A Very Good Friday

Matthew is home again! So wish that we could be there as well, but work prevails.
Prior to leaving on Thursday, they took off Matt's bandage on his toe and he did some standing exercises, which was so much better than the episode last week. No attempts at taking any steps however because the foot was too painful. They didn't do any swimming because of the toe (toenail removed) but Matt did play Wii for 2 hours, so that's great exercise. They also tried something new. They put Matt in a manual wheelchair, one he has to make it move with his arms. All the gears and things are on the right side, so Matt can control the turning and going forward with only his right arm. He didn't think he could move it at all, but the physio gave him a little push to get him started. It wasn't easy and the mechanism is difficult to figure out, but they were amazed at how quickly Matt understood the mechanics and went about 20 feet. Now that is great exercise. When you try to move yourself in a wheelchair, you realize how much upper body strength is needed. Keep up the good work. Pretty soon you won't need the mechanized chair, only the manual, and then on to walking.
Travelled last evening to Weekes with old Betsy (not mom, I meant the van!!)and made it safe and sound. I phoned this morning to see how everything went and Matt answered the phone. It was so great to hear his voice, knowing he had picked the phone up by himself. Mom was at work and dad had just went outside for some "fresh air". Matt was still in bed and watching some TV, able to change the channels on the remote himself. So much better than at Christmas. You couldn't leave him alone for very long, always checking to see if he needed suctioning, something to eat, water, channels changed, turned, etc. Still need to turn him every two hours, but he can help so much more and is starting to grip the rail to pull himself over. Not quite there yet, but that will come.
Mom had borrowed an exercises bicycle for Matt's arms so he can still keep up with his workouts. Of course he brought the Wii home. Nolann and Lindsay will be there later this evening so they should have fun.
Take a moment today to remember why it is such a special day. In Jesus' time, I am sure they did not feel it was so special, to see the Savior they loved die, unsure if he would rise again. Many doubted whether He truly was the son of God. But in Matt27:54 "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'surely he was the Son of God!'"