PRAY FOR RICK KIESCHNICK

2 YEARS

2011-06-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

Two years ago today, our lives were changed forever. Before this happend I never really understood when people would say, "it feels like forever ago, but at the same time it feels like it just happened yesterday." Well, now I understand. It feels like it just happened yesterday because I can think back to that night, that phone call, that drive, that wait, that awful news, and the emotions are still as strong as they were that night. It feels like forever ago because of everything we've experienced in two years. I mean, have you ever had to set your alarm clock for 395 days straight? I did...I had to be at the hospital or rehab every day for 13 months solid...and I'm no worse for wear. The break last year was so awesome, lots of rest for everyone and we all needed it. The return to TLC in Jan of this year wasn't so great and once again coming home has been the best medicine. I can tell you what I miss about those first 9 months or so of Rick's injury...I miss the relationship I had with God...oh I still pray and stand on the promises he made, I'm still at peace and know he's got this. What I mean is the feeling of his presence right beside me...the intimacy of knowing him on that level is not even something I can put into words. It's the only way I survived...He really does comfort the broken hearted.

I am writing in detail what happened when Rick got hurt in a note on Facebook. I'm not sure how many notes it will take, but I'm writing it in parts and pieces...as you know, it's a long story! I'll try to copy it to the blog, but I'm not sure if I can.

Nothing is impossible for God." Luke 1:37

Love,
Crystal

2011-06-02T22:18:00.002-05:00

Has it really been a month since I've posted? Well, we got Rick home as you all know, and it was absolutely the right thing to do for his state of mind. He is happy to be here even though there are days we wear him out dragging him to all our activities. Usually at the end of the day he asks, "What do I have to do tomorrow?" And I'll give him the rundown of whats going on...some of it he can skip and stay at the house...he does pretty good by himself for 45 min to an hour so if I just need to run one of the kids somewhere he doesn't have to load up. The kids have been playing baseball and softball and we ususally find a spot in the outfield for him to park his wheelchair at and pull up to the fence and Rick will alternate between standing and sitting. And of course he socializes and enjoys seeing everybody at the ballpark.

He had a rough week last week and I'm not sure why. His tone seemed higher than normal even though we haven't adjusted the pump at all. He couldn't keep his balance just standing let alone walking with his walker. Tim noticed it at PT too. This week has been much better and I was reminded by a dear friend that Rick relearning everything is just like training a young colt...they are gonna have their good days and bad days. When we're at home he usually walks with his walker to the bathroom which is a pretty good ways and I may have to help him balance twice on the way there and back. He is getting much better at using his walker, but hopefully we'll be able to get rid of it soon. On the lot behind our house we plan on building the longest set of parallel bars you've ever seen. The thing about parallel bars is that its more of a natural walking motion since you can swing your arms as you walk and you can't do that with a walker. It's just something I can't get out of my head and feel like we need to get this built ASAP. Rick's cousin, Darrell, is going to build it for us.

Rick has been seeing Tim Nix here at the hospital in Seymour 3 times a week and will start back at North Texas Rehab June 16th. He may not be getting as many therapy hours as he was at TLC, but his attitude is so much better and that makes the quality of his therapy so much better. He's even sleeping better since coming home which makes all the difference in the world!

So, we just take it day by day, always keeping our eye on the big picture. God has provided for our every need and he holds the future in his hands...no worries.

Love,
Crystal

RICK'S COMING HOME!!!

2011-05-05T21:50:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile...truth is, it's been hard to find a whole lot to blog about. Rick has been holding his own, but continues to be frustrated by the daily grind of TLC. He's tired of people telling him what to do and when to do it. And, no matter how hard he works during the day, he can't catch a break in the evenings and it makes him really mad. Our DARS money will pay for about 48 more days, but we made a decision on Tuesday for him to be discharged...tomorrow! I don't see how keeping him there for 48 more days would be a good use of those days. He is flat wore out, still not sleeping well at night, stressed and missing home. It's hard to get better when you've got all of that working against you. So, we'll rest up a few days and then start seeing Tim again here in Seymour and hopefully get to go back to NT Rehab, too. I cannot tell you how relieved I am since making this decision. The team at TLC agreed...even when Rick does something or hears something funny or something he would otherwise enjoy, he doesn't have the energy to enjoy it. After seeing him on Saturday, I prayed and prayed for God to send me a clear sign about his rehab stay. I don't always ask for a clear sign, but this time I did...and I got 2. First, Riley woke up on Sunday morning and told me she had a dream that she and Cade took the golf cart in the middle of the night, drove it to Lubbock and busted daddy out of TLC! Then, when we got ready to leave, the passenger side back window in Rick's truck had been busted out...somebody tried to break in. These were clear signs to me that it is time for us to get out of Lubbock and back to Baylor County. I have always felt like we were in limbo with Rick in Lubbock and us in Seymour. Almost like we couldn't get on with our lives until he got home... and now we can. Thanks for all you have done for us and all the prayers for us. Praying that God continues to bless us and all of you as well.

Love,
Crystal

2011-04-14T13:43:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago the ABC Pro Rodeo was in Lubbock and TLC took the patients on an outing to the Sat afternoon performance. It was bittersweet for us. Rick enjoyed it, but knew several people there that he couldn't go talk to...like the pick up man and the stock contractor. Two people he's known for a long time and, if he could walk, would've gone behind the chutes to visit with them. And all I could tell him was, "someday you will." Last weekend he was home and Kim, Phillip and Kelsey came by to visit. Rick walked outside when they left to see Kelsey's VW bug and we got a good laugh at Phillip riding in the backseat. My mom continues to spoil him and brought over buttermilk pie. Justin and Colby (TA's at TLC) stopped by on Sunday on their way back from Denton and had lunch with us. Rick has had a frustrating week...I'm not sure why, but he got really frustrated with me on the phone last night because I didn't call at 5:30. I know it's tough being there and he doesn't want to be, but geez, I never figured he'd get mad over what time I called. I talked to him again this morning and he was better. Last night when we went to bed, Cade prayed, "Dear Lord, Please heal my Daddy so he can get back to doin' the things he used to do...like playin' catch with us, and kissin' Mama." I thought that was just about the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time! Cade & I are going to go to Lubbock tomorrow and come back late Saturday. Riley is staying in Seymour for the school dance and then on Sunday we'll be in Vernon for Doans practice and pictures. Hopefully Rick will have a 3 day weekend over Easter since TLC has a holiday on the 22nd...praying that will happen because that would really help his attitude. I have another prayer request. Rick's cousin Pee Wee needs prayer for his wife and new son born yesterday about 15 weeks early. He weighed 2lbs 2oz and is doing good, but has a long road ahead of him...and we sure know what that's like. And prayers make the road a lot easier. Thanks and God Bless! Crystal

2011-03-30T12:18:00.002-05:00

Being confident of this very thing. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Phil 1:6 I'm starting the blog with this verse because I have to remind myself that God's not done with Rick yet, and more importantly Rick needs to know that too. This weekend he came home and we didn't do much...he rested a lot. But, each time he needed to go to the bathroom we walked...usually I push him in the wheelchair, but this time he walked and he concentrated on taking quicker steps. Sometimes he takes such slow steps that he's balancing on one foot for too long and of course he loses his balance. Weekend before last, we spent in Lubbock and we took Rick out to Blane Chapmans house. Blane had a project for Rick to work on. He had a hay ring that he needed the legs cut off of. So, he fired up the cutting torch and handed it to Rick and he proceeded to cut the legs and a metal wall out of the hay ring. It was great...he knew exactly what he was doing. After that Blane got the roping dummy out. Rick stood up and with Blane supporting him from behind he swung his rope trying to rope the dummy. I posted a video of it on my FB page. Rick even has a little smile on his face...he's finally proud of something he can do. It was the best day we've had in a long time and Blane is so awesome for making it happen. Other improvements made are that Rick got to get off of 2 of the meds he's been taking for quite awhile. So, that means he only takes 3 meds now plus his baclofen pump...when he first got hurt he was on 15 different meds plus a tube feeding! His left arm and shoulder are showing improvements especially since I specifically asked his OT to concentrate on them more than she was. I'm not sure if we are going to get to go to the Zion Bar B Que on Friday or not. Originally Rick's case manager said he could, but that was when she thought it was his weekend to go home...and it's not, so I'm waiting on a phone call from her to let me know whether or not they'll let him out. Also, our kids are going to be part of the court for the Doan's picnic and Rick is out that weekend, so he should get to come to Vernon with us for Doans...May 7th. Thanks everyone for your continued support. I can't believe how many people our blog has touched and the changes it has helped make in their lives. The music alone is awesome enough and I have to thank and give credit to Ronda Thompson for that! God bless you all! Love, Crystal

2011-03-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

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

2011-03-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged, but we have been busy around here. Busy moving in! We finally got moved in to our new house on Saturday. And we had so many people show up to help, I think I only carried one thing into the house. We even got the beds set up and stayed the night on Saturday. Rick was here and he pedalled his wheelchair from one end of the house to the other....wherever he wanted to go, he got there. I think he was a little overwhelmed and was really tired at the end of the day, but very glad to get this behind us. Now, I have a ton of boxes to unpack, but that's okay, I'm just so glad that we're able to have a home, because there were times in this journey that I didn't know if we ever would. We have never lived in town, so thats different, but luckily we're on a big lot away from the road and I aslo bought the vacant lot behind the house so it's not so bad. There is still not a horse on the place, so we're not quite back to where we were, but we are one more step closer.

Rick is doing so good. We had his team meeting on Friday and everyone had marvelous things to say about him...especially about his attitude and motivation. Both are much better and because of that, he has made a lot of progress. PT is now working with him on using a cane to walk. He was opposed to it at first because he sees it as a weakness, but we were able to convince him that it is just a part of the process. In ST he's working on his "s" sounds and just being able to get the volume turned up. In OT his money managment is a lot better. I can't remember if I told y'all or not, but he originally told the OT he didn't need to work on money mgmt because he's married to a CPA! Ha...he'll say anything to get out of work. His handwriting is better, too. We are still concerned about the range he has in his left shoulder, but hoping it will get addressed with an increase in the baclofen pump and some more attention to it.

We also got a visit from some one we haven't seen since Sept of 2009. Olivia Zokai was Rick's PT at Baylor Rehab. We thought she was so awesome...she was so intense and determined to beat the tone that Rick has. WEll, nowadays she works for Medtronic which is the company that makes the pump that Rick has. She goes all over giving seminars on tone and spasticity managment and she is a wealth of knowledge in this area. Well she had a seminar in Lubbock on Saturday and flew in on Friday night. We have kept in touch ever since we left Baylor and I have sent her videos of Rick along the way. She uses these videos in her presentations. Rick doesn't remember her, but was happy to see someone who believed in him from the minute she met him. It was wonderful to see her. Rick's therapists from TLC attended her seminar on Saturday and took the time to visit with her about Rick afterwards. Based on that, they decided to increase Rick's pump which is something I've wanted to do for awhile. I'm still amazed at how God works these situations out...even after all He has done for us, He still amazes me.

I don't know if y'all saw the comment from the last post made by Martha Marsh, but we met her in Dec '09 at Trustpoint and she transferred to TLC too. She has made an amazing recovery from her TBI and has discharged. She is another great example of how you can recover from a TBI...it can happen.

Thanks again to everyone who helped us move in....I think Rick promised a few of you a case of beer and I'll try to make good on that promise! But, you may have to take a chocolate cake instead! Hopefully it won't be so long between posts! Love y'all and appreciate all you've done...you've prayed us through this.

Love,
Crystal

2011-02-12T11:34:00.002-06:00

Went to Lubbock yesterday and picked up Rick...so tired of Hwy 82 West! Before we left Lubbock I had to run by Home Depot (again) and when I told Rick he said, "you've got to be kidding me!" Sorry, not kidding...but at least it was a quick trip and he was able to sit in the car with Riley. He has been at TLC for 6 weeks and this is the first weekend that I can honestly say I see a big difference in how he is doing physically. When I help him walk or stand he uses me very little and his balance is great. And, yesterday his case manager told me that his attitude is a little bit better, so that is good to hear. Blane Chapman has been going up to visit him some in the evenings and I think that has helped alot, too...just having a friend stop by and offer some encouragement and just shoot the bull and tell re-ride stories is great for Rick. Today the kids have basketball games in Wichita Falls, so we will spend the afternoon over there. And then take Rick back to TLC Sunday afternoon.

Our house has been moving along, but we ran into a snag yesterday. The floors are stained and are now being sealed, but the second coat of polyurethane bubbled up when it dried and now has to be sanded off and reapplied. I am so amazed at how much a coat of paint and finishing the floors has made a difference in that house. Hoping we'll get to start moving some stuff in on Wednesday.

He's recharging in the recliner right now...aka napping! He's so tired, bless his heart. Can't wait to see what the next 6 weeks hold for us.

God Bless All!
Crystal

2011-02-03T19:36:00.002-06:00

I went to Lubbock last Friday and spent the afternoon with Rick and then we came to Seymour for the weekend. He got to see the progress on the house and also got to see his brother, Bryan. It was a great visit for both of them. Other than that, he napped most of the weekend...he was so exhausted on Saturday that he napped for a total of 4 hours. On Sunday we took him back and he did NOT want to go. When I got ready to leave he begged me to take him back home...even made the puppy dog face and said "please?" Oh, it's so hard to tell him no. He continues to climb his mountain, but he's not doing with a happy face on. This week he walked 430 ft and they have been working alot on his posture. He tends to slump and lean forward a little when he walks and that is causing most of his balance problems. But, just like anything else, he doesn't want to work on his posture...he wants to walk. And you can explain it all to him until your blue in the face, and he gets it, he just tired of hearing it.

The weather that blew in (and I do mean blew in) this week has brought all work on the house to a grinding halt. My brother and the other guys working on it all live in Wichita Falls and they got it worse than Seymour did. All we lack is painting trim and sanding and finishing the floor and finishing the kitchen cabinets.

Please continue to pray for our family. I know your prayer lists are long...I just can't imagine us making it this far and Rick giving up...that's my biggest fear right now is that he'll quit...which is totally out of character for him, but he's getting harder and harder to convince that he's getting better. We appreciate all you've done for us and will never forget it.

Thanks and God Bless,
Crystal

2011-01-26T09:24:00.002-06:00

Rick's attitude seems to be getting a little better. We spent the weekend with him in Lubbock. On Saturday he had therapy until 4 and was pretty tired, so he took a nap and then we got burgers (from Five Guys) and watched PBR. On Sunday we took him to see True Grit...he said it was pretty good, but you can't beat John Wayne. I thought it was a great movie. We had to take him back to TLC and head for home and he didn't like that, and told me he wanted to come with us. It's hard to leave him like that. Yesterday he got a visit from Phillip Graf and Tommy Burnett...that made his day a lot better. He asked Phillip what he was driving...I'm not sure, but I think he was feeling him out to see if he had enough room to load him up and bust him out of there! Later in the day Shauna (my college roommate) and her husband Nored went by to see him. It was quick visit, but it's so good for his attitude. When I called last night and asked how his day was he said, "well, it wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either." So, that is progress...usually he says, "it's the same ole, same ole" and often throws in an explicitive or two! He continues to walk without his walker every day...usually twice a day with only the help of his PT. And yesterday he went farther than he's ever been able to go at one time. I can usually understand him on the phone, but sometimes have to ask him to repeat a word, talk a little louder and occasionally he has to spell the word for me to understand. He would love to hear from everyone...the # at TLC is 806-281-5400 and it's best to call after 5. If you'd like to send him a word of encouragement, the mailing address is TLC, 4000 22nd Place, Lubbock, TX 79410.

We have started working on the house and have all the walls textured a couple of rooms painted. I've also been stripping and sanding the kitchen cabinets and am thrilled to see the beautiful pine that had been painted over.

Rick gets to come home this weekend so come by and see us if you get a chance.

Love,
Crystal

2011-01-18T09:37:00.002-06:00

Oh, this is gonna be a long row to hoe. Rick is having attitude problems with all of his therapists except for his PT. So, we had our first team meeting on Friday and while they all had wonderful things to say, I also had to hear about Rick's attitudinal problem, and that was hard to hear. His OT has pinpointed some cognitive areas where his is still a little deficient. Nothing that can't be overcome, but it's things that he doesn't want to work on, so he just half-asses it when his in OT. His left arm and shoulder are coming along as well and he's getting his strength back in this left hand and arm. His ST is working on not just speech, but memory as well. His memory is pretty good, but still needs some work. His speech is great, especially when he's not tired. His PT says that he'll be walking from class to class with the assistance of a TA in about 3 weeks, and should be walking independently in about 3 months! WOW! We also met with the neuropsych doctor and y'all know how I feel about neuropsych doctors...a just put a wall up immediatly, and I can't help it. Basically he said that Rick is at a crossroads right now. The fact that Rick is self-aware (he understands his injury and just how bad it is) is a huge step in recovering from a TBI. And, self-awareness is a very complex brain function, but it's up to him whether he gets better or not. If he has a bad attitude its going to hinder his progress and Rick understands that, but still can't seem to overcome it. He was pretty mad at me yesterday when we left, and said I was mean for making him stay. So, I guess this is where the tough love comes into play...he'll thank me later.

We are working on the house and hope to be moved in about 2 weeks. This weekend Rick has to stay in Lubbock, so we'll spend the weekend there.

God Bless,
Crystal

2011-01-06T20:57:00.002-06:00

Well, I don't know where to start first. How about PRAISE GOD!!! First of all, we took Rick back to TLC on Sunday, stayed a few hours and came home. It was hard to leave him and he didn't want to stay. On Monday evening I called and he told me his day "sucked". On Tuesday evening I called and he told me his day was "sh*%ty" and that he wanted to come home. So, I went to see him on Wednesday and gave him a combo peptalk/swift kick in the rear. I got to go to his therapy with him just like old times and really enjoyed it. In PT he walked with his walker turned backwards so that it forces him to stand up taller and not lean forward so much. Then, Kevin (PT), took the walker away and had Rick walk with just Kevin helping him by holding on to his gait belt. Rick was able to go 30 feet and I was very excited. Then today I got a text from his TA, Justin, telling me that he had just walked 200 feet without his walker and he did 100 feet all at one time! This is CRAZY!!! How can it be? Am I that good at pep talks? No, no, let's give glory where glory is due! This weekend he has to stay in Lubbock, but doesn't necessarily have to be at TLC...he can get day passes when his weekend therapies are over. This weekend therapy is something new they've started since we left. I don't like it at all, but he has to get at least 6 hours of therapy between Sat and Sun. He is getting all of his done on Saturday so he'll be able to leave Sat afternoon and Sunday. If we lived closer we could actually come home, but 5 hours in the car is just not worth it.

More good news...I'm just about on overload with this good news thing...we are definitely closing on the house tomorrow. I wired the funds today and you know when they ask for the moolah it's a done deal! There are no words to truly express how I have felt today. And when I talked to Rick this evening he said his day was "good". Mine was INCREDIBLE!

We couldn't have done all this without you, thank for all of your support.

Love,
Crystal

2010-12-31T20:32:00.002-06:00

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

2010-12-27T19:44:00.002-06:00

We had a great Christmas...so much better than last years that was spent in a hospital with a cardboard tree taped to the wall. Of course, we will never forget the hospitality that Blane Chapman showed us last year when he let the kids and I stay with him during Christmas break. We went to the Smajstrla Christmas on Christmas Eve. The chinese Christmas exchange has always been one of Rick's favorite things and he ususally harasses as many people as he can. Everyone was really happy to see him and I think it was great for him to participate...he ended up with Whiskey and Coke, so it was a good night for him.

Tomorrow is the big day...the day we take him back to TLC. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time...he's a kind of indifferent about it. We will stay until Thursday and since it's New Years holiday, he will get to come back home for the weekend. Then on Sunday we'll take him back, and we'll come home...this is the part that I'm not liking...the leaving him part, but it'll be okay. Hopefully, moving into the new house will provide enough of a distraction for me...we are supposed to close on Jan 3rd.

Be strong in the Lord,
And Never give up hope,
You're gonna do great things,
I already know
God's got his hand on you
So, don't live life in fear,
forgive and forget and
don't forget while you here
take you time and pray,
these are the words I would say.

God Bless you all,
Crystal

2010-12-20T22:17:00.002-06:00

We are counting down the days until Christmas, and counting down the days until Rick goes back to TLC...5 & 8. I really can't believe that both are so close. We've decided he'll go back on the 28th since TLC is closed on the 31st. That way we can get him there and settled and stay a few days, then he can come home for the New Years weekend and has to be back on Sunday afternoon. After that he can only come home every other weekend, which I'm not happy about, but that's just how it is. So, that means the kids and I will be back at L&L's Bed and Breakfast and Supper and Entertainment every other weekend to visit. We had to say goodbye to all the therapists at NT Rehab last week. They have been absolutely great and a blessing in this long journey. We will miss them, but know we will see them again. I've asked about a link to view the Lift a Life program, but haven't gotten an answer yet. Last week Tim felt like Rick's balance was so good that he walked with him outside of the parallel bars and without his walker. Just Rick and Tim. Rick was using one hand on Tim's forearm, but that was it. Rick did so good, kept his balance really good and Tim was pretty impressed. We'll see Tim twice this week and then back to TLC.

Hoping to close on the house this week. There were some repairs that the appraiser wanted done, and then he'll come back to reinspect. If everything is up to par then we should be able to close...it would be so great to have it done by Christmas. We'll have to pull the carpet up, refinish the floors, and paint before we can move in, but I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the Christmas cards, and all the support that continues to pour out for us 18 months after his accident. We so appreciate it.

Love,
Crystal

2010-12-09T18:20:00.002-06:00

I guess I made everyone who watched the story on Rick last night cry...should've warned y'all to get your Kleenex box. I cried doing the interview and watching the interview...oh well. I was so interested to see the other clients stories because we see alot of them while we're in rehab, too and you always wonder what their story is. And, honestly, I never realized what a diverse group of injuries the rehab center could handle. Or just how well equipped they are to handle them. They have truly been a blessing to us and we will miss them when Rick goes back to TLC. Speaking of which, we have decided that he will go back on Dec 29th. He's not so excited about it, but it's got to be done. This weeks therapy has been kind of a hit and miss. Monday in the pool was great. He walked 3 seperate times with no assistance. Each time walking the width of the pool which is probably 15 feet. He also got his Dynovox in which is a speech device. It's really neat...just like a little touchscreen computer. He finds the button that says what he wants to say, or uses a keyboard to type out what he wants to say and it speaks for him. The really neat thing is that he can customize buttons, too. So, if there's a phrase or a smart alec comment that he likes to say often, then we can program a button to say it. And, his speech therapist made the mistake of telling him that theres no right or wrong...to use it in a way that suits him best. So, he's got some customized buttons already that he thinks are pretty funny...like "oh sh*$!" He also wants to make buttons for, "quick, fast and in a hurry", "i'm gonna come from together!" , "if it hairlips the govenor" and several others. He can make a recording of voices that he likes and download them onto it as well. I'm looking for as many Sam Elliott phrases to load as I can!!! Today he wasn't feeling very well. I think its just a cold or allergies, but he didn't feel like going to therapy today and didn't have a whole lot of gumption about him.

House closing has been put off a few days, but nothing terrible...should still close by Christmas.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Love,
Crystal

2010-12-05T20:32:00.002-06:00

Very glad to report that Rick's DARS money was released on Friday. I was totally shocked to find out. I wasn't expecting to hear anything until January. The program director called me Friday morning and said, "Whose been saying their prayers?" And I just couldn't even believe it. Now to decide when he'll go back. His DARS counselor said that they understand not wanting to go back before Christmas, but we need to get there as soon after Christmas as we can. I'm very excited for him to go back, but it will be very hard to let them have him back. We have really enjoyed having him home.

Thanksgiving was great, and Rick continues to make gains every week. Last week he was working with Tim (PT) and had some of the best steps I have seen him take. Very controlled and smooth...looked very good. One day we were at home and I had Rick get down on all fours. This excercise is called quadripeg and it is a great one for him to do...especially for his joints in his arms and his shoulders. Cade came in while Rick was in quadripeg, and promptly jumped right on his back. He said, "yee haw, Daddy, just like old times, I'm the cowboy and your my buckin' horse!" And Rick never even wavered...he didn't buck, but he didn't waver either.

He is enjoying the 4th round of the NFR right now. We have a full week of therapy on the agenda for this week. We haven't closed on the house yet, but still looking like we'll get it bought.

Prayers continue to be answered for us, and God's timing has proven once again to be perfect.

Love,
Crystal

2010-11-24T07:57:00.002-06:00

Glad to report of even more progress this week. On Monday he was in the pool, and he took 8 steps all by himself with no assistance whatsoever...he didn't even realize he did it, he just took off walking. It was unbelievable. I was watching, but was actually thinking that one of the therapists must have be helping him because he walked so fast and so good, but they weren't. When we told him what he did, he didn't believe it either! We were practicing standing over the weekend and he set another record...he was able to stand without losing his balance for 2 minutes and 45 seconds.

Things continue to move forward on the house purchase, too. So, still praying that we don't hit a snag. They've asked for everything except my first born child!

We'll head to WF this morning and have the rest of the week off. If you get a chance, come by and see us over the holidays. We had visits from Tommy Burnett, Devin and Sandra and Aunt Chyral who brought her boy over some banana nut muffins! Everyone says that Rick is looking and sounding better and better all the time.

We have so much to be thankful for. And thank God every day for all he's done for us. I read the following in my daily devotional:

Thank me frequently as you journey through today. When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistenly, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to me with a grateful heart and My presence will fill you with joy and peace.

Love,
Crystal

2010-11-16T19:46:00.002-06:00

Well, after a week of break, Rick went back to therapy and blew everybody's socks off! Every single session he had last week was an awesome one. Every therapist said it was the best he had ever done...some were even asking me if we had changed meds or if we were doing something different. My only explanation is that something else has healed, something else has reconnected up there in that noggin'. This weekend we went to the movies. I'm always a little hesitant to get Rick out and about because you never know what places are going to be wheelchair accessible and also going to have family restrooms. Like a couple of weeks ago we needed to buy a new dress and shoes for Riley for a school dance. Rick insisted that he wanted to go with us, so I didn't argue. I tried to avoid the mall, but ended up having to go there. While we were there he had to go to the bathroom twice (yes, we were there that long) and both times I had to take him into the ladies restroom and just apologize to all the ladies as we came trucking through because the mall doesn't have a family restroom. But the movies were perfect...great seats, great movie...and Rick' favorite...popcorn! We saw Secretariate and it was really good..."you gotta run your race." This week started off in the pool on Monday. Marcie says his balance in the pool is really good, so they're going to try to go in the deeper water next week. We'll go back to WF tomorrow and then on Thursday and Friday we will be in Lubbock for doctors appointments.

Other exciting news is that we put a contract on a house. Please say a prayer that everything comes through, everyone is really excited about having our on place again.

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

Love,
Crystal

2010-11-07T18:56:00.003-06:00

A week of break was exactly what Rick needed. We did a few things at home each day, and went to see Tim twice, but other than that, he was able to enjoy his break. He even made some progress this week, and I really think that sometimes he's so tired after therapy that he can't do much for himself at home. This week he shaved himself 3 times...took him about 15 minutes each time and he was able to get 95% by himself. The first few times he tried to shave himself, it took 45 minutes and he was only able to get about 60%. One morning I took the kids to school and came back to check on him. He was sleeping soundly, so I got in the shower. Checked on him after the shower and he was awake. So, I said, "let me get my shoes on and I'll help you get up." So I came in the livingroom, put my shoes on and when I got back to the bedroom, there he was, standing up beside the bed all my himself. I said, "OMG, Rick what are you doing?' And he smiled really big and said, "waitin' on you." He's just been able to sit up on the edge of the bed by himself in the last few weeks because it is so soft, so to actually be able to stand up from there and then stand there keeping his balance...wow! And last but not least his best accomplishment happened in the bathroom. He usually stands pretty good from his wheelchair, but then needs help keeping his balance to turn and to sit down. But, now, he seems to have this down, too. The more his balance improves the more his walking improves. I'm so proud of him!

Love,
Crystal

2010-10-30T22:13:00.002-05:00

Oh my...I keep telling myself I'll post more often, and now look how long it's been! And we hit a milestone last weekend and I didn't even have the time to blog about it! Rick got his boots on for the first time since his accident! My uncle TJ stretched them just a little bit and Rick got them on. And the bonus is that he walks better and stands better in them. His PT at NT rehab loved it and said have him wear them every time he comes. He was really diggin' his boots, too...made him smile. Even with such a great thing happening for him, he was a bit down at the beginning of the week. I think he's tired, and a little frustrated. He wants to see BIG progress instead of little progress. He got out for a little bit this morning to watch Cade's soccer game, and made it to Riley's pep rally on Thursday. Also on Thursday, we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and Riley's 12th birthday. Poor Rick has had to put up with me for 15 years straight...no breaks, no time outs. I remember last year at this time...Rick had just had his baclofen pump in and had some adverse reactions...I was so scared and worried it was all I could do to call Riley and tell her happy b-day. So, this year was WAY better than last!

Still waiting on DARS money...they did finally release some money in October, but it wasn't until the end of the month which his counselor said is unusual. I've been waiting to hear where he is at on the waiting list now, but their computers went down on Friday & I wasn't able to find out. In the past DARS has only released money in Sep, Oct, Nov, and Dec and ususally only about 50 clients each release. So, please pray that Rick is high enough on the list that we'll make it in the next 2 rounds.

Next week we are taking a break from therapy in Wichita Falls. We will see Tim here in town twice, but other than that we'll just be working on some things at home. I'm hoping the break and the rest will put him in a better mood.

God Bless,
Crystal

2010-10-19T10:16:00.002-05:00

Thanks everyone for the comments...we enjoyed reading them. Rick especially because he doesn't realize exactly how many people have prayed, cried, and rejoiced right along with us during the last 16 months. And he always seems surprised when I tell him who's commented or asked about him...like, "really, they asked about me?" While at therapy on Thursday, NT Rehab filmed Rick's therapy and interviewed me for a special program called Lift a Life. It's a program that will air on tv sometime in Nov or Dec...I'll let you know as soon as I know. Susan Knowles-Martin (y'all may remember her from the sports cast on KFDX several years ago) is the PR director for NTR and she did the interview...I cried a little, but I warned her that I would, and she said that was fine she would just cry right along with me! They also came back and filmed Rick in the pool yesterday. I really like what they are doing with Rick, but he's not getting enough walking time. He's always in the pool on Monday, and on Wednesday OT and PT co treat, so he doesn't walk then either. It's only on Thursdays and what little he does around the house that he gets any walking time. So, I decided to take him back to Tim Nix at the Seymour Hospital on Tuesdays and Fridays for walking. We went at 8 this morning, and Tim was so impressed with how far Rick has come since he's seen him last. I just really feel like Rick needs this...the more you use it, the quicker it comes back.

Also, I wanted everyone to know there will be a TBI survivor speaking in Wichita Falls and in Vernon next week. His name is Sean Carter and he was injured in a car wreck in Wichita Falls 5 years ago. His website is www.whenseanspeaks.com Very inspirational, and I hope to take Rick and the kids to listen to him. We think Rick has come a long way, but not nearly as far as this kid has had to come...it was 4 years before he could even attempt to walk. If you go to his website, get the kleenex box out.

We had several visitors last week, and sure do appreciate the folks who stop by to visit. Aunt Chyral, Grandma and Lauri Colbert came on Friday and brought goodies for everyone...thanks for the banana nut muffins they are delicious as always. Freddie and Pam Wilhelm stopped on their way to Vernon on Friday as well. Then, on Sunday afternoon, Buck Kerns and Jr Daniel stopped by for a quick visit.

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.

Love,
Crystal

2010-10-12T21:33:00.002-05:00

So sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I have a couple of pretty good excuses....excuse #1 we were very busy last week, and excuse #2 the internet was out for a couple of days. I called in a trouble ticket to Santa Rosa today on the internet problem, and when I got my call back, it was a blog follower on the other end and she was just as concerned about us getting our internet back up and running as we were! She was in need of a blog post! So here it is Melissa and it was great talking to you today. Last Monday and Tuesday were absolutely fabulous days for Rick. But after the trip to Lubbock on Tuesday, he was pretty wiped out. We got the baclofen pump refilled and stopped by TLC to see our old friends. Everyone was really impressed with how good Rick looks. And, I got the greatest news ever...Blake Brazil is doing so well, that he will be moving to TLC. Thank you Lord! We were on the road all 5 days last week, so on Saturday morning Rick slept until 10! That is soooo late for him. The kids were out of school Monday so they went to therapy with us and gave Rick someone else to shoot his water gun at during pool therapy! Our DARS counselor called just to let me know there hasn't been any funds released in October yet, so we still don't know how much longer Rick will be on break.

Today we got to stay home...woo hoo! And I got out my journal that I've written in pretty much every night since this started. And guess what happened a year ago today. We were at Pate (nightmare) and Sid Dickson and I got into our little "discussion" about me backing off...I'm so glad I didn't listen to him and listened to my heart instead. And look how far we've come from there. I read my journal entry to Rick because he has no memory of Pate...the first sentence is, "I'm so mad right now, I could kick Sid Dickson's butt!" Rick got a good chuckle out of that. God is good and He got us out of there.

Thanks for your continued support. Just when I think noone is reading my blog anymore something funny like the phone call with Melissa happens...and btw, I don't believe that is a random thing. Thanks for the encouragement. We will finish what we've started and give God the glory!

Love,
Crystal

2010-10-04T08:49:00.003-05:00

Good Monday morning! Here we go again. Our week will be a little bit different than normal. We go to Lubbock tomorrow for a baclofen pump refill, and will go to WF every day (except Tues) for therapy. Rick will be pooped after this week! We had a great weekend. A friend from North Carolina stopped by on his way to Knox City to see Jr Daniel. Buck Kerns usually goes to the remuda sale every year and has been a long time friend of Jr.'s. He is one of those people that we didn't know before Rick's accident, but have gotten to know since. It was great to actually get to meet him. He brought me flowers, the kids candy, and Rick some horse magazines. He also made a DQ run to get Rick a blizzard. On Saturday Cade had his first soccer game. Rick enjoyed it...got a little warm, but really enjoyed getting out and about. The kids and I went to Goree for the Jam for Jesus and I got to see some friends I haven't seen in a long time, and meet a lot of people who have been praying for Rick.

Rick is definitely getting back to his old self. One night he was in the shower and he hollered for me, so I pulled the curtain back to see what he needed, and he sprayed me down with the shower nozzle and the started laughing. I was so mad, but then, how could I really be mad? It was really great to see him acting like himself again!

Hope everyone has a great week.

Love,
Crystal

2010-10-01T10:28:00.002-05:00

Wow! Where did September go? Can't believe time is flying by so fast! Rick has had a great week so far. At his pool therapy on Monday, they gave him the super soaker water gun again. I was sitting behind him, so I assumed I was safe, but oh no. He put the water gun over his shoulder and shot it backwards...and got me! He was so proud of himself! They like to put him on a floating mat in the pool and he was able to get up on it without much help this time. It's a good stretch for him and also good for his balance. On Wednesday he had OT and PT double teaming him, but he handled it really good. He also had a couple of therapists that don't work with him comment on how much better his posture is. And I totally agree...his posture is way better and I find that I don't have to correct him so much to turn his head to the right. Yesterday he used the Walk Aid again and again, I'm very impressed.

The kids had a good week as well. Cade has guitar lessons and soccer keeping him busy and Riley has twirling and jr high drama keeping her busy! Can't believe the first 6 weeks of school ends today...only took my kids 5 weeks to get back into the swing of things! I got to do something fun this week, too. John and Carolyn Moorhouse asked me to take pictures of some fillies and colts they are going to sell online. These babies aren't weaned yet, so I knew it would take some time to get the pics, but also knew if we were patient we'd get them. I haven't been around horses in 15 months, so this was a really great afternoon for me...I thoroughly enjoyed myself and think I got a few good pics that will help them sell their horses.

Please add Chad Lowdermilk to your prayer list. Chad is a friend of Laura Brattons and suffered a TBI last week. His is very different from Rick's in that his injury was localized and not all over. He can walk and talk, but is very confused and agitated right now. On top of this, they buried their 17 year old son just 3 weeks before Chad's injury. Please pray for Chad to get the help he needs and for the Lord to show his grace and mercy on this family.

Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. he who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more. John 6:35

Hoping to go to the Jam for Jesus in the big town of Goree this Saturday and maybe to the church picnic at Zion in Lockett on Sunday.

God Bless,
Crystal

2010-09-27T08:16:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-18T20:19:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-11T22:57:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-06T15:23:00.002-05:00

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

2010-08-31T20:15:00.003-05:00

We've been on our break for a month now and it's hard to believe a month has already gone by. I will not be ready when it's time for him to go back to TLC. Rick had a really good weekend. His brother stopped by on Friday as well as Reed Slaggle. He had really good visits with both of them. On Sunday my Dad took him riding around. He got to see Ron Lawrence and Reno Livingston and then spent some time out at Big John's. He really enjoyed his "man time". On Monday he had rehab in WF. The PT worked on his neck for quite a while and he said it felt really good. He also worked on floor to wheelchair transfers which is his least favorite thing in the world. We go back tomorrow for more and he'll actually get in the pool for the first time.

Last night we were in the kitchen cooking supper and Rick was sitting in the recliner watching TV. The next thing I know, Cade has got Rick in the floor and they are "doing therapy". Poor Rick, he can't catch a break. But, I was so impressed with Cade. He got Rick out of the recliner and in the floor, stretched his arms and legs and made him do sit ups! It was so funny and then, of course, he had to do another floor to chair transfer when it was over with.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk though the fire, you will not be bunred or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. Isaiah 43:2.

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

2010-08-26T20:19:00.003-05:00

School started on Monday, and we've almost made it through the first week. Watching the kids get on the school bus on Monday was so much better than getting pictures e-mailed from my sister like I did last year. Cade has Mrs. Livingston and Riley, of course, being in jr. high has a different teacher for every class. Rick went to rehab at NT Rehab 3 days this week. We only got in about 2 hours of therapy each day, but I'm really, really pleased with what they've done with him. Yesterday they had 3 therapists working on him at the same time. One was stretching his neck, one his arm, and the other his legs. I said, "Good Lord, Rick, you're never going to get better if you keep having all these pretty girls working on you...I mean there's no incentive. Put a couple of big hairy guys on the job and I bet you'd get better really quick!" He just smiled. He likes the therapists, too and has already shown them how ornery he can be. Just as we got home today, Terri O'Neal pulled in the driveway. It was so great to see her, and she was amazed as he watched Rick get out of the car and into his wheelchair without any help from me whatsoever. I stand there and guard him, but most of the time he doesn't need me at all. She was even able to understand everything Rick said, and when Chance called he talked on the phone with Rick, too. They of course were plotting against their wives, and how they're going to "line us out." Oh please...that will never happen! Pastor Bersche stopped by, too. He came to Wichita Falls every single day that Rick was in the hospital and we've missed seeing him.

We've been on our break for a month now and I just can't believe how much progress Rick continues to make. He is so strong and I am so proud of him. Being home has been wonderful.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

HAPPY B-DAY, RICK!

2010-08-21T22:06:00.002-05:00

We are so blessed. Rick had a fabulous b-day and as a matter of fact has had a really good past few days. We went to Lubbock on Thursday for a baclofen pump refill. It takes 2 1/2 hours to drive there, and about 15 minutes to fill 'em up. Justin and Colby had lunch with us at El Chico's. Colby's brother, Blake is doing fabulous! Colby had taken a video of him that morning sitting on the side of his bed, moving around and following commands. It was amazing. Three weeks ago, the doctors were telling the family to unplug him, it was hopeless, but apparently God decided that the doctors weren't calling the shots and proved them wrong. We also stopped by TLC to visit everybody and got home at 5:00. Rick handled the trip very well, but on Friday he was smoked...slept in a little bit and took a long nap.

Rick shares a b-day with a few special people and it has always been a competition to see who can call who the earliest on their b-days. So, I asked Rick who his b-day buddies are this morning and he said, "Curtis Graf and Ty Watkins." I had Ty's #, so we called him first, and Rick talked so good on the phone. I didn't have Curtis' #, but it didn't matter, because Rick remembered it...can you believe that? I was pretty amazed that he would remember that # after all this time. His Aunt Linda and brother, Bryan called this morning, too and again, Rick's speech was so clear and loud...it was great. Kim, Phillip and Kelsey Graf stopped by, and then this afternoon we went to his cousin Darrell's in Vernon for a b-day party. Aunt Chyral, Granny B, Devin and Sandra and Darrell and Lauri threw the absolute best party for him. Darrell even cooked a steak for him.

Thanks to everyone who called, sent cards or messages to Rick for his b-day. We feel so blessed to have such great people around us.

Love,
Crystal

2010-08-16T22:28:00.002-05:00

We had a good weekend. Got to see Pollye Moore and her niece Mardi Wisdom on Saturday. Chris Mooney also stopped by Saturday afternoon. On Sunday we went with my dad to check cows. That was a 3 hour trip and Rick was pretty tired afterwards. This morning after breakfast he asked me, "Is today Monday?" And I said, "yes, it's Monday August 16th...somebody's got a b-day coming up." Rick's b-day is Aug 21st, so I was thinking he would say that. But instead he said, "Ya, today is Phillip's b-day." I said, "Are you sure? " And he said, "yes". So, I called Phillip and asked him and sure enough today is Phillip's birthday. Rick even got on the phone and talked to him for a little while. I think that was probably the best b-day present Phillip got today. Today we got a visit from Johnny and Susie Miller. It was so good to see them. After they left, we went to town to support the local DQ. Rick loves a blizzard and I think that's probably one of the best perks to being home. We had a little rodeo action after his shower tonight. Rick was sitting on the shower bench trying to finish drying off, when Cade comes in and starts pestering and picking on him. So, Rick is trying to get him back and he loses his balance and falls right off the shower bench into the tub. It didn't hurt him, but it was pretty uncomfortable. I had to get my dad to help me get him out! Mom said no more bronc riding on the shower bench! He's in bed sound asleep right now and last night slept from 9:30 to 5:30 this morning...pretty impressive.

Most of y'all know by now that Ryan Rankin, north camp cowboy at Tongue River, was hurt on Saturday. He bucked off a two-year old and broke the tranverse process bones on the lower left side of his back. He is going to be okay, but is in a lot of pain. Dr. said he'll be out of commission for 8 weeks...I'm sure Ryan will say something different, and Lacey may have to rope him and tie him to a chair.

Still haven't heard back from NT Rehab so we don't know what Rick's schedule for therapy will be. We will be in Lubbock on Thursday for a baclofen pump refill.

If you want to send Rick a b-day card, send it to 18762 FM 1919 Seymour, TX 76380.

Love,
Crystal

2010-08-13T21:36:00.002-05:00

We went to WF yesterday for Rick's outpatient rehab. We met with ST, PT, and OT. During the speech eval, Rick had his voice going the whole time...answered all her questions and did really good on his evaluation. Of course as soon as he was out of speech, he quit talking. His OT and PT evals both went well, too and I really liked all the therapists. They are going to set his schedule and try to see us 3 times a week. They haven't got the schedule set yet, so I don't know when we'll go back yet. Rick has slept through the night the last 2 nights and I'm so grateful for that. He was getting up at least once a night and sometimes twice a night to go to the bathroom. He's also napping some during the day, and I can tell a huge difference in his attitude. Today he was really hamming it up. That's my reward for all we've gone through...seeing him being himself!

The kids went to Vernon today. My sister is working at Hillcrest Pharmacy and took the kids over this morning. Aunt Chyral picked them up and they spent the day with her. They are now at Devin and Sandra's looking forward to cruise weekend. But, no peace and quiet for us...my brothers kids are here. Jace and Baby Ava...they are sweet as can be and make me wish my kids were little again.

Love,
Crystal

2010-08-10T21:50:00.002-05:00

We had a good weekend. Made it to Tongue River early on Saturday. My Uncle John, Chris Mooney and his son Caleb, and me, Rick and Cade made the trip. We had everything loaded down by 11 o'clock...I mean everything. We are absolutely, completely packed up and out of there. It's great to get that off my mind. We got to see Stoney and Sammie, and Mary Lou and Jennifer Brady before we left. Rick was very happy to see everyone and actually managed the trip quite well. We had a visit from Tricia and TJ on Sunday morning and then PT Monday morning and this morning at Seymour. We worked with a new PT yesterday and today named Brooke. After she worked with Rick today she was was amazed at this strength...and not just his physical strength. She visited with me a little bit after therapy and said, "He will walk again...he has the ability, everything just hasn't clicked yet". It was so good to hear her say that, especially after Rick had just asked me this morning, "Am I ever gonna walk again?". Of course there has never been a doubt in my mind that he would walk again, but to hear someone whose only worked with him twice say that, well, it was very convicting for me.

I also talked to Colby on Sunday. Blake is doing better. He has been opening his eyes and squeezing their hands. They are making plans to move him to an LTAC in 2 weeks. There is still ALOT of swelling on the brain, and it will take a lot of time for it to go down. A year ago today, we moved Rick to Baylor. The Seymour Ambulance took us and my mom and dad and Aunt Sherry followed. Baylor was such a huge blessing, and I still keep in touch with Rick's therapists from there. Colby's family is looking at Baylor as the next step after the LTAC.

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, delcares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

2010-08-06T21:44:00.002-05:00

The week has been a good one. Rick continues to make improvements. He's talking more and getting stronger. The PT staff at the Seymour Hospital has been great to work with. He will go Monday and Tuesday, and then on Thursday we will got to Wichita Falls. We had a visit today from Stacia (Muffin) and Gary Antilley. Rick smiled so big when she walked in. Rick and Stacia worked at the 6666's together and gave each other so much heck it was sometimes hard to tell when they were mad and when they were kidding! It was great to see them.

In the morning, Big John, Chris Mooney and Rick and I are going to Dumont to get the rest of our stuff. We have outside stuff to get to Seymour and then I'll have that off my mind. It's not that it's in anyone's way, but we need to get it out of there.

This summer is turning out to be way better than last...we're not where we want to be, but we've come a long way and we'll get there. We just take it day to day and are so thankful to make it through each one. It has been great to be back in Seymour with family and great to see old friends that are still rooting us on.

Love,
Crystal

2010-08-03T21:51:00.003-05:00

Finally some internet going on at the Smajstrla's...Mama even sprung for wireless...way to go Julie! Rick did not sleep good last night, so today wasn't exactly the best day. He did pull a good one today. He laid down for a nap right after lunch. The room is a ways from the living room, so I checked on him about every 30 minutes. All of a sudden we heard a big thud...Cade and I looked at each other and we were like, "what in the world was that?" It sounded like something on the back porch. We looked, but didn't see anything, so I decided to check on Rick, and where was he at? In the floor, crawling for the door. I was like, "Holy cow, Rick...what are you doing?!!!" And he said, just as calm as ever, "coming to get you." I laughed out loud and said, "ok, what do you need?" He said, "I gotta go to the bathroom." I said, "okay, lets get in your wheelchair...did you fall out of the bed?" He nods yes, and I said, "well is everything okay?" And he shakes his head no...I get a little queasy feeling and said, "oh no, what's wrong?" And he said, really loud, "I gotta PEE!!!" Okay, okay...let's get to the bathroom. He went to PT this afternoon and worked hard. This evening he got to have his first beer...well, sort of. It was a non alcoholic beer, but he didn't know the difference. And, you know that sound you make when you crack open a cold one on a hot day and get your first really good swig...you know that, "aaahhhhh"....well he did that 3 times! It was really funny.

No PT tomorrow, but I think he's gonna go check cows with my Dad...that will be good therapy, too!

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of rightousness for His names sake. Psalm 23:3

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-31T19:37:00.002-05:00

Day 3 at home has been a good one. I miss Laura and Lyssa and all my friends at TLC, but we are so happy to be here. Rick had visitors first thing this morning. Chris Mooney and all his boys and then Brad Stewart and Terry Haynes. Rick loves seeing everyone. Real life has proven to be a good dose of therapy for him. He talks more and probably walks as much with his walker as he did at TLC. We'll be back at PT in Seymour 3 times next week.

Colby called today to say that he misses Rick and things around TLC are really boring without him and the kids there. Blake had surgery yesterday to repair the broken bones in his arm and leg and handled it very well. Doctors still aren't optimistic, but Colby and his family aren't giving up.

I may not post as often as before...tonight I'm at my brother's house updating because Mom's internet is still down.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-30T12:18:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been able to post in a couple of days...the internet at my mom's house is down. Rick's last day at TLC was a good one...a long one, but a good one. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, even though I know we will see them all again soon. Everybody in the room was crying except Rick! It was 9 o'clock before we got to Seymour, but Rick was so happy to get here. His Aunt Chyral had already brought over his favorite banana nut muffins and mom had a snack ready for him, too. He got in the recliner and looked right at home. He has slept pretty good both nights, waking up early in the morning to go to the bathroom, but he is already getting more rest than he did at TLC. Yesterday he spent most of the day in the recliner relaxing and watching tv. He used his walker to get everywhere he needed to go. We just finished his first PT session with Tim at the Seymour Hospital. Tim actually came to Wichita Falls last year to work with Rick a couple of times and was the first person to actually stand him up. He did really good with Tim this morning and I think he surprised him at how well he could do everything.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone while we're in Seymour, and Rick has already asked me, "Is anybody coming to see me today?" So, y'all come see him!

Thanks for everything!

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-27T19:41:00.003-05:00

We have lived in Lubbock for 9 MONTHS! Can you believe that? I can't...and I am so ready to get home. Seymour, TX never looked so good! I will dearly miss Laura and Lyssa...it would have been really sad to go home every evening to an empty hotel room or apt. Laura has so many connections in Lubbock...whether I needed a mechanic or a lawyer, she knew who to call. I will miss everyone at TLC. Such a great group of people. Rick just asked me, "can we go home now? right now?" Bless his heart...still not sleeping and his give-a-shitter is just broke. But, we'll fix it with our own brand of TLC.

What will we do while we're in Seymour? Well, I only have about 5,000 thank you cards to write! I wrote a few when Rick was first hurt, but then it just got to be too hard to keep up with. So, that will keep me busy and it will also be great for Rick to know who all did what while he was still too out of it to know anything. We will start out patient rehab at the Seymour Hospital until I can get things set up with NT Rehab and already have our first session scheduled for Friday morning at 11 o'clock.

Our prayers are needed for Blake Brazil now more than ever. He has hit a rough patch. His lungs have collapsed and his temp is spiking. Please pray for God's mercy and healing to be over this family.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-24T21:12:00.002-05:00

The doctor's appointment yesterday went good. The kidneys and bladder both look good. He didn't really have an explantion for the blood and wants to follow up in 3 months. Laura and Kelley watched him walk in his socked feet again, and decided he had more tone than they originally thought. Laura felt like a bump in the baclofen pum was needed. Luckily we got a hold of Dr. Wolcott's nurse to come increase it before she left on vacation. Dr. W took all of his staff and their families to Cancun! Riley said, "when I grow up, I wanna work for Dr. Wolcott!" So, hopefully we'll see some more improvement in his tone. We also found out yesterday that his break will be more like 2 months instead of 1. It has to do with the DARS money and the timing of how it is released. We have plans of doing some outpatient therapy at North Texas Rehab in Wichita Falls. We will be staying with my parents in Seymour during the break and will be looking for a place of our own.

Rick got to ride again this morning at Hold Your Horses. He looked so good. His balance was fabulous and he rode even better than he did last time, but he was tired after 15 minutes. We got back to TLC and he ate lunch and laid down for a nap. The kids and I went to finish up some school shopping. They each picked out a new pair of shoes and was toting them around while we continued to shop in the mall. We went into Icing, and they made the mistake of putting their bags down and before we knew it, they had been stolen. I was so mad. I mean, you know how it is...it's not that I had spent a whole lot of money, but it had taken us 2 hours to find those shoes. And, I had told the kids to keep up with their stuff. I just couldn't believe someone would do that. Well, lucky for us there are more good people than bad. As many of you know, Heather Winn has a shop in the Lubbock mall which we stopped by after reporting the bags missing. Brooke was there and asked if Riley could stay. The next thing I know, Riley is calling telling me that Heather has replaced our shoes! Thank you, Heather you too kind.

It looks like Wednesday will be a full day of therapy with our discharge meeting scheduled for 4 o'clock. Looking forward to getting to Seymour and going nowhere for awhile!

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-22T20:08:00.003-05:00

The kids and I got back from Seymour at 3:00 yesterday. Rick told me that Susan Pautsky had come by to see him and she brought trash mix and brownies...I swear, all these gals tryin' to steal my man! The sleep meds aren't working and I guess nothing will until we get him home. He is so tired. This morning we got a visit from Lacey and Brogan Rankin. They got to watch Rick walk with his new walker...which he is getting better and better at maneuvering. Laura and Kelley took Rick's shoes off of him today to see if walking in his socked feet would help him feel his foot placement better. They call that "input" from the floor. I thought it would work, but he didn't seem to have any better feel for it...they even tried taking his socks off.

The doctors are trying to wake Blake Brazil from his coma. They took him off all paralytics and sedatives. He is tolerating it which is an excellent sign, and has even responded to a command.

Praise God for all of his blessings. His timing and His ways are always perfect.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a day...I'm sure Rick feels like he was runover with a Mack Truck. He had the urology appointment this morning where we expected to pee in a cup and chat with the doctor. Well, we did way more than that! The doctor wanted to "take a look at Rick's bladder", so you know what that means...little camera going somewhere little cameras are not meant to go. He had some discomfort, but it only took 30 seconds for the doc to look and say everything looks good. So, now he wants a catscan of the kidneys. And the nurse says, "any day, any time?" And I said sure. She comes back with "how about today at noon." It's 11:45, so, why not? It took about 30 minutes to get insurance authorization and the catscan took about 20 minutes, a quick x-ray, and we were out at 1:30. So, basically Rick spent 4 hours at the doctors office. He was starving by the time we got back to TLC. They gave him time to eat and then a session of PT and that's all he did today. We'll get the results of the CT on Friday.

Sleep meds are changed so that he gets half a dose at bed time, and when he wakes up in the middle of the night he'll get the other half. Lack of sleep makes for a pretty cranky Ricky.

The kids and I are in Seymour tonight. We started packing up stuff from TLC and from L&L's Bed and Breakfast and Supper and Entertainment. Some how we've managed to accumulate as much stuff between those 2 places as we had at the house at TRR! We'll head back to Lubbock tomorrow after twirling practice.

Blake had a rough night. Started running a really high temp and had to be put on an ice blanket. Rick was on an ice blanket for 2 weeks straight. His vitals also got a little shakey for a while, but thankfully all is well today. Keep praying for this precious family...this roller coaster is a long one.

God Bless,
Crystal

2010-07-19T21:33:00.002-05:00

Back to the boring ole' hum drum day again today. Rick didn't sleep last night and wasn't in the best mood. So, back to the drawing board with the sleep meds. He worked on walking in PT and again did really good with his walker and minimum help from Kelly. He made a PB&J sandwich in OT and beat his last time. They have a speech therapist that just comes in as needed and she came in today. She hasn't seen Rick in a month and said she could tell a huge improvement in his articulation and clearness.

He has a doctors appointment in the morning with a urologist. About a month ago when he was having bad back pains, the only thing we could figure was that he was passing a kidney stone. On Saturday we think he was trying to pass the stone out of his bladder, so the doc wants him to see the urologist to make sure eveything is okay.

Blake had another good day. He is doing better and will get on a different kind of ventilator that is a step down from what he's on. And the doctor that has been such a jerk and full of negativity actually has some positive things to say now.

because you know that the testing of your faith developes perseverance. James 1:3

Love,
Crystal

WOO HOO!!!

2010-07-18T19:16:00.002-05:00

Rick rode a horse today! We had been planning this outing, but with the rain and the mud, we didn't know if it would actually happen. So, this morning we went to Hold Your Horses Theraputic Riding Center and Rick got on! It was so good. He hated wearing the helmet, but that was not optional. We were all crying and laughing...all of us except for Rick. He didn't think it was any big deal...he said, "of course I can ride". Like Duh...what did you think, I knew I could do it. Of course, we all knew that he could do it to0, but actually seeing him do it was, to borrow a phrase from Riley, "the bomb diggety"!!! It's such good therapy and one that I pray we can continue. It will help with EVERYTHING! And, another great benefit from riding this morning is that Rick took a nap this afternoon and actually went to sleep.

All and all it was a great weekend. His Aunt Cyndi and Uncle James stopped by on Saturday. They live in California and haven't seen Rick since this time last year, so they were in for a very pleasant surprise. Also, our friend from Dallas, Diana Bullard spent the weekend with us and got to go see Rick ride this morning, too. She brought him breakfast burritos, Sprinkles cupcakes, and a steak for supper last night. I don't know, but she may have stolen his heart away from Laura!

So sorry we missed Steven and Rene Bagley this afternoon. While Rick was napping, I took the kids to see Despicable Me. Very cute movie and I've just been on a high today since seeing Rick ride this morning. He was so funny. He waved to us, gave us the "OK" sign, saluted us, and pretended he was roping. I've posted pictures on my FB page, and will get some on the blog, too.

Blake Brazil is still holding steady which at this point is fabulous. At this point in the injury you pray for boring days...and he's had a few boring days...Praise the Lord! Colby came to work today and handled things a lot better. He is such a good guy and I so wish he didn't have to deal with this.

So, I end this post with a big "YEAH BOY!" and a high five to God! And a big thank you to those who continue to pray for us, encourage us, and support us.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-16T21:31:00.002-05:00

So many great things to report today. I'll start with Rick first. He's been using a new walker since Wednesday and it was a slow go on Wednesday. But today it was a totally different story. First, Kelly had him walking back and forth in the gym and she did not assist him at all. There were a few times she had to correct him when he got off balance, but he was walking with just the walker. Then this afternoon he had another ordering outing. We left the wheelchair at TLC, and he used his walker to get to the elevator and in the suburban. Kelly only had to help him a few times. We went to Smoothie King and he needed a little help maneuvering the walker up the curbs and lost his balance few times once inside. But, when it came to ordering, he only had to say what he wanted twice before the guy understood him. Then when we got back to TLC, Laura called to say she was dropping off a chocolate cake. She got to see Rick for a minute and thought he looked great. She told him how she slaved away at the cake, and Rick said, "Bless your heart."

More walking news. Jared walked today for the first time with no assistance what-so-ever. No walker, no PT, just Jared...all Jared. He looked so good...a little wobbly at times, but I was so proud of him.

Blake also had a good day. The pressures have been good and they took the drain tubes out of his head. Everything is looking good...Praise the Lord.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. 12 days to go!

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-15T21:24:00.002-05:00

Rick's day was kind of back to the blahs. He didn't sleep good again last night...guess we'll fight this battle until we go home. I'm hoping that once we're home, this not sleeping thing will be a thing of the past. I remember about 5 years ago when I spent 11 days in the hospital for a pancreatic attack, I couldn't sleep at all, but once I was home, it was all good. He went to the pool today and used his walker in the water. We only stayed for a little bit...the kids were getting pretty antsy...I can only keep them locked down for so long!

Colby tried to come back to work today, but was only able to stay a few hours. Blake is holding his own, but it's really been hard on Colby and his 3 other brothers. Colby is missing the one person who he would lean on in a time like this...I know the feeling. There is a Facebook page called Prayers For Blake Brazil. I woul d like to ask if all my FB friends would join that page and leave an encouraging scripture for the family. God is the only thing that is going to get them through this. I know y'all have it in you because you've already done it for me, and I remember how great it felt each day to have a little encouragement.

But He said to me, My grace is enough for you; for My strength and power are made perfect in your weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 11:9

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-14T22:41:00.003-05:00

Praise the Lord! Rick actually slept last night and Blake Brazil is doing better! Thank you God. Rick looked and felt so good today. In PT this morning he walked with his new walker and did a lot better and then got back on his barrel to practice his balance. He was even talking louder! His handwriting in ST was better...it was just all good!

Blake's pressure has come back down, but he has pneunomia. He was a strong, healthy man before the accident, so pneumonia will not get him down. He still has a long road ahead of him which is something we all understand. It's hard, and boy have these last few days brought back all the things we went through with Rick the first few days. Please keep praying for the Brazil's.

Never underestimate the power of prayer!

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-13T19:19:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a good day for Rick...he was a little tired, but managed to get through the day. It helped that his cousins from California stopped by to see him and root him on. Sean, Andrea, and Andrew stayed most of the day and got to see him do a few things. He was walking with a new walker and new shoes yesterday, so his steps were not as good as they have been. Andrew and Cade were recruited to help with Jared's PT. Jared is a 17 year old boy from Slaton that was involved in a car wreck a month before Rick's accident. He absolutely loves baseball, so yesterday his PT had Andrew and Cade play baseball with Jared. They all had fun and Jared had a big ole' smile on his face the whole time.

Today did not start out so hot. Rick was given his PT's heck when I got here. He wouldn't do the tests he needed to do to finish his PT eval. I couldn't even talk him into it. So finally I just told him I was going to leave if he wasn't going to cooperate, so he finally finished his eval, but he wasn't happy about it. He had a good OT session with some great stretching in his left shoulder. He had pool group this afternoon, and threw up on the way to the pool. It was such a mess...I was cleaning him up in the middle of 20th street. Anyway, finally got through that, and he actually had a really good pool session. Kelly had him running as fast as he could (which ain't setting no records), but he was moving so good. Then we finished the day by saddling a barrel and Rick getting on and roping. It was really good. I hardly helped him get the saddle cinched up...he was moving his hands soooo good and did it all by himself. Then he threw his rope at the dummy...I put it around the horns, and he jerked his slack and dallied. So, we saved the day, but this morning I was seriously thinking this day was going to be shot. Joanna Elliott came by after supper and visited for a while. She got engaged on July 4th. So, Rick was shaking her hand and I said, "Do you remember what just happened to Jo?" And he took her hand and looked down at it looking for the ring. So, he rememembered...that is so awesome!

Still needing prayers for Blake Brazil. His intercranial pressure has been up too high today. Please pray for the pressure to come down and for him to stabilize. And for God's grace and peace to surround the family.

Tonight we are doubling the sleeping meds for Rick...this has GOT to work!

To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever & ever. 1Timothy 1:17

Love,
Crystal

WEEKEND SUMMARY

2010-07-11T22:10:00.002-05:00

Rick was in a pretty good mood even though he was tired. The Ambien CR is only holding him over until about 3:30 am. He slept in both days and he took naps, so maybe he has caught up a little bit on his sleep. Shauna and Nored came by to see him today, and they bought him cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon. He absolutely loved them and will certainly love them for breakfast this week.

I have a special prayer request. One of our most favorite TA's at TLC is Colby Brazil. Colby's brother, Blake was hurt in a motorcycle accident early yesterday morning and has a TBI. He has a lot of positive things going for him right now. Although he has had to have part of his skull removed because of the swelling, he has also had some purposeful movement. I went to visit today, and offer my support. I just feel like our experience with TBI's and our walk of faith have to be shared with others, or we have gone through all of this for nothing. I so recognized the look on his mom's face...the confusion and fear are there along with the hope and the faith.
The confusion and the fear will not last, but the faith and the hope will.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-09T21:45:00.003-05:00

Well, the Lunesta only worked for a little while. Rick went to sleep last night, but woke up early. Luckily, the Ambien CR which is an extended release formula was delivered today. He had a reevaluation in PT, but they didn't get finished....should finish up on Monday and get the new results...Kelly said she could already see some improvement. Emilee got him on the cable pulleys to stretch his arms and he was able to get his left arm up higher than ever...said it doesn't hurt, it's just tight. This afternoon he had a special outing. He got to pick where he wanted to go, but it had to be a place where he could order a drink or something. He chose DQ and you should have heard him turn his voice on when he ordered a large, Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzard. He had to say it twice, but she understood him the second time. And, he ate the entire thing! Cade and I bought him new shoes today. He's worn the same ones everyday since he first started walking, and the toe on the left one has worn a hole in it...that's a good thing.

Rick has decided not to go to the Kieschnick family reunion. He's just too tired. He would like to see everyone, and I know there are lots of folks that would like to see him, but I don't think it would be worth it...he would be exhausted by the time we got there. Hopefully while we are on break we'll get to catch up with everyone.

Goodnight and God Bless,
Crystal

2010-07-08T18:21:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. We got up early on Tuesday morning and had the trailer loaded by 8 am! Thanks to all the Tongue River guys and gals that helped, I couldn't have done it without you. We got to Seymour Tuesday afternoon, and once I got still, I was gone...I was so tired. Riley had twirling practice and a swimming party on Wednesday. We didn't make it back to Lubbock until today at noon. I was so ready to see Rick. I don't really worry about him when I'm away. I know he's in good hands and is able to make his wants and needs known. More than anything, I just want to know what he's doing and see his progress and always be here to encourage him. After lunch he had PT and he walked outside with the rolling walker. Kelly and Laura have requested approval for a custom made AFO for Rick's left foot. An AFO is a special brace that will encompass his left ankle and foot, and will help with positioning his foot correctly when he's walking. We were hoping we wouldn't need one, but when Rick tries to walk, the tone really kicks in in his left foot. He can stand and have his heel on the ground with no problem, but when he initiates any kind of movement, the tone kicks in. After walking he had ST. He and Meredith have been working on the computer to help Rick get ready for his communication device. She is trying to get him more familiar with the keyboard. When he got there she told him to go ahead and get on the computer and work on typing a message. He typed, "I love Crystal". Then he turned around and winked at me! That just makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

The Kieschnick Family Reunion is this weekend. Rick still hasn't decided whether or not he wants to go. Part of the problem is that he's STILL not sleeping at night. Dr. Wolcott changed his sleeping meds to an extended release, but insurance hasn't approved it yet. So, tonight we are trying a new one called Lunesta and hopefully that will work. He's got to get some rest.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. Matthew 11:28

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-05T19:22:00.002-05:00

Rick had a pretty decent weekend. There wasn't any therapy today, and he said he actually slept last night for the first time in a long time and was feeling pretty good. Unfortunately, the kids and I had to leave at lunch to get to TRR. My brothers came out this afternoon and got a few things for me. In the morning right after breakfast, (7 ish) we will start packing the big trailer. I have just hit a brick wall this afternoon with this packing mess. So, I went to Dixie Maid to refuel! It was just as good as I remembered, and hopefully it will help me get my act together this evening. I called Rick and he said the had a good day. I made him a gooey butter cake before I left, so I think that helped a little bit.

Counting down the days to the 28th, and still counting on the Lord to get us through this.

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-02T21:57:00.002-05:00

Well, Rick was pretty tired today. He walked really good in PT this morning, so I posted a video of it on my Facebook page. It's slow going, but his steps are really good. His gait is smooth and his balance is getting so much better. In the video you'll notice that Kelly is behind him holding on to his gait belt, but she's not having to help a lot. After the walking this morning though, he was pretty well done for the day. He didn't want to go on the outing this afternoon, but it's not optional. We went to tour the wineries of Lubbock, Llano Estacado and Caprock. Rick did walk the entire time through the Llano Estacado tour, but said he just couldn't do it at Caprock. We do have day passes for this weekend, but will probably just hang around Lubbock...maybe go to the movies or something...depends on the weather. It rained all day today, and it's not much fun trying to get Rick in and out of the vehicle in the pouring rain.

I think this week has caught up to all of us...time for bed!

Goodnight and God Bless!

Love,
Crystal

2010-07-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

Rick had a very busy day today. He rode the trykes this morning, and walked non-stop for 440 ft with the rolling walker in PT. That is the furthest he's ever walked without needing a break. He worked on building his cinch in theraputic recreation. He also had a really good speech session, but still won't use his voice much outside of speech...he says it takes a lot of effort to keep his voice on and it makes him really tired. We met with Missy, our case manager and Rick's official discharge date is July 28th. She even printed a calendar off for Rick to put in his notebook to cross off each day. We went to get his baclofen pump refilled and Dr. Wolcott's nurse educated Cade on the whole process. Riley had shooting camp this morning at LCU and some girls from Matador that she played b-ball with were there also. She talked me into letting her go back with them.

My plans are to be at TRR on Monday afternoon to finish packing. My brothers are coming over on Monday as well to load some things to haul back to Seymour that I don't want on the moving van. Then first thing Tuesday morning, Tom is letting the guys off to help me load the rest of our stuff. I know it's a work day, but if anyone else could help us, it would be greatly appreciated.

A year ago today, Rick was taken off the ventilator. His reaction to being taken off set the tone for the rest of his recovery. I remember the nurse on nights telling me, "we'll take him off, but only for a little at a time as he probably won't be able to handle it." My dad stayed the night that night with him, and when they took him off the venitlator, he never missed a beat...or I guess I should say breath. He surprised the doctors, but he didn't surprise me.

For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-30T21:30:00.002-05:00

Riley had twirling practice from 11 - 1 and Cade and I went to visit my brother and nephew. We got back to Lubbock at 5 o'clock and Rick was eating supper. Last night he got an increased amount of sleeping meds and he said he slept all night for the first night in a long time. We also backed off of one of the meds that was increased last week. It was having the opposite affect that we wanted. Instead of helping him move better, it was causing him to freeze a little bit. I could tell a difference already today, especially in his facial expressions. He pulled a good one today on the way to the swimming pool. Usually there are two patients and two techs on the bus. Since Rick was the only patient and he's never been impulsive on the bus, Justin took him by himself. When they got there, Justin told Rick, "sit tight, bud and I'll get your chair unloaded first, then I'll help you get down the stairs." Which is what we always do. So, Justin is getting the chair and the next thing he knows, Rick has taken his seatbelt off, stood up, walked to the door, AND taken one step down all by himself before Justin could get to him! It scared Justin to death. I asked Rick what he was thinking and he said, "I wasn't going to go all the way down."

Tomorrow he has a baclofen pump refill and we plan on going up a little bit on that dose to help his left leg a little more. It doesn't swing in front of the right foot near as bad as it used to, but it still needs a little help.

Thank God for answered prayers!

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-29T21:38:00.002-05:00

We had a lot going on today. First of all, this morning Rick tried out a Dynavox communication device. This is a small computer with speakers that will help him with his communication. The rep had to do a quick 5 minute assessment to see if Rick could actually use the device. When he was done testing he said that Rick tested in the top 10% of clients that he sees and he was very excited about getting Rick the Dynavox. Studies have shown that these devices either help improve natural voice/communication or have no affect on it. In other words, it's not meant to replace speech, just make it easier for Rick to communicate, especially with people who aren't as familiar with him. The Dynavox is a $7500 machine, that we can receive free of charge from a grant. The STAP grant is funded by all those annoying fees we pay on our telephone bills, but never quite no for sure why we're being charged them...now we do! The grant process and ordering of the Dynavox takes about 6 weeks. Rick really likes that you can customize the buttons and said that he would definitely need a button that says, "Go get me a beer!" Ha! He did lots of walking in both PT sessions and climbed the stairs. He had 2 additional speech sessions today as well. At the end of the day, Missy, the case manager found me. She said that in morning rounds, everyone agreed that Rick needs a break. So, on July 30th, he gets a MONTH long break! Can you believe it? He was pretty happy when I told him. So, we will spend the month of August in Seymour, and then back to TLC to finish up. While on his break, I plan on having him see a PT, OT, and ST, but just a couple of hours a day...nothing too strenuous.

God continues to answer prayers. I've been so worried about Rick's attitude, and just knowing him like I do, I can see him going down hill. I prayed for a break...and look what we got! What a blessing! Praise the Lord!

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

Rick had a pretty good weekend...probably the best he's had in a few weeks as far as attitude goes. We didn't go anywhere, just hung out at TLC. I think that helped since he got to sleep in both days and get a nap. Day passes are great, but he doesn't ever get the rest he needs.

And, today was a pretty decent day...not back to his good attitude yet, but getting there. He worked on balance in morning PT and then went to the pool this afternoon. They took the basketball goal and little balls to the pool for the patients to play. Rick actually shot and sent the ball about 15 feet...that is the farthest he has thrown anything since he's been hurt. He was able to throw it that far about 3 times, and the rest of his shots were pretty good, too. We met with our case manager today, and she reminded Rick that even though it has been a year since his injury, that is still considered a pretty new injury in the brain injury world. And she also tried to convince him that he is still making progress, even if he can't always tell.

The kids and I will be heading to Seymour tomorrow evening and stay on Wednesday for twirling practice. We'll be back in Lubbock on Thursday and Friday. And I'm hoping to get back to TRR next week to finish packing and get everything loaded.

Goodnight and God Bless,
Crystal

MORE PACKING

2010-06-25T20:03:00.002-05:00

Got going this morning, but took a long break when Barry delivered the trailer...and boy is it a trailer...53 foot long. It should hold everything we have with no problem! Thank you Barry and Craig for doing this for us, we will be forever grateful. I got started on the outside storage today. This is normally Rick's area...so I opened the storage room door and just stood there for a few minutes...hmmmm what to do, what to do. Luckily, that's about the time Barry showed up and I just shut the door back. I'll save that for next week! Inside is pretty well done...packed a few boxes today and marked them "random". That's when you know you're getting to the short rows. Random is different than miscellaneous. Random is the box that has q-tips, green vet wrap, a Christmas ornament and the humidifier in it. I'm staying the night again tonight. I have to pick Riley up from church camp in the morning and then back to Lubbock to see Rick. I only need another 1/2 day here and I'll have it knocked out! I called Rick earlier and he said he had a good day. They went to Main Event for their outing today, so he probably played pool or bowled...he couldn't remember what he did!

May God bless everyone who continues to pray for and support us. Rick loves hearing from everyone. So whether you killed a rattlesnake on the back porch or you planted a garden, he'd love to hear about it.

Love,
Crystal

PACKING

2010-06-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

Sorry I didn't post yesterday...I took Cade to see Toy Story 3, cute movie, but you can never beat the original. Rick had a decent day yesterday. Emilee (OT) visited with me a little bit about his initiation or lack there of lately. We're just not sure if it's medication related or if his body just can't take anymore...he made need a little r&r. He is still making improvements, so it's kind of a funny thing. I will trust their judgment on this. Rick told me this morning, "I'm tired of this sh**!" Ooookaaaay...I hear ya loud and clear, Rick. Just not sure if taking a break is an option, but we'll see. Cade and I left this morning to come home. He called Jodi Tarver on the way, and we ended up having lunch at her house and he is staying the night in Guthrie. I've made great progress today packing. I called Rick about 6:30 and he said he had a good day. He sounded really good on the phone and that makes me really happy.

At this time last year, things were minute to minute. I'm so amazed at how good God is...he's bringing us through this, and He will make good on his promises. Please continue to lift Rick up in prayer as we get closer and closer to his complete healing.

Let the praises ring, 'cause HE is everything.

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-22T19:31:00.003-05:00

Today was a little better today as far as attitude goes. He walked on the treadmill in PT and was able to walk for a total of 22 minutes split into 3 sessions. In his afternoon PT session he and Cade played a game together. They tied a rope to Cade and he would sit on a rolley stool. Rick would have to give Cade a push on the rolley stool (which he would only roll about a foot) and then Cade would propel himself out to a mat that had Starburst candies on it. Then Rick had to pull him back in. So he had to keep his posture good and concentrate on his balance. Kelly had a good handle on him most of the time, but he did great pulling Cade back in each time. He did "fall" one time and had to get back up...he wasn't happy about that, but he made sure to keep his balance. He and Cade got to split the Starbursts that were collected. At one point today I was helping him in the bathroom. We have some of our best conversations in the bathroom. I told him he was going to be okay...everything is going to be okay. And he said he knew he was going to be okay, but then said, "but why does it have to take so long?" It's like Dr. Mercer told us from the get go...this is a marathon. And Meredith (ST) and I were talking this afternoon and she said this lull that Rick is going through is pretty typical of patients who have been through 6 months of intense therapy...and it will be 6 months for Rick on July 4th. I just hope he can push through it.

For You girded me with strength for the battle; those who rose up against me You subdued under me. II Samuel 22:40

Love,
Crystal

IT'S A MONDAY!

2010-06-21T18:32:00.003-05:00

Such a Monday today. Rick has been in a foul humor all day. I've asked him why, and he just shrugs his shoulders, so I'm gonna blame it on Monday. He walked this morning on the treadmill and Kelly did some testing that has to do with him knowing where his foot is being placed while he's walking. He is having some trouble telling where his feet are at when he takes steps. I'm so glad Kelly thought to test for this...now they can work on getting it fixed. In OT he made cookies...and this time and cracked the egg and got it in the bowl perfectly. This afternoon he got to go to the pool. We haven't been there in about 3 weeks because they have been re-lining it. We got a visit from a former patient today. Robyn was in town for a doctors appointment and stopped by to see everyone. She sat down beside Rick, grabbed his hand and said, "I love you." And he said, "I love you, too." It's great to see her doing so well. Bryan (Rick's brother) called tonight and Rick talked on the phone with him, and was happy to hear from him. Rick is kind of hard to understand on the phone, so if you call, be prepared to do most of the talking and "yes", "no" questions are best. Thanks to everyone who sent a card or message wishing Rick a happy Father's Day...he loves hearing from everyone.

My son attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:20-23

Love,
Crystal

1 YEAR

2010-06-20T21:24:00.002-05:00

Wow! It's hard to believe a year has gone by. Rick has made so much progress in his recovery and we've all made so much progress in our growth as Christians, and I pray for continued progress in both areas. I know more than I ever wanted to know about Traumatic Brain Injury and hope that I can continue to help people who have been faced with the same circumstances that we have, and help them to understand that there is HOPE!

We had a pretty good Father's Day. I was able to brink Rick over to Laura and Lyssa's for a few hours. I cooked him lunch and he got to sit in the recliner and watch Bononza on the big screen tv. We couldn't hang out all day because I had to get Riley to church camp and pick up Cade from my dad. Riley is at White River Youth Camp (Training Center for Christ). This is her 3rd year to go and she always has a blast. I went from there to Dickens and picked up Cade and we came back to Lubbock in the storms. He had a great time with his Vernon cousins...thanks to Devin and Sandra for having the courage to add one more boy to their household this week!

So, what's next for us? More of the same ole' thing! Rick will continue to stay at TLC as long as he is making progress. Our insurance is still paying (praise God!), and when it stops, then we qualify for DARS and that will provide Rick the funds to pay for 6 more months of therapy. The kids are trying to have a "normal" summer. We are trying to get packed up at TRR and put everything in storage until we find a place. We will be "here, there, and yonder" this summer!

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We could have never made it through this without you.

Be strong, courageous & firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God Bless,
Crystal

DAY 362, 362, & 363

2010-06-18T19:06:00.003-05:00

I have start this post off on a sad note...my friend Brad Bolton from Vernon passed away yesterday. Bless his heart...he has fought cancer for the better part of the last 9 years. He and Raji and their boys have been so brave and courageous through all of this. I always thought it was unbelievable how they could live months at a time in Houston for Brad's treatments, but here we are coming up on the one year anniversary of Rick's accident and haven't really been home in a year. May God ease this family's pain and give them peace.

Rick has had 3 good days in a row. From the reports I got from the therapists, TA's, and Rick himself, Wednesday was one of the best days he's had as far as his voice goes. He was really talking well, and even went to Bahama Bucks on a special outing to order a strawberry/peach smoothie. It took him 3 tries, but they finally understood his order. Laura (PT) has been on vacation in Africa this week, so Rick is working with Kelly the PT student with the supervision of the another PT. He works really good for Kelly and I really like her, too. Today we went to Lake Alan Henry for the outing. This lake is south of Post, so it took an hour to get there. We left this morning and were there most of the day. Dr. Wolcott brought his boat out to the lake for all the patients to ride on. His boat was built to be wheelchair accessible and was no problem for anyone to get on. It's a double decker so there was plenty of shade and plenty of room...we really enjoyed it. Especially Riley, she got to slide down the slide off the back of the boat! Dr. Wolcott is such a great person. I don't know too many doctors who would take a day off to spend it at the lake with his patients.

I still need to spend about 3 more days at TRR before I have everything packed up. Hopefully that will happen next week. It will be a relief to have that done, but it will be very hard to say goodbye. The folks at TRR aren't just co-workers, they are our friends, too.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Other than taking Riley to church camp on Sunday, we will be here all weekend. Please inlcude the Bolton family in your prayers.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 360

2010-06-15T20:03:00.003-05:00

Rick's attitude was way better today, and that makes it a better day for all of us. He started off the day in PT walking with the "big walker". It has wheels on all four corners and causes him to have to concentrate more on keeping his balance. He is now able to compensate when he falls off balance...used to he would just fall until someone caught him. He took some fabulous steps...his left leg doesn't cross over in front of his right at all any more. It totally amazes me. I just know that nothing will stop him now...nothing. Once his balance is better he'll take off. He worked on handwriting today in OT and he wrote everything perfectly legible. We are changing some of his meds to help him get over this flatness he's experiencing. We are also starting him on some sleep meds so he can rest at night...nobody has a good attitude when they don't get enough rest. We had a great lunch today...Ronda and Trey Thompson took Riley and I to Abuelos and it was fabulous!

Tomorrow morning, Riley and I are heading to Seymour for twirling practice. Then to Tongue River for more packing. Hoping to be done with that by the end of the month.

Jesus answered,"Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life and the poor are hearing the good news. God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me because of what I do." Matthew 11:4-6

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-14T19:31:00.002-05:00

Rick's attitude went a little south today. He gets really frustrated when he has to peddle himself everywhere and noone will push him. Even though we tell him it's the best thing for him and it will help him get stronger, he doesn't care...he wants a push. I told him today that he had to peddle himself, "it's the rules." And he looked at me and said, "the rules suck!" He had a fairly easy schedule today and even got to take a nap this afternoon. He still complains of being tired and says he's not sleeping at all at night. So, I've asked that the TA's check to make sure he is really asleep when they do bed checks and not just poke their head in the door.

The folks from Pate got here at 11 and we met for about 2 hours. They expressed their deepest apologies for our experience at Pate, and did not try to make any excuses. They have supposedly already implemented policies and changed practices so that the things that happened while Rick was there do not happen again. I truly hope they have. I also got to tell Sid Dickson exactly how I feel about him. I got upset talking to him, but it was the only time I raised my voice and for the most part I was just factual and matter of fact about things. They didn't even try to argue with me...they knew I was right.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Love,
Crystal

THE WEEKEND

2010-06-13T21:21:00.002-05:00

The trip to Seymour on Saturday was great! Lauri Colbert called to tell me they planned on coming to Lubbock to see us, and I'm glad she did...instead of coming all the way to Lubbock, they just came to Seymour. Rick was really happy to see Darrell and Lauri, Aunt Chyral and Granny B. The Graf's stopped by, too. Mom cooked a great lunch and Rick ate and ate and ate. We once again left the wheelchair in the car and he walked with assistance. A month ago we wouldn't have been able to do that. A month ago his balance and his left leg wouldn't have allowed it. Everybody commented on how good he looked and how big his biceps are, and my sister challenged him to an arm wrestling match. He would not take a nap...afraid he would miss something I guess. He held baby Ava, but said he has forgotten how to burp a baby and how to change a diaper! Cade went back to Vernon and is spending the week with Devin and Sandra. We got back to Lubbock at 8 pm. This morning he didn't get up until 11 o'clock and didn't do much of anything.

Tomorrow the people from Pate should be here around 11 o'clock. I'm ready for them. And I will be nice, but everyone has to be held accountable for their actions. Someday everything we've ever done will be laid open for all the world to see. And, it won't matter if you sat on the front row of church every Sunday morning if you have also allowed the kind of things that went on at Pate to happen.

For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. And so each of us shall give an account of himself to God. Romans 14: 11 & 12

Love,
Crystal

2010-06-11T18:59:00.003-05:00

When I got here this morning, the first thing Rick asked me was, "Are we going to Seymour tomorrow?" And I said, "yes...you looking forward to it?" and he nodded yes. He had a good day. The outting this afternoon was to the Ranching Heritage Museum. It was a little hot, but nothing we couldn't handle. He walked with his walker and the assistance of Kelly half the time and was in his wheelchair half the time. His steps look so good...no more scissoring!

I got a phone call from the social security office today. I filed Rick's disablity a few months ago and have been told by several people what a hassle it is to get disablity and that you always get denied the first time. So, I figured this phone call was more of questions, etc., but I was wrong. It was the phone call to let me know that his claim has been approved! I couldn't believe it! There was no hassle, there was no denial...praise the Lord. Once again He has answered prayers.

Pate is coming to visit with me on Monday. I pray that I can get through to them and not get mad and not get crazy. There are a lot of people who need their services. My heart tells me they are coming to visit because they truly care about their patients, but my head tells me it's probably only because I copied Baylor on the letter. That's okay, I just hope I can get through to them. TLC has also read the letter and are using it as a training tool with techs and therapists...kind of a "what not to do". I am once again thankful to God for using me to help those who can't help themselves. These patients need and deserve the best care they can get.

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

2010-06-10T21:20:00.004-05:00

Finally got back to Lubbock today. This is the longest I've been away from Rick since December. My grandmothers funeral service was very nice, and boy can those Catholic ladies cook! Wow, what a great meal. I spent some time at Tongue River and got some more packing done. Great news came today. Barry Eddleman is going to be able to get us a storage van to put our stuff in for as long as we need it, free of charge. That is an answered prayer! And, I'd say I have about 70% of the house packed up, and got to see everybody which is the best part. When I got back to TLC I asked Rick if everything was going okay, and he said, "no, I'm tired of this place." So, I told him it was either stick with rehab or sit in that wheelchair for the rest of his life and he said maybe rehab wasn't so bad afterall. He was happy to see us and said he missed us a lot.

He got another day pass for Saturday and we will be taking him to Seymour for the day. He is really looking forward to it. My mom is cooking him chicken fried steak and fried okra!

For we are God's own handiwork, recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined for us, that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.)

God Bless,
Crystal

SUNDAY AND MONDAY

2010-06-07T21:58:00.003-05:00

Rick got a day pass yesterday, and we thought we would just run over to Roaring Springs and pick up Riley, but once we were that close (40 miles) to home, we thought we might as well just run over there, too. When we got there I asked Rick if he needed his wheelchair or if he thought he could just walk into the house, and he said he could walk. So with me on one side and Riley on the other, that's exactly what he did. We got a little off balance on the steps and had to sit down, but he popped right back up and climbed them. Once we were in, he mainly relaxed in his recliner, but anytime he needed something, he would walk with me. It was awesome and I told him, "Rick, you just really impress the heck out of me." And he said, "Ya, but you're not that hard to impress!" Ha! Anyway, we just stayed a couple of hours and then headed back to Lubbock. This morning at 10 am he had an outting to the park. The same park where he slid down the slide a couple of months ago. Again, we left the wheelchair, and he walked with the help of Kelly and Laura. We were there for an hour and a half; he was so tired when it was over with. He also got to work on his cinch again this afternoon.

The kids and I came to Seymour tonight...my grandma's funeral is in the morning. We will be here a couple of days, so I may not have any updates while we're here. We will stop back by TRR on the way back to Lubbock and pack some more...boy, that's a never ending chore, and apparenlty there is no moving fairy!

Thanks for all your prayers for our family.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 347 & 348

2010-06-05T19:26:00.003-05:00

My grandmother, Mildred Smajstrla, died early this morning. She was a tough lady. She survived breast cancer, heart trouble, 2 strokes and a brain injury...oh, and raised 9 kids; Jimmy, Richard, Robert John, Sandy, Trishi, Phyllis, Diane and Margaret and her firstborn, Linda, who has been waiting for her in heaven. She wrote the book on patience. She got to meet her Lord and Savior this morning. Her pain, fears, and worries have vanished, and she has the answers to all the questions she ever had. In the book 90 minutes in Heaven, the author explains his experience:

As I try to explain this my words seem weak and hardly adequate, because I have to use earthly terms to refer to unimaginable joy, excitement, warmth, and total happiness. In another part he says this, Never, even in my happiest moments had I ever felt so alive.

Sounds good to me! Actually makes me a little jealous! Her funeral is on Tuesday @ 10 am.

As for Rick, well, not much worth mentioning today. The A/C is acting up today and it's 104 here today, but it's not really bothering Rick too bad. One of the funny things about him since his brain injury is that his body temp is lower...it stays about 97.1 instead of 98.6...guess that'll be an advantage in the summer. Yesterday he got a visit from Gerald Frank and they reminisced about power plant days. Gerald said, "Rick, I'm sorry I haven't been by here sooner, but I've been covered up." Rick smiled and said, "What's her name?" LOL! Toby Clark also came by with his two boys who hit it off with Cade and Rick enjoyed some stories from Toby. Especially the one about Billy Bob Bumpass and him getting pulled over by the highway patrol back when they worked for Waggoners. The officer asked Billy Bob for his license and said, "you're Bill Bob....what's this last name?" And BB says, "Bumpass" And the officer says how do you spell your name?" And BB says "B-O-B...same forwards as it is backwards." Rick got a really good laugh out of that one!

Thanks again to everyone who continues to pray and support us. God is faithful and will see us through this.

He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place? This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven. Genesis 28:17

Love,
Crystal

DAY 346

2010-06-03T18:43:00.002-05:00

I got about 50% of the house packed up yesterday and dropped Riley off at Autumn's in Roaring Springs on the way back to Lubbock. Cade was extremely happy that he "got rid of my sister". Rick had a pretty good day in therapy yesterday, but expressed to Missy (social worker) that he wants another day pass. He also told her how tired and frustrated he continues to be. She did figure out that the night shift has been turning him every two hours. When she called to tell me that, I couldn't believe it...no wonder he's tired. So, they have been told not to turn him at all and hopefully this will improve his energy and mood level.

Today Cade and I got here at 9:00. When it was time for theraputic recreation, I got his cinch building stuff out of the car and brought it up. He used his hands and his voice very well to teach Sarah and I how to build a cinch. He didn't get very far today, but hopefully this will be something he looks forward to. Cade and I left at 1:00...I can only keep him cooped up for so long, and ran some errands then went to the park.

The funny thing about Rick is that he's frustrated and doesn't always see the progress he's made, yet he goes to therapy every day and puts forth his best effort. His awareness increasing is a double edged sword. I give him pep talks every day and let him know that I still think he's the strongest man I've ever known, and that God has a plan for him...a plan for good, not for bad.

Good night and God Bless,
Crystal

THE DIFFERENCE

2010-06-02T14:04:00.003-05:00

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task;
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock
God gently and lovingly chided,
My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Author Unknown

DAY 343 & 344

2010-06-01T21:51:00.002-05:00

There was no therapy yesterday so we didn't do much. The patients and TA's cooked out at lunch. I got Rick in the standing frame for 20 minutes. He said he didn't want to do it, but agreed to 20 minutes...he looked at his watch to make sure I didn't keep him in a minute too long. And at 20 minutes he was telling me it was time. I also got him on the mat and stretched him a little. When we were done I told him to stand up and he did...no assistance from me whatsoever...he just stood. The mat was supporting him right behind his knees, but other than that, it was all him! Today the kids and I left Lubbock at 10 am to come to TRR. We checked on Rick first and he was in a pretty good mood...working hard in PT. I called and talked to him at 6 and he said he was okay, and that he remembered where I was. I told him, "right now I'm trying to pack Cade's room so the first thing I did was bring in the trash can! I think our son could be on "Hoarders" with all his "treasures"! And Rick agreed...he remembered what that room was like. Sammie and Stoney had us over for supper and then we sat on the porch and visited while the kids played. Sammie has been such a lifesaver to me and I will miss her so much when we move. I called TLC to check on Rick and they said he had a good day, but was extremely tired. We'll be here most of the day tomorrow and will hopefully have at least 50% of our stuff packed up.

As I packed today, I noticed all the books and other literature I had been reading right before Rick's accident. I looked at pages I had dog earred and how God had put all of this before me to prepare me for what was about to happen. He works in such mysterious ways...He makes all the pieces of the puzzle fit together when we can't...no matter how hard we try, we can't make them fit...He has to do it.

Everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world-our faith. 1 John 5:4

God bless,
Crystal

DAY 341 & 342

2010-05-30T19:16:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-28T19:10:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-05-27T21:44:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-25T17:30:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-24T18:51:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-05-22T22:10:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-21T19:54:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-20T21:52:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-19T21:17:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-18T19:36:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-17T17:47:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-12T21:41:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-11T20:41:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-10T21:21:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-08T18:54:00.004-05:00

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

2010-05-06T22:11:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-04T18:48:00.004-05:00

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

2010-05-03T19:23:00.005-05:00

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

2010-05-02T20:45:00.003-05:00

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

A NEW RIDE

2010-04-30T19:24:00.004-05:00

Rick got his new wheelchair today, and he looks fabulous in it. It is a standard wheelchair that he will be able to propel better because it has the big wheels that he can use his hands on, and it is about 40 lbs lighter than the old chair. His posture is so much better and he can flat move in it. He isn't that great with his arms and hands yet, but it'll come. After he got it, we played wheelchair basketball in PT. Rick picked me to be on his team. We played Laura and Susie...it was pretty fun...Rick enjoyed it and even grabbed Laura's wheelchair one time to keep her from getting to the basket. The Friday outing was more like an inning. We went into the courtyard behind the building and made stepping stones, planted flowers, petted a miniature pony, ate cake, roped the dummy...it was actually pretty nice to stay here.

I didn't get the kids today. Riley isn't feeling well for one thing, but we have plans of going to Vernon on Sunday for Kelsey Graf's confirmation...she's our God daughter so I would like to be there for her confirmation. Then, my nieces have their dance recital on Sunday afternoon in Munday and it is always a lot of fun to watch.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

God Bless!

Love,
Crystal

DAY 312

2010-04-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

The therapists keep pushing Rick and he continues to rise to the occasion. In OT this morning, Emily had Rick take his socks and shoes off and then put them back on. The last time they tried this, he wasn't able to get his socks off without the help of a reaching stick. Today, he got them off all by himself...and he is sooooo close to tying his shoes. In PT he worked on standing and having good posture...he tends to slump when he's standing. His back and shoulder muscles are still weak. He also climbed the stairs which is great for building strength and endurance.

Riley survived TAKS, but unfortunately has shingles. It started last week with the pain and burning, and Mom got her to the doctor today. She has some medicine to take so hopefully this will resolve quickly.

I thought it would be a good time to let everyone know that we will be moving to Seymour. I don't know where to yet, so if you have any ideas, please send me a message on FB or an e-mail. In the next few weeks I hope to go to the ranch and get our things packed up. Rick understands and the kids understand although they miss their Guthrie friends terribly, as do I. If there was any way possible for us to stay in Guthrie, I would do it, but at this point it's just not feasible. Of course, we still don't have a discharge date for Rick, but I'd like to get settled in somewhere before he gets out.

God has gotten us this far, so I'm not worried about the next part of our journey. Sometimes you gotta keep goin'; even if you don't know where you're goin' to.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 311

2010-04-28T19:47:00.003-05:00

God answers prayers daily! The proof is in the Puddin'...literally. Puddin' is Stacia Antilley's nickname for Rick...and I see the proof! This morning Emily had him try shaving again. He was able to shave 70% of his face in 25 minutes which is a huge improvement from last time. More walking in PT this morning and then pool again this afternoon. He walks really good in the pool and even floated on his back with the help of some floaties. He was in fine form today...giving the guy TA's advice on "how to handle your women". He was pretty funny...love seeing and hearing his personality come out.

Please pray for the kids taking TAKS tests, and the teachers giving them. Poor Riley has enough stress in her life and now we have to add Science TAKS on top of it tomorrow. Please pray for the strength, health, and happines of my kids. They have been such troopers through all of this.

Love,
Crystal

DAY 310

2010-04-27T19:56:00.004-05:00

Rick has somewhat recovered from the weekend, but was still a little tired today. He worked hard today. In PT this morning he walked about 30 ft and would then sit down in a chair...then back up again and walk back...over and over again. OT and ST double teamed him and had him standing and talking. It was pretty busy in the gym and Rick did really good standing and concentrating on trying to talk at the same time. This is such good therapy for him. Then this afternoon he had PT again. Laura got the tryke out...it's a 3 wheeled bike. We went outside and he got on and as Laura is explaining to him what to do, he just takes off pedalling. He gets to going to fast at one point that Laura is jogging beside him telling him, "slow down, Rick, slow down!" He had a big ole' smile on his face the whole time. That's what I love about Rick...he's always up for anything, and he's got a great attitude. We decided to bump his pump up once again; from 300 to 315. Shad Wayne, my cousin, came by to see us this evening. Rick has never seen Shad in his work clothes (dress shirt & tie)...all grown up. He smiled and told Shad he looked like "a fish out of water".

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Love,
Crystal