Hebrews 12:1-3

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Laughter is such good medicine...music so healing.

If there is one thing our family is known for, it's the ability to laugh!  We laugh when no one knows why we are laughing, we laugh when it probably inappropriate, we laugh till we cry sometimes and our Mom has been know to laugh (uncontrollably) in CHURCH!  We keep praying for her! *winks* 
This week was one of those weeks, we spent time together at the centre laughing hysterically and then our brother Glen showed up and we were slayed!  I'm pretty sure the moment we reach that point is the moment Mike wonders how he ever got himself into this mess...but then we just laugh at him!
One of those Hysterical moments
Devoted Mommy & Daddy
Just missing our big brother Robbie












We love to laugh!  I am reminded that the week of Sandra's accident one of the nurses named Rachel (not assigned to Sandra) came into her room one day to thank her for the light that was coming from Sandra's room and she shared a verse with us, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."~ Job 8:21
This promise has been been proven to be true many times for us through this process.  We have been given the gift of laughter to lift our spirits and sooth our wounds and help us keep a clear perspective. I believe that our family was blessed with the ability to laugh together for this reason.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
This reminds me that we still have a choice in all this.  My sister and her husband have clearly chosen joy and its infectious.  There is joy in this journey and hope for the future.  We are praying unceasingly that God will make Sandra walk again...and nothing else!  A dear, wise friend reminded us that we must cry out to God for our hearts desire...not doublemindedly either.  So we are praying BELIEVING and ask you to do so with us.
We as a family had the privilege of attending the Johnson Family Concert last night at the Gladstone Theatre.  This was Sandra's second major outing but the first one without her neck brace.  She informed me when it was off that she has the most beautiful neck and she is right!  Never seen one more beautiful!  The Johnson family if you don't know them, is one of the most ridiculously talented families ever!  They have a beautiful way of sharing their God-given talents mixed in with sweet humour...so we laughed some more and sang along. "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” ~ Psalms 126:2 
I have been camping in the Proverbs these days and amazed by the nuggets we can uncover for each stage of our lives each time we re-read God's word!
So as we head into this long weekend and celebrate our freedom in this Nation may we remember to celbrate the freedom we have to choose Joy in the journey as we live out this blip on the time-line of eternity...looking forward to continued Grace from God's hand and seeing my Buddy walk again! 

Believing...
Carla

Great night

Last night we (all 4 of us) made it out to the Gladstone to see the Johnson family in concert. Had a wonderful time and again nice to get out and enjoy some time with family and friends. Some things are still a learning curve. I found a place to park on the road but when It was time to get sandra out the curb was in the way. As I have learned to biggest advantage of a handicap spot is the width of the spot. Before this journey I assumed everyone with a spinal cord injury had no feeling in their legs, this is not the case. Sandra like others has some sensations in her legs, it is changing maybe not daily but certainly every 4-5 days. We are praying that the changes continue and at some point they lead to voluntary movement not reflex etc... I continue to do her range of motions so she doesn't stiffen up and her body will to walk when her spine is ready. We are off to the cottage for the weekend to enjoy Canada day. Continue to pray for healing, what our next rehab options are, Sandra to get into the drivers hand control course so she can drive, Most likely minimal blogs over the weekend, everyone have a great weekend Mike

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Sandra has a good neck

Just minutes ago Sandra was allowed to take off her C-collar for her neck. Wow what freedom she now has. It will be off and on as her neck gains strength. She is very happy and appears to have good movement,and it isn't stiff.
Mike

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

we are back, waiting for results

Well the x-ray is complete, just waiting on the Dr to read it. It is amazing how timing has all worked. I was supposed to be at work this morning but things came up and I had to be there tonight. So I was able to come this morning and be with Sandra for her x-ray. He is in control !!!
Mike

Good Day but frustrating

Sandra had a good day yesterday, her swelling in her legs and abdomen are going down and she is feeling less bloated. The body continues to amaze me, at the scene of the accident I noticed the swelling  starting and it was just protecting her organs now that she is stable the body knows to let the swelling reduce. This is more proof that their has to be a creator and it would be impossible for us to evolve to this complex being. The spinal cord is about the size of your pinky finger. It is amazing the information that travels up and down it. One Doctor I spoke to said the brain and the spinal cord "freak him out" because of the complexity and that we only know a small portion of what is going on in there.
Yesterday Sandra was to have an x-ray to hopefully get clearance to remove her neck brace. We were told 4-6 weeks and it was 6 weeks on Sunday. Unfortunatally the X-ray was only ordered yesterday so we have to wait for an opening, not sure on how long this will take but we are praying for a quick turnaround as she is tired of it. Wow God answers because I have to go she is on her was for an X-ray see ya Mike

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Great graduation and party

We had a great time at Julia's grad, plus had her class come up to the cottage after. Thanks to my mom and dad, and others for making this happen. I think her class had a great time, the weather was perfect. Sandra was able to attend both for which we are thankful. It has been difficult for her to have things done for her as this is not her nature, she is typically the doer. The simple things we do everyday are proofing to be difficult and very time consuming, however we are both learning new "systems" to make life easier. Tomorrow Sandra has an x-ray scheduled for her neck to see how it is healing. She has been wearing the neck brace 24/7 since the accident and has just about had enough of it. Once the neck brace comes off her shoulder can properly be evaluated. Please pray for the doctors wisdom and that Sandra can get the neck brace off. Mike

Friday, June 22, 2012

Yahoo summer is here

Kids done school today, and I don't have to make a lunch they don't want to eat until September!!!
Mike

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Pray for wisdom and healing

Today we spent the afternoon looking at wheel chairs to purchase. It is difficult to know what options and features are worthwhile and how adgile vs comfortable to go. We will get a demo over the weekend to try and make sure we have made the right choices. Thankfully I have a customer conval-aid to help us navigate through this. Sandra's discharge from Ottawa rehab is getting closer, possibly mid July with a few more hurdles to get over. A nurse was saying that Sandra is the quickest person through rehab she has seen. Always tring to get better everyday. Please pray for us as we have decisions to make in what our next steps are. We want to actively persue therapies that give Sandra the best opportunity to improve her condition and ultimately walk again. Tomorrow is Julia's grad ceremony and we(Sandra included)will be heading up to the cottage after. The cottage is a bungalow and actually is laid out better then our house. We can all sleep on the same level there, check up on the kids, tuck them in etc... Something sandra has been missing. Probably no blogs till Saturday night or Sunday Mike

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Julia's grad dinner

We had a wonderful time at Julia's grad dinner at the school. It was awsome for Sandra not to have to miss out on that. Looking forward to the grad ceremony Friday night. For those who have followed the blog for a while, attending Julia's grad was one of the first goals. It is hard to believe our little peanut is going to high school. It seams like yesterday she was in kindergarten, ok now I'm starting to sund old. Tommorrow we will be looking at wheel chairs to buy. Sandra has been using the rehab loaner model. Mike

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

My hope comes from Him. Ps 62:5

Life has been busy, so not much different from before. Just a different type of work and a different way of doing it. As you know I had an exciting time home for the weekend, waking up to the birds and my family was amazing. Sunday was a full day of visiting, with our friends. It was so FUN to see everyone, you know how I love to socialize.
Today was fun in physio... I was able to try out a new piece of equipment. It's called NuStep its much like a elliptical machine but I'm sitting and my feet and legs are strapped down.  This keeping my legs limber and giving me a better overall cardio workout. It's been 19 days now, I just had my biceps (GUNS) measured and believe it or not they have increase a 1/4 of an inch.
Im so thankful for my progress. I know that God is with me and he continues to give me peace in the moment. I continue to pray in faith in accordance with God's will and the promises that He has given me through the name of Jesus Christ for Complete Healing! I know He is able and my hope comes only from HIM. Hugs Sandra

Single room again!

Sandra still has her semiprivate room but her room mate has moved out. It is nice to come and go as we please with out disturbing our neighbor. Mike

Monday, June 18, 2012

Went for a bike ride!

Today Sandra got some fresh air, by means of a hand bike. It is actually a pretty cool 3 wheeled machine with gears and all. She does a cardio work out 5 times a week in the gym so now she can spend some of that time outside with the same workout. Sandra is home this evening for a few hours which is always nice. Mike

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Great day, little progress

We had a great time catching up with friends and family today, the outpouring of love has been amazing. I have learned alot about the spine in the last 5 weeks, with all my research I'm still confused. I had a Doctor say to me, the brain and spine are 2 things that make me consider this all counld not be a result of a big bang. We were able to share a little that we know there is a Creator. We are seeing slight changes to some of Sandra's feelings, that the doctors feel is typical( but they never give a glimmer of hope) but we are taking as progress and a positive sign. She has always felt the cold, some pressure and twitching in her legs. When Sandra was in the trauma unit at the civic they did some tests that showed some reflex response in her toes, this week when we do the same test and I stress we, not the doctors she has response up into her thigh. What this means we have no idea but what I do know is it is different then before. Please pray that these are positive signs, healing is taking place and these reflex responses will be the start of voluntary movement in the legs. Have a great evening Mike

1st overnight

Well Sandra had a great day at home enjoying the sunshine outside with Carla. I had a good day at work. Sandra had her 1st overnight stay at home, it was uneventful (which is good). Looking forward to another day around the house and some visitors. There is alot of great recreation available for Sandra, she was shown a wakeboard she could use behind the boat, (maybe not this year) and hopefully this week she can get out in a hand bike. The possibilities are endless. With in the next week or 2 Sandra hopes to have a course on using hand controls for driving. Every step is exciting to gain independence just not being able to drive is a huge adjustment. Mike

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Fun times

Last night Sandra was wanting some different clothes at rehab ( imagine she didn't want to go with my choices) So there she was at the bottom of the stairs giving me directions on what cloths she wanted, I wasn't doing too well with the descriptions she was giving me so finally I just pulled the drawer out of the dresser and brought it down to her. Just a little obstacle we have to overcome. I think I will delegate this job to Emily in the future. Sandra plans to spend most of this weekend at home and is looking forward to Sunday afternoon with some visitors. Please continue to pray for her compete healing, her shoulder and what our next steps will be in regards to future rehab. Have a good night, Mike

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Thank You!!

Its crazy how many times people look at this blog! Well I just wanted to thank you all very much for praying for my mom and our family during this time. It amazes me how many people love and care for us. I never knew how many friends we have. 

I love seeing all the progress my mom has been making. She has worked and continues to work so hard at her physio ( unlike me )`. She is always pushing herself to do better and better. She is such a strong and determined person and I know she can come through this. With God on her side anything is possible! 

~ Julia :)

Home again

Well Sandra made it home again for the evening. She worked on transferring some more and is able to do it by herself from the bed to her chair. Sandra could also hold a wheelie for 30 seconds, actually pretty impressive. Mike

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

a few new tricks

Today was another day of learning. Sandra is working on her "wheelies and bunny hops". Basically these are moves in the chair that help her get over cracks, ledges etc... which is to help her be independent. Sandra's was able to transfer to her bed today with out assistance and transferring to the car is getting easier with every practice.
Everyday Sandra continues to heal, her shoulder is feeling a little better and that is allowing her to do more in the gym and work in her chair. Our next step is to get her neck brace off, it is very uncomfortable and restricting but it is there for a reason so patience is the key.
Mike

Monday, June 11, 2012

New Room

Sandra's private suite has been taken. Normally you get it for 72 hours when you check into the rehab but she was able to hang on to it for a week and a 1/2. She is now in a semi private room with another lady who seams very nice. Prayerfully, Sandra will be able to share her faith and the hope that we have in Jesus with her. We are still thankful for this as the other option is in the ward with 4 beds to a room. It has been wonderful to be back home in the evenings but hard to take her back at night. With some more progression we are hopeful for some overnight stays and eventually an outpatient status. Please continue to pray for her shoulder, overall strength and complete healing. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers Mike

Sunday, June 10, 2012

On the Road Again!

We had a amazing day yesterday at home. Just being around the kids, friends and family feels so good.  It's difficult for Sandra to get around to different places right now. She needs ramps to be able to get into places and other paraphernalia but we are heading to the Martins this afternoon for some lunch they happen to have a ramp so it will be nice to catch up.
I was thinking of Sandra's amazing progress this morning and thought about her 40 minutes to get ready, there probably is a few men that would be happy with 40 minutes for their wives to get ready. She is learning new skills everyday to make her life easier. We continue to beg to God for complete healing as this is our hearts desire, praying also  for patience, persiverance and progress in healing.
Our schedule is forever changing but this is what this week looks like. Tuesday and Thursday stay at the rehab and the other days come home.
We are so blessed with so many great friends that have been asking to visit. If you wanted to this Tuesday's and Thursdays would be great from 3-8pm (505 Smyth rd). Another option is to come to our house Sunday June 17th between 1pm-7pm. I will be having an open house, I would like to keep for those who haven't had a chance to visit with us yet. Since I am domestically challenged don't expect much just a good time of fun and fellowship.
Mike

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Getting Around

With every day I get stronger and learn how to maximize my energy to accomplish more. I didn't realize how driven I could be until I notice I was timing self on everything I'm doing. So 2 hours to get my self ready in the morning with the help of nurses has now been reduced to 40 minutes with limited help. It's official I can dress myself from top to bottom, including my shoes which believe it or not is a huge feat. Yesterday I was learning how to do pop a wheelies, which will help be get over cracks and curbs. Transferring to the car has given me more opportunity to be able to come home. As I write this I'm sitting in my back yard enjoying the beautiful sounds and smells of summer. I don't think it gets much better than this. I'm not able to stay over night yet but it's just around the corning. I can't tell you how much it encourages me to be with family and friends. Please continue to pray that my shoulder will heal, that I would be able to stay in the current room that I'm in, pray for wisdom and direction as we have many disicions to make regarding rehab options and ultimately complete healing. Every morning I look at my big toes and try to move them one day I believe they will. God is able! HUGS Sandra

Thursday, June 7, 2012

New freedom

With our new freedom, I can see us getting home more often as rehab is done early to mid afternoon. We appreciate "home sweet home" a little more now Mike

She did it!!!

Well Sandra did it, transferred to the car. Before we started this journey I assumed a van would be the best to get in and out of but a car (dodge charger)is the right height compared to her chair. I think a Hemi might help her too in the future. Theses transfers are typically done once a patient has been in rehab for 6 weeks and It has only been 1 week in. She is doing so well, continue to pray for healing and the pain in her shoulder will subside. Mike

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Sandra Rocks, Mike too & how to leave a comment

I haven't been on in awhile since my brother-in-law is a "Blogger Extraordinaire!"  But I wanted to say thanks to all of you for your loving support, faithful prayers, and words of encouragement, not only to Mike & Sandra and the girls directly but to all of us extended family in the Mulder/Williams clan.  We have been truly overwhelmed by the Massive Body of CHRIST!  I am personally touched to know that I am not the only one who thinks my sister ROCKS!  I have many people asking me how she is "really" doing and I can honestly say, she continues to be Sandra, just as you have known her...cheerful, spirit-filled and a source of encouragement daily.  There is one thing that has changed a bit...she is actually MORE determined than ever.  She is a true inspiration and as always with my Buddy...what ya sees is what ya gets.
I want to mention my brother Mike here...hopefully he doesn't read this post, but you all should know I think he's amazing.  I have never been more proud of him than I am now.  What would cause most men to shrink has only served as an opportunity for growth for Mike.  His love for my sister has only intensified and his devotion and sweet protection over my nieces is so precious.  He would tell you he is not the same man, but I disagree, I think he has just had the chance to shine and show who he really is in Christ. (but don't tell him I said so)
Amazing what Love can do....because God is love.
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
The road is definitely going to be a long one but it has never been lonely with all of you cheering my sister and her family on.  And so many of you have left great messages filled with inspirational stories of your own and verses that God has given you to share.  Please don't stop.  Sandra and Mike do read them.
Some folks...who shall remain nameless...MK have had some difficulty leaving message so here are the steps to doing that.
  1. at the bottom of the post in orange you will see 0 comments  (or however many have been left)  Click on that link.  A new window will appear and you may leave your comment in the box provided and sign your name
  2. Just below that box is a drop down beside the words "comment as"  from the drop down choose "Anonymous"
  3. click Publish
  4. Please be patient, your comment has to be approved by the moderator before it shows up on the site! :)
Thanks again to you all and may God bless and protect each of you and your household!!!  What a mighty God we serve!!

Still Amazed by His Grace!
~cb AKA:  my Buddy's Sister

short term plans

Well this afternoon we had our house looked at to see what we can do short term to make it acceptable for    Sandra to be home longterm. We are blessed that Sandra can get almost everywhere on the main floor, for those that know our home it looks like we will move our bedroom to Sandra's office, and the office upstairs for now plus a bathroom reno and we are set for the short term.
I was listening to The Message (Sat. Radio) this morning and they were speaking on Psalm 119 :105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. They made the point of it is a lamp not a flood light so we only need to see the next few steps not at everything. That is how I feel now, one day at a time and step by step.
Sandra spent even more time trying to strengthening her self today. Its very important that she strengthen and protect her shoulders. She is struggling a little with her left shoulder, it was damaged a little in the accident. So please be praying that this will heal quickly so that she continue to get strong and do all she can. Tomorrow is another milestone as Sandra will try to transfer from her chair to the car, another step.
Please pray for Sandra tomorrow as she works towards getting a little more freedom again.
Mike

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Every day is a new adventure

Everyday I'm learning somthing new. I'm going full out from the the time I wake to about 2:30pm when my last therapy session ends. It amazes me how much energy it takes to do the simple tasks like putting on your socks and shoes. I am however thankful that I'm strong and will overcome it. God has placed so many amazing people in our lives that have been helping us through this process and we are so incredibly thankful. As much as you may be looking for updates on the blog, I'm looking for comments or as I like to call them bursts of encouragement. It's amazing and I thank God for each and everyone of you. I'm continuing to pray and to wait on the Lord (Isa8:17)I am asking in faith, having the courage to wait with patient perseverance for Him and in the meantime I'm doing the things that are in my power to do. Thank you for your prayers. Hugs Sandra

long days

Hello all, We Sandra's days are full, just taking care of herself and doing her rehab, 3 times a day. Tomorrow we have the OT coming to the house to see what modifications we need to do to have Sandra home overnight. She will be home for that and have dinner together.
Mike

Monday, June 4, 2012

A Day of Excitement!

WOW .... What a day! My morning routine takes some time for me now but I've been getting faster and faster with each day. As most of you jump out of bed in the morning (that is if you're a morning person) I take about 5 minutes to get my self to a sitting positions, edge my way to the side of the bed and than using a slider board, slide myself from the bed to the wheel chair. So you can just imagine the effort it takes to actually get myself cleaned up and dressed for the day. All in all it takes me about 2 hours, my goal is to get that down to an hour. So by 10am I was off to my first appointment of the day. Occupational therapy! They work you hard but I was diffiantly up for the challenge. Than lunch, with a little visit from a friend. Which was the encouragement I needed to head off to physiotherapy. Now that was a little harder but they all seem to be happy with what I can accomplish. I'm encouraged with what I'm able to do. I am setting little goal for myself each week. By the end of the week I would love to be able to transfer by myself from anything to anything including a car. Mike is bring a car over on Thursday for me to practice with my physiotherapist. I'm very excited. This means more trips home. All in all it was a full day and as I'm able to do more they are just going to get fuller. So I look forward to that. We are praying for complete healing and I know God is able. I'm doing my part so He can do His. Please continue to pray for complete healing, strenghth, my overall health and stamina. Also be in pray for Mike, Julia and Emily that God would pour out his love and make His presence known to them every moment of the day. I love you all and I thank you for your continued love, support and most of all prayers. HUGS Sandra

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Another Day At Home

Sandra is home again, it's great to just hang out again catch up on a few season finales etc... As we find the routines of rehab nothing happens on the weekend so nothing was missed. Tomorrow the hard work starts. It looks like full days of rehab, physio Doctors appointments  and so on. I think of the verse Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Have a great afternoon Mike

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Home Sweet Home

Well.... I was a little unsure of the process of going home. It ended up being much easier than I expected. It was so nice to come home and just be. We had some time just the four of us and time with family. My uncle and aunt came down from Toronto and spoiled the girls. Being able just to hang out and be around the activity was so much fun. There are definitely some challenges, fears and a lot of unknowns but we are resting on the Lord. Please be praying that God will continue to give me the physical and mental strenghth for me to keep pressing onward. He is sufficient for me. I know God has great things to teach me and I look forward to His plan. Mark 5:36 "Don't be afraid, just believe" but "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" Psalm 56:3 So I choose to believe and trust in Him. Thank you all for your prayers and love. Hugs Sandra

we are home!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW we are home !!! Nice just to hang out the 4 of us. Moe (the dog) was excited. We plan to stay as long as Sandra is comfortable, if all goes well we can it again tomorrow, nothing happens at rehab on the weekend.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayer, talk to you soon
Mike

Friday, June 1, 2012

FYI 38600 hits

I always knew we were loved but wow 38600 times in the last couple weeks someone has checked up on us to see what is new. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support Mike

The inmate gets a day pass

Well we have lots of tests complete. It is now confirmed Sandra's injury is "not complete" which is a good sign. From what I have been told an incomplete injury has a SMALL chance of restoration where as a compete injury has zero possibility of restoration. So we are left with waiting,praying and trusting for Sandra's full recovery. the next 3 months are big as the swelling should go down but it also can take upto 18 months to have the full story. As we stated earlier this is going to be a long Journey. Sandra's day's are much different here then at the trauma unit. They want her to fend for herself and get her own food, etc.... She has to get herself ready and make her various appointments on her own so this is an adjustment. This extra work is tiring for her in the early stages but should get easier as we go along On a brighter side Sandra did get a day pass to go home for a while tomorrow. Not sure yet the timing but it will be great to have her home and spend some time together as a family Mike