Cooler Weather Approaches

Well, we certainly cannot say anything bad about our fall weather. It has been great except the dry conditions have made the wasps come out in abundance. The other Sunday we were unable to go to church so Jonmarie, Grandma and I put on a skit about Peter in prison. We just finished the "production" and we were doing a question and answer period when Jonmarie was bit by a wasp, even though we were in the wind away from trees or anything. There are literally thousands of them. So since then I cannot get the girls to go outside, even using bribery didn't help!
On Friday while Matt was in the standing frame and I was helping. I asked if he could pick up his right leg and he was able to bend it slightly and move his foot backwards. I then asked if he could move it forward and he was able to take on step. Very exciting until he went to bend forward slightly to reposition himself and all of a sudden, his face turns pale and leans forward at the waist and whispers" let me down". So we quickly got him in the wheelchair again and asked what had happened. Matt had felt a sharp, nauseating pain in his lower back and I was quite worried I had asked too much and muscle had pulled or a disc problem. So on Monday, he only received occupational therapy and not physio. Today Cecilia and I took him to xray to make sure there was nothing significant wrong. The pain has improved and we are hoping it was just temporary.
I forgot to make mention of a visit we had from Shauna, Dale and Jada a few weekends ago. Dale had a meeting in Red Deer and Shauna and I were able to enjoy a relaxing pedicure at the spa. It was great and we had such a good visit. John and I had been invited to a party for 2 couples that had received their Canadian citizenship papers after 10 years. There was a Jeopardy question board about being Canadian and also a karaoke machine. "Great Balls of Fire" had never sounded so good, with Dale on keyboard. Throughout the remainder of the night, everyone was calling Dale "great balls of Fire". Fun times, with pictures to prove it! Thanks for babysitting Grandma!Had the kids in bed by 9 o'clock.
Mom and Matt had went to Calgary this weekend and now the kids and Jacki are coming to visit on Friday. Need to do visiting before the snow flies, which they are predicting for Sunday. Winter clothes..here we come!
Congratulations to all the newlyweds and new babies from the Porcupine/Hudson Bay area. Have to look on facebook to see if there are any pictures.

Sorry about the late blog, I completely forgot! Time flies when the weather is so good. We have been busy with Jonmarie and Shaunie's schooling, Jonmarie is taking swimming and gymnastics and Shaunie is taking Music Together with me so to sit down in front of the computer has not been happening.
Congrats to the newlyweds and a big congrats on the news of Michelle being pregnant with twins! Always great to have new babies in the family.
Matt finally got his new wheels and it is working great! So much more compact then the other one and has 2 big wheels plus four little wheels for stability. Matt is down to having therapy only twice a week now, one with OT and one with PT. However we have an appt to see Dr. Guthrie at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Center November 5th. Matt needs to be there 8 am and it lasts until 12 pm. He will meet with the physio, occupational therapist, psychologist and the physician. They will be doing a functional assessment and will be comparing it to the discharge notes from City Hospital, Parkridge nursing home, and also the therapy he received in Red deer. If they feel he has not improved much than they won't take him as an inpatient or outpatient so prayers that they will find some positive improvement and be able to provide more rehab.
Matt is still on Accutane for his cystic acne, however it is slow going and it sure dries out his skin! He is one big flake!! But we love him anyway.
Well, it is Wednesday and you know what that means,,, wing time. I believe it is my turn to pay so hopefully he will only have one plate and not 3!

New Pictures

I thought I would update some of Matt's blog pictures. Needed some with the Sask. Roughriders.
Therapy continues and we are using a homemade plith board at home. What is it you ask? Dad had taken a small table, cut it down to Matt's sitting height, then had the top padded and covered by an upholstery clinic in town. It isn't very wide but it is easier for Matt to practice his sitting exercises when he has a hard surface, instead of the bed. When he sits in the bed, it is too soft and he keeps falling to the side when trying to lift his arm up while sitting.
We are excited to be getting his new wheelchair within the next week. We should also be getting his specialized tilt commode so we are definitely crammed for space!! Everything has to come in extra large too!
The weather has turned, more like fall weather and my cucumbers were touched by the cold nights. Otherwise everything else in the garden is still okay. Zucchini is finally growing and we can't keep up.
Mom and Matt did go to Calgary last weekend and got to see Nolan and Lindsay's new house. Unfortunately Matt can only get in the one level but still, it is better than nothing. Jacki played ball all weekend and Matt was going to watch her, however it was extremely windy and Matt's skin is very dry due to the Accutane for his acne, so he just stayed with Gary and the kids.
We have a new driver named Darlene to take Matt to therapy and his bath. It sure takes the pressure off me to try and re-arrange my schedule.
We would like to send our best wishes to Denita and her soon to be husband. Matt so wants to come however he wanted to wait until his new chair came, as he is having so much trouble with his current one. I am not sure about Sask, but the weather is supposed to be in the high 20's this weekend. We will send some of it your way.

Awesome Weather!

What great weather we are having. My cucumbers and zucchini squash are finally showing the fruits of my (and dads0 labour and we are again enjoying zucchini soup and cake, and made about 6 jars of pickles. Tomatoes are coming nicely as well. As long as the weather holds up we may even get some corn. Tried a few last night, but still small. Tasted great though.
Matt did meet with Dr. Mclean on Wednesday and had a good chat about therapy and Matt can continue until January and have another reassessment. That was a relief. It not only provides him with therapy but also an outlet for meeting new people. We are looking into some college classes for Matt and he will probably take a small business class Wednesday afternoons. Just have to find time to meet with the student advisory for students with disabilities. It will be a three hour class and Cecilia will have to go with him, as he cannot catheterizes himself yet. Still working on it.
Matt started on Accutane last week and we are hoping that it will work. It inhibits healing so some of the areas on his back are not healing so we have to be super careful of infections.
Mom drove up on Saturday to see Auntie Ardis and also be with Shannon on her birthday. Happy belated Shannon!. Mom took Jonmarie and Shaunie with her as I had to work and Cecila came to watch Matt. After I got home we went to Tony Roma's for supper. We love the wings so much we decided to have them when they are not on special. However the cost was $10 for only 8 wings. On Wednesday they are 10 wings for $3. So I think we will stick to Wednesday Wing night! I didn't mind but if was Matthew's turn to pay!
Sunday was Mom's birthday and Jonmarie made a picnic basket and Shaunie, myself, Jonmarie and Grandma had a nice lunch in the shade. 28 degrees with no wind. Matt was abusy watching wrestling so didn't partake in the festivities. Cecilia's birthday was also on Sunday, so I made zucchini cake for the 2 of them on Monday. It was a lazy day and we had good intentions to go for a trip to town but laziness prevailed and we watched a movie. John was at Jasper with some colleagues walking the Skyline. A weekend for the men to test out their camping gear and get away from work.
Tuesday Jonmarie started back at school. She was happy to be in grade 2 but not keen on actually going to school. Very tired afterwards. Still in summer mode of going to sleep late. Grandma is not too happy about going back either! Grumpy pants in the mornings!
This weekend Mom and Matt are planning to go to Calgary.
Must go. Matt wants to go to Tony Roma's again for cheap wings. thank goodness it is my turn to pay!

Matt had a great therapy session yesterday. He was able to stay sitting up with back straight without any help for a few minutes. It is important that Matt continue to make improvements with his therapy because he is meeting with Dr. McLean, the rehab specialist in Red Deer on Wednesday and she decides if therapy will continue. Friday therapy wasn't very good because Matt was sick. He had been up Thursday night dry heaving and also throwing up, temp 39.6, chills with cold sweats. We are not sure what it was, it could have been a urinary tract infection or something but he is on an antibiotic for his severe acne on his back so there is not much they could give him anyway. Mom was quite tired too because she has to get up with him. Thank goodness she is still on holidays and is not working yet. They were supposed to go and see Nolan and Lindsay's new house in Calgary but they decided to stay home.
Matt began feeling better Saturday evening and by Sunday was his old self. Still spiking a temp occasionally but nothing too severe. We had company for supper and Matt was able to stay upstairs visiting the whole time.
On Thursday Matt seen Dr. Myburgh regarding the severe acne on his back and should be starting on a med to help today. A referral is in to a dermatologist however it could take months before Matt sees anyone. Matt went for bloodwork on Friday prior to his therapy session.
Yesterday after his therapy Mom, Matt, Cecilia, Airene, Jonmarie and Shaunie went to Innisfail for Matt's tub bath. i was working so they wanted to take the girls for a play in the park. Shaunie is doing so much better, not running away as much and her verbal communication is improving as well. They were even able to take her for supper at A&W, which is a big step.
Thanks to everyone who reads the blog and thinks of us here in Red Deer. We are continuing to take one day at a time and be positive, giving our concerns to the Lord. He continues to care for us and provide us with the answers we need.

Rain, rain, rain!!

Well the weekend of the wedding was a wet one. There was a few brief periods where it didn't rain but we still weren't able to have a fire and a good old wiener roast. I think I missed that the most. It was good to see so many of the family and on Friday we all visited in Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil's garage. Matt didn't get to sleep until 4 am and that made for a long Saturday. Jamie's wedding was lovely and it was all in the same place so we didn't need to travel from place to place. It was in the lower level of the Army and Navy building but it had an elevator so Matt could attend. He didn't last long and needed to have a sleep in the van. Gary was out there because Bobby was asleep in their van. So he kept an eye out for Matt. After a short nap he was feeling better and enjoyed visiting and watching teh kids go crazy on the dance floor, or was that the adults!
Sunday we had a birthday party for Jada and Shaunie. It was also dad's birthday too but he did not attend as he stayed in Weekes. There was a pinata, stick the flower on the the picture, a cupcake cake. A great time was had by young and young at heart. Many of the family were heading back to their respective homes but there were a few that stayed until Monday. We had such a late start on Sunday night that Mom and Matt decided to stay one more night and head back today. It was a good idea. By the time we hit Provost it was dusk and their were so many deer out that we often would have to come to a dead stop and then could only travel 70 kms per hour. We didn't get home until 12am.
Mom and Matt are still not here but should be arriving shortly. They had stopped at Parkridge to see if any one could take a look at Matt's wheelchair. It is on it's last legs and unfortunately they will not fix it until it is completely broke down. Then they ship it off for 2-3 weeks to get repaired. That doesn't help much when that is currently Matt's only mode of transportation. They had to miss rehab today but has another appt booked for Wednesday.
Great to see everyone at the wedding/reunion. next year it will be in Shell Lake. Rain, rain go away!

One More Week

Well, the gang has been in Weekes for over a week and are certainly busy. Matt went for wings to the Weekes Hotel on Wednesday with Denita and Kevin. He also goes everyday to the Golden Age for coffee and cards. Auntie Margaret, Terry and Aray came on evening to visit. Yvonne was able to pop over as well. Matt loves to meet up with people and see some familiar faces, however he has noticed that there is a lot of younger ones he doesn't recognize. It is like the song from Gloria I believe it was "You Can't Go Back Home". Everything continues to move forward and you cannot stop the changes going on. I think he is feeling a bit down, missing his old way of life, which happens to all of us.
Bobby is taking swimming lessons this week at the Porcupine pool and mom is going to take Matt so he can motor around town. Hopefully he will be able to meet up with some friends and go for a coffee. He was upset on Sunday because he wasn't able to go to church. He no longer has his manual chair and the entrance has a huge gap that his chair can't get over and with the power chair they were unable to lift him. Oh well, God is everywhere so that isn't the problem. Just some fellowship that goes along with the worship is nice.
Hope to see many of the family at the wedding in Saskatoon this weekend and pray for nice weather!

Back In Weekes

Mom and Matt left yesterday followed behind by Jacki and the kids. They left at 1130 and got to Weekes at 1130 at night. Lots of stops along the way and hit some pretty heavy rain between Melfort and Crooked River. They missed the lovely weather we had last night. It was the strongest wind we have ever experienced since the hail storm 2 years ago. It broke one the trees on the south side of the house and the lightning and thunder was continuous for 2 hours. The rain was perpendicular and was impossible to drive in. The same wind blew through Camrose and caused devastation at the Big Valley Jamboree, killing one person adn injuring 15. Let's just say, we spent the time in the basement just in case.
Hope everyone from Weekes will get a chance to visit with Matt while he is home. He will be there until the 14th of August and then up to Saskatoon for the wedding. They were going to go to church this am but just couldn't get themselves in working form, the kids getting up at 6 am and making for a very short night of sleeping.
Auntie Margaret and Terry came to visit on the Thursday night before Matt and Mom left and we had such a good visit. Terry came into town with me and I picked up portable ramp for Matt, so he could get into Auntie Karen's house and anyone else's. It folds out to 8 feet so works quite well to get into places with a few stairs. It was brand new and cost $800 where they usually cost $1200-1400. Stills seems like alot of money.
Matt will continue to have a bit of therapy with mom and they took the standing frame too. Hopefully he won't lose too much while he is gone.

Heat Wave Continues

Every year at this time, we always consider putting in air conditioning because it gets so hot in the house. But then soon the cold weather will return and we forget about it for another year. But boy is it hot! 31 yesterday and today much of the same. And very little cloud which gives some relief. Matt cannot handle the heat so is enjoying the basement. We all went down to invade his space yesterday so we could enjoy movie night in comfort.
Since dad has left we hired an extra person to help with driving Matt to his therapy and bath during the week. She is a EMT and works on the oilfields but they are having a down time right now and will probably be going back in the winter. But she is very nice and tall which helps with the transferring and when he is in the standing frame. The Alberta government has allocated so much money per month on caregiver services so we are able to provide more relief for mom, who is driving at the moment and trying to watch my girls while I am at work.
Yesterday we noticed that Matt could do something new. While in the standing frame, Matt tries and picks his right foot up but he can only bring it up and move the foot backwards. But now we noticed with alot of concentration he can move his foot slightly forward. The front of his foot still drops and catches on the carpet, but he could actually move it forward. We tried to get him to move his leg slightly outward when he lifts it but his hip muscles are so weak that he just couldn't do it. His endurance continues to get better and even on his off days he still does some therapy.
Jacki brought the kids on Thursday and they really enjoyed being in our little pool. It isn't much but it sure cools them off on the hot days. We also have one of those slip and slides and that was a big hit. Unfortunately the water comes from the well and seeing that it is 250 feet down the water feels like ice water and freezes their little backsides. So the pool feels like a hot tub after that. Matt watched them for awhile and then goes to check out the garden to see if there are any peas to pick. Moles have killed some of the potato plants so may have to get a mole trap. Not sure what else to use to get rid of them.
One more week and Mom, Matt, Jacki and the kids will be in Saskatchewan.

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!