Trails Along The Journey: One step at a time

Well, we are three weeks post surgery. I can't believe how time flies. This was Jerry's first official week of Rehab here at the Spinal Unit. We have a wonderful team to work with. The days are full. He gets up bright and early to begin his personal care, I usually get in by 8 , as he becomes more independent I am coming in a little later. Due to his back injury, which actually led to this, Praise the Lord, he has needed some extra help for quite a while before surgery. As we are learning and connecting the dots to his injury. We are seeing how this damage to his spinal cord has been going on for many years.

He has a great plea for anyone whom may have tingliing in your hands, neck and extremeties that you have ignored or thought was nothing major, Please talk to your Dr and get an MRI. Especially , he is thinking of his buddies he flew with. Wearing the Flight helmets and NVG's bouncing on your neck while flying.

So after breakfast , he is off to appointments from about 9:30 til 3:30. There are appts throughout the day for therapy, Meeting with Dr, psychiatrist,Social Worker. He works hard each and every day. There are classes to attend some days and some times its just group discussions for patients with similar conditions. The uniqueness is that they are all Veterans and they share their stories. This is rehab where you get what you put into it. I can say that Jerry is putting his whole energy into it. So proud of him and his determination each day.

He finally was given the chance to walk this week. Though it seemed like it was past due in his eyes. He did amazing and has been giving it a go each day. The first day was about 20ft. By day 3, he is up to about 80 ft. Some on the balance bars and some on a walker. As he was given this opportunity, it gave him the reality of what in his legs is working and what is still asleep. He is such a fighter. This guy will tough it out as much as he can. They are noticing that his right leg is still super weak, and have decided to have him fitted for a brace for his right leg. It is going to help alot with over extending his knee and just keeping his leg healthy as it recovers. It is strange at times he says both legs are numb , but his left leg is more functional and close to normal. His right side is mostly still the worse of the two. Some days are better than others. As we are learning , Nerves will do some strange things.

Another reality this week has been the fact that he is here for a spinal injury. In his mind he went in for neck surgery and came out unable to walk. While this is fact, the whole point of neck surgery is because his spine was so damaged. Sometimes the trauma is unseen and it really makes it harder to grasp. Though , when we look at many of the symptoms he has struggled with for years , it makes sense that this has been occuring over a long period of time, unbeknown to us. Each day we are thankful that he did not incur one more bang to his head, or this recovery would look completely different.

There were many things to share from this week , but mostly tonight I just want to brag on Jerry. After all these weeks, his spirits are still high. he gives God all the glory for every small victory. He is in the word every morning and he has something new to share with me every day about how God is speaking to him. I am in awe of his strength, not that I doubt it, but his complete dependence on the Lord and his unwaivering faith. What a blessing to be walking alongside of this guy for the rest of my life. I know in our weakness the Lord is carrying us through this. As his wife, what a joy to have him encouraging and reminding me each day of God's greatness and love for us. There have been many times when he has been so down with injuries, where I just have to be tough and pick up and keep us all going and focused , but there is such a peace as I let go and let God carry and Lead my Husband as he Leads us, One step at a time....

Here are some highlights of the past week's success - We are so thankful for each of you as you come alongside of us. May your weekend be blessed and Joy filled, dear friends.

We continue to covet your prayers and Thank you for Loving and supporting us through this season.