Like sunshine and 75 degree weather. Woo Hoo!
This is the end of my first full week in rehab and it was great to be back. The week was filled with PT, OT, and other physical activities (like working out in the fitness gym on the hand operated exercise bike). I loved getting out in the "real" gym again. With all of this physical activity comes great afternoon naps and restful nights (rehab is almost as tiring as running again). I had an extra one hour PT session on Saturday morning consisting of arm strength training and manual dexterity training for my left hand. My left hand improves a little bit every day. Mom can't believe the difference since her last visit!
On Wednesday evening, Dad and I went to watch Rugby practice (aka murder ball). If you haven't already seen it you should rent the movie "Murder Ball" and you'll have an idea of how tough the sport is.
Dad took over as "junior" nurse mid week and went through the training necessary to obtain a push pass. Thanks to his efforts he was "certified" on several procedures, and we were able to leave the Shepherd campus on Saturday. This is the first time I have been outside Shepherd's in my manual chair, so it was a new experience. In the afternoon we went to the drug store and had lunch at Chick-fil-A (a southern fast food emporium just across the street). For dinner, Mom, Dad, and I went to the Montana Grill (also just down the street) where the specialty is bison; very tasty.
Courtney bought a small Christmas tree for my corner of the room complete with white lights and blue candy canes and decorations. The staff at Shepherd's seem to enjoy the tree and it helps keep us in the Christmas spirit.
I am looking forward to next week and a full rehab schedule. We are also looking forward to visiting with guests traveling to Atlanta over the next several weekends.
As always, I appreciate your cards and letters as they provide excellent motivation and support during this transitional period in my life.
Best wishes and happy holidays. Enjoy the season!
Dana
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10 comments:
Holy Mackerel -
The things that happen while you are away for a while. Dana, Court, Linda, everyone - the McIntyre's send their joy to you after reading the post today. Life is great when you live strong! Stay positive while you await the next miracle.
I was just up in Watkin's Glen for a brief meeting and had to get home for holiday commitments. When I saw the sign for Horseheads I told myself I had check in on the blog when I got home. To get here and read the update in Dana's voice just blew me away. I know how happy all of you must be to be doing fun things while venturing out on your own. There is something about living when every moment counts...
Risk more than others think is safe.
Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more than others think is practical.
Expect more than others think is possible.
Enjoy the homestretch!
Jim McIntyre
keukalakeDana,
Great to hear from you! It sounds so good, all your activities of late! We have been working on the Greenlight for Dana event and everyone is so excited about it!!
We have some great helpers, too. Keep up the good work and great spirit and we will do our part here.
Love
Sue Riopko
Right now, 75 degrees and sunshine is only something that we can dream about!! But we are so glad that you were able to get outside and enjoy it. We are also glad to hear that you are back in the swing of things in the "real" gym and working hard enough that you are sleeping well---and obviously eating well too!! Such wonderful news only reenforces our belief that prayers are being heard. You continue to truly amaze us and put an even bigger smile on our faces with each new (and oh so positive) update!! You and Courtney continue to be in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Keep up the hard work and stay as positive as you have been through all of this. You have made all of us a whole lot stronger in many ways.
The valley people
also interesting to note about chik filet - it is a company built on christian values, which i am sure dana will appreciate. as such, i do not think they are open on sundays. not sure if they are in atlanta - but "crystals", "church's chicken", and "sonic" are also very southern and worth trying if you can find them. live strong. you are an inspiration. mandy
Dana,
I am glad to read you are doing so well and making progress on a daily basis. I check your blog on a daily basis to see how you are doing.
Keep up the good work.
I hope you and your family have a great holiday season.
Best Regards,
-Dennis Hall
I tried a couple of days ago. I know what a long trip it has been. Sometimes looking back is shorter than the road ahead. Just keep working and KNOWING that a purpose lies within. We in the South have hopes and prayers that all will be good and happy.
RLW
Hi Dana (and all)
It is great to hear from you. So happy to know that you are progressing. You are definitely someone who wants to work out and participate. Don't know about "murder ball". Maybe I have to check that out. I can just imagine dad as "junior" nurse. He would love it. Take care and stay in touch.
Much love from the Lakes
Dana,
I don't know if you remember me, but my name is Lyndsey Tedesco and lived with Benyo during your ride of '05. I just wanted to let you know I was keeping you in my prayers. Also, I have since moved to Raleigh, NC and if anyone needs a resting place on their way down to see you please don't hesitate to give them my number and they can stay with us. I wish you all the best from reading your blog you are truly amazing!
Lyndsey
518-331-4957
ltedesco05@hotmail.com
Seriously we are right on the way don't hesitate
Dana, Glad to hear You are doing better.We are Praying for You everyday. We know You are working real hard to get back to this cold weather. We know You can do it. We will be checing the blog for more good news. Love, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim
Hey there Dana!
You sound terrific! You should put a "Miracle in Progress" sign on your door! Too bad you're missing all this snow in New York. I'm pretty sure that your rehab plan must include the small muscle groups involved in shoveling! Maybe we could attach a plow to the wheelchair???
Give your folks a kiss for us, mistletoe or not. Keep the faith (seems to be working so far!).
Love, the Sepkas
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