Summer is Here!

We are finally getting some summer weather but not everyone is happy about it. Matt has a hard time with the heat which we noticed yesterday when we went to the Westerner Days in Red Deer and it hit 31 degrees with the humidity. We were not there very long before we went inside the air conditioned building. John's son Kennie is down from New Zealand and Jonmarie and him went on the rides while we looked at the donkey show and met up with Denise Young (sorry Denise, I can't remember your married name at the present). It started to cool off a bit later in the afternoon so we watched Dale, Wade and Evan race in the chuck wagons. It was nice to see some people from home. We actually had a good giggle about how many people Matt knew at the fair. We chatted with one of the girls from the rehabilitation unit and a little while later we talked with one of the home care staff from Innisfail. He knew more people than I did! Everyone had a good time but when we finally got home a 10 pm we were exhausted.
Prior to going to the Westerner Days Matt had therapy at 2pm and she worked him quite hard. I continue to see improvements and one of the things she had Matt do was sit upright on the bed with his feet on the floor and then she lifted the head of the bed up. Matt had to reach with his right hand and run his hand down the head of the bed. It makes him use his arm instead of his shoulder. He has a difficult time using those muscles because they are so weak and tends to overuse his shoulder and neck muscles causing him pain. Then he had to lean on his elbow while it was on the head of the bed and then try to push himself into a sitted position again. The head of the bed was at a 45 degree angle. The therapist had to keep reminding him to use his abdominal muscles by having him push his shoulder blades back so his back was straight. He tends to lean forward and again use his neck muscles. These exercises all help when we transfer him in and out of bed.
We were excited to get a new lift from ADL (activities of daily living) which provides equipment for people with disabilities. The lift can drop down so if Matt is on the floor it will lift him up. So it is easier for one person to do his floor exercises and we don't need 3 people to lift him. We put a sling behind him and then hook it on the lift which is run by power and it lifts him from the chair to the floor and then back again. This new lift also folds down to make for easier transport. So when we travel to Jamie's wedding in August and Matt stays in a motel where the beds do not go up a down like his power bed then the lift will come in handy.
Matt, Cecilia, Kennie and myself went to Tony Roma's on Wednesday afternoon and it was great. They have a special on wings all day so we decided to go at 2pm. No one was there and we got a table right away. I am craving them already!
Dad went home on Tuesday with Quasimodo and said it ran great. The fuel consumption was so much better and we will probably keep it for anyone who needs transportation with a wheelchair accessible van. I phoned him on Friday to tell him he has to come back! I forgot how much work it is to keep a garden and cut all the grass, keep the weeds in check, etc. But the grass in Weekes is so long he might have to get it baled so I will have to suck it up and get working!
Today I am working so mom is in charge of the girls and Matt. The temp is again going to be above 30 degrees so she is making everything outside on the barbecue. Without air conditioning Matt loves to have the basement because that is the coolest place.
Must get back to work. It is slow on a Saturday so it has been non stressful. Good thing once and awhile.

Time Does Fly!

Sorry about such a long delay and hope people don't think we forgot about them but I have been on holidays for the last 2 weeks and just haven't had time to get on the computer. First we were off to Fairmont as soon as Jonmarie was done school and then did a quick turnaround at home to get ready for a camping trip with Shauna and Dale at Gull Lake. Not a great week for camping as it rained and was cold everyday but we still survived and made the best of it.
Matt has been busy. He said the RCMP dog show was fantastic and they did some demonstrations with the puppies first and then the mother of some of the puppies came out to show what she could do. Matt was very impressed and was shocked that each dog after training is worth around $16,000.
Continuing with weekly therapies and Matt had a good session today and then off to his bath in Innisfail. Watched him do some standing exercises and was impressed how much easier it looks to rig him up in his standing frame and how much more trunk control he has.
We have had lots of company lately. Uncle Wince and Auntie Carol from B.C. came to visit and it was so funny to watch him and dad argue and tease each other like they probably did when the were younger. They even came out for the afternoon to the campsite when Jacki brought the kids and Grandma. Matt was unable to come because of the rain.
John's son Kennie from New Zealand arrived at the end of June and Jonmarie is loving having her big brother to do things with. They are always off swimming or playing games and she will really miss him when he goes back at the end of July. Shaunie likes him too but likes to be with her mom and dad.
Matt, mom and dad have made many trips to Calgary and have watched Nolan play ball a few times. Lindsay has been off since injuring her knee ligament and is waiting for possible surgery. Not a happy camper! Matt again is going up this weekend to Calgary and it is great that Jacki and Gary get there house re-organized every time he visits. Nolan and Lindsay have bought a house together and made sure there is an entrance that Matt can get into, even if it is on the lower level it still helps for when he comes to visit.
Good luck with the wedding tomorrow Lanna and wish you both the best. Sorry we couldn't make it down but maybe will see you sometime in August. Dad is going back on Monday or Tuesday and I don't know what I will do without him helping in the garden which has survived and cutting grass. Matt and mom will head to Weekes August long weekend and stay until after Jamie's wedding. Things have been so busy here that Mom says she needs a holiday from her holiday!

Crazy weather

Some days I am not sure if summer is really here or winter/spring/fall is happening. Our garden has taken a hail beating twice and there was enough hail that we could make snowballs! The next day it was so hot we were thinking of setting up the inflatable pool, the following day we had the fireplace going!
Matt continues the slow onward trudge and works out everyday at home, plus physio and OT at the outpatient department. Monday he was unable to finish his rehab, the spasms take over his body and there is not much anyone can do. His body gets so toned you can't bend him. Last week he had a bad morning and had to give him some of Shaunie's ativan(the ones she will never take again!). I only gave him 1 mg and he slept for hours. Still groggy after he woke up but was feeling less anxiety. He doesn't ask for them very often but they sure helps when he needs them.
Matt and dad went on Saturday to watch Nolan play ball in Olds. Nolan's team won 2 games and were supposed to play on Sunday but it was rained out. That was okay. Matt was feeling pretty tired and had a bit of heat stroke, even though he had an umbrella over top and a hat. He reacts more quickly to changes in temp then he ever did so we must be more diligent.
It was great to see Heather on Saturday as she had to work in Red Deer over the weekend and stayed for supper and some wine. It was such a beautiful evening that we sat on the deck until 11 pm watching John's new bug zapper in action. It was a great source of entertainment!
On Wednesday Matt was invited to attend an RCMP dog show in Bowden by a good friend of ours so that should be exciting.
Mom is feeling much better, though she is still tired by the weekend. It will be a nice break in the summer for her to take some time and relax, though I doubt if she will. If she has a free moment she usually finds something else to fill it up with.
Dad is a great garden boy and has put up a snow fence to protect the garden against the deer and kids! We will have to replant the carrots and dill though. When it rained and hailed the plants were too delicate and were washed away. Not sure if the growing season is long enough but we shall see.

Jeff Dunham

Matt, Nolan and Mom went to Edmonton yesterday to see Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist comedian at Rexall Place. Matt and Nolan said it was hilarious and were really glad they went Couldn't have asked for better weather, 29 degrees. Thanks so much for Auntie Ardis and Uncle Ken who came to meet mom at Rexall Place to take her back to Shannon and Ray's for a visit. While they were gone Jacki brought the 3 munchkins to the house for a visit. Baby Anthony is so good that we went outside with the kids and grandpa stayed in the house to watch Anthony. We were busy doing yard work and got such a kick out of Bobby. He should be on the farm. He wanted to "dig something" so I told him to go dig the weeds. He was out there for over an hour with his shovel. We still have weeds but very little dirt anymore!
Matt now has physio/occupational therapy on Monday's and Friday's so 2 hours of "work" on those days. Wednesday he goes to Innisfail for a bath. We were happy to hear we got approval from the Alberta Government for payment of a nanny. Up until now Matt has been paying for Cecilia out of pocket and now with the funding we can get another one for weekends and evenings possibly. It will take some of the stress off mom and dad, who have been amazing troopers up until now. We aften have people look at us in amazement for what we have done for Matt and we realize not many families would change lifestyles and living situations to accomadate a person with disabilities. You must just look at the benefits and not just the negatives. We have been so blessed to have such a great family and we seem to make it work. Of course it helps when you have someone like Matt who has the most amazing attitude. And having the nannies help tremendously and we thank God everyday for them.
The other day I was watching Matt do his standing exercises and was amazed again at his continued progress. He may not see it but when he was standing they do not have to have the belt so tight and he can bend his right knee slightly and straighten it again. I have a great video on my camera of him reaching over a grabbing the control to let himself down when he was tired. Wish I could put it on the blog but the file is too big. Need to become more computer literate!

Not so Beautiful Anymore!

I jinxed it all by saying we were having great weather. Last week it froze twice during the night and killed my beans and some of the corn. Turned the tops of the potatoes brown. So we did some replanting and hopefully everything will survive but they are predicting a frost warning again tonight. The tomato plants near the house are still thriving so that is one blessing.
Matt had a busy week as he had OT twice, a bath in Innisfail and started physiotherapy on Friday. However they mostly asked questions and will start the physio this week. Mom was telling me what Matt did the other morning. He could lift his head while lying in the bed and then pulled his knees to his chest after much thought and deliberation. Airene and Cecilia also mentioned when they use the standing frame, Matt is much stronger and I took and video of him standing with the frame and touching his head with his right hand at the same time. It doesn't seem like much to us but it takes alot of effort to do standing and moving at the same time.
Nolan and Lindsay came down for the weekend thank goodness to spend some quality time with Matt. The weekends get boring when the weather is poor and they play Wii and card games with Matt. Next weekend Matt got tickets to see Jeff Dunham at Rexall Place, a comedian/ventriloquist that both Matt and Nolan like so are going up to Edmonton on Sunday. I may have to go and be available for assistance but I didn't get tickets to the show. Wondering if any of the Edmonton relatives may be available for supper near the arena to visit with. Let me know.
Matt felt quite bad last week when Jonmarie and Shaunie were downstairs fighting and Uncle Matt was trying to get them to stop. He told Shaunie to go upstairs as she was being very mean to Jonmarie. Shaunie just would not listen and he yelled really loud and pinched her toe with his right fingers. By the time Grandma came down, Shaunie was backed up on the couch crying her eyes out. He didn't hurt her but she had very hurt feelings. But Shaunie needs to understand when Uncle Matt says something she must listen, especially if they are outside and she starts to run away. So I told Matt not to feel bad and she needs to be a little scared of what he might do (even if it is not much more than yelling). Welcome to the joys of having kids!

Beautiful Weather

We have been having some great weather and Matt has been soaking it in. On Sunday they went to Jacki and Gary's to see baby Anthony for the first time. He is so cute already and such a great baby. Sometimes you forget he is there. Sleeps. eats and makes good use of his diaper! Gary, Matt, and Dad then went to see the Calgary Vipers play baseball. Matt got a touch of heat stoke so wasn't feeling up to par the next day at rehab. He continues to do abdominal exercises so he will not lose what he has gained.
It has been great with dad being here. Grass is always cut and loves working in my garden. He takes Matt for his rehab and baths, so that is one less stress to think about. John has started Dad on some new medication that has done wonders. So that is certainly an answer to prayer.
Deanna, Matt's outpt occupational therapists has been to the house numerous times to make sure we have everything. Matt is going to get a new power chair from AADL, or Alberta activities of daily living program that gives financial assistance to people with disabilities. So we have spent time trying out different ones, including a manual chair as well. I am busy drafting a letter stating why Matt needs a power chair with all the whistles, such as tilt, recline, etc. They will look at all the applications they have had and see which one is most worthy at that time. So we have to make it look good. It is difficult to transfer him from chair to chair all the time because they only provide one cushion. Matt needs the special ROHO cushion which runs about $700, so they only give one per client. We are also trying out some new commodes as well. Matt's had to be custom made so they will provide the cost of the commode, but not the modifications. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! It is a full time job.
ON Wednesday night, Matt did some painting at the rehab department with the help of Cecilia. Some of it was pretty good, the easiest was coloring in the already traced picture.
Friday Matt had his bath in Innisfail and loves to soak in the tub. The home care aide really enjoys Matt and they are constantly teasing each other.
Mom has been feeling really under the weather and can't seem to shake it. Deep cough in her lungs and feeling prety exhausted most of the time. We had went to see Jonmarie's performance on Friday night and mom had a difficult time just making it to the end. So John has given her a req for a chest xray and some antibiotics to get her back into action. Prayers that God will heal her physically and emotionally, as being sick makes for a very frustated mom!

Trip was a Success

Last Friday we left for Weekes at 10am and didn't get to there until 1030pm. We had to stop in Parkridge to see some of his friends and staff, which always takes awhile because everyone wants to talk to Matt. The girls are great travellers and the portable DVD player doesn't hurt either!
It was so good to see all the family members that were able to make it home. Aunty Karen and Uncle Neil have bought Grandma and Grandpa's house and it felt like old times, everyone trying to find a spot in the little house to sit and visit. Saturday Matt visited with some friends and didn't go to sleep until 2 am but we still managed to get him up for church the next morning. It was so good to see so many people and everyone helped get Matt into the church. IT has been the first time since his accident he has been in the church and it was a bit emotional. We did communion and on the way home I asked Matt how he was feeling and stated" I feel like nothing could get me down today". You could see in his eyes that he was relaxed and unburdened. The Spirit can do amazing things. It was so nice to see that there is finally a new minister and the message was charged with scripture and hope. I am not sure but I think it was hard for mom and Matt to see everyone and know that they were just visiting.
The trip back to Red Deer was uneventful but of course we had to stop at Parkridge again to visit. The weather cooperated for the weekend but sure was miserable for travelling. Cold, rain, wind. The van is very tall and catches the wind all the time so I needed to be diligent the whole time. Dad came in Nolan's mustang and he tried to drive the van for a bit but the seats are quite uncomfortable and his neck got too sore so we switched again.
Thanks everyone for the great trip, the fellowship, and the occasional tears that flowed. It was nice to know that Matt hasn't been forgotten and that people are still praying for his continued journey.

Getting Ready

Well the weather is not cooperating for our trip. Yesterday we had a few snowflakes and today it is wet and cold. Much the same tomorrow I think. We will be arriving in Weekes late Friday night and not leaving until Tuesday.
Matt tried out a new power chair. Since he is in Alberta and the previous power chair is from Sask, we will have to return it sometime. So the Alberta government will purchase a new chair for Matt once we fill out the paper work and wait for approval. We can have one for a trial basis and Matt really likes it. It is more compact and turns on a dime, much more stable. However we don't think we can take it to Sask. because it is not the right size and needs a few more extras for such a long trip. We also looked at a few manual chairs but he will need a one hand chair, so all the movement comes from his right hand. However Matt may not have the strength he needs to use it properly so they are going to come back with some different models. The problem again is Matt is so tall that everything is too short so extra modifications need to be made and that isn't as easy as it sounds.
Prayers for a safe trip tomorrow and Thanks to God that we have a new van for the trip.

Kitty is no more

We had a difficult experience for Mother's Day. Our little kitten was killed by the neighbor's dog in front of the kids. It was awful. Everyone had gotten so attached to Molly and Matt was so upset. We will probably get another one but it is hard to erase that image from everyone's head. Shaunie kept trying to pet it and saying "kitty sleeping, wake up kitty". Needless to say the rest of the day was not great.
Matt has been going for outpatient OT Mon and Wed. And the girls continue to keep him busy. I am finding he is more independent than before. If we don't lock the basement door he can open it. He can open the fridge door and get something out if not too heavy. Matt had a sore on his right thigh and states he can feel it better than he could before. That can be a good or bad thing. More sensation can lead to neuropathic pain which if any one has it, it is horrible. But it could mean more sensation, more movement. So prayers that it is a positive thing.
We went to the Red Deer College for the wheelchair ball hockey and basketball. Most of the participants were quite young and Matt mostly just observed. We tried some badminton and Matt did okay but his arm got so tired so fast. He couldn't do the basketball as they don't allow power chairs. They had an para-Olympic athlete there and he was so good. I think Matt gets a little jealous of the paripalegics because they have full use of their arms.
Jacki was down with the kids this weekend and she was having pretty consistent contractions but they subsided by Sunday. So no baby yet! But she is 38 weeks so anytime now.
Getting ready for the big drive this weekend. Matt is so excited to be going home and seeing everyone. So please, if you are in the area, pop over for a visit. The door will be open.

Back at Home (Red Deer)

Matt was discharged from the rehab department on Friday. It was very bittersweet. The therapists became like friends and so did many of the staff and patients. They knew they could have kept Matt there indefinitely, there where so many things to work on but they can only do so much. Now it is up to him.
During the last 3 months, Matt has improved his core muscle strength, increased dexterity with his right hand and arm, able to move his left a bit more when he concentrates, stands with the machine for longer periods of time, had his bladder stones removed (which was one of the biggest blessings), and has more confidence and is becoming more independent.
This weekend Mom and Matt travelled to Calgary for Bobby's birthday party. They even got to see Lindsay play ball for a bit before she blew her knee out and had to spend hours in the ER waiting to see a doctor. The joys of playing sports!
Today the girls were hard at work doing Matt's exercises in the am. Matt had outpatient OT therapy at 1 pm so at my lunch break from work I drove home to pick up Matt and Cecilia and take them to the hospital. Shaunie was home from her school and Matt was already outside waiting. I needed to get something from the house and when Shaunie saw me, she said "Uncle Matthew gone!!" She was very worried that Matthew wasn't where he should be! Matt and Cecilia stayed after therapy and did some visiting until I picked them up after work so we could go to Walmart and get some goodies. We even went to the meat market to get some bison pepper jerky, which was so yummy. Mom bought $20 worth.
The weather was so good tonight that we were able to enjoy supper sitting on the deck. It is nice for Matt to be able to join the family for supper again. We must have been outside for 2 1/2 hours at least. Until the bugs came out.

Stop the world, I want to get off!!

Working full time makes for a busy life!! Time is just flying and I keep forgetting to purchase my ticket!!
Matt seems to be feeling better. He is on antibiotics and we think he may have had strep throat. Mom and Matty were supposed to go to Calgary last weekend but Matt woke up on Saturday with a flaming red throat and was so sore he could hardly swallow. Good thing we have our own pharmacy in our cupboard we just fixed him right up! However we are hoping to go the Calgary this weekend for Bobby's birthday party since we were unable to go to Jacki's.
Tomorrow is Matt's monthly family meeting and we have a sneaky suspicion that Matt will be discharged by the end of the week. So we are preparing for that. So I will write in the blog tomorrow to let everyone know what is happening.
Last week Matt tried something new. The therapists got him to lay on his stomach on the plith board. They used a wedge under his tummy to get him up on all fours, like a baby ready to crawl. Then they asked him to arch his back like a cat. He was able to do one and was exhausted! That is not only working on his abs but also the lower back muscles which are extremely weak. Just getting him on all fours was a challenge!
So it is an exercise we will have to keep up at home.
May 8th there is a wheelchair open house at the Red Deer College to see if there is an interest in wheelchair sports, such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair ball hockey. We are encouraging Matt to attend but he is like the rest of us, so competitive that if he isn't the best he doesn't want to try, but we are going to abduct him and take him anyway. The coordinator said he can just come and observe first and then participate later. However she has to look for a wheelchair big enough for his height.
Update you more tomorrow.
Pray for better Alberta weather!

New Kitty

Sorry the blog is late, I have been working full time at the spa and time gets away from me. We have been having some beautiful weather, today hitting a high of 22 degrees, but will soon turn ugly again. Winter does not want to give up without a fight. Just like Matt, just keeps fighting.
Last week was very busy with continuation of rehab. Took him out for wing night again which is a real break for him and myself. I am not sure who enjoys it more. And the waitresses all fuss over him. Even the ones that don't serve our table come over to talk to him. What a charmer! They even know what he is going to order before he even says anything. It's like Norm on "Cheers", except cuter and less chubby! Matt has stopped going for massage because we have a new girl and we are not sure whether she can help us lift him on the bed, so we will wait and see.
Really noticed a difference in his core muscle strength when he was home. Matt is also incorporating doing some self exercises when in bed and then when we sit him up, trying to do leg and foot exercises. Before he would be so tired that he would just relax all weekend and regain his strength. Because of the weather, we had a great time outside, flying kites and breathing in the freshness. Matt and I laughed so hard watching mom try and run to fly her kite. The kite kept crashing and she would get mad and try again. We also got a new baby kitty, just weaned from its mother. It is ginger colored and has a striped tail. Matthew named her Molly and it really suits her. Mom and Matt went for a walk and Matt kept Molly in his jacket with the zipper done up. Was nervous going down the highway, was very nervous the cars would hit him or his chair would run out of batteries. still feels very vulnerable, which is is so very understandable.
But Mom went to see Matt yesterday and he looked awful. They think he has another bladder infection and is affecting him alot this time. He was so sick and hardly did any rehab. Hopefully he can fight it on his own and not have to take antibiotics. There is only a few that work with Matt because he has had so many he is resistant to a lot of them. They will have to pull out the big guns and probably have to start an IV and that would be disappointing. So please pray that God will bring his healing onto Matt and fight off the infection.
Just a note that we did not go home last weekend. We are actually going home May Long weekend.

Happy Easter!!

I am sure that I am not the only one to say "I ate too much!" for the weekend. We always make food like half the population of a small country is coming and then complain about the leftovers!
Sunday we tried to get Matt to come to church with us but he feels so uncomfortable in big crowds and our church holds over one thousand. So Grandma had to stay with Matt while the rest off us got to celebrate the resurrection at church. The kids love to go to Sunday school and learn about the Lord.
Mom picked up Matt on Thursday night because the therapists had Good Friday off and so did mom, so one extra day at home. Jacki, Gary and the kids came and Amy was back to her usual self, eating whatever she could get her hands on and even things she couldn't! (she is a great climber and doesn't take no for an answer!) The weather was gorgeous, between +16-+18 degrees all weekend. The snow is almost gone and Matt can go all over the yard. The new deck is great, as we did Easter crafts on Saturday and Matt could watch the kids and wait for hotdogs from the barbecue.
Mom can pretty much transfer Matt by herself using the transfer board and we haven't used the lift in months. His abs were hurting this weekend from the major workout his therapists give him during the week. Mom made him put on his long sleeve shirt by himself and this weekend he has to make the girls Kraft dinner by himself, to see how he does. The more he does for himself, the more independent he will become.
We are trying to make him use his left hand as much as possible. Before he gets up in the morning/afternoon!, Matt must lift his left arm with his right arm by "holding hands' with his fingers interlocked. Then he must try to put himself into a sitting position by pushing up with his right arm and hand, still needs lots more muscle strength for this one. When Matt brushes his teeth, mom got him to hold the toothbrush with his left hand, making his hand into a fist. Matt has trouble with this as he doesn't have the strength to hold the brush as it is too small, but it is making his brain remember the movements. After that he can squeeze the toothpaste on the toothbrush.
Hope to see a few family members and friends on May long weekend. We are taking Esmeralda to Weekes with Grandma, myself, the two nannies, and Jonmarie and Shaunie. I am forgetting someone... oh wait, Matthew too! And a partridge in a pear tree!
We actually could fit an extra person in but we want leg room! We are planning to go on Friday and return on Tuesday. We are unsure whether rehab will keep Matt one more month but we are planning the trip like he will be discharged.

One More Month

The meeting last week was very successful and Matt will stay in rehab for one more month for sure. He has been feeling blue lately and tired. I asked if he just wanted to stop rehab, that maybe it was getting too tiresome and his response was "So I can sit at home and feel sorry for myself and do nothing for the rest of my life?" I guess that was my answer. I think he just gets tired from the physical and mental strain everyday and needs the weekend to relax. However this past weekend was not very relaxing because Jacki and the kids came to visit and Amy starting getting sick late Saturday night and ended up with rotovirus. Watery, awful smelling diarrhea and vomiting constantly. The washmachine worked non stop trying to keep up so Matt couldn't come upstairs to visit and we would only go down to see him if we disinfected ourselves. But Jonmarie and Uncle played Wii and Matt watched hockey, which he loves. Jacki phoned and Amy is still not eating and can only keep small amounts of fluid in so I think a trip tomorrow to her family physician may be in order. Little ones can dehydrate so fast.
Rehab continues in the same direction with Matt's goal of putting on a shirt without assistance has been accomplished. The new stand ARGO machine that we got through funding from Telemiracle is great! Took it to the rehab department last week and now the therapist can stand him by herself. Will work so well at home for toileting and standing when we only have one person for help. It builds bone/muscle strength and helps his posture, relieve his bottom and prevent pressure sores, help to stabilize blood pressure, etc. However Matt has been having some trouble with his blood pressure. The doctor (not John!) decided to take Matt off his remaining blood pressure pill, which was given to help elevate his low blood pressure and it will take awhile for his body to get used to it. When he stands, it drops to 70/40 and makes him feel dizzy and nauseated. But we are hoping by this week his body will adjust and he will feel better.
It didn't dampen his appetite on wing night at Tony Roma's. He had over 20 wings and they were huge! Always such a great time and the staff make him feel so special, coming over and chatting and remembering what drink he likes.
Thank goodness the weather is improving and we are grateful for the wind to dry things up. You know winter is finally leaving when they don't add a wind chill warning when they talk about it being windy.

Warming Up

Thank goodness the weather is improving. We still have quite a bit of snow in the yard but can now see some patches of road. I had taken Jonmarie to West Edmonton Mall On Friday and they have much less snow then we do. I wanted Matt to come with but he isn't quite ready yet. He likes to stay at places that are familiar to him, has always been like that. Would prefer to stay close to home and be with family.
Last week Matt went bowling with the recreational therapist and a few other patients. Cecilia took a great video from her phone but I couldn't beam it onto my phone. This bowling alley is great, really equipped for people with disabilities. On the one side of the bowling alley is regular bowling. On the other they have bumpers to prevent the ball from going in the gutter. Then they have stands that are shaped like a slide and Matt could just put his ball on the top of the stand, push it a little bit and the ball would go down the "slide" and eventually make it to the end where the pins are. Next they had Matt try and throw the ball using his right hand, and the therapist would just steady the elbow. He was able to do that a few times and almost beat one of the other patients. With Matt, it is all about the competition!
On the weekend Matt had company and was great to see Travis and Amy. Mom and I went to a baby shower so Airene and Cecilia came for the afternoon. They tried to get Matt to do some exercises but he is so exhausted from the week he didn't work as hard as he usually does. Think he just needs a break. Was very quiet and just said sometimes he gets mentally tired of thinking and trying so hard all the time. But Matt always pulls himself back and gives his all come Monday. Prayers that God continues to give Matt the strength to persevere. Today he was really exhausted. Margaret had him doing abdominal work and even I hate that! He said it was so tiring and didn't want to do anything until tomorrow.
Left hand and arm are noticeable getting better as long as he is feeling well. He is able to close it into a tighter fist than before and when laying on his right side with his left propped on a pillow, can move it off the pillow onto his hip (if not too much of a difference in height). Matt also practices lifting his left hand with his right hand and put it over his head. Good for strengthening his right and reminds his left what it should be doing.
Tomorrow is Matt's month end family conference so prayers that they will continue to keep Matt as long as possible.

The Saga Continues

Matt continues in rehab and we are hoping to keep him there as long as possible. He likes the staff and therapists, but still loves to come home on the weekends. This weekend the weather was great on Friday and he was able to sit out on the deck while John cooked on the barbeque. However the weather turned into that March lion and dumped over 15 cm of snow. Wet, cold, miserable. On Sunday our wonderful neighbors came and cleaned our driveway so we could get Matt back to rehab. By the time we returned a lot of the snow was blown back in and Matt's van barely made it through. No four wheel drive which makes it tough.
Matt was disappointed today because he couldn't stand without his brace. He wanted to try and the therapist said that he could but it might be difficult. He still stood three times. Matt is now trying to go from a standing position and then a slight sitting position and back up again. I will try to explain. When Matt goes to a standing position, they move the bed to the highest position so when he goes into a standing position, he doesn't have far to go. After he stands for a bit with the leg brace on the left leg in position, he tries to bend his right knee like he was about to sit down. because he cannot stand without his brace, it must stay locked in place and only the right knee is bending. Then Matt must push up back into a standing position. He is able to do it three or four times, each time he is standing so it adds up to 10 times. Mom says his right leg just shakes it takes so much effort with such a little bit of muscle to work with. The therapists are still amazed at his progress.
Yesterday they were working on his left arm, practicing supination and pronation. basically when his arm is resting on the table, Matt must try and turn his arm so his palm faces upwards and then back so his palm faces to the table. He does it better when he turns so his palm faces up. They are working on it to give Matt more mobility to help dress himself. He can now put his own shirt on by using his right arm and teeth. They got him doing his own buttons with the neatest little tool.
We are so grateful for all the prayers and thoughts regarding Shaunie. She is back to her normal self and the MRI did not show anything, however it wasn't the best diagnostic tool as Shaunie was unable to hold still enough in the machine. I had prayed that she would do well but just before she went into the room, I decided to give the Ativan the Dr. had prescribed to semi-sedate her. Thank goodness it did not take effect until after the MRI because it had the exact oppisite effect. We had to watch her like a hawk because she was like a drunk 4 year old, running into walls, jumping on the bed and off like it was still beneath her feet, screaming and agitated for 12 hours. Not a good day. Trust in the Lord and do not doubt, that is what I learned!

Left Hand Trying to Work

Last week Matt continued to be busy and pushing hard in rehab. He is standing everyday and they continue to be amazed at Matt's progress. Took him to Tony Roma's on Wednesday, was -20 with the windchill but with Esmeralda it isn't bad at all. There is a button you push which heats the vehicle without turning it on so the van is always toasty warm (when I remember to push the button). Friday Matt was supposed to go for a massage but Shaunie had a bad day and ended up in the hospital with another seizure so we postponed it until this week. Matt gets really upset when he sees Shaunie like that but came to ER as soon as we got there. Nice to have family around when it happens. He even came and visited her on the pediatric ward. I think he came for the free TV!
Lindsay, Nolan, Jacki and family, Bobby M came down for Saturday night and the ones without kids stayed up until the wee hours (except Mom but she had to look after Matt). They had a great time playing Wii and watching TV. However everyone seemed to get the flu bug that is going around. Cough, aches, runny nose, etc. Matt felt really bad on Monday am so they let him stay in bed but got him up for his therapy.
Today I was able to watch occupational therapy. She had Matt's left arm on the table on a pillowcase and was asking him to slide his arm toward a glass on the table. His shoulder is much stronger and he could do it quite easily. Then she asked him to open his left hand to grab the glass. The therapist holds his wrist and stimulates his proprioceptive, in other words by holding his wrist and pushing the joint together tells Matt's brain where his hand is in relation to his body. Then she rubs Matt's thumb and fingers on the sides of the cup to stimulate them to move. Matt was able to close his hand around the cup and hold it when she told him to bring his arm back. Then she lifted Matt's' hand up like his was going to take a sip out of the cup and he continued to hold it in his hand. I thought that was pretty impressive and then she took a jar full of beads for weight and told him to do the same thing, however he must try and slide the jar off the table and onto his lap without dropping it. He did. So not only does he have some movement in his fingers, he can grab things lightly to prevent them from falling. She asked him to put the jar back on the table and he was so close and tried so hard, but he could just not lift the bottom of the jar past the bottom of the table. It takes so much concentration and she had to continually tell him to stop trying to help with his right hand.
Keep up the awesome job Matt. We are so proud of you and thank the Lord you have continued to progress.

Back to the Grind

The weekend was uneventful because Matt stayed in the hospital. It was too cold to do much of anything. We had a blizzard on Saturday and the weather really turned cold. Mom went to the Brier with Jacki. She took Jonmarie with her to spend some time with Amy and Bobby. Shaunie stayed with us in Red Deer. Thought it would be too much for Uncle Gary to handle! I was able to go on Sunday and visit Matt for the afternoon. John still is able to pop in everyday for a few minutes.
Today it is -36 with the windchill. So not too much happening in the way of travel. However Matt's therapy is continuing strong after recovering nicely from surgery. He finds that his bladder is working much better and doesn't stress him out as much as it did. Yesterday Matt stood 3 times. The first time was very rough and he didn't last long. They have discontinued the one med to keep his blood pressure from dropping so his body can start adjusting itself. SO we were worried it would set back his rehab however the 2nd time he stood up was fine. The 3rd time Matt tried to pick up his right leg but the most he could do was lift his heel off the floor and bend his knee. I thought that was great but he was disappointed. Take it slow bud. It took over 21 months to get here, it will take just as long to get it all back. .
Mom visited with Matt last evening and he told us to stop worrying about him being alone, he has lots to do. A staff from John's office borrowed Matt 8 movies to watch and is looking forward to watching all 8. Thanks Stacey
Hoping to have some company over this weekend. Friends from home called Nolan and may come and visit. That would be great, we have a big house and lots of room.
More updates to come.

Surgery a success

Matt did have his surgery for bladder stone removal yesterday at 1100. The stones were so huge that they needed to break them up before pulling them out. Thank goodness they decided to to a spinal as opposed to being put right to sleep. The anesthesiologist was concerned with Matt's previous pneumonia's and compromised breathing. I visited him yesterday and he was still groggy, couldn't move his legs but was starting to get some feeling in them. He will need a indwelling catheter and an IV for the next few days, which will put a damper on his therapy and he won't be able to come home this weekend. Which might be for the best because Mom will be in Calgary for the Brier. Jacki and Gary got her some tickets for the Sunday game and she will go up Saturday.
Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts. Will keep you posted!

Happy Belated Matt

Thanks so much for all the comments. It is great to see how many cheerleaders on still cheering, even after all this time.
Matt spent his birthday in Calgary at Jacki's. Gary had a few friends over and I hear they had a great time playing risk, the golf card game, UNO. Matt was a bit disappointed he didn't win any of them, but felt better when he had cake on Sunday for Amy's early birthday party. Jacki put Matt's name on Amy's Dora and Diego cake. I think Matt's name was under the Dora doll but I may be mistaken!
God has truly blessed us. Thinking back to the beginning and all the difficulties Matt faced, the uncertainties, we are so much farther ahead then was ever thought possible. Matt continues to do well in therapy, but fatigues very easy. We had a family conference on Monday am to discuss Matt's therapy, tentative discharge date, meds, etc. The therapist feel that Matt's goals of going back for a few classes in school, standing without support, transferring by himself, are all attainable, but more time is needed. So they have moved his discharge date back to the end of March. I was surprised to hear that Red Deer has seen very few spinal cord injuries, most are transferred to Glenrose or Calgary. I told them what a fantastic job they are doing. We realize it makes such a difference from last year. Matt was sick most of the time, still had his trach in, his blood pressure would drop at a moment's notice. We thank God that Matt can go further with his rehab without all the other things hanging over his head.
We also discussed the possibility of Matt being seen in Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton after discharge. They will look into it. Glenrose has a spinal cord research center and have all the up to date technology.
Please remember Matt in your prayers for Wednesday. He is booked for surgery to remove stones from his bladder and he is quite nervous to be intubated again, since he has to be put under anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will come and talk to Matt again, to see if there is a possibility of getting a spinal instead. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight". Proverbs.

Standing Man

Matt had a busy yesterday. I was thankful I wasn't working so was able to spend most of the day with Matt. Last week he met with the rehab physician and she arranged for an ultrasound on his kidneys and bladder, to see where the stones are and if they could be causing all the bladder spasms. I was going to spend some time with him watching the Scotties on TV but he was off to occupational therapy for writing exercises.
But the most exciting was physiotherapy in the afternoon. I had brought Matt's left leg brace on the chance they would try and stand Matt. The OT Matt had been seeing in outpatients was there so I knew they were going to try (she doesn't normally work with the inpatients, but she had been waiting for this moment). First they started with what looked like a foot massage, but what they were doing is stimulating the brain to remember how big Matt's foot is. Sounds weird but many pt's with strokes or spinal cord injuries, the brain tells the body that the foot is very small and they believe that is the reason many pt's walk on tiptoes or the side of their feet, loss of balance quickly etc. After they put his shoes and brace on, they placed a table with a box besides his right arm and had him place his hand on it for stability. My job was to take pictures so they could see Matt's alignment, Cecilia would lock his brace in place when he was standing, Sonja stood behind him on the mat and Margaret would make sure his knees didn't buckle. They put the mat/bed in the highest position, then got him to stand. The first time he stood for 3 minutes and they were just testing how he would do. He was able to support his own weight with his right leg and arm. Matt felt fine, no drop in blood pressure and only sat down after muscle fatigue. After a short rest where the therapists consulted over the pictures, they got him standing again, this time for about 5 mins. He noticed his left arm became numb from hanging down so Cecilia held it up for him. They also made him reach for the ceiling with his right hand, which is difficult because of lack of muscle tone but he didn't lose balance, which is what they were looking for (he actually did touch the ceiling he is so tall). We were all very excited and felt there should have been balloons coming from the ceiling or something!
Margaret was very optimistic, but told us that Matt may never walk without the brace or some walking aides and still have a long way to go. But she didn't expect Matt to do as well as he has done so quickly.
Must go, have to go back to work. Just had to write the good news!

Weekend at Home

Matt was glad to be home for a few days. He is such a trooper but his eyes always give him away. He doesn't enjoy going to the hospital but he knows it is for the best. We picked him up Friday late afternoon and took him back last evening. While at home he played some Wii, since he can't set his game up at the hospital. There is a room that he can go to but he must book a time for it. Matt enjoys Friday night movie night with the girls with often one or both girls are on his lap. Saturday we took Matt for a massage, sine we couldn't get him an appointment for last Wednesday. He really enjoys it and finds it so relaxing.
I think what Matt enjoys the most is he sleeps better when at home. During the week he doesn't get much sleep with all the different sounds and new bed. But he adapts so well to any situation, much better than I would be!
I forgot to mention on Friday I was there to see physio again. Margaret is really working his core muscles and what she made him do was sit up without help, which he finds he can do quite easily if it is a hard surface. Then she makes him lean to the right while holding himself up with his right hand and arm. Next she makes him lean back at the same time, than pulling himself into the upright position again. He tried it on the left but because his arm doesn't work very well, he must just use his oblique muscles, which is hard for anyone. Margaret is hoping to see him standing this week just to see how he does, so want to be there for that. More good news to come, I am sure.

Work, work, work!

What familiar words from my childhood, arriving home from school to the sound of mom greeting us at the door "now it is time to work, work, work!" Well Matt, your time has come. Tuesday it already started with physio. Margaret, his therapist is great, really testing the waters and discovering what Matt can do. I watched her today and she is constantly watching Matt and then asking whether he can do a particular exercise or movement. However she is not satisfied with a negative response until he can prove that he truly cannot do something or Matt just thinks he can't. Yesterday, she asked if Matt can transfer from the chair to the bed by himself. He responded that he couldn't but she told him to try anyway. Cecilia was there to help but all she did was steady him with light touch and the Margaret talked him through it . Matt said it was the hardest thing he has ever had to do but he did it! He was very proud of himself and so were we. We took him to Tony Roma's that night for celebration wings and Matt can usually finish at least 20 but he was so tired his eyes looked like two holes in the snow. She has given some exercises to do, so he is constantly working on thins. For instance, Matt needs to be able to put his heels to the floor, so when he walks again, he won't walk on tiptoes. It will be a challenge though. Every time he tries to tell his brain to put his heel down while sitting in his chair, his leg spasms and he then must tell his brain to stop the clonus(spasm). So there is so much to think about with such a simple action but the more he does it, the more natural it will be.
What the staff are so impressed with is Matthew's attitude and already they love him. He has made friends with many of the patients, all who are much older than he is (by about 40 years). It is so nice to go a visit him and the staff have already warmed up to him.
Matt hasn't been sleeping well though so has been tired. He is also battling a cold and his O2 sats were only at 90%, but increased to 94% as the day progressed. Even though, he still gives his all and I think it makes a huge difference that we are so close and visit so often. Today Matt had an MRI on his brain, neck and left shoulder. The therapist really wants to see what is happening so she knows how to proceed. If Matt has a tear in his shoulder, than they will have to do things differently, such as focusing more on his core muscles and leave the left alone until it is healed, with or without surgery. We won't know until the results come back.
It is so great to write the blog again and have such positive news. God hasn't forgotten about us, He knows what Matt needs more than we do and was just waiting until Matt's body was ready.

Hello everyone. Would love to tell you how Matt is doing but John and I are in Victoria for the weekend and Grandma is babysitting for the weekend. Jacki, Gary and the kids came up to help her out and I know Gary and Matt went into town on Saturday for shopping. I think Gary just wants to drive the new van!
On Friday Matt was official admitted to the rehab unit. However he was just there for the day and then was "discharged" for a weekend pass. They want him to come back Monday evening to be ready for "work" on Tuesday (family day in Alberta for Monday). It sounds like they will be quite strict with Matt and are really going to focus on him being more independent. So instead of us doing a lot of things for Matt, such as getting his money out of his wallet to pay for things, he will have to learn to do it himself. On Friday the physio worked with him for a bit and they are going to continue to build up his core muscles so when he stands again he will be ready. He can have visitors most times except when he has rehab. So it will be tough on him for awhile to adjust but he knows that it is for his best long term goals.
We were unable to take Matt for his weekly massage but will plan again for next week. Still going to go out for his Wednesday wings and massage.
Thanks for any comments you can add, love to hear from everybody.

New Van!!

Jacki, Gary and the kids arrived Sunday morning at 10 am with the new van and Matthew was still in bed. He was up and out to the van at 1030. It was so exciting. It is massive!! We are thinking to use it a charter for the times when Matthew isn't using it. To use the lift has one controller and no manual labour is needed to raise and lower it. We have nicknamed the new van Esmeralda because the old van is Quasimodo from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". So for Matt's first official drive we all piled in, John driving, myself in the passenger seat, and the kids, Grandma, Jacki, Gary and Matt. Believe it or not we had room for one more passenger!! Too bad, Grandpa, you missed out! We then proceeded to drive to MacDonald's for lunch. However we couldn't go through the drive thru so we all went in to order. Now I know what Ma and Pa Kettle felt like!
We drove down some of the roads we had driven with Quasimodo and couldn't believe the difference, it was so comfortable. And it has heat! Lots and lots of heat. Because it is a diesel engine it was actually too warm and we had to keep turning it down. I must say we were glad for the tinted windows otherwise we would have made quite a sight.
And we already have used it for transporting furniture and equipment. The Serengeti spa had a booth at the bridal show this weekend and Gary and Matt showed up to transport the stuff back to the spa. We fit it all in and Matt (when we had taken the stuff to the bridal show, we used 3 vehicles!). I can definelty see us making more trips with Matt, rain, shine or freezing cold. Thanks for all the prayers and if you ever in Red Deer and need some transportation for large numbers, give us a call!

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.

Cold Weather has Returned

Well the brief reprieve from cold weather was just enough to ready us for the next blast from old man winter. Last night it dropped to -28, but thankfully no wind.
Another busy week for Matt. In OT Sonja, his therapist had a helper from physiotherapy with her and the two of them really worked Matt's abs. They notice after a weekend of doing very little therapy that Matt is not quite as strong but by Thursday he is gaining again. For a quad, he must work at least 3 hours a day to keep what he has and any extra hours are for improvement. Tough job day in and day out. On Thursday the girls called me down to see what Matt was up to. He was in the middle of his leg exercises by using the bike. Usually he needs Cecilia or Airene to hold his feet and push on his feet to get him started and to maintain movement. On this particular day Matt was doing it on his own. The spasms were hard to work through and his movements were very jerky, but he managed to do it for more about 20 cycles. Still rooting for you Matt!!
Wednesday Cecelia, Airene, Matt and I went for wing night at Tony Roma's. $3.50 for 10 wings and they were great. Matt was in his glory. He couldn't eat as much as he wanted because after supper it was off to the spa for his massage. The massage therapist also did some treatment for "backne", or back acne that worked fairly well. He was on the table for 2 hours and we had a tough time getting him off because he was so relaxed. The four of us must lift him from the bed to the chair which is no easy task for 4 women, but somehow we manage without dropping him on the floor!
Friday dad left to go home again, which is just after the weather turned cold. Wednesday night was -2 and by Thursday am it was blizzard condition with the thermostat rapidly decreasing in temperature. By the afternoon it was -30 with the windchill. So on Friday I again became the chauffeur, taking Matt for his bath. It wasn't bad going to Innisfail but was much colder on the way back and all of us couldn't wait to get in the nice warm house. The van just doesn't produce enough heat. That is why we were very excited to find a used Dodge Sprinter in Calgary and put a down payment on it. It is a 2.7 litre with a Mercedes engine in it. It holds up to ten passengers but will will take the seats out to fit his chair in. The roof is 6 feet in height and we will not have to raise the door because it it also high enough for Matt. We realize that even though we fixed up the old one, it just doesn't suffice for cold weather. So we are going to pick it the new one up sometime this coming week and the find a place that will put a lift in it for Matt. Great West Life will pay for the lift to be put in so that is one less expense that we are grateful we do not have to pay. The Lord constantly provides for our needs and for that we are continously grateful. Psalms 92:4-5 "For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord: I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!"

Great Weather

We have really been enjoying the spring like weather we are having. The only problem is the thick slush and Matt can't go through it with his manual chair, we are unable to push him. So he has been using his power chair when outside.
Matt again had OT on Monday and Thursday. She was happy with the slight progress she sees in his left hand. Matt's shoulder has been bothering him so I did LILT treatment to try and help.
Wednesday Matt had his first bath since he has gotten to Alberta. We have been trying to arrange it for months but always had to wait for permission and approval. Not like Porcupine were you can pay a little bit and just have a bath. Lots of hoops to go through but like Matt said it was so worth it. When the homecare nurse asked how long he would like to soak, he replied "forever". They were really good with him and couldn't stop gushing about how attractive he was. Poor Matt, he was blushing like a beet! Because we didn't feel Matt's day was busy enough we took him for a massage at our spa. The girl who did the massage was just great and very helpful, helping Cecilia, Airene and myself to lift him unto the bed. We could have used Gary or Nolan's muscles that's for sure! But she worked from his feet right to his neck and Matt loved it. He smelled like a peppermint tree. We asked him how it was and he replied "ow I know why the call it the stone room". I wasn't sure what he meant until I noticed that each room was labelled by the picture beside it. By the massage rooms door was pictures of stones. Funny Matt. He really did looked stoned. He woke up Thursday am feeling great and very refreshed. He gushed over it so much that Nolan went for one today and was very impressed. Mom said she is next. Not if I beat her to it.
Today was another beautiful day. +10 on the deck and sunny. When we went to the road the wind was cold but that didn't stop them from rigging up Matt's wheelchair to the toboggan and taking turns pulling everyone around. He even pulled Nolan on it and I got it on video.
Thanks everyone for writing comments on the blog. Matt, mom and dad sure miss home and love to get updates all the time. Please keep it up so home doesn't feel so far away.

No Occupational Therapy

Matt missed out on OT therapy last week due to the fact his therapist was sick. But she was back today and feeling better. However Matt continues to get his regular physio by Cecila and Airene. So he only has days off on the weekend and even then we don't let up on him much. Prior to his therapy, we would lift his feet off the floor and onto his chair rests. Now we make him do it. Sometimes he does well and other times his left foot gets caught on his right and he doesn't have enough strength to "untangle them". Also when Matt is lying in bed he must try to bend his knee for mom and I to get his shoes off and bridge to get his pants off.He is getting stronger everyday.
Jacki and the kids came this weekend and had a great time visiting. The weather was excellent, in the plus for Saturday and Sunday so we had four wet kids coming in from playing. Played a few games of crib and golf with Matt and he always helps Jonmarie with her reading.
Nolan is coming down to visit on Wednesday and to help pick up the electric bed from the Lending cupboard. We are still waiting for one from homecare more made for Matt's size but for now this will help out so much. Matt needs to rely on mom to change his bed positions for comfort and with an electric bed he can do it himself. Wednesday Matt is also going for a bath in Innisfail and then in the evening I will take him for a massage. It will be quite interesting because we need to take the lift and try to turn him on the very narrow massage table so he can lay on his stomach. Prayers that we don't drop him!
Dad is planning to go back to Weekes on Thursday and we will sure miss him for transporting Matt to his various places. But I am so glad the warm weather is going to hold for the week. The beast (van) likes it when it is warm!

Happy New Year

2009 is here and with it the cold weather continues. Mom, dad and Matt traveled to Calgary on New Year's Eve to go to watch the Oilers play the Flames. Mom stayed at the house to watch Bobby and Amy while Jacki, Gary, Nolan, Matt, Lindsay and dad went. Exciting game but unfortunately our team came up short, it was nice to be able to go. Met some nice people who want Matt to come and play wheelchair hockey in February in Calgary. Matt also played a few games of risk with some of Gary's friends. He won the second night and Gary pouted.
Today the weather improved, not quite the same as in Saskatchewan, lots of chinooks. Today it was -3 and sun was shining. Matt had LILT therapy today, but OT was cancelled as the therapist was sick. Matt's shoulder has been really giving him grief, so they are sending him for an MRI in the begining of Feb to see where the damage is and if there is something they can do. While doing his therapy today, Cecilia noted that when Matt was doing the arm bike therapy, after they had placed Matt's hand on the pedal, Matt was able to squeeze his left hand slightly to hang on to the pedal. Usually they would just tie his hand in place, but he wanted to help hold on so thought about it and was able to make his hand do want he wanted. However if he does it too much he starts to spasm. But anything is very encouraging. Sometimes it is very hard for us all to keep positive, but we are reminded in Luke 12:22-24 that God does not want us to be anxious and troubled with cares about our lives, because we know that we are very valuable to Him and that He will take care of us. Thank you all for your continued prayers for Matt, it is a comfort to him to know that so many friends and family are keeping him in there thoughts and prayers and he can feel there encouragement over the many miles. God bless each and everyone and all the best in the New Year.

Christmas Has Come And Gone

I so wanted to write a blog Christmas day but I was so busy stuffing myself and..well..that is about it. We all travelled to Jacki's on the 23rd for the big day. We left later than expected because Matt had OT at 1 pm and by the time we left it as after 4 pm. I followed behind the van and was worried about the icy conditions however we mad it without any major incidents except one. The van started to overheat and we realized the cardboard dad had put in to try and keep the van warm was too effective. Also the temp went from being a freezing -21 at Red Deer to -9 at Carstairs. Crazy weather in Alberta.
We opened the exchange gifts on the 23rd because Nolan and Lindsay travelled to her folks in Vernon on the 24th. Matt was very excited over the gift Mom and Dad gave him. It turns out Nolan was getting a ticket to see the Flames on New Year's, and that is also what Gary gave to Jacki. So now Matt and Mom are going to the game as well. So they will be travelling back to Calgary for the big game.
We tried out Matt's new mattress at Jacki's and it worked great. It is guaranteed to prevent bedsores. Matt and mom were so tired on the night of the 24th that neither one woke up for 6 hours. Mom was in a panic that Matt would have a pressure sore from not moving but the mattress did it's job. It is the first time since the accident that Matt has slept so many hours in a row. Far cry from last Christmas when he was still being suctioned, could hardly move more than his right arm, and was sick 90% of the time. At church on Sunday the minister spoke of a wonderful, not well known verses in Habakkuk 3:18-19. 'I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." Matt, you have reached heights that a year ago seemed impossible, but as we know, nothing is impossible with God.
Today Matt again back in Red Deer and has OT once again. So the break of Christmas is over and back to exercises and working towards Matt's goal of walking again. So a belated Merry Christmas to all and an early New year's greeting.

Christmas is coming

Well the cold weather has settled in for the long haul. We are travelling to Calgary tomorrow and the temp will remain about 20 below. Dad returned from Weekes today so I am gladly relinquishing the keys to the beast to him. Matt has one more OT therapy before they break for holidays and then off to Calgary.
This week has been fairly quiet due to the poor weather however we did manage to get into town for a LILT treatment and OT. The therapist is so good with trying to strengthen Matt's abs and trying to think of ways that will improve his turning ability while laying down. The Homecare nurse came to do an assessment of the house to see if everything was up to par. She was quite impressed on how sunny the basement is because of the walk-out. However she is trying to work out where we can take Matt for a bath. So much politics to go through first. We mentioned we would gladly pay but we have to wait for the okay from the powers that be. The Homecare nurse will also look into getting Matt an electric bed for more independence.
Dad picked up a special mattress to prevent breakdown in his skin from Saskatoon. Uncle Jim had picked it up a week early and was holding it for us. Thanks Uncle. Aunty Karen tried to fit it in her car but is was just too big. Another new thing we purchased was a stimulator machine. We couldn't get the one we wanted because of price however this one will be okey until we get a better one. It stimulates Matt's muscles to contract to increase muscle tone and will promote more movement. The girls are having a great time trying it out on Matt.
Everyone is getting ready for Christmas and mom and I spent all weekend baking. It scares me on how much time it takes to prepare food and how little time it takes to eat it! We would like to take this opportunity to thanks everyone who have keep Matt and our family in their prayers and thoughts, for all the kind words, help and encouragement. It has been so helpful and we want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and God's many blessing in 2009. Luke 2:11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will among men. Merry Christmas to you all from the Gustafson family.

No Internet

I am quickly updating the blog from work in between patients. Our Internet at home has been down since Friday night. Hoping to get it back soon however this freezing, mind numbing cold will continue for awhile and they cannot send out anyone to check the tower. -40 this am with the windchill so Matt is house bound for a few days. We did manage to make it to a Lacrosse game Saturday night. The van started great but I noticed it was not giving off any heat. By the time we got home from the game Matt was a little frozen ice cube in the back. Without heat, the hydraulic lift for the wheelchair was soo slow that John, Cecilia, and myself would get on with Matt to give it more weight to get it down. Ahh, lovely winter.
But Matt did enjoy the game between Calgary Roughnecks and Edmonton Rush. Disappointed in the food, not like the Porcupine rink where you order fries and can actually share with your friends.
Last night when we were putting Matt to bed, mom and I found that he was able to move easier than when he first got here. When lying in bed, he can make his knees bend one at a time with spastic movements. Also on Thursday he had a cold and was getting cold and hot. The interesting thing was he started to sweat in his lower back, which he hasn't done since the accident. So more nerve conduction is going through we hope.
Barry and Giselle stopped in for a short visit on Sunday. They had travelled from Victoria last week and it was nice to see them.
Have great day and stay warm.

Starting to Snow

Well winter is trying to arrive in Alberta. I can see where it will be very difficult to travel with Matt. Hard to push the chair in the snow, even if it is only a little bit. When I drive the van, it makes me so nervous that it will be icy and so if you are ever behind a great big beast on the road and it is going very slowly, just be patient! It is just me! Psalms 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety". A verse for the winter!
Matt continues to go to OT at Red Deer Hospital. They are going to measure him for a wheelchair but it might not be done until January. Hopefully it will be done sooner so we can get it for the New Year. We found out that because the manual chair he is in now causes him to get neck aches.
Friday I took Matt for some LILT treatment for his neck. I give dad so much credit for driving the beast all the way from Sask. I gave myself a headache just driving 13 kms! The van sways like a boat in water when it hits a bump. And dad drove it before it was properly fixed so Matt said it was even worse. Matt and I went to look at a Dodge Sprinter. It is a great big 10 seater that has 5"9' doors at the back and when you stand inside it is over 6 feet. It wouldn't take much to make it wheelchair accessible and we would still have room for 5 people to sit. But will have to wait and see what the final cost will be. It is a buyers market right now so hopefully it will be reasonably priced. After we looked at the van, we went over to the mall to do some shopping. Found some great gifts and Matt enjoyed the outing. Their were many people in wheelchairs so we were checking out their wheels.
Yesterday Matt and I went back to town to pick up his computer, which is all fixed up. IT is working great. Decided to head to the mall again and ran in to some friends of ours that have read the blog since day one and were very excited to finally meet Matt. They couldn't get over how good he was looking. By the time we left it was dark and getting icy so we headed home slowly.
Right now Matt and Jonmarie are playing Wii and are having a great time. It is a wonderful way for Matt and Jonmarie to spend time together and also for Matt to get some exercise on the weekend. He was in bed most of the afternoon because our power was off for 4 hours and the house was freezing! Can't wait until they get our new natural gas fireplace hooked up so next time we can have heat.
Big hello to everyone and will keep you updated. Mom has a email address now. It is jgustafson1@hotmail.com

Dad went home for awhile

Dad went home with Nolan today to see how the house is holding up and to just get away for awhile. It is not easy living in someone house and I think a break is just what he needed. However we have lost our driver so back to taxi's for at least one day a week. On Wednesday I am not working so I will give it the old college try and drive the beast so lots of prayers for Matt's safety!! Dad gave me a run down but am very nervous about driving the beast. So far the weather is co-operating and still no snow. It did get colder with a massive wind today and risk of snow.
Last week we were unable to take Matt to the pool like we had planned. He wasn't feeling up to par with his blood pressure continuously dropping when he would stand or transfer.
Today he was much stronger. When the girls where doing his exercises on the floor, they had him doing bridging exercises. That is when he lays on his back, the girls lift his knees to a bent position with his feet still on the floor. Then he pushes up with his abdomen and lifts his bum off the floor. Today there was an extra twist. Shaunie thought it looked like great fun and sat on his stomach. Matt, die hard that he is, decided to keep going and completed 10 bridges in a row. Jonmarie felt left out and decided to sit with her 50 lbs of weight and Matt did another ten more. Even I can't do that, without whining and complaining. Keep it up Matt!!
John's birthday was last week and we had friends from Yorkton and Ontario come to the house to say hi to Matt. One was an orthopedic surgeon and was so shocked by the amount of dexterity Matt had in his right hand. He thought it was about a T1 injury (remember there are 7 cervical vertebrae before you get to the thoracic vertebrae and Matt's injury was at C2-C3).
Matt is waiting for an MRI for his head, neck and shoulder. Hopefully at the beginning of the new year. Still going for laser treatments and as usual Matt is still charming everyone he meets. A new Sask. roughriders hat now sits on his desk for him to wear because of his irresistible smile.
Love to all and special prayers and thoughts to our Weekes neighbor Alex who is recovering from a heart attack in Saskatoon. Thanks to Ardith and Tom for looking after the house and dog while everyone was away.
Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Mid week update

Now that the van is fixed will venture to the swimming pool for the first time tonight. Matt's a bit apprehensive about going into the water again. Those of you who cannot swim, you feel very vulnerable and that is what Matt experiences, for he is completely dependent on others for his safety. Prayers that all goes well tonight.
Another point of interest, the girls tried to exercise Matt's legs with the bike machine (just like the top picture but instead of his arms, he uses his legs). It was difficult to get him started, just couldn't get the rhythm started and Matt's huge knees kept banging together. However through perseverance Matt got into a rhythm and was able to complete 23 mins! He was very excited and very anxious to start physio therapy at the hospital. So prayers that we will soon get the call for him to start. Still gets really dizzy when we try to stand him and is taking 3 meds to try and boost his blood pressure, but it still drops to 74/50 at times, which is much too low. Feeding him lots of salt! We may look into getting him a cow lick! Thanks for all the comments.

New Pictures

Finally got to sit down and change pictures on the blog. Renovations continue however we did get our dining room back so can sit in front of the computer in comfort. Matt's laptop is on not working so I couldn't even use his. Hoping to get it fixed soon. We are having the worst luck keeping things running!
Mom, dad, and Matt went to Jacki and Gary's this weekend for a visit. Some friends of Matt's who he had met while going to school in Calgary invited everyone to a Grey Cup party for Sunday. Everything worked out great. They were able to take the portable ramp and everyone did there best to make Matt feel right at home. Gary even shaved Matt's beard and it looks so much better. Saturday night Nolan came over to play games and they stayed up until 2 am. Matt didn't sleep great because of the pain in his neck. The OT thinks it is because Matt's manual wheelchair is not the right size for him, which it isn't. He just borrowed it from another patient while in Saskatoon. Great west Life has agreed to buy him a new one built for his size so ordering a new one as soon as possible. Van is working great so that is a blessing.
Jacki phoned today to tell us Bobby was crying this morning when he woke up and Uncle Matt was gone. Of course Jonmarie and Shaunie were so happy to see him back in Red Deer, so there may be a few scraps over Uncle Matt in the future. Jonmarie loves playing Wii games with him and is starting to get quite good at it. But she sure hates to lose! And Uncle Matt won't let her win which I find funny because he was such a poor loser when he was young and always wanted us to let him win.
Weather continues to be great with a high of +5 today and still no snow. We are definitely not complaining. Keep praying!

Van is Fixed

We finally got the van back on Friday. Cost a bit more than we hoped but it is better than trying to get a taxi everyday.
Everyone in our house except mom and myself has had the flu. Matt got it on the weekend and was really under the weather. Saturday he didn't even get out of bed. But unlike last year, when he gets sick, he rebounds much quicker.
Still going to OT 2 times a week and still waiting for physio at the hospital. The nannies are working him in the mean time. Shaunie even helps out when Uncle Matt leans too far forward in his chair and can't sit himself back up without some help. So Shaunie pushes on Uncle Matt's head and shoulders to get him to sit up. She was having a difficult time at the beginning with all the changes and her school was noticing a regression in her behaviour, but hopefully that will pass.
Grandma is in Calgary tonight enjoying the hockey game live! Gary and Jacki got her some tickets, thought she would enjoy a night out. Matt can transfer from the chair to the bed with 2 people so dad and I will get him all settled in. Jonmarie and Shaunie are already sleeping. The nannies are still here and playing games. Earlier Matt was teaching them how to play Wii. It was hilarious listening to them giggling downstairs.
Tomorrow Matt again goes to OT and then to John's office for more laser treatment on his neck and shoulder. The pain as greatly diminished and now Matt only takes Advil about once a week, if that. So thanks for all the prayers! And thanks for all those loyal followers of the blog. It is hard to believe that we started it almost 17 months ago. Will continue to keep you posted.

We are so grateful for the good weather. This weekend there was a high of +8. Today a bit colder at +1 and overcast, but still no snow.
Matt is now going for occupational therapy twice a week at the hospital and really enjoys his OT. He also continues to go for laser treatments at the office and we were really encouraged last week when Matt bent his left elbow unassisted. We get him on the floor and then do exercises, and while they were doing the exercises, they noticed his left elbow wanting to bend. So by holding his muscle right above the elbow, they were able to stimulate his muscle enough to bend, but Matt had to do all the movement. However he forgets what muscles are needed so we tap on the back of his arm when he is supposed to bring his arm down and tap on the forearm to lift his arm up, so he can remember what way to move it.
Renovations continue so the house is upside down but everyone is settling in. This weekend we had Jonmarie's birthday party and the family was all here.
The van is still in the shop and it will cost alot of money to get it running. Hard to know what to do, get a new one or fix the old one. Using the taxi everyday gets expensive, running over $60 a day. But we will figure it out.
Sorry it has taken so long to write the blog. Because of the reno's. our computer was moved and unplugged, and I was unable to access the blog from Matt's computer. Will try to write once a week.

Van in the Shop

Once again we are struggling with the van. Matt had started going every second day to John's office for LILT treatment, the low intensity light therapy. Yesterday, the van barely made it to the clinic and that was it. Thankfully Matt was able to take a cab home after his therapy and we got the van towed to a garage. The prognosis is poor but we are hoping they will be able to get it back on its wheels again. So for now, Matt is taking a taxi when he needs to go into town.
The weather has been great, with this being the first Halloween in history when you could actually see what the kids were wearing (no heavy jackets).
Good news for the family, Jamie Relitz had a baby boy. Congratulations to mommy and daddy and new Grandpa and Grandma!
Matt continues to work hard with therapy, with sessions of 2 hours in the am and 2 hours in the pm. He seems to be getting stronger again, so lets hope he keeps improving. Matt has occupational therapy starting in the hospital Monday at 9:30. He is already dreading waking up so early.
We are still in the midst of major renovations and hoping to have it all finished by the middle of November.
Please pray for us as a family. The transition has been a bit difficult and we are still working out some kinks, but it will take time to find everyone's "fit'.
Happy Halloween to all!

The House is Full!!

Sorry it has taken me so long to write. The gang finally got here at 11:30pm Tuesday night. What a sorry looking bunch! Big circles under their eyes, and so tired. By the time they unpacked and got Matt settled, it was 1:30 am. I think they are still recuperating.
Things have been so hectic since they came I haven't been able to catch up on much, but things will settle once mom knows where to find things and stop phoning me at work!!
Matt has been getting in home therapy since Wednesday and there is a noticeable decline in some functions, however with the rehab plan the 2 nannies have in store for him, Matt will soon regain most of his lost function. We are still waiting to hear if Matt can attend some rehab as an outpatient at the hospital. So far everything is working out okay.
Right now Nolan and Lindsay came from Calgary for the weekend to help dad build a ramp for the front of the house to make it easier to get Matt in. Right now dad has the ramp but it is so steep that 2-3 people have to push him up. Matt has also gained some weight so makes him heavier to push. So we have a very full house but we are having a great time playing Yahtzee, sequence, crib, etc. The nannies like it too, learning all new games. Jonmarie and Shaunie love having family around.
Thanks for all the "safety" prayers that were sent on Tuesday. I was starting to get a bit worried but the arrived safe and sound. Continue to pray for Matt's rehab and that Matt will once again be progressing.

Slow Going

Another update, you can tell that I am anxiously waiting.
Mom had phoned me at 3:30 and the were just passing Rosthern! They again had trouble after filling up in Porcupine, with the van smelling of gas and bucking like a wild bronco. By Tisdale they were about to turn around and call it quits, but decided to press on until Melfort and go to the auto shop there. By the time they pulled up, the van started behaving better and they were able to continue on. At 8pm, they had gotten as far as Provost. Unfortunately because of losing so much time, they were unable to stop in Parkridge so Matt was quite disappointed.
Because they are travelling in 2 vehicles, when Matt has to use the facilities, they both must stop and that takes time. So praying they will make it by midnight.
Prayers,prayers,prayers!

On Their Way!!

I can hardly believe that they are on their way! They left this am a little later than expected, always something last minute to do. We are busy on our end, getting the basement cleaned up and moving some things for more space. The cement walkway outside is ready to go and we are hoping to have the deck rebuilt in the next week, as the last one had to be tore down due to structural damage.
Please pray for God's guidance on their trip and for their safety. I believe Matt wants to stop in Parkridge to have a visit, so will be here after 9 pm.
Keeping fingers (and toes) crossed!

Getting Closer

Just to give an update, Mom is busy packing and Dad is getting the yard cleaned up and they are planning on leaving Monday at the latest. I am scared to hold my breathe, as I have been disappointed before! But it sounds as if everything is a go. So will keep you posted!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

Matt, all I can say about missing the football game in Calgary is you were lucky. It was so embarrassing to be sitting next to Calgary Stampeder fans with Saskatchewan playing so bad. I mean, my goodness! Jacki and I finally left with 6 minutes left, and got comments like "leaving so soon?". At least if you would have been there, I could have hid behind your chair! The one high note was the weather was great, 16 degrees.
Aunty Karen and Uncle Neil came out to the farm for Sunday and had a good visit. Alex was at the house for Thanksgiving Monday and shared in the festivities.
So things are looking up for Matt to come to Red Deer this weekend. Matt will be finished IV therapy on Wednesday, and dad will go to Melfort on Thursday for a part for the van. Also, Matt will try to get a day of rehab in Melfort on Thursday. So things are looking brighter. I know Matt is worrying about some loss of function in his legs and right hand, but don't worry, Matt. It will be better when you can have some more therapy. That old saying if you don't use it you will lose it is so true for Matt. He must continually keep at it to even keep what mobility and dexterity he has.
We have so much to be thankful for this past year. Last year, Matt was still in ICU and on a ventilator. Could hardly move at all, just his right hand and could barely bend his elbow. So just think of how much improvement we can write next Thanksgiving.
Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God.

Intravenous

Well, things are again on hold. The van is working a bit better and dad was able to take it to Melfort and order a specific part, so hopefully the van troubles will be resolved. However Matt hasn't been feeling well since the beginning of the week, feeling unable to breathe, waking up with night sweats and unable to sleep, etc. So they found a infection in his urine that may also be in his lungs, not sure. So they started him on IV antibiotics to see if they can clear it up. Unfortunately he has to be on it for 10 days and is not advised to travel such a long distance. Matt is very disappointed not to be here for Thanksgiving as we had got tickets in Calgary for the Sask. roughriders game. But next time, right?
Matt went to Melfort on Wednesday for an ultrasound on his left shoulder. Luckily it is not a tear as they had first suspected, but his tendon is becoming "frozen" from lack of movement. Anyone who has suffered with a frozen shoulder knows how painful it is so mom, dad, and Matt have to remember to exercise it at least 4 times a day. They must be careful not to overdue it though, because it could easily become inflammed and Matt would have acute tendonitis, which hurts like anything.
So prayers that another hill will be scaled and that there will be a comfortable plateau on the other side. It is nothing like the mountains he scaled last year but it is still difficult.

Haircut

Well. Matt is still in Weekes. The van is running but is still not in great shape. The smell of gas is still there when they start it and let it idle, and it bucks every once in a while when they are driving. So is still a waiting game. The plans are for them to come on Wed. or Thurs, but we will have to make different arrangements for a few days for accommodations. We have been having water problems out of our walkout basement. We thought It would be a quick fix but no can do! We now have a 5 foot trench to find out where the water was coming from. Hopefully that will be filled in and cement poured sometime this week.
Matt was able to see Denita's new baby, so cute. Denita was even able to cut Matt's hair and trim his facial hair. I guess he is looking spiffy!
Because of the van, Matt hasn't been at rehab, so is stiff and losing a bit of his function, so really needs to have therapy. Mom & Dad will try to get Matt to Melfort this week and do more therapy at home.
Dad is busy getting the fall yard work done and trying to get as much stuff ready as they can. I hope they get here soon, I have been puttting off doing my fall work until dad can do it!
Please pray that the weather will again be nicer and that we will get our cement poured so Matt has a way into the house from the basement. Otherwise he will have to sleep in the dining room! I truly believe God is looking out for Matt and that great things are in store for him. God knows our family isn't great with patience and we are on his "continuing education" program. This verse is great, with Thanksgiving day soon upon us. Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ".

Still Waiting and Praying

Just to update. Matt is still in Weekes waiting for the van to be fixed. We are currently having reno's done so Matt can get in and out of the basement easier. Thank goodness for nice weather. It was 27 degrees today, it was actually too hot! Very dusty here as we have had no rain for weeks. great for the farmers, terrible for the windows and dusting!
I think Matt was missing his time at the Golden Age so mom and dad managed to transfer him into the old car. It worked okay and dad even managed to transfer him back into his wheelchair himself. Tried to do some more floor exercises but Matt still so stiff and sore that didn't work too well. Keep it up Matt, I know there is still a huge fan base out there that is rooting for you. I talked to the president of the paraplegic society in Alberta and he was very surprised at how much movement Matt has with such an injury. He suffered a cervical spinal cord injury 20 years ago and has movement in upper body but limited dexterity, so he is rooting for Matt too. Met with him to see what Alberta has to offer quads.
The two physiotherapist nannies can't wait to get there hands on Matt, and not in a bad way either! There are already planning his rehab schedule.
Please continue to pray that the van will be fixed this week and that the weather holds so we can pour cement for a ramp. Thanks for everyone who reads the blog and continues to add Matt to their prayers.

Breakdown

Not looking very good for Matt to come by the weekend. They were on there way back from getting Matt's eyes examined (which by the way means he is getting glasses!) and the van started acting funny. Yesterday the had it towed to Porcupine and they are not sure what is wrong. They have parts ordered but my not be here until next week. So disappointed. We so wanted him here before the snow flies and to get him settled in. Prayers that the van will be fixed and that in a week they will be on their way. Matt had to miss rehab today because he didn't have a way to get there. I will keep everyone updated.
Just a little note, Matt was able to get a good long look at the ceiling at the Golden Age. For some reason, when Matt was in his manual wheelchair and heading for the door, he starting to go up on the mat just before the door and his chair tipped backwards. Dad was on his own so he had to go back to the house and get the lift. But the funny thing was dad was so upset he forgot to unbuckle Matt from the chair, so he laid there, chair and all. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt. What is that old saying? "All's well that ends well".

Apprehensive

Talked to both mom and Matt tonight and I think they are quite nervous about coming to Red Deer. Not the trip itself, but being away from home. However, I think once they are here and Matt being able to work out everyday will help in the long run.
Last Monday Matt was able to visit with the fellow from Saskatoon again. His dad and him went hunting but never got anything.
Matt has been going to the Golden Age quite often and enjoys playing cards with the men.
Wednesday they travelled to Melfort for rehab. The physio therapist working with Matt has family from Somme. His dad actually lived 4 miles away. What a small world. Matt was at rehab for 2 1/2 hours and felt he did really well. First on the agenda was the sit/stand machine. However it was not the right kind so it was a bit more difficult but Matt was still able to stand for 10 minutes the first time and 5 mins the second time. Second thing the PT worked on was rolling on the mat. Trying to strengthen Matt's core muscles so got him to lay on his back and put a small roll under his knees. Then Matt had to try and lift his bent leg up while keeping his stomach muscles tight. Matt's right leg is much sronger so was able to do about 10 reps. The left leg he was able to do almost 5. Very hard exercises for anyone. Worked out on weights as well and tried a new exercises again involving core strengthening. Sat Matt on a special cushion which helps stabilize him. But they wanted him to move back and forth to put him off balance so his body would try to straighten him out. By the time the left he was exhausted. Just wish his left arm didn't pain him so much. Please pray for improvement in the shoulder and arm.
Saturday Matt had a great massage. A girl he went to school with comes home every three weeks and brought her massage table with her so Matt was able to lay down on his stomach for 1 1/2 hours. Felt great. Hasn't laid on his stomach for that long since before his accident.
Tonight company came over to visit and wanted to help Matt stand. It was awkward and not the prettiest standing maneuver, but it wasn't bad. Thanks for helping! Any exercise Matt can get is great. Quite tired tonight when I talked with him so couldn't hold the phone for long. Still getting stuff ready for them when they come to Red Deer so have to sign off. Thanks again for those who continue to read the blog and pray for Matt's recovery.

Busy Week

Matt travelled to Melfort on Tuesday for his first stint of rehab since leaving Parkridge. However, it was mostly an assessment to see what Matt's capabilities and limitations are. The therapist was quite encouraged but what she saw, but will need to see if she can get some equipment to aid in his recovery.
Matt went to a outside barbecue on Friday night, which was for the Big Sky workers. He had a great time, however dad was with him and was getting quite cold so they decided to leave. That is probably a good thing since Matt can't feel the same way we do and tends to underestimate how cold he is, and then is so stiff in the morning he can hardly move at all.
Bradon Kipling was over for the weekend and him and Kristen took Matt to the Weekes Hotel for supper on Saturday. Always nice to have friends come over.
Today mom and dad were able to get Matt to the floor using the lift and tried to do some "mat" exercises. However Matt is still on the antibiotics and needs to take gravol for the nausea, so still not feeling great and was pretty tired. He has been up in his manual chair for 2 days now, practicing moving it with his right hand and left hand(but actually the movement comes form his left shoulder) which makes his neck hurt. Good exercise though. Really tired himself out this afternoon. He had been playing Wii for 1 1/2 hours playing Wii Sports (bowling, golf, baseball) so he needed mom to prop the pillows so he could hold the phone! Good rehab tool.
Last week Matt was able to meet with the fellow quad when he came to hunt with his dad. He is returning sometime this week as well, so Matt will visit with him again.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".