had seen Dale in the gym earlier in the week and wanted to do something special for him. This person made some (excellent!) baklava for us and left it with the other therapist to give to us. How incredibly kind! We enjoyed every bite of their thoughtfulness!
Wherever we are, whatever we encounter, we are in God's hands---and there's no safer place to be.
Ephesians 3:20 - 21 "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Update Saturday afternoon 9/10
Dale had a really good day on Friday. In Speech, he made his therapist very happy when he looked at her and said, "Hi, Erina." She broke out in a huge smile and said, "Hi, Dale!" His Speech class went very well after that; he seems to do his best when he gets Speech first thing in the morning (when he is freshest). He was writing things down as well---in cursive!---for the times we could not understand the word he was using. He was also upgraded to thin liquids!!! This is the last step toward a regular diet for him. Last week during the swallow study, Dale would allow thin liquids (water) to penetrate his airway without noticing it. Today, he took several small sips of water easily, only coughing on the last one. But he gave a good enough cough that the therapist felt that he was now noticing if something went down the wrong pipe and would continue to cough until the airway was cleared. YES!!!
In PT, the therapist and I were pleased by Dale's control and balance. He seemed to have an easier time releasing the bean bags during the session, something that has been plaguing him for a while. Today again his release mechanism seemed to be working better and he seemed to be able to stay on task a little longer without prompting.
During OT this afternoon, Dale was working at the "assembly line" task project, picking up a metal pin and fitting it with a black piece before capping it with a white piece. Then he needed to put the assembled project into one of a series of holes on a turntable. At first, the turntable was still, and Dale could somewhat easily put the completed set into the hole. Then, the therapist had Dale turn on the machine, causing the turntable to rotate. Dale was supposed to assemble the set in his hands, then fit the metal pin into the moving turntable holes. Instead, he actually managed to put a metal pin in a hole, fit a black spool over it, and cap it with the white piece before the turntable rotated out of reach! Although we all laughed over Dale's way of getting around the rules, the therapist made Dale do it correctly before he called the project a success!
For me, the biggest joy was actually getting to see my son smile and laugh!!! Chad came into the room yesterday afternoon while I had Dale doing a connect-the-dots worksheet. I had told Dale that, even though the puzzle was rather simple in nature, the concentration required to complete the worksheet would help him. He had to connect the dots from point A to point Z. When Chad asked if Dale was too tired, I replied that he needed to concentrate and finish the task. Chad responded, "Hey, Dale. You can even cuss if you want. You can FO-CUS." I just looked at my husband, but Dale got a huge grin on his face and LAUGHED! He sobered up for a few seconds and then grinned and laughed again. Was I ever delighted! I had just a few days ago said that I was so looking forward to when Dale could readily smile and laugh again, and then God blessed my heart with seeing him do just that. What a wonderful God we have Who cares about the small things as well as the big things. He truly is awesome.
I know we've said this before, but we are truly thankful to all of you who have been thinking of us, praying for us, sending such thoughtful cards and letters, providing us with meals and goodies, and making us feel God's love through you. You have helped make this event-filled time one of love and hope by your care.
II Corinthians 2:14-15 "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish."
In PT, the therapist and I were pleased by Dale's control and balance. He seemed to have an easier time releasing the bean bags during the session, something that has been plaguing him for a while. Today again his release mechanism seemed to be working better and he seemed to be able to stay on task a little longer without prompting.
During OT this afternoon, Dale was working at the "assembly line" task project, picking up a metal pin and fitting it with a black piece before capping it with a white piece. Then he needed to put the assembled project into one of a series of holes on a turntable. At first, the turntable was still, and Dale could somewhat easily put the completed set into the hole. Then, the therapist had Dale turn on the machine, causing the turntable to rotate. Dale was supposed to assemble the set in his hands, then fit the metal pin into the moving turntable holes. Instead, he actually managed to put a metal pin in a hole, fit a black spool over it, and cap it with the white piece before the turntable rotated out of reach! Although we all laughed over Dale's way of getting around the rules, the therapist made Dale do it correctly before he called the project a success!
For me, the biggest joy was actually getting to see my son smile and laugh!!! Chad came into the room yesterday afternoon while I had Dale doing a connect-the-dots worksheet. I had told Dale that, even though the puzzle was rather simple in nature, the concentration required to complete the worksheet would help him. He had to connect the dots from point A to point Z. When Chad asked if Dale was too tired, I replied that he needed to concentrate and finish the task. Chad responded, "Hey, Dale. You can even cuss if you want. You can FO-CUS." I just looked at my husband, but Dale got a huge grin on his face and LAUGHED! He sobered up for a few seconds and then grinned and laughed again. Was I ever delighted! I had just a few days ago said that I was so looking forward to when Dale could readily smile and laugh again, and then God blessed my heart with seeing him do just that. What a wonderful God we have Who cares about the small things as well as the big things. He truly is awesome.
I know we've said this before, but we are truly thankful to all of you who have been thinking of us, praying for us, sending such thoughtful cards and letters, providing us with meals and goodies, and making us feel God's love through you. You have helped make this event-filled time one of love and hope by your care.
II Corinthians 2:14-15 "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish."
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Update Thursday night 9/8
Dale had a good day today although he was rather tired. From what the doctors say, having any kind of overactive brain activity causes exhaustion. The neurologist came to see Dale at breakfast this morning. He performed all sorts of visual and sensory tests and asked pertinent questions. He informed us that the EEG results were normal; there were no signs of seizure visible on the readout. He reiterated the decision not to formally call it a seizure because Dale has not been diagnosed with epilepsy, nor does he have a "history" of seizures. The doctor said he likes to call them "events" and that this is indeed just a result of the traumatic brain injury Dale sustained. He said the event is just a symptom of what the brain is going through while Dale is healing; the seizure itself is not doing further injury to Dale's brain. PRAISE THE LORD!!! We asked for them not to put another IV in Dale or begin anti-seizure meds because we feel these are just isolated events, not something worth the side effects that anti-seizure meds may cause. At first, the doctors were going to insist on beginning meds just in case, but this morning the neurologist agreed with our decision, saying he did not want to medicate just yet. Of course, should Dale suffer another episode in the next few days, that would change how we proceed.
Today, despite being somewhat tired, Dale got to go on an outing to Baskin Robbins! This had already been planned and was actually a bit of a reward for continuing to work hard today after yesterday's drama. He stared at all the choices for a long time but was finally able to decide on mint chocolate chip---which he managed to say (mouth) to the server! Again, praise the Lord for small/BIG things. We are looking forward to each day just waiting to see what our God is going to do next.
Galatians 1:3-5 "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Today, despite being somewhat tired, Dale got to go on an outing to Baskin Robbins! This had already been planned and was actually a bit of a reward for continuing to work hard today after yesterday's drama. He stared at all the choices for a long time but was finally able to decide on mint chocolate chip---which he managed to say (mouth) to the server! Again, praise the Lord for small/BIG things. We are looking forward to each day just waiting to see what our God is going to do next.
Galatians 1:3-5 "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Update Wednesday afternoon 9/7
The past few days have been filled with ups and downs. Anyone who has been in rehab or has had a loved one in rehab knows what I mean!
On Saturday, they took Dale's PICC line out! Whoo-hoo! We were very happy to see this big step forward. This means that they do not anticipate needing an active port any more. Sundays are the rehab center's "day off"; to Dale, this meant he got to sleep waaaay in and just laze about. He seemed to like it!
On Monday (Labor Day), the Theraputic Recreation therapist (TR) took Dale and all of us on an outing to the nearby park. Dale, his dad, sister Ashley, and the TR walked along the trails enjoying nature while I took the youngest to the little playground and the older girls just hung out. It was beautiful weather and a most enjoyable outing for us all.
Tuesday was filled with the usual: waking Dale up and helping him get ready for the day (OT does this), lots of PT, watching for any signs of "he couldn't do that last week", enjoying talking with the different people also at rehab, and praising God for His goodness. I've had several people tell me the Good Morning America interview looked very good---I haven't had a chance to see it yet! Don't worry; I DVR'd it. (Is that even a word?)
Wednesday started out fine. Dale ate breakfast and went to Speech. He did well getting his voice out when he tried, sometimes after three tries and sometimes after just one try. Then, for PT, we were outside walking around the grounds and climbing up and down stairs. We were headed back to the rehab floor and just needed to go down one more set of stairs. About halfway down, Dale locked his hands around the rail and wouldn't let go. It only took the therapist a few seconds to realize he was having an episode like he's had a few times before at Doernbecher. The doctor is technically terming it a seizure although I know that tends to have a negative connotation. Thank God, the PT had hold of the gate belt and Dale's hands were gripping the rail pretty tightly so that he did not fall. This only lasted a minute and then he became aware of things again. He was pretty shook up, and, once back in his room, the doctors ran blood tests to check everything out (all looks well). His oxygen level was good; his breathing was a little rough at first, but then he began to cry and naturally took in big gulps of air which helped. After a while he fell asleep and slept for a short time. Upon awaking, he was fine---got up, walked to the bathroom, sat in a chair afterward, answered my questions. We took things easy the rest of the day, but he seems to have no ill effects from the seizure. This may or may not affect his medical team's discharge date (currently 2 weeks from now), but we would certainly covet all prayers for Dale's continued recovery.
It's hard to see or understand God's perfect plan at times. I prefer having my future all mapped out and carefully charted. I thank God for the episode today reminding me to leave things to His control. We have been so focused on getting Dale home that we sometimes forget God's timing. Dale is at Good Sam for as long as God wants him there. I told God today, "I'm handing you back the pencil, the paintbrush, the scissors, the glue of Dale's life. YOUR will be done." I'm sure I'll have to repeat that all over again tomorrow morning---or even tonight!---but it's good to know HE is in control. Because I can trust safely in Him, I can let go of my tomorrows, Dale's tomorrows, my girls' tomorrows, my husband's tomorrows. He is God, and He is good.
Psalm 72:18-19 "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory: Amen, and Amen."
On Saturday, they took Dale's PICC line out! Whoo-hoo! We were very happy to see this big step forward. This means that they do not anticipate needing an active port any more. Sundays are the rehab center's "day off"; to Dale, this meant he got to sleep waaaay in and just laze about. He seemed to like it!
On Monday (Labor Day), the Theraputic Recreation therapist (TR) took Dale and all of us on an outing to the nearby park. Dale, his dad, sister Ashley, and the TR walked along the trails enjoying nature while I took the youngest to the little playground and the older girls just hung out. It was beautiful weather and a most enjoyable outing for us all.
Tuesday was filled with the usual: waking Dale up and helping him get ready for the day (OT does this), lots of PT, watching for any signs of "he couldn't do that last week", enjoying talking with the different people also at rehab, and praising God for His goodness. I've had several people tell me the Good Morning America interview looked very good---I haven't had a chance to see it yet! Don't worry; I DVR'd it. (Is that even a word?)
Wednesday started out fine. Dale ate breakfast and went to Speech. He did well getting his voice out when he tried, sometimes after three tries and sometimes after just one try. Then, for PT, we were outside walking around the grounds and climbing up and down stairs. We were headed back to the rehab floor and just needed to go down one more set of stairs. About halfway down, Dale locked his hands around the rail and wouldn't let go. It only took the therapist a few seconds to realize he was having an episode like he's had a few times before at Doernbecher. The doctor is technically terming it a seizure although I know that tends to have a negative connotation. Thank God, the PT had hold of the gate belt and Dale's hands were gripping the rail pretty tightly so that he did not fall. This only lasted a minute and then he became aware of things again. He was pretty shook up, and, once back in his room, the doctors ran blood tests to check everything out (all looks well). His oxygen level was good; his breathing was a little rough at first, but then he began to cry and naturally took in big gulps of air which helped. After a while he fell asleep and slept for a short time. Upon awaking, he was fine---got up, walked to the bathroom, sat in a chair afterward, answered my questions. We took things easy the rest of the day, but he seems to have no ill effects from the seizure. This may or may not affect his medical team's discharge date (currently 2 weeks from now), but we would certainly covet all prayers for Dale's continued recovery.
It's hard to see or understand God's perfect plan at times. I prefer having my future all mapped out and carefully charted. I thank God for the episode today reminding me to leave things to His control. We have been so focused on getting Dale home that we sometimes forget God's timing. Dale is at Good Sam for as long as God wants him there. I told God today, "I'm handing you back the pencil, the paintbrush, the scissors, the glue of Dale's life. YOUR will be done." I'm sure I'll have to repeat that all over again tomorrow morning---or even tonight!---but it's good to know HE is in control. Because I can trust safely in Him, I can let go of my tomorrows, Dale's tomorrows, my girls' tomorrows, my husband's tomorrows. He is God, and He is good.
Psalm 72:18-19 "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory: Amen, and Amen."
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Update Thursday afternoon 9/1
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for our son. We know God is hearing your prayers on Dale's behalf and is answering them daily.
The past few days have been busy and wonderful. Some days it seems Dale's improvements are tiny and some days they are huge. We are thankful for both kinds! On Tuesday, Dale's occupational therapist (from now on OT) wanted to test his memory skills. She brought out a game that had big cards with objects pictured on them and smaller individual cards that matched the big cards. Dale was supposed to look at the big card for a moment; then the OT put the card face down on the table and told Dale to pick the smaller cards that matched the big card. He absolutely refused to do it! The picture was a "See Jane run"-type of drawing of a girl and a boy. Dale would not pick up the girl card; he kept choosing the boy and a dog. When the OT tried to show him the difference between the girl on the big card and the dog card he was holding, Dale simply put the dog over the girl on the big card! At first we thought he was having trouble recognizing the objects, but he made it obvious he considered this beneath him. The OT conducted another activity with Dale, and he did great. She then pulled out the first game and he again routinely chose something other than what was pictured---he simply changed the picture to what he wanted! He can be a stinker!
On Wednesday, the doctors conducted another swallow study with Dale. He was tested on all types of food and drink, and he passed everything except thin liquids (water consistency). So his meals now look and taste more appetizing, and he can drink nectar-thick liquids using a straw! This helps him want to eat and drink which shows the speech therapist (SP) improvement just in the week that he has been at Good Sam.
Today our schedule was completely rearranged because Good Morning America was here filming Dale as he went through his therapy classes and interviewing us afterward. My husband and I prayed about the interview before even agreeing and also to ask God's help in our actions and words today (and every day). I believe the taping was successful and will give people a chance to see God's miracle in progress. We were asked what one thing we have been most excited to see as Dale progresses. Our answer: There's simply no way to choose just one thing. Less than a month ago, he was carried lifeless from the ocean. Today he dressed himself, brushed his teeth, and fed himself. He can climb stairs, walk up and down the hallways, use the bathroom properly (usually!), build Legos, read, write, count, speak (some words), and countless myriad things we take for granted every day. Each of these things is exciting and we praise God continually for all He does. By the way, if you want to see the interview, it will air Tuesday morning.
Again, thank you for all your prayers, love, support, cards, letters, gifts, and more that you have poured out to our family. We are so blessed to have been the recipients of such care and concern. May God always be uplifted and glorified in all our hearts, every hour of every day, rain or shine, good times or bad. After all, He is Lord---and He is good. Kirsten
Psalm 18:46 "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."
The past few days have been busy and wonderful. Some days it seems Dale's improvements are tiny and some days they are huge. We are thankful for both kinds! On Tuesday, Dale's occupational therapist (from now on OT) wanted to test his memory skills. She brought out a game that had big cards with objects pictured on them and smaller individual cards that matched the big cards. Dale was supposed to look at the big card for a moment; then the OT put the card face down on the table and told Dale to pick the smaller cards that matched the big card. He absolutely refused to do it! The picture was a "See Jane run"-type of drawing of a girl and a boy. Dale would not pick up the girl card; he kept choosing the boy and a dog. When the OT tried to show him the difference between the girl on the big card and the dog card he was holding, Dale simply put the dog over the girl on the big card! At first we thought he was having trouble recognizing the objects, but he made it obvious he considered this beneath him. The OT conducted another activity with Dale, and he did great. She then pulled out the first game and he again routinely chose something other than what was pictured---he simply changed the picture to what he wanted! He can be a stinker!
On Wednesday, the doctors conducted another swallow study with Dale. He was tested on all types of food and drink, and he passed everything except thin liquids (water consistency). So his meals now look and taste more appetizing, and he can drink nectar-thick liquids using a straw! This helps him want to eat and drink which shows the speech therapist (SP) improvement just in the week that he has been at Good Sam.
Today our schedule was completely rearranged because Good Morning America was here filming Dale as he went through his therapy classes and interviewing us afterward. My husband and I prayed about the interview before even agreeing and also to ask God's help in our actions and words today (and every day). I believe the taping was successful and will give people a chance to see God's miracle in progress. We were asked what one thing we have been most excited to see as Dale progresses. Our answer: There's simply no way to choose just one thing. Less than a month ago, he was carried lifeless from the ocean. Today he dressed himself, brushed his teeth, and fed himself. He can climb stairs, walk up and down the hallways, use the bathroom properly (usually!), build Legos, read, write, count, speak (some words), and countless myriad things we take for granted every day. Each of these things is exciting and we praise God continually for all He does. By the way, if you want to see the interview, it will air Tuesday morning.
Again, thank you for all your prayers, love, support, cards, letters, gifts, and more that you have poured out to our family. We are so blessed to have been the recipients of such care and concern. May God always be uplifted and glorified in all our hearts, every hour of every day, rain or shine, good times or bad. After all, He is Lord---and He is good. Kirsten
Psalm 18:46 "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted."
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