Sorry for not keeping the blog updated the last few days - I've had trouble getting in touch with the family as they has been so busy!
Matt had been feeling poorly since Christmas (trouble breathing and feeling nauseous), but had recovered quite a bit after his big brother Nolan showed up on the the 27th (Nolan couldn't get off work until then). The family basically had another gift exchange on the 27th as Nolan brought gifts from Jacki & Gary and himself. Then they had two games of dice where Matt held the cup himself, and Nolan would sometimes help him lift his elbow so he could dump the dice a little better. Shelley said that whenever Nolan helped in this way, Matt would roll a 1000, so she protested that they were cheating and wouldn't let Nolan help him anymore!!! (poor loser).
Friday (the 28th), Matt's employer held their annual Christmas dinner at the Weekes Arena, and Matt was able to attend. He had a great meal and stayed at the dinner for about 3 hrs and had a wonderful time seeing his coworkers. His coworkers had a scrimmage game of hockey, and Matt hung out in the dressing room while they changed, and then watched the game from inside. By the time he got home, his neck was really sore, but Irene did some really good stretches on his neck to ease the ache.
Yesterday (the 29th), there was a benefit hosted for Matt at the Porcupine Arena that included a hockey game, 50/50 and a silent auction. I guess Matt had cold feet just before the opening ceremonies, and didn't want to go in, but Shelley and dad encouraged him and he was able to get up his nerve and "drive" himself to centre ice (Shelley stayed with him). For those of you who were there, Matt just couldn't look at the crowd he was so nervous, but he was grateful you were there just the same!!! He enjoyed the raising of the Provincial Champion flag and the singing, and was happy to see his former team members get recognized. After the formalities were over, Matt was able to visit with people inside the arena and watch a bit of the game. Mom thought there was approx. 400 people at the function, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate you attendance and your generosity for Matt! He had a wonderful time and we hope you did as well!
The women of the family are quite exhausted from dealing with the 3 kids - Shaunie, Jonmarie & Matt! Matt's daily care is quite extensive as getting him up in a chair takes all 3 women, and doing his exercises usually takes 2, and suctioning him with a broken suction takes 2 people. So Shelley now needs a vacation from her vacation!!!! Irene was really impressed with how Matt tried to do everything she asked no matter how hard it was to do. When he is lying down, he is able to lift his right leg off the bed about 4 inches, and hold it for a second or 2. Keep of the improvements Matt!
Mom & dad were planning on taking Matt back to Saskatoon today, much to his dismay, but he really needs to go back and start on his daily physio again. Please pray that they have a safe trip back to the city, and that Matt will be able to stay motivated back in the hospital so that he can continue to improve his range of motion. Phil 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God."
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8 comments:
hey matty so glad you had a great holiday at home. we had company from down south and were unable to go to the game. although i would have loved to see you. but to many people are tiring and i would have been a blubbering idiot to see u anyway. so fun is over and now back to work. i know you can do this as hard as it is, jsut by the way you used to work hard for greg.take care and ill be reading and checking up on you. take care.ella
Hi Matthew, Joanne & George
Hope you guys had a safe trip back to Saskatoon. It was so good to see you at the benefit Matthew. Shauna & I really enjoyed the evening. Any people that we talked to were so happy to see your smiling face again. I am sure you were exhausted by the time you got back to your house but you did a great job of keeping on a happy face.
Talk to you soon. Happy New Year to everyone.
Love Aunty Sandy & Uncle Orest
Matt sounds like you had a very exhausting and full holiday week. so glad you were able to stay the full time. There is absolutely nothing as good as having the family together for Christmas. We are all so thankful things went as good a they did for you and all the caregivers you had with you. It will be tough getting back into the swing of things but we all know you can do it.. Keep up the good work Matt. Have a safe trip back and let all of us know when you get there. Love to you and your whole family - we will keep each of you in our prayers. Love Aunty Brenda
Dear Matt,
What an eventful Christmas you had! You faced so many obstacles, both physical and emotional, and you overcame them all! When I read that you didn't want to go out onto the ice, it made me sad. I hoped the next line would say that you did go. Bless Shelley's heart for, literally and physically, pushing you out there. Matt, that took tremendous courage and you have shown your world that you can do anything and everything, but more than anything, you have shown yourself. Everyone is so proud of your hard work, your determination, your perserverance and your will to keep on "keeping on". I know going back to Saskatoon will be difficult for all of you, but it is so important for you to keep up your progress (and sounds like you need the rest too!) Just think about how much easier it will be, in every way, to go home next time?
Love to you and your whole family and my wishes and prayers that 2008will bring answers to your wishes and prayers too.
Patty Harvey
Morning Matt..
I am so happy to hear you had such a wonderful Christmas, and holidays with your family and friends.. I am sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house seeing how much you have overcome and how brave you are.. Well now it is back to work for you.. I am sure you will be even more determined than ever because nothing is better than being at home... And all your hard work here in S'toon will pay off and get you home asap!
Well I can hardly wait to see you and the family when all of you get to town.
My prayers are with you and the family for a Happy New Year!
Love Krista
Hi Matt
Made it back to Red Deer, what a long trip. Missing you already, but not the ball being thrown at my head! I know you didn't want to go back to rehab, but you need to continue to build your strength. Thanks everyone for all your support of Matt and we will see you all again!
Shelley
Hi Matt from the Young clan - we are all here tonight-full house!!!Taya is stealing the show!! Good to see you and all the best in the new Year!!Talk to you soon Yvonne for all!
Hi Matt,
We are so glad to hear that you are doing so much better. Talking to Ardiena and Roland about your progress made our day! Hope you continue on this path of rehab, so that you can truly say that this year (2008) kicked butt compared to last year.
Diana and Bill Worman
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