Well, here I am. Back in Louisiana. After two weeks of driving through many states we got sent back to Louisiana. The job we were going to got delayed a few weeks. I was also able to go to Arizona and visit The Wesley. I know I’m behind in blogging but since I’m back here, without a car, I will have plenty of time.
Here is an update my dad sent me from April 28, 2012
Much has happened since we last posted. Before we left the hospital Wes tried out a manual wheelchair and did very well with it. A manual chair is definitely in his future. We are working on developing more of his muscles before spending a lot of time in a manual wheelchair. If we started too early with the manual chair he would be too tired to develop all of his muscles and make them stronger.
We said goodbye to many wonderful people at the hospital and will miss them. It was very nice to have in-patient care at the hospital because therapy was so close and easy. We thought when we left the hospital that we would have more time. That definitely has not happened yet. We are staying with Wesley’s Grandma Benson and it has been very nice to spend time with her, but we are not around much. Instead of having therapy at the hospital we now have to drive to therapy each day. We also go to a special gym once or twice a day so that Wes can work on getting his strength back. We also have doctor appointments. It seems we are always driving somewhere or have to be someplace. Life is definitely more comfortable at Grandma Benson’s house.
In less than three weeks we leave for Neuroworx in Salt Lake City. They specialize in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. We are looking forward to being there. This will put us closer to home and allow us the freedom to go home during the weekends.
Last weekend Wes had a surprise visit from David Guthrie and Tom Morton. Wes was really happy to see friends from home.It was so nice of the boys to take time out of their days and come visit Wes. Last Saturday all three of the boys went to see a movie and Wes went with out Karen and me. We think he really enjoyed getting away from his parents for a few hours. Wes gets around very easily with his wheelchair. David and Tom brought a banner from Three Forks with signatures from many of his friend, it was very thoughtful and kind. There was also a seminary class in Spokane that sent a banner and candy. Thanks to all the students and their thoughtfulness.
We continue to get all kinds of cards and items in the mail for Wes and they all brighten his day to know that so many people care about him. We thank everyone fro their kindness and prayers. Karen, I and Wes love to have friends come and visit and last week we had several surprise visits from very dear friends.
Yesterday at physical therapy Wes’s therapist, Katie, put him on an electric stimulation bike. This is the first time that he has been on such a device and it was very encouraging. Wes pulls up to it in his wheelchair and then his legs are strapped into the peddles and electrodes are attached to his legs. The electric impulse can cause the legs to move enough to turn the peddles around and this happened for Wes. He still has no muscles control over his legs but there is enough getting through on the spinal cord to allow him to peddle the peddles.This is very encouraging but as they say in the spinal cord business, there are no guarantees. Those in the business are not familiar with priesthood blessings, the power of prayer, and sheer determination, which is a powerful combination for success, whatever comes.
I posted a quite a few videos as well. Be sure to check them out. They are pretty amazing.
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