No Swimming For Awhile

Matt was unable to do any swimming this week. They have closed down for maintenance and it may not be up and running for a long time. However Matt's week has been pretty full(so has mine, that's why it has taken me so long to update!). Wednesday Matt wasn't feeling very well, hadn't slept much and just general tired and nauseated. He did try and stand during rehab, but they had the old standing machine where he is on a treadmill and put into a "jolly jumper" type contraption. It wasn't as good but it serves the purpose.
However Thursday he was more like himself and did well with his exercises. They had the old sit/stand machine back and Matt was quite strong. When he tried to take a step forward, they were suprised when his left foot came right off the floor by itself and he took one step!! Very unusual since it is Matt's right leg that is stronger. Maybe it is because Matt has a brace on his left leg, who knows. We are just thankful he did it. Dad, Matt and Bradon braved the elements and decided to head for the Mac store. Dad would ask Matt if he was getting cold and Matt would check his left hand with his right hand to see if it was getting too cold. Lots of company in the evening so that always lifts his spirits.
Today Matt's feet were rooted in cement. He just couldn't take a step forward however it beat his own record in standing, appr. 10 mins. Physio saff is impressed with Matt's weight training, gaining more strength all the time in his left and right arms. Slow but sure, Matty. We all like turtles! Spasms have really diminished since the weekend. Whenever Matt has any little cold, infection, or pain, the spasms get worse. So prior to Easter he had a toenail reoved and his feeding tube removed so that had started his funky chicken dance!
Thanks to all who continue to remember Matt in their prayers, who come to see him, who help out in any way. By doing so you show a love for your fellow man. 1 Cor. 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love". You have helped all of us transition to a "new kind of normal".

Back To the Hospital

Monday Matt was supposed to return to the hospital, however the weather decided Matt should stay in Weekes for one more day. Nolan and Lindsay left in the morning and phoned back to say the road conditions were not great and Dad and Matt should not travel. So Matt was happy to stay on for an extra day. When I talked to him he was visiting with Bryan, Brenda, and Bradon Kipling and was just about to play the Wii. I asked him how the dance went and said it was great. Whenever a cute girl would walk by, he would pinch her on the bottom. when they would turn to him and give him what for, he would always say "It was a spasm". I don't think too many of them fell for that!! Sneaky, Matt, sneaky.
Today Dad and Matt travelled back to rehab. Mom worked a double shift today, and had just enough time to come home for a few hours to get Matt out of bed and get his stuff ready to go. Work, work, work!!
Thanks to all who stopped in to visit Matt. Loves to see familiar faces in a familiar surrounding. Hoping Matt can come visit Red Deer in May. We purchasd a new laser machine to help promote healing and feel Matt could benefit from it, especially with the pain in his neck. We tried it on Gary's sore knee, and after one treatment the pain was gone. Hopefully it will also work on the black spots on the bottom of Matt's heals. They were pressure sores that went bad. Just have to see if old Betsy can make it this far (again, not mom!).
Prayers for continued recovery and by August of this year, Matt will be home for good. I think he has had enough of hospitals, however they do become a safe zone after you have been there for so long. I found a poem in the Daily Bread. It says "Where Jesus reigns there is no fear, no restless doubt, no hopeless tear. No raging sea nor tempest dread, but quietness and calm instead." With fresh memories of Easter, let's trust that He CAN do all things.

Easter Sunday

Matt had a laid back weekend. Mom was at work until the afternoon both Saturday and Sunday, so Matt got to stay in bed until she got back. However on Saturday Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil came over and played Wii with Matt. He said it is very addicting and doesn't realize he has over done it until his neck is stiff and sore later on. So when it was time to go to the wedding dance of a friend of Nolan's on Saturday night, Matt really didn't feel like going. However he got there aroung 10:30pm and at first felt very nervous and awkward with everyone looking at him. However he stayed for 3 hours until dad came and picked him up. Nolan and Lindsay were there for moral support.
Today Brenda and Bryan Kipling were there with Bradon and were just about to play Wii when I phoned at 7:30 pm. Matt is really enjoying being at home with family and friends. Mom says Matt can help out so much more with his care, leaning forward in the chair when mom dresses him, helping roll over in the bed, feeding himself, etc. Tomorrow he has to return to the hospital and realizes it is necessary, but doesn't make it any easier. Unfortunately with mom working Matt hasn't been getting as much exercises as he needs. The Wii helps alot, but it doesn't help with the legs.
Prayers that when Matt comes home the next time, he can transfer from the wheelchair to the bed on the board with 2 people. The lift they had this time was a manual lift and it didn't lift Matt up very high so you always needed 2 people.
Today at church, the pastor spoke of the greatest miracle, the resurrection. After Jesus was raised from the dead, many didn't believe it. Jesus said to them in Luke 24:25-26 "..how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" Believing is so much easier when it is seen, and our weak human natures have difficulty with the unseen. Thank you Lord for your word that is proof of the greatest miracle.