Wesley: It's about time, right?

Dear Blog Audience,

I am hoping to keep this gig as Wesley's blog author... however, I may lose it. You know, same old story. Not enough updates.

Well folks, I promise they are coming. I am sure everybody knows how life gets sometimes. Busy. In a few weeks time I will have more than enough time to blog so stay with me until then. I'm sure at that time you will be wishing me to stop.

Love,

The Blog Author

I am guessing anyone reading this came here for the specific reason to get an update on my little brother. As the designated blog author, I feel I need to do another 'Random Ryanne Fact' for no other reason than to amuse myself.

This is actually a short list of facts. I can ride a bike with no hands. I always get in the shower with my glasses on... oops. I enjoy watching a good cartoon. I want to learn another language. Sometimes I find myself laughing at extremely childish things. I have an irrational fear of worms. The End.

Wesley Updates Thursday through Sunday

Thursday

Today was a miraculous day. At one point when I was still in AZ with my parents we started making a list of miracles that have occurred since February 4th for Wesley. Today was no exception. The therapist did some electronic stimulation therapy which they use to isolate certain muscles and see if there is a reaction to the shock. When there is a reaction it is a good sign. It means that those muscles can often be cultivated, strengthened, and utilized. The therapist stimulated muscles in both hands with a special piece of equipment. There a slight reaction which gives us hope that it may be greatly enhanced and developed. The therapist was even excited.This new development gives us other muscles to focus and work on.

It was an exciting day for my family. Some friends brought food for Wes for dinner. Thank goodness... hospital food has not started tasting edible, nor do I think it will. Wes was able to relax and visit with friends and family this evening.

Friday

Today Wes was introduced to a new exercise. It is called the rickshaw. While he is in his wheelchair both arms go back behind his body and push down on the weight extensions much like you would in a rickshaw. My dad wasn't able to get a picture of it this time but next time he does this exercise he will be sure to video it. This exercise will strengthen his hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck to help get him out of a motorized wheelchair and into an arm powered wheelchair.

A note from my Dad, "We are getting to know people here who have overcome amazing odds and are
making incredible progress. The patients here are all heroes. We are grateful to these people and the things we are learning from them. They are impacting our lives."

Jane and Robert Cazier, from Three Forks, stopped by and visited Wes today. They had a great visit with them. Their son, Paul, is a good friend of Wesley's back home. It was for Wes to see familiar faces from home.

A family friend, Annie, who grew up with my other little brother, Trevor, came by this evening and brought dinner and some Chick-fil-a for Wes. My parents are amazed every day at the concern everyone has for Wes. It encourages and uplifts them. My whole family appreciates the prayers in his and our behalf.

Saturday

For some reason, Wesley did not have therapy today. No one could really give us answers on why that was the case. We will figure it out on Monday. It was a bit disappointing though. Wes and my parents spent the day taking short outings around the hospital grounds. Wes is learning quickly how to maneuver his wheelchair. My parents have to jog to keep up with him. The faster he goes the happier he is. He keeps his wheelchair on the fastest settings.

This afternoon there were a lot of visitors. Two boys that Wes grew up with from the days of kindergarten, came by. Their names are Zach and Sam. It has been a few years since they were last all together. My dad related to me that as Wes was speaking with these boys he got a glimpse of Wes acting like Wes. They were in a long corridor in the hospital. Wes, Same, and Zach were vising and now and then Wes would move around in his chair and turn in tight circles. It was nice to see him move and laugh even though he was in a wheelchair. FYI- Wes spent 8 hours in his wheelchair.

Aunt Gina came to visit and brought some of the cousins and also Natalie Nilsen. He enjoyed visiting with them a lot. After a few more visits from friends Wes began to not feel well. Saturday night was a long and painful night for Wes. My parents felt bad for him; it was one of those nights that they wished they could trade places with him or take his pain away.

Sunday

The pain was still there but not as strong. Wes stayed in bed all day but was in good spirits. More friends came to visit from grade school and middle school and we enjoyed old friends. Brittnee came to visit with the grand kids and stayed for a few hours. Mom and Dad took the kids for a walk so Britt and Wes could enjoy a visit together.

This is a great night because Dallin and Nate fly back fromtheir humanitarian efforts in Guatemala where they have been for the last 2 weeks. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We love you
all.

Here are some pictures. Yay.

Wes with the man that came from the Arizona Cardinals team to visit Wes ( I wrote about this visit in a previous post).