Thank You God!

Wow what a difference a day makes and the simple addition of water in a person's life!  Dad had a great day at therapy - both in OT & PT.  His therapists were very complimentary of his progress - so that made him very relieved.  His PT said he earned a gold medal today because he shaved a minute & a half off of his lap time.  He does a lap around the fitness area in his wheelchair - guiding it himself with his strong arm & leg.  Great job dad!  We are also being encouraged to begin transferring him differently to help his trunk strength.  Instead of the hoyer lift, we are going to work on the transfer board.  His PT said this week he made it to his chair in just two "stands".  . . say if he is in bed, we sit him on the side of the bed, then the board goes under his butt and reaches like a bridge to the corner of his chair.  We then help him stand & sit & stand and sit til he gets over to his chair.  This is going to help him get stronger in his mid section.  They did have him back at the parallel bars to practice standing today as well. After therapy, we had his blood drawn again - and this was the first time a nurse was able to get a clean draw the first time around - it flowed great she said.  They always call dad "stingy" with his blood and sometimes have to stick him 5 or 6 times to get it flowing.  The water has made a huge difference. . .  the nurse said hydration does make the difference in a blood draw.  So thanks to God for answering all of our prayers for Dad this week - and keep them coming because we are on a tough journey and the progress may be slower than we prefer, but with the prayers and support of our loving friends and family, we will make it to the finish line and get the gold!  Dad has had all kinds of special visitors by the house in the evenings this week - what a blessing you  have been to my parents. . . your quick visits to say hello and give an encouraging word have truly blessed them!  My brother Dave has been working hard on that bathroom. . . dad is really getting excited about taking a shower soon!  What a blessing that will be!  I'll post again tomorrow if time, we have therapy late tomorrow afternoon!