We found out last week that it will probably be November or December before Rick goes back to TLC. I'm a little torn about it. In a way I would like for him to get back up there and get it over with, but at the same time, I'm not ready for him to go. We are waiting for his DARS money to be released. For those of you who don't know, DARS (Department of Rehabilitative Services) is who we have been waiting on funding from. Back in July, our insurance decided they didn't want to pay for any more inpatient rehab. But, Rick still needs inpatient rehab and DARS will pay for it. DARS is a state of Texas program that is funded by fees and fines. This money is then used to pay for rehab for brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. I filled out the paperwork back in January to Rick on the waiting list...it's a long list. I still really like rehab at NT Rehab in WF, they just don't get to see him enough...maybe 6 hours a week. Last Monday he was in the pool and was giving the therapist a hard time...and he giggled. And she just stopped dead in her tracks and looked at me and said, "Is that a laugh?" And we're hearing it more and more...it's a wonderful sound. He walked one day with the Walk Aide and worked on balance and stretching. He was able to balance on a yoga ball for 2 minutes!!! That is really good for Rick.

Rick's brother, Guy Wilhelm, and his wife Tammy came for a visit last week, too. They brought their new baby girl, Trinity Anne. It was great to catch up with them. We haven't seen them since March and they were really impressed with Rick's progress. Wish they didn't live so far away!

Our town had a big scare on Friday. A home was broken into and robbed. It was very scary. But, thanks to divine intervention, the man wrecked his stolen car about 10 miles West of town. He tried to steal another vehicle from the feedlot, but one of the employees out there caught him and drew a gun on him until the cops arrived. Come to find out, this may be the same man who attempted to kidnap a couple of children not only here, but in other surrounding small towns in the last month. This has got everyone shook up. We're so thankful he was caught and pray that our kids can grow up in a safe place.

Rick is finishing up breakfast and watching the Golden Girls. We are about to head to Wichita to start another week. So thankful for how far we have come.

Love,
Crystal

So, I noticed I didn't even post once during the week...sorry, it gets hectic with the kids having homework and after school activities. Therapy went really good this week. He got in the pool on Monday and had a great session. While I was watching him, a lady came over and asked, "Is that your husband in the pool." And I said, "yes". She said, "what happened to him?" So, I told her and she said, "Well, the lady in the pool with him is the lady I take care of, and she had a TBI, too." She went on to reassure me that Rick would get better and better and told me that lady she takes care of is still making progress even 9 years after her TBI and she looked to be about 15 years older than Rick. That was so encouraging and she didn't have to say anything to me, but she wanted to and just like all the people who have randomly approached me, I believe it's the Lord's way of saying..."I'm still here." Still working a lot on balance and also on getting on the floor an his hands and knees. Bearing weight is so good for his joints and we continue to see improvement in his left arm. And his speech has gotten better...he has improved on 2 words in particular..."peach" and "oreos". He eats about 6 peaches and about 8-12 oreos a day! And thanks to Berline Glaze we are stocked up on the peaches and will even be able to supply his needs this winter, as I have frozen about 16 dozen peaches! We got him out on Thursday morning and took him to Riley's pep rally. Our first "big" outing in Seymour. It was a little overwhelming for him, but he enjoyed seeing everyone. Reno assured him that they had missed the books at Henrietta's Pioneer Reunion and Rodeo this weekend. Rick told him that was a good thing! We went to therapy Thursday afternoon and Rick was just too tired to make it to the football game that night, so he stayed home with my mom and took a nap. Our therapy days are pretty well set as Monday, Wed, Thursdays and we are usually at home if we're not in WF.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support. People continue to amaze me with their generousity and kindness.

God Bless,
Crystal

Well, I don't know whose going to make Rick laugh first...Sophia on the Golden Girls, or my dad doing twirling routines with Riley! They are both pretty funny, and we have heard a few small giggles from Rick and yes, he still giggles like a girl! Can't wait to hear him bust out with a really good one. He only had therapy one day last week. Monday was a holliday and then Cade was sick with the stomach bug on Thursday, so we stayed home with him. The one day he went was great. They put the Walk Aide on him again and he walked 114 feet in just a few minutes. He took a break then went 64 more feet, rested again and then went 64 feet again. That is farthest he has walked in a long time. And his speed was pretty impressive. With the Walk Aide picking his toe up, it frees his brain up to think about other things like balance and speed.

Blake Brazil has been making great progress. He has already transferred from the LTAC into Trust Point Rehab Hospital and is getting 3 hours of therapy a day. He's talking a little bit and eating, too. This is so great, and I thank the Lord for all the healing he has done in Blake and in Rick. We have all come so far and we won't back down now! Just keep PUSHING!!!

He (God) Himself said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake , nor let you down. Hebrews 13:5.

Love,
Crystal

Lot's of good things to report for the last few days for Rick. He had a couple of really good therapy sessions last week, and has had a great weekend. He got in the pool last week and they made the mistake of giving him a water gun. He promptly filled it up and started spraying everyone with it. They were really impressed with what he could do in the water and are excited about getting him back in the water. It's funny, every therapist that first works with him treats him with kid gloves, and then they figure out how strong and how ornery he is and they start the plans for cranking it to him! On Thursday Kimberly and Debbie (PT's) started fitting him with a device called a Walk Aide. It is a device that attaches to the lower leg and sends electrical signals to the peroneal nerve that in turn works the muscle that lifts the toes. It worked unbelievably well...I mean I was amazed. I have watched Rick's left foot for the last 14 months and I haven't seen it move that well, ever! The PT's were very pleased and said it was as if they had woke up the nerve. What was even more amazing was that even after the device was removed, there was some carryover. Rick continued to get his toes up and not drag even 30 minutes after it was removed. We will use it for a few weeks and see how it works for him and then possibly order his own. If you want to look at the device or find out more, the website is www.walkaide.com

Saturday was such a pretty day we got Rick out of the house. After stopping at DQ we headed out to my aunt & uncle's, Tricia and TJ and visited with them for a while. My dad took him out for some more guy time yesterday. He was really tired today and we haven't done much of anything. We'll be in Wichita on Wednesday and Thursday for more rehab.

We continue to pray for God's complete healing in Rick. Healing from a brain injury is a long process and some days are more frustrating than others. The doctors say it takes at least 2 years to recover and I know God will give us the strength and the courage to face each day.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power & of love & of a sound mind. II Tim 1:7

Love,
Crystal