DAY 163

Today was one of the best days Rick has had in a long time. First thing this morning the student NP came in to check on him. She said, "Is there anything I can do for you today?", and Rick mouthed, "Let me go home.". Krisann just laughed and said, "Are you just a little bit ornery?" and she held her hand up with her thumb and forefinger about 2 inches apart...and Rick held up his hand with his thumb and forefinger just barely apart! It's just so great to see him interact. He walked 200 feet with the EVA walker this morning. Chel C (PT) said today that his tone is normal when he's sitting and relaxed, but still kicks in when he tries to do something...like walk. So, he pump was bumped up again this afternoon. But, just to hear the words "tone is normal" is music to my ears! His neck continues to loosen up and he's been very alert and active this evening. We've hit a few other milestones the last few days. He know longer needs his medicines crushed to take them, now we put them whole in applesauce and he can swallow them. He's also been continent of bowel and bladder about 95% of the time for the last 2 weeks and can even "hold it" over night...the nurses are like, "I can't even hold it over night!" Again, it's the little things we have to celebrate...Zechariah 4:10...appreciate the day of small things.

Tyler and Tanya Thompson visited last night. Tyler had another skin grafting surgery this morning at UMC and they will be here most of this week. He came out of surgery okay, but is in some pain according to their blog. I just can't imagine the pain he goes through, and pray that this grafting "takes" and he will never have to have another surgery again.

Terry and Kathy Carlton got the kids safely to Seymour for me yesterday. I've learned to take people up on their offers...no, I can't do this all by myself, but that's been hard for me to admit. I do appreciate all the offers to help and I don't want to impose on anyone...I understand that it helps everyone heal when they can help in a situation like this.

God's Blessings to you.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 161

To make up for not having therapy on Thursday, the patients had 3 hours of group therapy this morning consisting of the parachute and ball, "volleyball" played with a balloon, bingo, and then we made cards for the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The kids enjoyed therapy more than anyone else did! Rick was completely smoked afterwards. He ate and then went to sleep...he slept for 3 1/2 hours and then couldn't really wake up...very tired today. Tom and Millard came this morning and then Bobby, Linda and Glenn came this afternoon and Terry Joe and Kathy Carlton also visited. We looked at the pictures again from the teamroping...I have a feeling that may be a daily thing for him...but that's good therapy, too. I don't think Susie is a professional, but she took some of the best pictures I've ever seen.

The kids and I are about to run grab supper. Thanks for all the support you've shown us...I honestly don't know how anyone can get through something like this without faith, family and friends.

Love,
Crystal

THANKSGIVING DAY

We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...usually we just think about having too much to eat and getting a day off, but this year it has much more meaning. We had about 16 people come for Thanksgiving...Chryal, Fran, Darrell, Lauri and Rachel, Mama, Pooh, Stan, Tess, Addison, Lynette, Jace and us. It was one of the best Thanksgivings we've ever had. Everybody cooked and we took over the activity room. Stan played the piano, and after lunch we watched the DVD of Rick's roping that Susie Osborne made...it was wonderful...Rick was napping and didn't get to watch it, but we absolutely LOVED it! Rick didn't nap this morning, but he made up for it this afternoon and slept for 3 hours which actually is pretty normal for him after t-giving!

We had visitors yesterday, too. Sherry and her niece Melissa, and Monte Hollar. Monte is banged up from a horse wreck and when he was telling Rick about it Rick made a face like, "ouch". He smiled at Sherry's crazy stories and they got to see him walk...his walking was pretty good. He usually needs a lot of help shifting his weight, but yesterday he didn't need as much help. Dr. Wolcott said that he would like to keep us here at least 1 more week. Which is really a good thing because Rick can barely handle the 3 1/2 hours of therapy he's getting since the pump has been bumped up. Staying here will help him build his endurance and he'll be ready for the 6 hours of therapy he'll get at TLC.

Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. Psalm 106:1

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 157

Rick's baclofen pump was bumped up another 50 micrograms today, so now he's getting 200 micrograms of baclofen in a 24 hour period. We should start seeing the results of the increase tomorrow meaning he'll seem weaker since more tone is gone and his muscles are working harder. He had his neck ultrasounded today and nodded his head "yes" when she asked him if it was making his neck feel better. I missed a couple of sessions this morning taking care of paperwork, and then I went and got my hair "did" this afternoon and missed the afternoon sessions, too. The girl that does my hair is named Hollie Pounds and I've been going to her for about a year. She had no idea about Rick...just knew she hadn't seen me in awhile. When she got done she said, "that will not cost you a thing today...it's the least I can do"...it sounds crazy to praise God for a free hair do, but that's exactly what I did. Not only did she save me the money she reinforced the great Godly spirit that so many people have shown to us.

Lynette and Jace are bringing the kids tomorrow when they get out of school...so exciting to spend 4 days with them, and they are ready to see Daddy "do some therapy". Since there won't be any therapy on T-giving day, they will make it up on Saturday morning with group therapy.

When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed. Matthew 24:46

Love,
Crystal

DAY 156

I'm writing this listening to Rick snore...he is OUT and has been since 3:30. He had 3 1/2 hours of therapy today. In one session of OT he had to take his shirt off and put it back on. He got it off pretty easy, but then was being stubborn and wouldn't put it back on the way Amanda wanted him to. I told her he's been putting in on a certain way for 3 months, I don't think we're going to change it now. So, she gave in and let him do it his way...Nored was here and when Rick got his face through the head hole he sat there with just his face sticking out and smiled at Nored...it was so funny. He finally got it put on...took 30 minutes. In speech therapy he is doing a little better, but the voice still comes and goes. Chel'C ultrasounded his neck again today with the deep heat, and he walked in the parallel bars. He's getting better about using his left arm and hand...his shoulder was x-rayed last week and once again showed nothing, so they've been spending extra time stretching it and doing range of motion activities. Dr. Wolcott has plans of increasing the pump again this week.

I give God thanks and praise every day for the progress we've seen in Rick. We've been at this for 5 months...hard to believe, and Rick has come a VERY long way. If staring at him healed him as much as praying does, he would be healed by now...I spend 3/4 of the day staring at him! I just wonder what he's thinking! One day we'll know.

Hope everyone has a great evening.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 155

Considering I spent it in the hospital, today was one of the best b-day's I've had. Riley and Rick sang happy b-day to me this morning, Aleshia and Ashley came by with a cake and flowers and Joanna brought by cinnamon rolls with the # 21 on them...you got it Jo...I'm the same age as you! It's so good to see everyone...Rick was hoping A1 and Sunshine had a brewsky in their purse for him...they said "maybe next time!" Shauna took me to lunch at Olive Garden...still so full I didn't eat supper! She then took the kids and met my dad who was on his way back from Tulia selling cows. Rick has had a good day and continues to loosen up. PT ultrasounded his neck on Friday and I can tell it's a little looser...he's got a really tight muscle on the left side that continues to pull his neck down and to the left...but it's way better than it was.

Thanks to everyone who came to the team roping and to everyone that volunteered to help in any way. I know a lot of people put in so much hard work to make it a success and we will forever be grateful. Congrats to June Bug and Lane Livingston who won! Rick and I went on our first date ever with Jr. and Angie to Wichita Falls...we watched a movie (Sleepless in Seattle) ate at Chili's (it was brand new back then) and then went to K-Mart...Anna needed diapers and Rick bought a Jerry Clower tape...that's when I knew it was true love! LOL!!!

Tomorrow I should know more about when we'll move to TLC. It will for sure be by Nov 30th. I'm really pleased with what they've done for him here so far. Things are looking up. I still believe God will work a miracle in Rick...that he'll restore him to full health...onward and upward!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 153 & 154

Yes, everything is fine...just got busy yesterday. Travis Gardner stopped by to see us...Travis has spent enough time in hospitals, I'm surprised he'll step foot into one when he doesn't have to! Shauna met my Dad and picked the kids up and they got here about 7:30. Rick had a good day of therapy yesterday. In the afternoon they had group therapy where they split all the patients into 3 groups of about 10 and they rotated stations. Station 1 was Wheel of Fortune, Station 2 was bowling and Station 3 was exercise. The therapists are so enthusiastic and so encouraging to the patients. The baclofen pump was increased on Thursday morning and I could tell yesterday the difference. Again, the dip in his functionality...more tone is gone, more muscle has to work...and it really makes him tired.

Today was filled with visitors...Baker, Hattie and Blaine Chapman, Cassie DeFiori, Brenda & Jake Duckworth, Terri, Zac and Aubrey O'Neal, and Terri's mom Sue Ann. So good to see everybody...it feels like it's been ages! And good to catch up on everybody elses lives.

I checked in on the team roping, and Devin said it was a beautiful day and a good turnout. I wish we could have been there...just would like to hug everybody that showed up to do anything. It means alot, and I don't think I can even put into words how much it means to us. I told Rick the other night I said, "I think one or two people might show up for your ropin'" and he turned and looked at me with this smirky smile on his face and slapped his knee twice like, "your funny". Anyway, glad I was wrong!

Riley's comment for the day "the ones who succeed don't give themselves the option of failing."

Rick will not fail, but succeed and declare the works of the Lord.

Love y'all!
Crystal

DAY 152

So glad to be in Lubbock...the people here are so different than the people in Dallas! The staff here at Trustpoint, from the doctors to the janitors are super people. Rick had 3 1/2 hours of therapy today. His day starts around 8:30 and lasts until 3:00 with an 1 1/2 hour break for lunch.

Judy Miller Helm stopped by this evening and so did Regina Bradbury. People are so good...again it's the west texas hospitality!

So, I remind myself again today...that which doesn't kill you will make you stronger...God has perfect timing...this won't last forever....thank God for everything.

Good night!

Crystal

DAY 151

Sorry it's so late...I had visitors and lost track of time. Rick did really well today, he was evaluated this morning by PT, OT, and ST and then had 3 hours of treatment this afternoon. At 3:00 he had to take a nap...I think yesterday finally caught up to him.

Shauna (college roommate) came to see us...the last time she saw Rick he was still in a coma...so there were tears of happiness. Shad Wayne (cousin) came by, too. Rick has always given Shad a hard time (imagine that) and out of the clear blue, totally unprovoked, Rick gives Shad the "loser" sign. Then, it was time for his shower and he looked at Shad and gave him a goodbye salute...so natural looking...something Rick did all the time.

The folks here at Trustpoint have been very good to us and I know our stay here will be great. Also talked to TLC today, and they had a bed come open and can take us as soon as the pump is adjusted...so could be sooner than we originally expected.

Got to get to bed!

God Bless,
Crystal

MOVING DAY

We made it to Lubbock with no problems whatsoever! Rick handled the trip great...he got a little nauseated outside of Seymour, but other than that he was fine...and stayed awake the entire trip. We ate lunch at Mom's and got to see the kids for a couple of hours...Cade was totally surprised to see me at school, but Riley was ready and waiting. The absolute best thing happened when we went through Guthrie...all the 6666's cowboys and cowgirls were along the highway waving, whistling and blowing their truck sirens...some were horseback...it was so wonderful. I rolled down the window and Rick waved and he had THE BIGGEST smile I have seen on his face in a long time. That was so nice...organized by Bootsie, by the way...thank y'all so much it made our day! Phil and Zane were at the Lasiter Pens west of town and we pulled over so Rick could say hi to them...I still had tears rolling down my face and Rick still had a smile on his face...it didn't disappear until Pitchfork!

Trustpoint is very nice and so far a very comfortable place to be. Rick had supper and fell asleep about 30 minutes ago. They will evaluate Rick in the morning and then start rehab. We should see Dr. Wolcott tomorrow as well and make a plan concerning the baclofen adjustments.

It feels soooo good to be this close to home...going through Guthrie today was bittersweet, but now that we're this close I'll definitely be getting to go home.

Thanks for all your prayers...God had his angels watching over us again today. I had a nice surprise this morning before we left. Shonda and Paula (two of the techs at Pate I really liked) split the shift last night so that they could both see Rick and I on our last day. They are 2 people I will stay in touch with. Shonda prayed with Rick this morning before we left and gave us a really great send off.

Time to relax! I'll stay the night here with Rick. Thanks again to everyone for everything!

GOD IS GOOD!
Love,
Crystal

DAY 149

Just about all packed up...ready to go. As Captain Call says in Lonesome Dove, "it's a hard trip", but I think we'll make it with no problem. My mom and dad are staying the night in McKinney and will be here in the morning. Bryan and Myranda Baldwin have been so nice as to let us borrow their van to transport Rick in...I know he'll be comfortable. We've got some anti nausea medicine for him and hopefully it will knock him out for most of the trip. He is medically stable, so no need for ambulance...and Bryan and Myranda will charge way less than the ambulance will...I'll bet they'll settle for chocolate cake?!!! We are firing out no later than 7:30, and plan on stopping in Seymour to see the kids and then on to Lubbock.

Figured out how the folks in Hop Bottom, PA know about us...Rick's brother, Guy Wilhelm and his wife are out there on business and shared Rick's story with a church they've been attending. Thanks Tammy and Guy...can't go wrong with more prayers. Rick's been asleep since 7:00...he didn't nap after treatment, so he was very tired. It's a good thing though since he'll be getting up early in the morning.

So, we'll be going to Truspoint Hospital off of North Quaker first and then on to TLC on Nov. 30th. TLC is brain injury rehab just like Pate is. It was founded in 1982 in Galveston when Robert L Moody's (Moody Gardens) son suffered a brain injury and he found that there was not enough brain injury rehabs. They opened a branch in Lubbock last year...it's on 22nd street in the Covenant Medical Plaza. So glad to be getting closer to home...I feel like when I tell Rick we're in Anna, TX he thinks, "where?" Anyway, his orientation and memory continue to improve. One thing he does now is answer "I don't know" when he doesn't know something instead of guessing or making up an answer...that's actually considered progress in brain injuries. The baclofen pump is doing it's job, he's very relaxed and the tone is gone...and we still have a lot of room to adjust the dosage if need be.

Say lots of prayers and I'll be updating tomorrow as soon as we get settled.

God Bless!
Love,
Crystal

DAY 148

Rick had such a great day...he transferred from his bed to his wheelchair a couple of times with minimum assistance from me. And he was trying to talk a lot today...but I don't read lips too well so I'm not sure what he was saying most of the time.

The WCRR is over and TRR did not win, but everyone made it home with no broken bones or bandages, although Stoney may be a little sore after riding his bronc yesterday. He scored an 82 on a horse that had not been ridden in a ranch rodeo...you can see a picture of it at www.wrca.org under WCRR results, Saturday pictures. There is also a picture of Brogan Rankin and TRR's calf branding run. The WRCA has a foundation that donates to cowboys in crisis, and I want everyone to know that the Thompson Ranch, TRR and several others nominated Rick to receive an assistance check. We received the check back in July and it was such a relief. The Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation is a great organization to donate to.

God bless everyone who has prayed for Rick and given in any way. And where in the world is Hop Bottom, PA? I've told Rick he has folks praying for him from his family in Ojai, CA to Buck Kerns in South Carolina...and now Hop Bottom, PA, too! We are so blessed!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 147

We had such a good day filled with visitors. Tracy Crain, Kim Poole, Kim, Phillip & Kelsey, & my aunts Margaret & Phyllis all visited today. Rick took a good nap and is resting again right now, but it was so good to see everybody!

I'm getting my car detailed right now...can you believe that? One of the patients here is 21 and he details cars. His mom bought him all the stuff to detail with and said to keep him busy so my car is up first. I've had that car for 5 years, and it's never been detailed!

Lots of packing and washing to do to get ready to head to Lubbock, but I'm so ready. I'm also really tired...this air mattress is getting old!

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all you worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Good night!
Crystal

DAY 146

Posting early today with GREAT news...we're going to Lubbock on Tuesday! I am so excited. The plan is for Rick to be admitted to a rehab hospital in Lubbock called Trustpoint. Dr. Wolcott who is the medical director for TLC is also a dr at Trustpoint and wanted Rick to go there first for pump management. We will be there approximately 10 days and then transfer to TLC. He will receive therapy while we are there, but it's more like Baylor in that it's a hospital setting.

Today was good...the swelling stayed at a minimum. He got to see Hank again this morning. I asked Cindy to see if Rick knew how to get the rope halter off and so she positioned Hank so that he head was almost in Rick's lap. Rick worked and worked and was finally able to untie the knot...he still has limited range in his left shoulder, so it's hard for him to use his left hand for anything. Then he tried to tie it back...he needed a little help for the physical part, but mentally he knew what he was doing. His speech therapist asked him orientation log questions today. There are 10 questions that are scored 0-3 according to his answer...3 being correct with no assistance. So, a maximum score is 30...he scored a 22 today. He missed the Month and the year which surprised me because those are sometimes the only 2 he gets right! I told him this morning that Stoney scored a 69 on his bronc ride last night. This afternoon I asked him if he remembered what Stoney scored and he said "69"...short term memory loss can be such a problem with a TBI, so I was really happy that he remembered.

Thanks for all the prayers...they are being answered and we are going to get through this. Can't wait to see all our west texas friends & family.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 145

God blessed us again with a good day. Rick walked forward and backward in the parallel bars today with minimum assistance. He was on his feet for almost an hour straight, and he handled it very well. The swelling was at a minumum today, too. In speech therapy he made some very good vocalization...I had mixed him up some thickened Dr. Pepper before speech...I'm sure that's what did it! This afternoon for the group game we played Bingo. Out of 10 plays I only helped him with 2 and he Bingoed! It's so great to see him understanding everything.

Today is the first round of the World Championship Ranch Rodeo. Days like today are hard...all I could think about is...we should be there. Rick should be helping Stoney get on his bronc and mugging the cow! The kids should be skipping school and packing their swimsuits. And I should be griping about how I don't have enough suitcases to get all our crap packed! Now I'm just praying everybody is safe and comes home in one piece.

I made one phone call today and talked to the kids, Stan and my Mom. Riley had twirling lessons yesterday and she said they were, "awesome, awesome, awesome!" Cade got a mark by his name in class for talking. Riley is going to Roaring Springs this weekend to see her friend Autumn and Cade is going to Vernon to see Broc...hopefully this will be the last weekend we are in Anna...still no word from TLC as to when we might get to move.

Hope everyone has a good night. I pray all the cowboys have a great rodeo and some day soon Rick will be right back out there with them.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 144

Rick woke up this morning and the swelling was almost gone! I have to thank the Lord for that! As the day went on the swelling returned, but not like what it was. We saw Dr. Nguyen this afternoon and he pulled Rick's tummy tube! He has had that thing in for about 3 months. For the last 2 weeks we had only been using it for extra water, but his meds have been crushed and given in applesauce and his been on a regular diet for a few weeks and he eats like a horse! He also looked at the swelling on his back and is not worried about it at all. We were also able to get off about 4 medicines...they were mainly ones associated with the tummy tube or the stomach in general.

We're watching the CMA awards right now. Brooks and Dunn are performing...Rick and I went to one of their concerts at Tarleton way back when they were a brand new act...and now they're calling it quits. It's funny...everyone in the house is enjoying the music...especially Walter, he loves music and has even been playing the air guitar!

Blake came by today on his way to Austin. We haven't seen him since we left Wichita Falls. It was great to see him and thank him once again for keeping me connected!

Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. Psalm 106:1

Good night!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 143

We did not get to see Dr. Konen today...it's a long story. We will see Dr. Nguyen tomorrow. The swelling is slightly bigger, but still no signs of infection or other complications. Rick had a great day. His walking was really good today especially with his right leg. The speech therapist said he is doing better making his "p", "m" and "b" sounds...getting much better at putting his lips together. During computer time he played Solitaire again, and did really, really good. They are more concerned about him scanning the screen and hand/eye coordination, but Rick savvys the game and is playing it! Starting tomorrow we will be getting more OT time...we've been here a month and he only gets 30 minutes a day.

Balie Inglish White came by to see us today. We sat outside and visited awhile. When it was time for her to go Rick tipped his hat to her and then kissed her hand...he's such a sweetheart. He is really tired...they checked his vital signs every 2 hours last night just to be on the safe side. He is parked in front of the tv right now, but he's looking at the back of his eyelids!

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 142

Day 142 had ups and downs...glad it's almost over with. The ups are that Rick seems to be getting back up to the level he was before the surgery. He's trying to talk, he's moving around in his wheelchair, he's just overall doing better, and almost back to where he was. The downs are that there is some fluid built up around the incision site on his back. There's no fever, redness or oozing...the medical director at Pate, Dr. Konen (surgeon) and Joyce (medtronic nurse) all believe it is fluid build up due to the fact that his binder was not put on him last night after his shower. So, it makes me frustrated with the staff...again...and frustrated that we won't be able to see Dr. Konen until tomorrow...and that means a trip to Dallas. Dr. Konen was notified today at 3:00, but didn't feel like it was an emergency and so we have to wait until tomorrow. The other down is that TLC still isn't for sure when they will have a room for Rick, but will call back tomorrow and let me know something more definitive.

Now we're back up again...at shift change the shift leader needed to look at Rick's incision and it actually looks better! Praise God...I have prayed and prayed for Rick's healing. I have cried and prayed until I'm exhausted today. There are a couple of techs who are Christians and each have said they're praying for me and Shonda says, keep praying...pray harder and don't lose your faith...so that's what I'm going to do. The sad thing is if their bosses were to hear them so those words to me they would get in trouble...so now I'll pray for them.

Every time I think we're out of the woods, something happens...and I don't understand why. I just know it's one more step of faith God wants me to take and I have to trust Him.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 141

I did something last night I never thought I'd do...I spent the night away from Rick. This is the first time since his accident that someone did not stay in the room with him. When we were in Wichita Falls family and friends took shifts to stay the night with him and when he was at Baylor he was in the high observation unit with it's own nurse and tech 24 hours a day. I was really tired of sleeping on the air mattress and I hadn't slept good in about 3 nights. After seeing who came on for the night shift, I knew I could trust them to check in on Rick. Shonda and Paula are 2 of the techs that I really like and both have worked almost every night since we've been here. The kids were happy that I went with them even though we crashed as soon as we go to the room, and we were back at Pate at 8:30 this morning...I don't think he ever knew I was gone!

We went to the rec room today and then played some b-ball. The kids left with lots of tears and should be rolling into Seymour about now. When we get to Lubbock things will be so much better! I've been reading the book 90 Minutes in Heaven. The funny thing is, I bought this book the day before Rick's accident and then Jodi sent it to me when we were in WF. It's a very good book and will really get you to thinking.

Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying. Hebrews 12:3

Love that I read this in my daily devotional today...do not get tired and give up!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 140

Hey y'all,its Riley .Me and Cade got here and daddy was still sleeping.We had fun today, mom took us to McKinney.And she took us to The Heard Museum.It was so cool!We went to Academy too!And when we got back daddy was taking a nap. Well we are about to leave so I better get going and let Cade say something.Bye. It's cade here talking to y'all. Now listen here PRAY FOR RICK. love y'all thankyou BYE.

Looks like the kids have said everything there is to say. We're all so tired...Rick's tucked in already and I think we're about to head to bed ourselves.

God bless you all!

Love,
Crystal, Cade and Riley

DAY 139

Rick got to see Hank the therapy horse this morning. They put a rope around the saddle horn and Rick used it to pull himself up out of his wheelchair. Then he grabbed the saddlehorn with his right hand and held the rope in his left. He kept moving his feet around like he was trying to find just the right spot to throw a leg over! It was awesome! He was really bright eyed and checking everything out. And, the PT's let go of him for about 30 seconds and he stood there all by himself! I've got pictures and I'll try to get them uploaded. When his time was up I told him to tell Cindy thank you. He reached his hand out like he wanted to shake her hand, but instead of shaking it, he kissed it! It was so sweet...she nearly cried!

I thought I would hear from TLC today about an exact date, but they didn't call. Hopefully we'll know something definite on Monday.

Praise God for another good day, and I know tomorrow will be even better...cuz the kids will be here! Thanks for all your continued prayers.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 138

For the first time since his surgery, Rick was able to sit on the edge of the mat with no support. He was able to keep his balance for 2 minutes while reaching out to touch Ashley's hand at various places around him. He also worked on leg lifts and bridges. After about 10 reps he can't do anymore. OT retaped his left shoulder and in speech he worked on making the "p", "b", and "m" sounds. For some reason it's really hard for him to close his mouth...it's even hard for him to take a bite of something if it requires biting down with his front teeth. It's gotten a little better since he got the pump. Another thing I've noticed is that his eyes are closing all the way when he sleeps now...not the whole time he's asleep, but at least part of the time. This afternoon he did standing frame and played Bingo at the same time. He did really good and was able to make several plays on his bingo card all by himself! He still had to have a nap after therapy, but I can tell his endurance is coming back.

People just keep reaching out to help us and I'm always overwhelmed by it. Please know we are so appreciative. God is in control and we have to trust him, but it makes it so much easier with all of you encouragers out there reminding me of that.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 137

Much better day today in regards to Rick's endurance and strength. I had a nice little blessing first thing this morning...there was actually hot water in the shower! Yea! Usually it's just luke warm. Rick didn't nap as much and did really good during therapy. Supper was canned soup and salad, so I ordered out from a little cafe in Anna called Crows. We had grilled porkchops, mashed taters, beans, fried green tomatoes and rolls! Ya boy!

I got a call from TLC today saying that we cannot transfer for 2 more weeks. The patient that they thought was discharging is getting to stay 2 more weeks. This patient has not been progressing and his insurance was not going to pay for more therapy, but then at the last minute changed their mind. I'm not happy about it, but at the same time I'm glad that guy got 2 more weeks...there could be a time when we're begging for 2 more weeks. And, as long as I'm here, I think Rick will get what he needs.

Well, time to get Rick in the shower and in bed. He's actually sitting on the couch watching the World Series with me, but at 8:30 it's almost like a switch turns off and he's out!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 136

Rick is so tired...I mean tired! His endurance and strength that he had before the pump are just gone! He used to be able to walk 150 ft no problem, now he needs a rest break after 75 feet...but again this is all to be expected. I was a little upset this morning when I found him in his office by himself. He looked a little confused and said he was cold, hungry and his legs hurt. I put his jacket over him and turned out the light for him to rest. Noone even came down the hall to check on him for 30 minutes. Then when it was his computer time, noone was around to tell him what to do, so I helped him play Solitaire. After therapy was over he took a long nap, ate supper, took a shower and went to bed!

I've been working on my continuing education and need to have it done by the end of this month. Dan whose one of the patients here is also a CPA. I've talked about him before...he can get so mad at the drop of a hat, but he's getting better...it's all part of the healing process for him. Anyway, I asked him if he knew what CPA stood for and he said "Certified Public Accountant" and I said "No, it stands for Can't Pass Again!" and he got it...he laughed. Of course his wife tells me his scores were in the top 2%, so maybe it doesnt apply to him!

Praying that the VanDiver's are all doing well and their new addition is a bundle of joy! Also praying for Mr. Myers...if anyone knows an update on him, please post and also let us know if he has a blog going. Also, if Tanya Madron is reading this, please give us an update on Kyler.

Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on kcoking, the door will be opened. Matthew 7: 8 & 9

Thanks again to everyone...we've been shown so much support and it continues to pour in...I have about 500 thank you cards to write!

Love you all!
Crystal

DAY 135

TLC came this morning and accepted Rick...high five to God! Now we just need insurance to come through for us and we'll be west Texas bound! Today was Rick's first full day of rehab since surgery and he did okay...it almost feels like starting over with the tone gone. He was a little tired and took another 2 hour nap today when we got back to the house. His incisions are healing well and he has not complained of any pain. Most of the patients in the house loaded up on the bus this afternoon and went to Allen to eat at Golden Corral. We opted out and had bbq sandwiches. There is nothing appealing to me about getting on that rickety bus and travelling down 75 especially if the destination is Golden Corral!

Praise God for Michelle Striplings successful surgery today. I pray for Michelle to have a speedy recovery so that she and MW can get back home ASAP! The Lord hears our prayers and he will not forsake us.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 134

Rick was sleepy again today, but I called the Medtronic nurse, Joyce, and she reassured me that he is fine. I just wonder how sleepy is too sleepy. Joyce was at the hospital the day of surgery, and she was like an angel sent from heaven. She took the time to visit with us before and after the surgery and I've called her twice since and she's been nothing but nice. She's been with Medtronic for 18 years and she knows her stuff.

He is wide awake watching the PBR now. We had a visit from Amy Bell today. So good to see her...she actually got Rick to smile when she told the story of him riding across the pasture with his reins in his mouth and his "guns up"...Amy used to be the masked rider for Tech. He tried to act like he couldn't remember the day Amy met him at the cookhouse door at the 6666's and took him down right there on the porch...his glass of tea and cake went flying! She chapped him...he paid her back later!

TLC from Lubbock will be here in the morning to evaluate Rick. I'm confident they will accept him. We should know something from insurance by the end of the week. Please pray we get moved to Lubbock!

I also changed the setting for posting a comment...hopefully more people will be able to post now.

Love,
Crystal