Midweek Update

Since Matthew arrived in Red Deer in October, we have been in communication with the hospital regarding having him admitted into the rehab program for more intensive physio/occupational therapy. He has been rejected before and now with the positive outcomes from the outpatient occupational therapist, they have reconsidered and Matthew will become an inpatient next week. We are very excited to have this opportunity, as the facility is geared for learning about activities of daily living and how to become more independent. Matthew of course has some trepidations about entering the hospital again, as he has settled into a routine at home. However his goal is to walk again and in order for that to happen, he needs more intense rehab.
We as a family have very high hopes for a positive outcome, as he is much stronger now and no longer suffers with frequent illnesses. We will continue to have Cecilia come to the rehab unit everyday week day to help Matthew during the times he does not have rehab and also help the staff during his rehab. She and Airene have been key in his improved strength and health. I will continue to take Matt for his weekly wing and massage night and also bring him home every weekend when there is no therapy sessions.
The new van has now been modified and the new lift is great. Gary says if Bobby (Matt's nephew who is 3) can operate it, then surely Mom will be able to learn! Gary is taking it in on Friday to get the windows tinted, because now the huge windows make it look like Matt's on display. So by Monday it will be ready and Nolan will bring it down to Red Deer.
So everything is looking brighter everyday. We certainly expect more bumps in the road, but God has certainly answered many prayers and eased our concerns.
Just a note, Matt will be going home in mid March for Alberta's spring break and is looking forward to seeing everyone from home. If you are around during March 23-28, stop in for a visit.

Busy, busy, busy

Sorry about the late blog, weekends are so busy it is just an extension of the week.
Matt and I again took the nannies to Tony Roma's for wings, it is something we look forward to all week. Gives Grandma a break from Matt (& vice versa) and me a chance to go without the girls. Grandma loves to spend time with the grand kids. We are sure missing dad for snow clearing and transporting Matt to all his therapy sessions and bath. Hopefully he will be returning soon. Of course the big enticement will be the new van. John and I went up Saturday with the payment and Gary will take it to be modified on Tuesday. If all goes well, we may even have the van by this weekend. Can't wait to have heat without leaving it run for 1/2 hours. However the beast has been running great, no problems whatsoever so it will be like giving up an old ornery friend!
Matt's weekly massage has been great and OT has been very impressed with Matt's improvements. Cecilia has been trying to get Matt's left hand to open and close by using the stim machine but the pads are too big. You place the sticky pads on certain muscles which transmits an electrical impulse to get that muscle to move.So the pads we have now cover too much area and needs to be smaller for more precise movement. We will be on the lookout for smaller pads.
As I am writing this at work, I don't have my bible with me so an appropriate memory verse is eluding me so please reply with a verse in the comment section. Have a great week.