Better and better

HI to all = a little slow on the response but by the time I left on Sunday Dustin was so much better. My friend, that came to support me and visit, and I had a great time together sharing what God is showing us. It is amazing how similar it is but each of us had a different slant which made it really awesome to share. We went and talked to the lady who is opening the Project Walk (called Step it Up) in Orlando and then looked at possible houses for Dustin to buy and rent rooms to those who would be coming for rehab. We met the mom, grandmother and daughter/granddaughter that all of this is about. She is 19 and had been to Project Walk in San Diego several times. She is absolutely beautiful and is was fun to meet them all.

The Step it Up gym looks like my garage - kinda of garagey and not much going on. However they have just gotten their non profit status and I was just informed that got a decent amount of money from a foundation. The Orlando newspaper will be doing an article on them next week. I am so impressed with the work that is involved with opening this facility and it seems like it is all done on passion so far. They do have a business plan and are certainly looking for donations since the equipment and training is expensive. This single mom has sent 2 people out to San Diego for a month long training in their method along with housing and food expenses.

I liken Project Walk to Navy Seals boot camp for spinal cord injuries. They take pain, and spasms (something spinal cord patients have frequently) and believe these are the body's attempt to reconnect and move. You can only imagine the neurological upheavel in a spinal cord injury and I think it takes a long time for the body to figure out what is going on. The director said it was so fun to go to San Diego and see people walking who can't feel their legs from the protocal they use.

We saw 20 houses in Florida that all look alike. It made me realize I do not miss the Florida style house rather preferring the old wooden floors, unique floor plans and southern gardens.

I have decided at this point to sit back and let Dustin take over. I have tried to do things for him and make decisions but as a 24 yr old,that was raised about as independent as it gets, it has been interesting. This calls for some serious head butting and each of us learning a new role. I am learning to let him handle all things and if he needs help, he is to ask. It has taken humbling on both of our parts and so far we are not that good at it. We do both agree to practice, to communicate freely and know that we will make a lot of mistakes.

Rick's sister, Jody and her friend came to visit on their Harleys. As in, "lady hogs". the Harley dealership in Naples donated 2 t-shirts and a hat for Dustin and Aunt Jody sewed snaps on the back so he can look pretty spiffy. Harley wanted to have a picture if him in his Harley duds, but he it still working his way up to that. They wanted to put it on their website, which I think is awesome. If Dustin could really get how many people care for him and want to support him, I think he would be amazed.

They also put Harley bell on his wheelchair with the legend that it keeps the "road demons" away. Of course we know God does that for him but it is a good rememberance for him that he is covered.

I talked to him today and praise God his shoulder and neck pain are a bit better! I really continue to believe that God is working on him from the inside out. Nerina is finishing school and will head back to Marco Island. She continues to support Dustin in so many ways.

As always, please pray for him to pass his swallowing test next Monday. His speech therapist does not believe he will totally pass it but we can all join our faith together and believe for a "full complete swallow"!!! Yeah - bring on the food.

love to all
mary pat