DAY 341 & 342

Wow, what a day. Started out in the ER and ended in a church feeding the homeless...lots of praying was done at both places. TLC called me at 6 am because Rick was having severe lower back pain. On a scale of 1-10 he said it was a 10. By the time we got here the pain was gone and he was fine, but as a precautionary we went ahead and took him to the ER. Bloodwork and a urinalysis came back normal and with the pain gone there was no reason to stay. We got back to TLC at 9:00 and he wanted to eat and go back to bed. He's had a pretty normal day, has not complained of anything else, and is currently enjoying the PBR.

There is a church in Lubbock that feeds the homeless every Sunday night. Other churches in town provide the meals and the volunteers to serve, and tonight it was the Methodist Church at Wolforth's turn. Kim McReynolds (nurse at TLC) asked us if we'd like to help. The kids were a little nervous, but jumped in and helped and were so respectful towards the people that we served. We served about 100 people and it was a very eye opening experience. We have been so fortunate in the last 11 months. We have always had food in our bellies and place to lay our heads. I plan on volunteeering there again.

Yesterday he seemed a little more tired than normal and even a little grumpy. The only time he wasn't grumpy was while Toby Clark was here visiting.

I forgot to tell y'all about the phone call I got on Friday. I wrote a letter to Pate listing my concerns and some of the things that went on while Rick was there. On Friday they called me and next week the VP of Pate and the program director are flying to Lubbock to meet with me. I am so excited...I pray I can make a difference for someone else.

Praise God for getting us through this day and for using us to do His good work...we are truly blessed...to God alone be the glory.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 340

TGIF! The kids got to participate in Rick's therapy today. In PT Laura had them playing "chicken fights" with Rick. They got on their knees in the floor and had to balance on a cushion, lock their hands, and chicken fight. Rick ended up the chicken fightin' champ! It worked on his
balance and strength. This afternoon the outing was to Wal-mart. When I told Rick that, he brought his hand up, pointed his finger up and made a circle in the air and said, "woo woo"...just a touch of sarcasm there. When we got to Walmart, he was given a list of items to get, and was also instructed to find the lowest price for each thing. He was with PT and had to push the cart and walk. He did pretty good, but was very thankful when it was over with.

Jesus will keep you strong until the end so that there will be no wrong in you on the day our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. I Corinthians 1:8

Stay strong!

Love,
Crystal

SCHOOLS OUT!

I went by the house yesterday and managed to get the kitchen packed and see everybody. They were having a little get together at headquarters so everyone was there. So great to see everyone. I went to Cade's academic pep rally this morning...he made straight A's all school year long and he absolutely loved Mrs. Wright. I am so proud of my kids for perservering this school year and believing in God to heal their Dad. Before we got in the car to come back to Lubbock I promised them that this summer would be better than last!

When we got back to Lubbock, Kerry Wrinkle and Robby Cooper were here to see Rick. Although he was tired, he was happy to see them. Colby (TA) told me that Rick remembered where I was and he was even able to tell Colby when I would be back...pretty impressive memory! It gets better all the time.

So, it's a slow go...that's just how it is, but he is better all the time. I still believe in a full restoration for him, and I refuse to give up hope.

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 338

Rick was so tired today. I guess the combo of going home and then going to Levelland was a little too much for him. He still worked hard and was even able to start a cognitive test in Speech therapy. This is a test that he has never taken before because Meredith didn't think he was ready for it yet. I'm looking forward to seeing the results. He worked on balance and walking in PT and did laundry in OT. He shaved himself tonight and did a really good job; I only had to clean up his chin a little bit and shave his neck. He also cracked a joke tonight. Boots called to check on him, and when I got off the phone I was telling Rick about Bootsie's surgery he had a few months ago on his wrist. Rick said, "why did he have to have surgery?" And I said, "just old and wore out." And Rick said, "And they just stopped at his wrist?" I thought y'all would get a kick out of that, and Bootsie knows we love him!

I plan on heading home tomorrow to pack some more, and then go to Seymour to spend the night. When the kids get out of school on Thursday we'll head back to Lubbock.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 337

God is so good. He continues to answer prayers and rain down the blessings upon us. It seems like things just keep getting better and better. Today we went to Levelland on the special outing planned for Rick and Tommy (new patient), and had a fantastic day. We went to Edd and Linda Farabee's and they couldn't have been nicer...Edd said, "it's like we're friends you just hadn't met yet." Rebecca's (the counselor) brother, Jared Lee was there as was Steve Friskup I couldn't believe Steve was there...and I had no idea that he is a preacher, I thought he just auctioneered. We felt right at home. We ditched the wheelchair and Rick walked with the help of Laura and Kelly (new PT student). He went through the tack room and barn looking at all the horses. Then we went inside for cookies and a coke. We had a great visit then back outside to the arena. Rick watched while we rode...and I say we because Steve was nice enough to let Kelly, Laura and I each take a turn riding his horse. Rick watched and petted the dogs and horses and visited. When we were done, we all circled around Rick and Tommy and Steve said the greatest prayer. It was wonderful and had most of us in tears. After that we got our our sack lunches and sat in the yard under the big shade trees and ate lunch. We regretfully had to leave @2 and head back to TLC, but it was a great day! Rick was tired when we got back to TLC and didn't do much of anything else. The Farabee's, Jared and Steve were awesome.

Thank God for another great day.

Love,
Crystal

DAY PASS!

Very good day...very! We got to Tongue River @ 11...with the windows rolled down and the kids hollaring out them. That 3 mile stretch of dirt road we used to cuss was actually enjoyable! The first thing Rick did was get in his recliner and kick back! When lunch time rolled around we headed to the cookhouse. Tongue River isn't exactly wheelchair friendly especially after the rains. I had a little trouble getting him out of the driveway with all the ruts cut in it, but I finally managed. Stoney, Gage, Tyler, and Charlie met us outside the cookhouse. Rick stood and they helped him climb the steps and get inside. Afterwards we headed back to the house and Rick was ready for a nap. The kids and I tried to pack a few things...they were more interested in seeing their things and reminiscing. We sat on the backporch and watched the kids play baseball for a little while and argued with Rick about why he couldn't drink the last beer in the fridge! We ended the day with a quick visit from Sammie and then had to load back up. The day went by way too fast. We got back to TLC at 8 o'clock on the dot. I think that today was great for Rick in a couple of ways. Of course the obvious of getting to be home, but also, I think he realized exactly how hard it is for him to function in the real world. Everything at TLC is geared toward people with a disablity and he functions decently there, but it's a whole other story outside of that. I think it is a good motivator for him...he doesn't want me pushing him around in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Thank you God for all of your blessings. Thank you for your perfect timing in our lives and for giving us the strength we need to overcome.

Everybody falls sometimes,
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Everyone can feel the ache
Think it's more than you can take
But your stronger, stronger than know.
Don't you give up now, the sun will soon be shining
Gotta face the clouds, to find the silver lining,
I've seen dreams that move the mountains,
Hope that doesn't ever end, even when the sky is falling,
I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new,
That's what faith can do! ~ Kutless

Love,
Crystal

HAPPY B-DAY CADE

Happy Birthday, Cade! He turned 8 today and was so happy to get legos...in his words, "I've wanted these my whole life!"

Rick had a great day. He had a visitor this morning that was a God send. I was out buying Cade's b-day present and got a phone call from TLC. Kris said, "Crystal, there's a guy here that wants to see Rick, but says y'all don't know him." So I he gets on the phone and his name is Toby Clark and he's been following Rick's blog and praying for him, and wanted to come see him today. So, I told Kris it was fine to let him in and come to find out, Rick knows Toby's dad, Buck who used to work for Bill Flowers. And, they had several other friends in common. Toby prayed with Rick before he left and I know Rick appreciated the visit. Judy Miller Helm also stopped by today, on her way to Vernon for graduation. She was kind enough to get some info on summer camps and summer programs in Lubbock for the kids and of course invited them to her house. The outting today was to the Silent Wings Museum. This museum pays tribute to the glider pilots that supplied troops and supplies during WWII. Rick loves history and loves WWII stuff, so this was right up his alley. They took his walker and he walked through the whole museum. Before he got tired, he was really pickin' 'em up and puttin' 'em down. Good posture and great steps! He loved it.

So, plans for tomorrow are to leave TLC by 8:30 and head to Tongue River. Rick is happy and the kids are thrilled...maybe we'll do some back porch sittin'. I'm really glad that he will get to see the house one more time before I have to pack it up.

This is such a milestone and we are so blessed to be here...thanks for continuing the journey with us.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 333

RICK'S DAY PASS WAS APPROVED!!!! We will be going home on Saturday and can be gone from 8 am to 8 pm, and I plan on taking full advantage of it. Rick was really happy to hear about it. I know alot of people would like to see him, but I would like to politely ask if we could have this one day with just our family. Since we've gotten this day pass, I know there will be others to follow.

He had another super day; did really good in the OT eval. He is so hard on himself...he says it's not good enough so once again I pray his pursuit of perfection is a motivator and does not discourage him. Laura used his saddle in PT and had him get on and post as if he was trotting...good workout for the legs. He had a visit from Dane Mount and Paul Hartin today. I wasn't there, but I heard he had a big ole' smile on his face the entire time they were there.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and required Him and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 332

Good news from Rick's OT eval. Emily said that his strength in his left hand has increased by 13 pounds of pressure...I don't really understand that, but she said it is great! He also had 8 pounds of pressure increase in strength in his right hand. There are also tasks that he is timed on and on one of those he beat his old time by 2 minutes! He had a lot of speech/cognitive therapy today. He met with Meredith 3 different times. In one session he worked on handwriting and there is such a dramatic improvement. Meredith was telling him how much better it was than the first time and he asked her to show him what he did the first time he tried writing. She pulled it out of his file and he raised his eyebrows when he saw it. More walking on the treadmill and the pool in PT.

I read the following in the Lutheran Witness magazine and thought I would share it.

One in five Americans has a disability. It's our nation's largest minority group. It's also the most inclusive and diverse minority group, affecting people of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic levels. And it is the only minority group that any person can join at any time-at birth, or later-through an accident, illness, or the aging process.

Please keep praying for Rick. He is making awesome progress...amazing progress that can only be the work of God. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Love,
Crystal

DAY 331

Wow! Rick had a very full and challenging day. First of all in PT, Laura had him get out of his wheelchair and get in the floor. His movements were so great. Once he was face down in the floor she made him get up on his hands and knees and get up on the mat. After a short rest, he had to get back down in the floor. This time when he tried to get back up, he was pretty fatigued, and was having a hard time trying to figure out how to get his knees up under his hips and get his arms right. His left arm is still so weak and has limited range at the shoulder and that didn't help. But, he finally did it and was really tired afterwards. He had a re-eval in OT, but wasn't able to finish because he was so tired. He was so tired that he chose to nap during part of his lunch hour. After lunch he had PT again, and this time walked on the treadmill. His steps were pretty good, and he went a long ways. After that her met with the counselor again and this with his social worker. He finished the day with some stretching on his left shoulder and legs.

We have really enjoyed seeing all of the kids graduation invitations, so please keep sending them. We also got the Working Ranch magazines today and those are great, too. We also got the newsletter from the Guthrie church and the following was in it:

No ocean can hold it back.
No river can overtake it.
No whirlwind can go faster.
No army can defeat it.
No law can stop it.
No distance can slow it.
No disease can cripple it.
No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the power of prayer.

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 330

So, the storms ruined our outting today, but we'll try again next Monday. It was too muddy plus there were more storms in the area this morning. I went with Rick to his session with the counselor and he is expressing more and more that he wants to go home...even if it's just for a day. So, we are working with the insurance company to see if we can get a day pass for him. Rick's awareness level has really increased and he is more aware of his limitations than he has been...hopefully it will motivate him and not deter him. He told the counselor he was gonna have to "cowboy up", and I hope that's what he does. This evening he pulled good one on me. I was shaving him and he tilted his head back so I could get his neck real good. Right as I took my first pass across his neck he jumped and yelled "ouch!" I jumped back...I thought I had cut him. Then, I look at his face and he's got this big smile on his face and he says, "gotcha!"


We have had a steady turnover of patients here. There are only 2 patients left that were here when Rick was admitted. Some come in and you can't tell by looking at them that anything is wrong. But when they talk, they can't find the right words...or they know what they want to say, but that word isn't what comes out. Some are perfectly mobile and speak well, but can't read or write. It's really weird how each brain injury is so different. One thing they all have in common is how scared and unsure of things they are when they come in. It usually breaks my heart to watch them try to adjust the first few days.

Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. Your rightousness is like the mountains of God, Your judgments are like the great deep. O Lord, You preserve man and beast. Psalm 36:5, 6

Love,
Crystal

DAY 328 & 329

As the weekend comes to a close, I'm tired; tired but thankful for everything I have. For all the friends and all the family and all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Rick's weekend was pretty average...except that today he didn't take a nap. He got out of his chair and got on the couch in the dayroom and watched tv most of the day. I met my sister in Guthrie this afternoon to drop the kids off. I didn't go all the way to Seymour because Rick has a special outing planned at 9 am, and I wanted to be here for that. The counselor here has a brother that works on a ranch in Levelland and we are going to spend the morning out there.



We got to see Sammie and Stoney and the boys yesterday. We were all very excited to see them. We had a great visit and they even got a laugh out of Rick. I can't even remember now what story they were telling, but we got a real high pitched, "Heeee" out of Rick...could it be "the laugh" is coming back? Oh that would be wonderful!

Counting down the days until school is out.

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 326 & 327

I just read the comments from yesterday to Rick, and he is smiling. Thanks to all of you for your continued support of Rick and our family. Thank you M.L. for telling Tim...Rick will love the magazines. But I have to also say, that when I went home last week, I saw the pictures you sent of Rick from the last branding. They are wonderful, beautiful pictures and I'm so happy to have them. I have to tell everyone about the first time M.L. came to Tongue River to take pictures while the wagon was out. After I met him I told him that any pics of Rick if he could just photoshop Sam Elliott's face over Rick's that would be perfect. For a minute M.L. couldn't figure out if I was serious or just joking. Rick, however, knew I was serious! And Reno...I couldn't hear all of the awards this morning for your phone ringing! Which brings me to today's recap. Riley forgot to tell anyone that she had her awards ceremony this morning until late yesterday. So, I left Lubbock and made it to Seymour at 10 pm and totally surprised the kids. Riley received her gold medal for her first place in Oral Reading and then I took them out of school early to come back to Lubbock.

Yesterday Rick was on a roll again...literally. He got on the tryke and went for a ride. He went about 6 blocks and then ended up in the parking lot of the hospital across the street. Laura wanted him to find the ramp to get up the curb, but Rick decided to jump the curb. He got his speed up and he did get the front wheel over it, but then high centered and had to back off. Laura helped him find the ramp. He had to make a hard left turn to get to it, and once again built his speed up and flipped a u-turn on two wheels. Laura was squealing, "Rick, stop, slow down" and laughing at the same time. Sometimes she doesn't know whether to get mad or just laugh.

We had plans of going to the ranch tomorrow to load some things, but the weather has changed our plans. Still don't have definite plans of when we'll get moved or exactly how it will all work, but I know we'll ge there.

Please include Glenn (Rick's dad) in your prayers...he had a run in with a bull last night at the rodeo. I dont' know any details, but he may have suffered a mild concussion.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. Galations 6:9

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 325

Rick was shaving when I got to TLC this morning. This time he shaved 90% of his face by himself! Such a great improvement. For theraputic recreation, Sarah took us over to the park to go fishing. It was beautiful out this morning. Rick stood to cast and did fabulous. He would cast and reel it back in over and over. Which is how he normally fishes since he has no patience! Then back to the gym to finish up the PT eval, and then to the pool this afternoon. When we got back from the pool he had his team meeting. All the therapists were full of positive things to say. Laura (PT) said that basically every muscle in his legs has improved strength wise. He also took the Berg Balance test again, and this time scored a 20; that is compared to the first time he took it about a month ago and scored a 14! He once again asked, "When can I go home?" And when noone answered he leaned forward and cupped his hand to his ear like, "I can't hear you!" Everyone laughed, but still no answer so he knocked on the table and cupped his hand to his ear again. They of course don't really have an answer for him. I reminded Rick of the things he wants to accomplish before he goes home and that he hasn't quite met his goals yet...he agreed.

We remain constant...constant in our faith, constant in our hope. Rick is steady making progress and God is answering our prayers every day. Satan should be scared of our fearlessness because it is a sure sign to him that he will lose.

And do no for a moment be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such constancy and fearlessness will be a clear sign to them of their impending destruction, but a sure token and evidence of you deliverance and salvation, and that from God. Phillippians 1:28

Love,
Crystal

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

When I went home on Friday, I asked Rick if he wanted me to bring one of his saddles back. Several of the therapists have expressed interest in using his saddle in therapy. He said, "yes, bring my Robert Mitchell." So, today we strapped it to a big blue bolster and then strapped the bolster to 2 rolley stools. When Rick got into the gym and saw it, he just started smiling. He was ready to swing a leg over. He had a little trouble getting his leg over the saddle because his inner thighs are so tight. But he finally did it, got his feet in the stirrups and wiggled around until he got all settled in...he looked great. Then we got the roping dummy out and he swung his rope and threw. I helped him get it around the horns, and once I did, he jerked his slack and hit his dally in one smooth motion. Every person in TLC was in the gym watching him...it was pretty great. Then, they rolled him down the hall and back...which was hilarious...I told him, "kick ole blue roaney into a lope!" When it was time to get off, Sarah (TR) said, "okay, Rick, it's time to dismount...isn't that what you call it?" And Rick shook his head "no". And she said, "well what do you call it?" And he said, "get off"! It was so funny! He had PT re-eval today, but I don't know how he did in it. OT and ST double teamed him and had him standing up and speaking phrases. Meredith found me after the session was over and told me he did great...speaking very loud and very clear.

The Thompson's were in Lubbock today. Tyler had another skin graft surgery and it went well. Trey had a doctors appointment, but I didn't get to see them...they had to head back to Munday because of a sick chick (Cheney). I went out to eat with Laura and Lyssa tonight at Blue Sky. They were having a benefit for Carter Cox, a boy that needs a service dog for diabetes. If you haven't tried Blue Sky, I highly recommend it and they will be having another benefit for Carter on May 17th. Carter has a website www.cartersdog.com Very interesting story and very neat how these service dogs are trained. Just another example of how good God is...these dog's are lifesavers.

Good night and God Bless.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 322 & 323

Mother's Day was great...the kids gave me their homemade gifts and they were very sweet...a flower in a can and picture of Rick in a snowglobe...what else could a mom want? Rick wasn't feeling up for church so we watched tv and ate...like usual. When he laid down for his nap the kids and I ran some errands and packed. I got back from Seymour this morning. Rick had a few therapies this morning and then he had his baclofen pump refilled this afternoon. He had a shower eval this evening. He doesn't need hardly any help taking his shower, just help getting in and out of the shower. When we got to TLC in January, he could barely wash anything. His left arm and shoulder are loosening up, too and that's a great sign.

We had a visit at supper time from Rhonda Reynolds McClellan. She grew up in Vernon. Rick didn't recognize her until she said her name and then he knew who she was. I'm so glad she came by. We had a great visit with her.

Please keep praying for Rick's healing. God can do this, and I will keep knocking at the door until does...love always hopes.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 320 & 321

Yesterday was a very productive day. I turned my computer on to klove.com, and got busy. I got a lot of stuff cleaned out and hauled to the dump. And, aside from the petrified bananas and one unidentifiable item in the fridge, it actually wasn't that bad. I met my dad at the 6666's mare barn to get the kids. It wasn't easy to pry them away from there, and Riley said she needed to talk to Doc about a job! Ha! We got back to Lubbock at 8 pm and Rick was happy to see the kids. They haven't seen him in his new chair and are impressed with how well he gets around in it. Rick has had a good day today, too...watched a western this morning while eating breakfast and took a 3 hour nap this afternoon.



Most of the TA's (techs) are college kids and have been studying for finals this week Jayme told me that one day she was studying for her anatomy exam. She was asking someone about Cushing's disease and what coritsone shots were for. I guess whoever she asked didn't answer, so Rick piped up and said, "it's to lubricate the joints." She looked it up and he was right. So, then he smiled and told her, "just let me know if you need anything else!"

Y'all have good weekend.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 319

Rick was tired today, but he should be. He hasn't had a nap all week, but he changed that today. First thing this morning he rode the tryke and went further than he usually does. Then he had OT and Emily had him standing and washing windows...good work for the arms, then some speech therapy and standing frame. After lunch he had PT again and walked down the hall with an obstacle course set up in it. He walked with the help of Suzie (PT) and a neuropole which is basically a big walking stick. It helps him keep his balance and shift his weight. At 2:00 he was supposed to have case management, but the social worker got tied up and said he could have a break. And boy did he take a break...he napped for the next 3 hours!

Tomorrow I am going to Tongue River to start packing. I imagine I'll do a lot more throwing out and away than I will packing, but I gotta start somewhere!

Good luck to everyone at WHC!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 318

I got a phone call from Riley tonight. She said, "Mama, I have great news!" And I said, "really, what is it?" She said, "I accepted Christ tonight!" I'm so proud of her. The spirit has definetly been moving in her. She has had a lot of questions for me lately...some are hard to answer, some easy to answer. We are in a unique situation in that my kids have seen first hand what God can do. They know Jesus. They have heard me pray and praise, but I often wonder how much of it are the really getting? They have also had wonderful bible class teachers at First Baptist in Seymour. Riley absolutely loves Mona and Sandy and I'm so thankful to them for helping her through this. She will be baptized as soon as Rick is able to attend.

Rick had a great day, but nothing that can top Riley's news!

Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

God's will, God's way, God's time

Love,
Crystal

DAY 317

Oh what a beautiful day! Today, for the first time ever, Rick was able to coil his rope and build his loop all by himself! Not only did he do it one time, he did it twice! With no help...verbal or otherwise. He took the initiative and did it. It took him a few minutes, but he got there. He also had 3 of the best throws he's ever had! At lunch I ran to Walmart to pick up a few things and bought a Western Horseman for Rick. I buy one every month because we usually know someone in it, and Rick really enjoys reading it. I was stopped at a red light and was thumbing through it looking for the story on the top ranch horse programs. There was the 6666's crew, Chance, Doc, Garry and Phil and I thought, "oh Rick is really going to like reading this one." Flip the page and Tongue River is mentioned and there is a picture of Stoney gathering horses in the horse pasture..."Rick is really, really going to like this one." Flip the pages and who do I see? Rick! It is a picture from last years Western Heritage Ranch Rodeo in Abilene during the grand entry, and the TRR boys are front and center! I busted out crying sitting at the red light. It just caught me so off guard, but what a blessing! I got back to TLC and showed Rick...I could tell he didn't believe me, but then he got a good look at it and said, "I'll be dang." We had a visit from Krisann Schulz today. She took care of Rick at Trustpoint when she was on rotations with Dr. Wolcott. She hasn't seen Rick in 4 months...she cried when she saw him and said, "Praise God!" Ya, it's that good. He also rode the tryke again today and made Laura and Susie jog to keep up with him...again he had a big ole' smile on his face. Unfortunately, he went so fast to begin with that he wore himself out and wanted to quit about half way through, but we wouldn't let him. He finished the day with ST, and PT homework.

Praise God!

Love,
Crystal

ps Rick is on page 89...the TRR team is in black shirts and Rick is the first one from the left.

DAY 316

I got back to Lubbock at 11:15 AM and walked in the door to see Rick doing the bean bag toss. I was so happy to see him. He still has trouble "letting go" when he's throwing something like a bean bag or a ball, but it's way better than it used to be. He had pool group again today. They set up 6 steps (like aerobic steps) on the floor of the pool for him to climb on while walking laps. He and Jared (another patient) were timed and whoever made it the fastest got to splash Josh (TA). Rick won a couple and Jared won a couple and Rick even dunked Josh one time. On the way back to the van, we were riding down in the elevator, and it's kind of crowded. So, I'm standing right in front of Rick, and the next thing I know, I'm getting pinched on the rear end. He was pretty proud of himself for that.

We were overdosed on dancing, etc after the recital yesterday, and Riley wanted to twirl and twirl and twirl . So, my Dad threw her baton outside, and then when she went out to get it, he locked the door! Cade was in the house jumping up and down, "way to go Popa!" So, my dad turns around and throws Cade out the back door and locks it! Rick thought that was great...he got a good laugh out of it. No worries...the kids were only locked outside for a few minutes...we had to let them back in before someone called 911 over their screams! 4 more weeks of school and I'll get to spend more time with those angels!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 314 & 315

Hello from Seymour, TX. I had plans of heading back to Lubbock today, but the dance recital lasted until 5:30 and I knew that Rick would be in bed by the time I got there. And, the kids really wanted me to stay. I called Rick to see if this would be okay with him, and he said, "that's fine." He was eating ice cream and watching tv. He's kind of hard to understand on the phone, but not too bad. He didn't do much of anything this weekend except catch up on his rest and that is a good thing. The dance recital was fabulous...probably 75 kids dancing in Munday, Tx of all places. Church in Vernon this morning was great, too. Got to see lots of friends and family and it's always good to see everybody that's been praying for you and thank them in person. Rick asked me the other day, "does anyone ever ask about me?" I didn't know whether to cry or laugh! Ya, Rick, everybody asks about you!

Kelsey's verse for confirmation was John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Good choice!

It was great seeing everyone this weekend. It was like filling my tank back up to face the week. Thank you again for your belief in Rick and in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Love,
Crystal