DAY 252

So sad to read Rick VanDiver's comment from yesterday. But, what y'all may not know is that I've fought negativity and faithlessness from others from the very beginning of this journey. Luckily, I had enough positive support and energy around me that I was able to ignore it then, and I will do just the same now. Rick IS making progress...just ask anyone who has been to see him...ask his kids, they are very forthcoming children and will tell you exactly how their daddy is doing. The fact is, it doesn't matter...God is in control and He will heal Rick. Thanks Rick V for always saying positive things and reminding others that they should do the same. And thanks to everyone who continues to support us...I still recieve letters and messages from perfect strangers being the hands and feet of Christ.

My Aunt and Uncle, Tricia and TJ came to see us today. Rick was glad to see them and was able to turn his voice on and talk a little bit. Tricia and TJ were able to take the kids back to Seymour for me after a stop in Post to watch Shad Wayne play b-ball against the Harlem Ambassadors...Melyssa Elliott was playing, too and Lyssa said it was a fun game. Rick mainly took it easy today, resting up for an awesome week to come.

For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days (good-whether apparent or not) keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). 1 Peter 3:10 The following is Joyce Meyers' Life Point regarding this verse: If we want to enjoy life, which is possible even when there is no apparent reason for us to enjoy life, we must keep our tongues free from evil. If we speak positively and keep the truth of God's Word on our lips, we will have joy even in the midst of difficulties.

God Bless and Good night!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 250 & 251

Yesterday I left TLC and headed to Seymour. Cade had an Academic Pep Rally that was a lot of fun to go to. The kids have done really well at Seymour Schools and I'm very proud of them, but I'm also very thankful to the teachers who have helped them along the way. Cade recieved the Panther Pride award from Mrs. Wright and he was so proud to get it. I called and checked on Rick, and he of course was fine. He went bowling and was able to use a special ramp. Justin said he would pedal himself up to the ramp, and position how he wanted it and then get his ball on it and let 'er rip. When we got back to Lubbock he was happy to see the kids and said he had a good day. That makes me feel really good that I can leave for a little bit and he is fine.

Today, TLC took the patients across town to a park, and Rick said he enjoyed it...the weather was great. Riley played catch with one of the other patients while Cade tried to catch ducks and collected "treasures". We tucked him into bed a few minutes ago, and he turned his voice on to tell us goodnight and that he loved us.

We're so thankful for Rick's continued healing and know that all the glory is God's. We pray that he continues to show is mercy to our family. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 248 & 249

First thing yesterday morning, we visited with the counselor. She asked Rick when his accident was and he said, "June of last year"...in a pretty clear voice...I was really shocked. How did he remember that? I hope it's a sign that his short term memory is coming back. TLC now has 5 cowboys & cowgirls here, and have decided to form a group for them. So, we got to brainstorm on places and things they would all like to go and do. I think it will be a great thing. Today was pretty good. When I got here this morning Rick was wheeling down the hall with a bowl of cereal in his hand. I asked what was going on and Elijah (the hambuglar) said, "Rick wanted cereal even though he already had something else for breakfast and it's time for therapy, but I wasn't going to argue with him." Rick made it perfectly clear...he was eating his cereal before he did anything. Speech therapy was really good with more and more voicing. Now Meredith is having him read to her. The level is about a 4th grade level, and he is practicing on getting the proper spacing between words, plus volume, plus articulation. He's doing pretty good. He's reading really good and likes to look at Western Horseman while he's in the standing frame or on break.

I saw the following on one of the church marquis in Lubbock:
Friends in Christ are easy to make, hard to leave and impossible to forget.

I'm planning on going to Seymour tomorrow afternoon to pick up the kids and attend Cade's Academic Pep Rally. Rick will be on an outing...bowling, but they have assigned the tech that I requested, Justin, to him so I feel pretty good about him being well taken care of. We'll head back to Lubbock as soon as school is out.

The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)! Habakkuk 3:19.

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 247

I didn't think Rick could top yesterday, but he did. This morning he was so alert and spunky. He had PT @ 9:00 and they tried the walker again. He went 150 ft stopped for a break and then went 220 ft. Yesterday he went a total of 120 ft and had to have 2 breaks. And his steps today were really good...not much scissoring and stepping good with his left heel down. Then he had OT and ST at the same time. So, I thought I would step out of the session since he was being ganged up on and the less destractions the better. So, I went to his room and about 30 minutes into the session Emily came to get me...she said "he's doing so good, you have to come see him." He was sitting up so straight on the mat, his head was in a great position, and he waves his hand at me and with a smile on his face says, in a really clear voice, "how are you?" He just looked fantastik! At supper time Laura called and said she had gone to the bakery today and saw a piece of German chocolate cake and a piece of chocolate pie that had Rick's name on them, so she brought them by. He ate the cake and is saving the pie for tomorrow. Blane Chapman came by for a visit, too and Rick was very happy to see him.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. 1 Thes 5:16-18.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 246

Rick had an excellent day. He played Farkle in Theraputic Recreation with Sarah. He's never played before, but caught on to most of the rules pretty quick. After a break he had OT and Emily wanted to see him brush his teeth and take his socks and shoes off. It takes him a while to brush his teeth if he has to put the toothpaste on and everything, and he still has trouble brushing really good, but he did a great job. Then he took his shoes off by using the toes of each foot to push the opposite shoe off...just like he would've before. He was nearly able to get his socks off...couldn't quite get them over his heel. Then he picked his shoes up and untied them, and put them back on the floor to put his foot in. He was trying to tie them, but we ran out of time. I'll be very interested to see how he does next time. In PT today they used the regular walker again, but I missed it. I ran to Walmart to buy his weeks worth of stuff, and when I got back he was done. But Laura said he did really, really good. It will get even better when we get his left arm and shoulder stronger so that he can support himself better. In Adjustment Group (meeting with the counselor) they were discussing fears. One of the questions that was asked was "what is the worst thing that could happen to you?" And Rick's answer was "if I got sent back to Anna." I couldn't believe he said that. I had to explain to the counselor what Anna was, but I was in shock that he remembered that place. Well that's one thing I can guarantee will never happen!

Please include Becky Moorhouse and her family in your prayers. She has been diagnosed with bone cancer. My prayer is for her to be able to face each day without any fear. Fear can paralyze you, make you turn tail and run, but not if you give it to the Lord and face it head on. God's mercies are new every day and he STILL HEALS!

God Bless.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 243 & 244

We made it to the Guthrie game a little late, but in time to see the girls win, and visit with everyone. Rick had a great day yesterday and for the outing we went over to the park. I pushed him in his wheelchair over...probably 6 blocks, and when we got there he had his choice of playing basketball, ladder ball, washers, horseshoes, croquet, or baseball. He chose basketball. He made some great attempts at shooting and even tried to dribble the ball beside his chair. Then he played ladder ball and Laura (PT) helped him stand to do most of the throwing. On the way back he wanted to ride in the suburban instead of being pushed. So, Laura was trying to explain to him the proper way he should get in the suburban which is stand and turn and sit first, then pull your feet in. But Rick didn't want to do it that way...he stood, grabbed the handle inside, stepped in and sat down...and then turned and looked at us like, "that's how you do it!" He was pretty tuckered out after 2 hours in the park, but I think being outside did him a world of good. This morning he did not want to go to the pancake festival...he didn't want pancakes, he wanted a breakfast burrito instead, so we went and got burritos and watched Rooster Cogburn. It has the best quote at the end of the movie...Katherine Hepburn tells John Wayne, "you're a credit to the whole male sex, and I'm proud to have ya for my friend"...that's how I feel about Rick. Then he took a nap and has been pretty lazy today.

We have so many things to be thankful for. Mainly Rick's steady progress...as long as he progresses then we're good. Thanks again to everyone who has supported us. It was great to see all the Guthrie folks at the ball game. Whenever I tell Rick, "so and so says hi and that they love you" or "so and so is praying for you"...he always looks at me and says "really?" And I'm like "REALLY, Rick everyone loves you." God continues to show his grace, mercy and love for Rick as well...and for that, I'm most thankful.

Good night,
Crystal

DAY 241 & 242

I apologize for being tardy with my posts, but I had the best supper and visit with my good friend Brenda Duckworth. She and Jake stopped by to see us today, and she of course was able to get a smile out of Rick. She commented on his cold hands (and they are cold a lot) and so he put them on her face so she could see just how cold they were. He is better and better everyday since stopping the seizure medicine...praise God! This morning in OT he did his laundry...used his left hand a lot, and did really good. He worked on the trainer in PT which sort of looks like an elliptical machine except that you sit down to use it. We walked over to the park this afternoon...it was a little bit windy, but he enjoyed it. His endurance isn't back yet, but I know it will come.

Yesterday we had our team meeting and all the therapists had great things to say. In all of his re-evals he made improvements...significant improvements in some areas. The only question Rick asked was, "when can I go home?" Noone has an answer to that...they see a lot of potential and with his work ethic think he will go a long way. I, of course, say he will go all the way!

The kids will be here tomorrow and we have plans of going to watch the Guthrie Lady Jags play their play off game at Lubbock Roosevelte. Then, on Saturday, TLC is planning on taking the patients to the Civic Center for the Pancake Festival...we'll go depending on how Rick feels.

God Bless You All.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 240

Good news today...the EEG shows no "epileptic status" and Dr. Wolcott discontinued the seizure medicine. Unfortunately, Rick had already had his morning dose and still didn't have a very good day. He threw up after lunch and slept from 1:00-3:30. He was a little better this evening, and hopefully each day without the seizure medicine we'll see some improvements. I told him I don't know why these obstacles keep getting in the way, but he'll overcome them. We will not give up. I believe in God, and have been encouraged by 2 verses in the Bible that talk about having a vision.

Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he who keeps the law, blessed is he. Proverbs 29:18

And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may read as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. Habakkuk 2:2-3.

I have had 4 dreams about Rick since he has been hurt, and I know there are others that have had them, too. In each of my dreams Rick is walking, talking and laughing...this is my vision and I am writing it down.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 239

It was a better day, but still not a great day. He was still very tired and just couldn't have cared less about a lot of things. Even the therapists noticed and it will all be discussed with Dr. Wolcott in the morning. He got to take a regular walker for a test drive today. He did pretty good...I just kept thinking "if only he felt good, he'd be running circles around the gym." As it was he went about 5 ft and had to rest, then about 8 ft and had to rest and then 6 ft and he was done. For the walker to be really good he's going to have to build up more strength in his left arm and shoulder.

Rick was asleep by 7:00 and I'm at L&L's sipping hot chocolate and watching the Olympics. I think Rick's tiredness is rubbing off on me!

Little things don't mean alot...they mean everything. Remember Zacharia 4:10...the day of "small" things. All of these small steps are adding up.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. We couldn't do it without you.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 238

Rick had one of the worst days he's had in a long time...just not feelin' it today. I'm sure it's the new seizure medicine...it's just going to take some time for his body to adjust to it. We did, however, have a great Valentine's Day. The kids had money from mom to get a v-day present for us, but they needed a driver to Target. I got them there, but had to close my eyes and wait for them to pick out the gift...a chocolate rose and a martini glass...interesting. I asked Riley, "What am I gonna drink in that glass?" And she said, "I've seen on TV where they put water and olives in glasses like that." LOL! We also had a wonderful dinner brought up by Lyssa and Laura...steak, baked potato, mushrooms, salad, chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake...ya boy! It was good!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Love,
Crystal

DAY 236 & 237

Yesterday was not a bad day considering Rick had a seizure the night before. He didn't remember that he had had a seizure or that he had even gone to the ER. Dr. Wolcott decided to start him on seizure medicine...in a way I'm glad because I have all these "what ifs"...what if he has one and no one's around...what if he has one and the kids are here...what if he has one and hurt himself. But the only draw back is that seizure medicines have side effects one of which is drowsiness... and we've just gotten to the point of being good and alert the majority of the day. So, I give it to God and He will make it right. Dr. Wolcott also ordered an EEG. The technician came to TLC yesterday, and did it in his room. It was pretty neat to watch and Rick slept through the entire thing. The technician didn't see anything that alarmed him, but it will be sent for a neurologist to read.

Today has been the day of visitors. Started off with Cotton Elliott, then Rick, Romey and Jared Ferguson. Then Judy Miller Helm came by with Valentines goodies. Rick ate lunch and laid down for a nap. The kids and I went to watch Judy's daughter at her gymnastics meet. Then Roger and Debbie Johnson came by followed by Rowdy, Vickie and Stormy Rasberry. Rowdy said, "Rick's, it's been 20 years since I've seen you...remember we went to San Antonio and you stuck it on the big ole brindle bull". Rick smiled and was shaking his head yes. He just got out of the shower and we are waiting on Shauna and Nored to stop by. He has been really tired today, but hopefully he'll sleep well tonight and be better tomorrow.

Good night and God Bless.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 234 & 235

You have to take the good with the bad...today we had some bad, but all is well now. Yesterday we had the good, and it was really good. In his OT re-evaluation, he made drastic improvements. For example, in one of the tests there is a sheet of paper with 10 rows and 10 columns of #'s 0-9. Rick has to scan each row and cross out the 2's. On his first try a month ago, he found 15 out of 60 2's and it took him 10 minutes to do it...and he was exhausted after that. Yesterday, he found 55 out of 60 in under 3 minutes! He was also given pictures of a clock and a flower and had to draw them exactly as he saw them. The first time he barely attempted anything. This time he drew the circle for the clock, #'d it, and drew the hands. On the flower he drew everything and even made sure to count how many petals there were so that he drew the exact same thing. His dexterity in both right and left hand have improved greatly. In his last 4 speech sessions he has had 100% voicing.

Then, today rolled around. It started out pretty good, but by noon I thought that Rick was pretty wiped out...but probably just his normal "wiped out by Thursday" kind of wiped out. He laid down and napped after lunch and when I got him up @ 2:00 he started throwing up. So, he laid back down from 2-3 but said he would try to finish the day...and he did, nothing outstanding, but he pushed through it. Then, we sat down for supper, he was eating good, and interacting. His Aunt Chyral called and he talked on the phone loud enough for her to hear him...she said that was the best Valentine's present she could get. About 5 minutes later, a funny look came across his face...a look I had seen before. I said, "He's going to have a seizure". The techs flew into action, and we were able to get his fork out of his hand and the food out of his mouth before it got too bad. They called 911 and the ambulance was here in 5 minutes. The seizure only lasted 45 seconds, resolved itself, and wasn't near as bad as the one he had 2 months ago. His vitals signs and oxygen saturation remained good. He was transported to UMC for a catscan and bloodwork. They both came back normal, and other than being exhausted, he is fine. We got back to TLC at 9:30 and a tech will stay in the room with him the rest of the night...the chances of a 2nd seizure happening are rare, but I asked if they could have someone sit with him anyway and they didn't hesitate. I remember after the last seizure Rick wasn't as tight as he had been before, so I'm praying for something good like that to come of this.

Keep praying!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 233

Rick has gained 4 lbs in a month...up to 157.6!!! His re-eval in PT went good. He has gained strength in both legs, and his right hip is stronger, too. His bed mobility has increased drastically...which we knew already. Especially after this weekend. He tried to get out of bed, by himself, on both Saturday and Sunday when he was taking a nap. When he's in bed, the techs are supposed to check on him every 15 minutes if I'm gone. On both days, he woke up and tried to get up...luckily they caught him before he was hurt, but it's hard to explain to him why he can't just get up without anyone around...he think's he's fine. Anyway, we got him a call button yesterday and he actually used is it early this morning. About 1:30 am he rang the buzzer and needed to go to the bathroom...I'm so proud of him for remembering he had the button and actually using it. Speech and occupational therapy "co-treated" Rick today. I told Rick that was aka "the double team" and if he don't look out they're going to have the full court press on him before he knows it!

I stay encouraged, and try to be an encouragement to others as I go through my journey. There is a patient here that was involved in a motorcycle wreck and is now blind. He owns his own business, and is worried about getting back to work. I told his mom today about Don McDermett. I worked for Don for several years right after I graduated, and he didn't let his blindness ever stop him from doing anything. And if y'all know Don, y'all know that's the truth!!! I'll never forget when we converted the John Deere books to the computer and having to explain to him what the computer was doing. He'd say, "what's taking so long?" And I'd say, "it's thinking!" I learned a lot from Don and I told Leslie's mom that Leslie will be able to do whatever he wants and the blindness will not hold him back.

I hope that whatever it is your battling, you stay encouraged and believe that God has a plan. Bad things happen to good people, but it makes those good people even better.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 231 & 232

What a way to start the week...Rick was really "on" today. I was kind of surprised considering he stayed up and watched all of the Super Bowl...he lost a bet, too...now he has to give his next breakfast burrito to Tammy one of the other patients here. She is from Amarillo, and knows our friend Kelly P that we met at Pate...small world, huh? I also met a pastor yesterday that knew Chris Jackson from Seymour. His name is Curtis House and he went to college at McMurry with Chris. He was here seeing another patient who sent him to Rick's room. He said the nicest prayer for us, just like so many other people have.

This morning in theraputic recreation Rick got to bowl. His motion was so fluid and fast, and he could even "let go"...which is usually the hardest thing for him to do. In OT he talked Emily into baking brownies. He read the directions on the box and headed to the fridge to get out the eggs...he is moving around in his wheelchair so good. He of course licked the bowl again which I'm sure is the only reason he convinced her they needed to bake brownies. In PT he walked with the EVA walker and it looked so good. In ST he voiced 100% of the time!!! In TR group he played a game called Apples to Apples with 3 other patients...it was a fun game, and he played it well and was able to voice quite a bit, too.

I'm so thankful for another amazing day, and give all the glory to God.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Love,
Crystal

DAY 230

We woke Rick up at 8:30, with breakfast burritos and Dr. Pepper. After he ate we put in the Tom Butler Memorial Bronc Riding DVD for him to watch. He really enjoyed watching it...especially the shetland riders. Bryan and Glenn came by at lunch and Rick was happy to see them. Rick and Bryan have a saying, "he's yu bruva" translastion: "he's your brother"...something that goes back years ago to when Rick's nephews were little, probably 7 and 8, and Tanner had trouble with his "r's". When Bryan said it to Rick today, Rick said it back to him. I wish y'all could've seen the look of disbelief on Rick's face when Glenn told him he is substitute teaching at the high school...it was classic. Rick showed them how he gets in bed by himself...he can get out of the wheelchair and pivot to the bed, throw his legs up on the bed, and take his shoes off all by himself. He laid down for a nap and the kids and I met Laura, Jori and Jack at Main Event. We had a great time...bowling, laser tag, and a simulated roller coaster. I must admit, I got a little competitive in Laser Tag...needed to blow off some steam I guess!

God can do all things. Mark 3:27

Love,
Crystal

GRABBING ANOTHER GEAR

On days like today, I feel like running outside and shouting, "Oh, what a beautiful day!!!!" at the top of my lungs. 2 reasons...one, it truly was beautiful weather, and two, Rick had a fantastic day. I believe he has grabbed another gear, turned the page, is playing on another level. It's funny how it happens...slowly, but then all of the sudden you recognize that he's doing everything better. I guess the biggest difference would be in his initiation. Remember, that used to be my least favorite word, but not anymore. Today in PT he was laying on his left side, rolled to his back, onto his right side, SAT UP, and then started scooting down to the end of the mat where his wheelchair was parked, scooted into his wheelchair and got himself situated, and then buckled his seatbelt! Allelujiah! And the only thing that was said was, "all right, Rick, we're done, time to get back in your chair." Used to, you would have to tell him everything to do and then probably put your hands on him to help him physically as well. Can you believe?!! I was so thrilled by it. His voicing in ST was so good, that Meredith is taking a couple of the old words off his curriculum and replacing them with harder words. Since it was Friday, it was our afternoon for an "inning". We stayed here and I was so excited that we were going outside to play frisbee golf. Rick hasn't been outside for any significant amount of time in a month. Unfortunately, after being outside for about 15 minutes, he threw up and we had to come back in. He took a nap, ate supper and says he feels fine now, so I'm not sure what got into him.

Back to the "Oh What A Beautiful Day!!!" Rick used to holler this out in public places...like Wal-mart to embarrass me. I'll never forget the first time he did it. We were just dating and lived in Stephenville. We walked out of Wal-mart and Rick hollered...at the top of his lungs..."Oh What A beautiful day!" And then giggles and giggles and giggles. I didn't know what to think, but it was really embarrassing. Once he figured that out, he'd do it all the time. I reminded him of that today, and he smiled...he remembers.

Well, my children are about to be in Lubbock. My dad took them to Paducah to meet Jori Parks, that's Laura's sister, and she brought them to Lubbock and is spending the weekend at L&L's Bed & Breakfast & Supper and Entertainment...with both Jori and Laura in the house, there will be no lack for entertainment! Rick just showered, brushed his teeth and is tucked into bed...and he hollers at me in a loud whisper, "Hey, I need some chocolate"...I cannot deny the man his chocolate.

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 228

Today we have been at TLC for one month. In PT he was re-evaluated...Laura will let me know tomorrow how it compares to the first one she did. In ST, Meredith used a machine that measures the loudness of Rick's voice. In OT he worked on more sit to stands...again, in disguise. I didn't sit in on very much of his therapy today...trying to let go a little bit, but it's hard. When he's having a good day, I want to see that, and when he's having a bad day, then I want to be there to make him feel better. But, I know that I can't always be there. I asked him how it was today without me there with him, and he kind of wrinkled his nose and said "it's okay". I made sure to catch him between therapies, and stayed with him during standing frame and fed him a snack. Traci Butler came by this afternoon. It was so good to see her, she always has something positive to say and is a great example that God gives strength. We don't always know why we have to go through hard times. Habakkuk asked God why and God did not answer him the way he expected. We have to trust that God's ways are best.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 227

Another fabulous day...as long as you don't count the weather! Rain, snow, rain and more snow for Lubbock today, plus the lovely rivers that flow through the streets because of the great drainage system here. In Speech this morning Rick voiced 95% of the time...woo woo! In OT he ended up working on "sit to stands" in disguise. Emily fooled him by taking him into the kitchen and asking him to stand up to put some dishes up in the cabinet, and sit back down to take a break...over and over...she's so clever. Rick didn't even think it was idiotic! He had to unscramble words in Problem Solving group and he did decent, but usually needed a hint.

I'm so thankful for Rick's progress...seems like these babysteps are getting bigger. His endurance is coming along and his personality is shining through. After the kids were here this weekend Riley told my mom, "my daddy was saying things that my daddy would say!" I think that is so cute.

God bless you all.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 226

God continues to bless us everyday. Dr. Wolcott always makes rounds on Tuesdays and meets with the therapists. Again, they all had wonderful things to say about Rick and have high expectations for him. Dr. Wolcott thought Rick looked really, really good today...and he does. All sessions were good today...he didn't think anything was idiotic. During his speech session he voiced 85% of the time...that is so exciting to me plus he's voicing more outside of speech.

Cade is better today and that's a blessing, too. Laura and Lyssa continue to take good care of me...I will not go hungry or want for anything. They are great roomies. I must have writer's block tonight...I can't think of anything else to say! Hope y'all have a great night.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 225

Started the day with a phone call from my mom...my little man wasn't feeling good. She got him in to see Larry, the NP, and he was officially diagnosed with "Kissing Girls Syndrome"...Cade, however, denies kissing any girls! He had a croupy cough and sore throat, but thankfully no fever and with a few good doses of medicine he should be feeling fine tomorrow.

Laura and Lyssa fixed lasagna for supper last night so I brought leftovers for Rick this morning. I told him at 8:00 that I had the lasagna, and at 10 o'clock he said, "if lunch isn't any good, I want that lasagna"...so impressed with his short term memory. When Coley Shipp visited last week, he brought chocolate candy and the next day, Rick asked where that bag of chocolate candy was. Short term memory is usually something that TBI's will struggle with for a long time...maybe forever, so it's a really good sign that his is improving. He had 2 PT sessions today. At 1 o'clock Laura wanted to work on "sit to stands", and we couldn't get Rick to do it. So, I said what's wrong and he said, "that's the most idiot thing I've heard"...okay...so we didn't work on "sit to stands". We walked instead, and he did a pretty good job...not the best steps, but at least they're steps. In the 4 o'clock session he got on the mat and stretched...still very painful to be on his stomach. When he was done he was able to roll from his back to his side and then push himself up to sitting...good stuff! In OT he worked with money...this is the first time he's ever worked with money so I was really interested to see how he did. It wasn't bad. He had to do things like use the coins to make 25 cents, 50 cents and so on...and not just with quarters, he had to show how many different ways he could do it. She would also write down an amount like $3.40 and he would have to pull out that amount from the money. He did well, but definitely has some work to do there. I didn't sit in on his theraputic recreation or speech therapy today, but got good reports from both.

God Bless!

Love,
Crystal