We are on Spring Break and finally getting to unpack a little bit. I have been very fortunate that the school has asked me to sub quite a bit since moving in, but that also means I haven't had a lot of time to unpack. When I was packing this stuff up, I was in such a hurry and also not really emotionally ready to deal with a lot of things. Unpacking is a different story, however, and even the kids have had some challenging moments. I cried when I unpacked the picture that I took of the cowboys praying before a ranch rodeo...it's an awesome picture, even the horses heads are "bowed". Sammie framed it and put the scripture from Matthew 18:20, "For where two or more come together in my name, there I am with them." on the frame. I cried when I found the water jug Riley always tied to her saddle when she went with Rick, I cried when I found the book Rick was reading when he got hurt, "The Lions of Iowa Jima" and the book I was reading, Joyce Meyers' "Never Give Up"...how appropriate. And, man, my kids were so little...all their clothes are so small, and they look so little in all the pictures. I also know how blessed I am that these are not just memories that have to put away and mourn. We still got alot of living to do.

Rick had a first last week. For the first time since his accident he was able to swing his rope. He had given up on swinging it because he would get stuck and couldn't figure out how to get it all the way around. Sarah talked him into trying, and first thing, he swung it all the way around...and kept swinging and swinging...and smiling! She was so excited she called to tell me and I knew it was something good when she called, cuz her voice was about 3 octaves too high! We have increased his baclofen pump again, and it seems to be doing the trick. We have a team meeting on Friday and I can't wait to hear what the therapists have to say. We had a great visit from Guy, Tammy and Trinity Wilhelm this weekend. Guy helped me get a few more things unloaded and even got our lawn mower running...it's been 2 years since it's been used, so I was surprised it started.

Thank you to Alvin and Rita Lingnau for going to visit Rick today. Alvin said Rick's face lit up when he saw them. He loves to have visitors so if your in Lubbock, please take a minute to go by and see him...he needs some encouragement, and he needs to know that he hasn't been forgotten. We also made plans for Rick to be at the Zion Bar B Que on April 1st...Alvin already got it cleared with Rick's case manager for him to get out of therapy early that day to make it to Lockett!

One thing I'd like to ask is for everyone to specifically pray for Rick to walk...we are getting close to the end of our rehab time at TLC and I want him (and more importantly, he wants) to be walking before he comes home.

Thanks so much for everything!

Love,
Crystal