Happy New Years (Eve)

<< 10:30 pm Friday, New Years Eve >>

Dear Family and Friends,

The past three days have brought a variety of highs and lows and plenty of hard work. Sherri has progressed significantly in terms of walking with her walker and even standing on her own - pretty close to "look Mom, no hands!" as she releases the walker and stands on her own. She's now in a routine of physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) in the morning and again in the afternoon. The PT folks work with her in bending and stretching her knees, ankles and toes and show her exercises she is to continue to work on during the day and evening. The OT therapists work more on specific tasks of her daily life such as how to put on socks, how to shower, or how to get in and out of the tub using a chair. At some point they'll no doubt begin to consider how to climb some stairs as Sherri lives on the second floor of her apartment.

Sherri is one of probably 40 patients on the 5th floor in the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program. Most patients are quite a bit older than Sherri but not all. Sherri's current roommate is a few years younger and is also recovering from a car accident.

Sherri can now walk down the 25 yard hallway using her walker in a confident yet deliberate manner. The PT usually ties a sling under her foot up and around her leg so that her foot does not drop or droop while she walks. At the end of the hallway is a therapy gym-like room with various devices to help the process.

We are all encouraged with the progress Sherri is making and we're also keenly aware there's a long way to go. Moving between these two realities is a challenge both physically and also emotionally (we'll, I know it is for the Dad and I think for all of us).

Now that we are in Boston, Sherri has loved seeing quite a number of friends and colleagues in addition to family that have come by to visit. Thanks so much to everyone for your love and support along this journey.

Wendy and I are so grateful to the Lord for His faithfulness to our family. Thanks for your part in encouraging Sherri along the way and for your faith filled prayers.

Happy New Years,

Steve