Boot Camp

Matt's day was very busy. Started the day with chest physio. Then stretches for 1 hour prior to going to the gym at 11 am. After lunch he went for more physical therapy at the gym. Matt tries so hard. Anyone who has every had pneumonia can attest for what it does to your strength and motivation. It sucks the life right out of you. But Matt didn't complain. They are really working on his transferring from the chair to the elevated mat. 2 physio therapist are on either side of Matt, who has a transfer belt around his waist. Then with his right hand he pushes slightly away from his chair. They can also feel that his legs are not just dead weight anymore, that if timed just right, he can push off every so slightly with them. You've come a long way Matt! He is still frustrated with his left hand, but it still has a positive response when hooked up to the tens machine, so it will come Matt, just remind everyone who comes in to visit to help you exercise it.

They also had Matt eating with a fork. It has a big foam handle for easier grip. He should be able to finish about a quarter of his meal with it, and dad said he did pretty well. Most times they have to start with special attachments on the wrist, so a fork can fit into a pouch and you scoop it that way. Matt is so strong already that he completely missed that beginner stage. He can scratch the top of his head as well, so the right arm is coming along nicely.
Prayers for continued recovery from pneumonia and better weather. Then Matt can start taking little trips to the mall, the house in Saskatoon, etc. Prayers also for Matt to stay focused on day to day recovery. 2 Cor. 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal".

Brand New Chair

Sorry about the late blog. Miscommunication. Mom and dad have just moved into the new place. It is a house and has lots of rooms, a fenced in backyard (so Shaunie can't run away!), and a dog and a cat to boot. Thanks so much to the Schekk's for the use of their apartment for the last 5 months. I don't believe Matt would have done as well without the cheerleaders near by. God's blessings on all of you.
Matt got a brand new chair yesterday. It is still not his officially, but we will take it for as long as they let us keep it. Hopefully we can keep it for the Christmas holidays. The physiotherapist brought it yesterday, handed the tools to dad and left. She knows that dad would do a better job of making it just right for Matt. It takes about 45 minutes of adjusting to make it work properly for Matt. Aunty Sandy came up for a few days and bought Matt a Billabong toque/hat. Not sure what that is but I will just have to wait and see. Matt is feeling quite a bit better, enough to tease Aunty and the nurses. He was suctioned a fair bit over the course of the day, and poor Aunty kept having to leave the room, the big baby. Mom was happy to be back with her "baby". She doesn't like to be away from Matt so long. I think he misses her as well. When you are sick it seems the one you want to be with is your mom. I guess we always think they will make it all better. Another blog tonight.

Under the weather

Matt is still under the weather, lots of secretions from the infections. He didn't go for rehab today as he just was too tired. Matt was happy to have company today and tonight, God bless you all. Mom is back and is happy to take over. Prayers for tomorrow that the pneumonia will clear up, Matt's lungs will continue to get stronger and he will feel like eating and drinking more. Thank you so much for all the well wishes and prayers for Matt and our family. God continues to bless us as we take this journey. Psalms 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Tired

After all the excitement yesterday, Matt was really tired and slept a fair chunk of the day. I just found out Matt was up for 7 hours in his chair yesterday. Also they had got him showered & dressed in his Saskatchewan greens. After the game he had another 10 visitors come to see him. I think security was worried because he followed them right to Matt's room! I can imagine why! Had another game of crib with Nolan after the company had left, so I can believe he would be tired today. Dad said yesterday was one of the best days Matt has had. Thanks to all of you who shared this great day with Matt. I am sure it will be a day no one will forget.
Unfortunately, Matt does has pneumonia and they started antibiotics. Very little rehab today because of a slight mix up and Matt's overall physical fatigue. Mom should be arriving shortly, or may be in Saskatoon already. I think she missed being at the party. She never wants to miss anything! Prayers for God's healing hand on Matt and a quick recovery from the pneumonia. Malachi 4:2 "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings..."

THEY DID IT!!

Wow, what an exciting game! I don't watch much football, but I still remember the excitement in 1989 when Kent Austin was the QB and Dave Ridgeway kicked that field goal. Today was no different, except I wasn't in Saskatoon. Wish we were there to share in the excitement.
I believe green took over the ICU today. They had an extra room so they moved the bed out and set up a TV in there for Matt and 10 of his friends and family. I was unable to get a hold of dad, but did manage to speak to Nolan for a few minutes. Nolan said the atmosphere was great. Matt stayed up in his chair for the whole game. He still wasn't feeling the best and didn't eat much. however he is getting enough fluids into him which is good. The ICU nurses were able to start an IV, but Nolan wasn't sure if they actually started antibiotics or not. Matt is so much stronger and can cough more efficiently than before so they may wait and see if it clears up on its own. The respiratory therapist did chest physio and suctioned out plenty of the stuff, so no meds would be preferable.
Hopefully I will have more to tell you tomorrow. Thank the Lord the riders won. I believe it really boosted Matt's spirits. I was really impressed with the team. Most of them thanked God for the win. I remember seeing Kent Austin at Nipawin Bible Institute after they had won in 1989, speaking to us about the importance of letting God in to every aspect of our lives. I think he conveys that message to his team. Psalms 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path".