We are home

Well we just got in, it was a "fun" drive, about 4 extra hours including a detour to do a dealer trade in Toronto, so all in all not too bad. It was a difficult assessment this time, we didn't see any measurable progress since the last assessment. It is very frustrating and discouraging as we continue to look for even the smallest improvements. Mike

Detroit here we come .... Again!

We've been praying for my FEX bike to come and it finally did. So excited. We have it put together and now waiting to have the training session, which is booked for the 5th. I believe that it's been a huge part of my recovery and am looking forward to see how it will help having it at my fingertips. Right now we are on the road heading to Detroit for another session of physio. It's been 6 weeks and I'm eager to see what progress I've had. It's been hard waiting on the Lord. I know I'm in His hands and I pray that He will heal my body allowing me to walk soon. Please be in prayer for the next few days to go well in Detroit, that I will get a positive report on Wednesday during the assessment. Pray for safety on the road and for our girls at home. Hugs Sandra

9 month update

So we are 9 months into this journey, some days it feels like 9 days and others it feels like 9 years. We are certainly learning new systems, roles and responsibilities, for all 4 of us. Sandra can be self sufficient but it is extremely difficult to watch her struggle for 40 minutes to do something when the girls or I can assist (or do it)  in 5 minutes. The girls are so good at helping out from making a meal to helping Sandra get ready for bed if I'm out. It was explained to me that our energy is a currency we only have so much to spend. Unfortunately Sandra spends allot of her currency just doing the daily things we don't even think about.
So Sandra has had her van for almost a week, she is getting use to it, it still takes allot of effort getting in and out but she is very excited to be able to do it all on her own. It felt like old times when I got home from work last night. No one was home, it was allot easier to keep track of her when she didn't have that freedom.
Mike

Freedom!

I know! I know! It’s been awhile since our last post. It’s amazing how life keeps marching on. I had a warm and relaxing time away in Florida visiting my Mom and Dad.

My brother Rob and His girlfriend Ghania accompanied me down and back. Rob stepped in like a pro lifting and pushing me wherever I wanted. It’s not easy taking care of a Princess but he did it like a Prince. Ghania was my roommate and I would take her any day. Many nights I went to sleep to a deep back and leg message. This reduced a lot off my muscle toning allowing me to sleep better.

Mom and Dad had everything ready for us. Mom took over with helping me get ready in the mornings and at night and just like I was home again Daddy tucked me in with a kiss on my forehead and a hug to last the night. My Uncle and Aunt even got in on the welcome party and brought over a few things that I would need. Thank You!

We visited with friends, did some shopping…well some of us more than others… (Ghania) And of course there was the beach & enjoying the warm breeze.

While I was away enjoying the warm sun, Mike and the girls were enjoying the sun but it was a little chillier. Our annual ski trip with the Martins and Rolston families continued on. Off to Tremblant they went celebrating the end of exams. Even the Ouies family got to join in for some of the fun. I received updates and pictures daily. I even got to face-time them. Isn't technology amazing?  But I was still missing them. We have shared some amazing times as families and I hate missing out. It was a good time for Daddy and his girls to just relax and enjoy.  I got back on Friday to enjoy the weekend with them and to celebrate Mike’s birthday.

 Although I have been driving, I haven't been able to get into the van by myself and or put my chair in on my own. I have had to rely on others to help me. BUT, today was very exciting for me! Through the snow storm my sister came and drove me to pick up my van (nothing was stopping her) outfitted with a lift and a special seat to help me transfer in and out my van. FREEDOM!!!! Now for sure Mike won't be able to keep track of me.

 My week is very full between physiotherapy, acupuncture appointments and work. I've been back to work for some time now and enjoying every minute. I'm able to do so much of what I did before, giving me a real sense of accomplishment. I was never one to sit around and although I might have to physically sit more now than I ever have in my life it’s not stopping me from living.

Daily I continue to plead with God to heal my body completely. I know He can and He will, one day. Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Even though I can't see where or why God is leading me down this path I am trusting Him in everything. That doesn't mean for a second that it’s easy to do. God and I have had some serious discussions. I know that He is molding me into what He wants me to be. I pray that all this will be honoring and glorifying to Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 " Rejoice always (that's a hard one) pray without ceasing (I'm getting good at that) in everything give thanks (another hard one), for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (who me?)

Please continue to pray along with me for complete healing. Pray that God will continue to bless Mike and the girls and I with continued strength keeping their eyes focused on Him. I thank God for giving all of us a spirit of happiness. 

Big Hugs Sandra

Her Name is "FREEDOM"

A Note From Carla:

I just wanted to share with you all that as we drove out of the parking lot through the snow storm today, I was driving behind my sister and I was a little nervous (she was not).  I was praising God for this new found freedom for Sandra and as we pulled out onto the main road, a familiar song started to play..."Get your motor runnin'.  Head out on the Highway!!!"  Yep they were playing "Born to be Wild".  How appropriate.  For those of you who know Sandra...she's wild...never to be tamed and I love that about her!!!  I thank God for her full-tilt zeal for life and for not letting anything get in the way of living her best self each and every day...I want to be just like her when I grow up! ~cb