New driver in the halls!

Hi to all- Rick and I decided to come for a few days to get on my 2 weeks teaching and one week off schedule. We either needed to come now or not until April 11 which seemed way too far away. As you know it is also his birthday on Thurs and he has received about 40 cards from all over including a internet card from China. He wishes to tell all that he thanks you for thinking of him. It has totally blessed Rick and I as well.

Well, the wound is healing nicely and he is up for 1-2 hours a day. Today was the first time Rick and I got to see him in his wheelchair and learn how to be the back-up driver. He drives at this time with a joystick using his chin. He can go forward , backward and all ways! He is getting less and less dizzy sitting up and really seems to enjoy getting out. We went to the gym with him and practiced different speeds on an outdoor "playground".

He plans to have another swallowing test on Monday so please pray he will pass so he can begin to eat. He is really wanting to eat after 6 months and will do a "mock" start on his birthday by having one bite of cheesecake. He is not excited about the one bite thing. When he is truly able to eat he wants a spice cake with caramel icing which we will plan to get from an Amish community where we take our pigs and cows to get butchered (actually our neighbors that we partner being "farmers" with). These cakes are huge and they grow or produce most everything in the cake. We will take to the whole unit he is on and share with all. With all of the new activity including getting up and breathing on his own, he continues to lose weight. They have increased his calories again to keep up with him.

He continues to enjoy his friend and it becoming a bit more sociable as he gets out.

He is breathing 12-14 hours per day on the "red cap" and they will begin to monitor how he does sleeping. Apparently spinal cord patients when relaxed with sleeping may not breath as well, however he has taken naps during the day and there have been no problems. He also has a really strong vocal ability which shows good lung function.

Although we got him a few clothes, people apparently donate clothes and there are a few that cut open the backs and put on velcro for a neater look than my straight "cut the back look." We brought a few pictures to put up along with the awesome poster of pictures Nerina made. We also brought him the inflatable hot air balloon that hung over his bed in Albuquerque that we got when we went to the balloon festival. That seems so long ago, although Dustin does not remember any it.

Nerina will be here for his birthday, the nurse and dietary department will bring balloons and the one bite of cheesecake and I bought stuff for them to decorate his room. The greatest celebration that we celebrate every day is he is living, breathing and has great plans ahead. Thanks to all who have supported us and him through your cards and prayers. It truly has taken a "whole community to raise the child" and that is well and how it is supposed to be. We truly need each other all of our lives.

love
rick and mary pat