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

 

Timing is everything!

Well Sandra couldn't have pick a better time to go south! It looks like she will have a 47 degree temp change today.
Just a little update on how things are going. Sandra has her good days and bad, she is always uncomfortable and the pain varies. Her attitude is still amazingly positive but there are strange things she misses that non of us really understand. I was talking with a friend who is in his own valley right now and we both agreed that no matter how much people try to imagine what we and our families are going through they just won't understand, and hopefully never will.
So we are now over the 8 month point, I tried to explain Sandra's progress with a weight loss analogy. Imagine having to lose 100lbs, you work for 8 months eat all the right food, hire a trainer work out 4 times per week follow the process to a T and at the end of 8 months you have lost 5 lbs. Well are you doing better then 8 months ago? Yes, however you still have a long way to go, it gets discouraging and hard to keep pressing on.
I don't mean this post to be a downer but life isn't always a bowl of cherries.
On the up side I'm going to put up a video for you to see, it is the 1st voluntary movement she has had in her right leg. As you can see she can pull her right leg in I joke with her that she can do 3/4 of a snow angel. This is the muscle that scored a "2" in her last assessment, she needs a 3 for it to be functional.
Prayer request; Sandra will have an uneventful trip to Florida, Continued healing with the activation of her quad muscles, the few remaining pieces of equipment she needs will come in while she is gone.
Mike

Home Again!

We are back on the road, destination home! We had a good three days back in Detroit.  They do their best at whipping me into shape and encouraging me to keep on going. It was fun to catch up with what's going on in their lives, my physiotherapist had her baby girl Ava we even got to see her and she's beautiful. We are waiting to hear about two of the athletic trainers and their special bundles coming soon. Catching up with other patients and their journeys is always exciting and encouraging to hear how well they’re doing. Today I had my assessment, I was a little disappointed. I was really hoping that more muscles would be contracting specifically my quads and that didn't happen in fact nothing changed in that department. All the muscles that rated a 1 and or 2 stayed the same. My core increased in strength which is always good and I'm thankful. God is keeping me on my knees; I know it is His perfect time for the day of healing. I just can't wait! Please continue to pray for complete healing and patients on my part. Big Hugs Sandra 

Snow isn't wheelchair friendly

So of all years to have a lot of snow, this didn't need to be it. Sandra basically can't get around through the snow on her own, when I'm with her I can drag the chair backwards to  plow through  
But it isn't fun for either of us. The second issue is the wheels get full of snow and get her wet and we wait at the door for the wheels to dry when we come in the house.
What seams to work best is underground parking it is worth a little further drive to stay clear of old man winter. 
Another solution is to send her south, she will be visiting her parents in Florida at the end of the month. It is something she is excited about, just enjoy the sunshine. While Sandra is away the girls and I will take advantage and spend a few days skiing.
As I type this out Sandra is working hard, core and stretching again. It is good to catch up with the people here see their progress as everyone here is on their own journey. 
Till tomorrow, Mike

Time marches on!

Christmas has come and gone. The ball has dropped, Happy New Year! The kids are back to school and Mike and I are back on the road to Detroit. Isn't it crazy how time can fly by at times and be as slow as molasses another. Someone was asking Mike how his year was, they didn't know what had happened, but Mike's response was other than for 10 seconds, it's been really good. In a blink of an eye our lives can take a completely different path good or bad but it's up to us on how we choose to live out that change. Its been a crazy 8 months. I've looked back and have seen how God has been guiding us through every step but I've also looked back and have wondered why hasn't He healed me yet. Genesis 18:14 "is anything to hard for the Lord? No!" I was reading in our devotional and this was the key verse. It then went on to say "don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers" Sarah and Abraham waited for a baby and just as she was too old to have a child she gets pregnant. Gods perfect timing.  I've been praying specifically that God would heal me completely leaving physically only the scar on my back as a reminder. Hebrews 4:16 "let us come boldly approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and His grace to find timely help" So I need to be patient because God knows the perfect time, not too soon, not too late. He'll be right on time. Emotionally and mentally I will never be the same nor would I want to take away what I've learned in this process. I'm so thankful for Mike and the support he has been to me and our girls. He has been an amazing example of what love is. I'm praying that I will keep my eyes focused on God through this process, being diligent and patient waiting for His perfect time to heal me. As we approach Detroit please be in prayer for a lot of positive gains during my assessment. Praying for Gods riches blessing on all of you for this coming year. Hugs Sandra