January 3, 2005

Today has been another great day for Ryan in spite of the fact that he has run a fever for the last couple of days and the infectious disease specialist thinks he may be reacting to the medications he is taking. After an injury it is hard for SCI patients to regulate their body temperature. Nevertheless, he continues to have a positive attitude and to work hard. He had physical therapy and occupational therapy for an hour each. The therapists did a lot of testing today to determine his "base line" ability to move the different muscles in his fingers, hands, arms and shoulders. Ryan and our family are beginning to get to know other spinal cord injury patients and their families at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. As we meet other SCI patients we realize Ryan is very fortunate to have some use of his fingers, hands and arms. As always, Ryan enjoyed visiting with those people who came to the hospital to see him today. Tonight, Ryan's sister Hayley will be staying at the hospital with him. I'm missing our late night "chats" and hand massage and prayers together. Ryan continues to be an inspiration to me and we all feel so lucky Heavenly Father sent him to our family. Thank you again for your emails, phone calls and cards. We feel very loved!