February 6, 2006

Following is a thought from the book on Gratitude. THANK YOU for your wisdom. “Each of us can look back upon someone who made a great difference in our lives, someone whose wisdom or simple acts of caring made an impression upon us. In all likelihood, it was someone who sought no recognition for their deed, other than the joy of knowing that, by their hand, another’s life had been made better. Stephen M. Wolf

Friday night a group of friends from Church came to visit and brought ice cream sundaes. It was great to have everyone here.

Sunday was an awesome day for Ryan. He woke up, had a good breakfast (left-over steak) and showered before going to Sacrament Meeting. It was Ryan’s first outing since his accident six and one-half weeks ago. Craig has a courtesy van that you can reserve in advance with a volunteer driver. Our driver was a retired federal judge whose son rehabilitated at Craig following an injury in a diving accident fifteen years ago. Don, our driver, said it is his way of giving back to Craig for all they have done for his son, Scott and their family. Ryan made the forty minute drive to the stake center (we realized Lincoln Avenue is very bumpy!) without any complications. He was able to thank our ward members and share his testimony. I think it was especially good for all of the young children to see who they have been praying for over the past weeks. He wore his new missionary suit with his white shirt and tie. He looked so handsome all of the nurses and techs wanted pictures of him! Ryan did really well staying upright in his power chair without a lot of blood pressure issues.

After we got back to Craig, Ryan went to see a fellow patient, John, who is weaning off a ventilator, and brought him some wintergreen and fruit flavored lifesavers. John isn’t able to eat so the lifesavers tasted good to him. We also visited some other patients before having dinner with Whitney’s family and Kate. Ryan stayed in his chair until about seven-thirty, the longest period of time ever! The whole hospital had lots of Super Bowl festivities going on.

Because we are with Ryan everyday, we don’t always see the great strides he is making. Last week, Ryan was able to shave his face by himself. I think I made him nervous when I tried to shave him (it is very different than shaving your legs!). Today in occupational therapy, Ryan worked on cutting paper with sizzors, opening doors using a key, and writing. Ryan can transfer himself from his bed to his chair with very little assistance. We are all grateful for his strong arms. Ryan can eat and drink by himself without any help. He works on the computer and his IPOD independently. We know there are many activities Ryan will be able to do for himself in the future. We are thankful for all of the function Ryan has and see him getting stronger each day.

Today’s quote comes from Seth and Karissa Spears. Moses 1:39 FOR BEHOLD, THIS IS MY WORK AND MY GLORY -- TO BRING TO PASS THE IMMORTATILITY AND ETERNAL LIFE OF MAN.