We took Rick to Lubbock on Tuesday and the first thing we did was have his admit meeting. During this meeting the first time around, which would be right at a year ago, I had to do all the talking, but not this time. He held his own and I didn't have to talk for him not one single time during the admission process. He talked to his case manager and the nurse and I said nothing. I got to sit back and watch the expressions on everyones faces as they listened to him in disbelief! He will have an all new therapy team this time around, so we won't work with the same people as last time...that's both good and bad. He mainly had evaluations in each therapy and did awesome. When he did his PT eval, the first test he did was the 6 minute walk test...I forgot to ask how far he walked in 6 minutes, but I'm guessing it was between 350 & 400 feet with his walker...again, I just sat back and enjoyed the show. His speech eval was awesome, too. The tests were testing not only speech, but memory as well. And she didn't stump him not one time. He, however, stumped us once. She asked, "Who discovered America?" and Rick said, "Americo Vespucci" and we were like, "Who?!!" And he looked at us like we were idiots and said, very plainly, "Americo Vespucci" and then even spelt it for us. Well, I googled Americo Vespucci and sure enough he is credited for where the name "America" came from, and at one point even gave Christopher Columbus a run for his money on getting credit for who found the "New World" first. There is only one problem that I can see, and that's sleep. He didn't sleep either night he was there and that is so frustrating for him. He wasn't sleeping that great at home either, but he always had a chance to knock out a nap during the day and he won't have that chance at TLC. So, please pray for him to get some rest while he is there, it is so important for his attitude and we have seen first hand how much getting rest has helped in the healing.

He talked to his brother on the phone tonight and made Bryan's day. It's been a rough day for Bryan as it was two years ago today that he lost his son. Hearing Rick's voice definetly brightened his day.

There is only one patient still left from when Rick was there the first time around. And, so many more that need your prayers. I'm so thrilled to report that Colby's brother is doing fabulous...you know 6 months ago his family was told there was no hope and this guy is now walking, talking, playing with my kids...doing so great and it is such a great feeling to see someone you've prayed for doing so well.

If your in Lubbock during the next few months and have some time, please go by and see Rick, and then you can call me and tell me how he's doing! Even though I'll see him every weekend, it's going to be really hard not to be there during the week. His official visiting hours are still pretty limited, 12-1 and after 5, but if your in town, stop by because you never know when he'll be on break and you can just say hello...it will make his day.

Well, as usual, Rick will be looking at the back of his eyelids when the New Year rolls in. We are praying for a prosperous new year and are trusting in the Lord that it will happen.

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Love,
Crystal