New Steps
Saturday was a special treat for me as I was able to spend the day with Jo and Lydia - two of my friends from REHAB. Jo drove me out to visit Lydia who's spending time at a facility near Zürich. Jo and I planned this surprise visit last week, and it was such a joy for me to spend the afternoon with the two of them. I had to work hard on my German, but Lydia encouraged me that I've improved a lot since she met me - when I could only say two sentences in German.
My walking has improved a lot since she met me as well, and she was exited to see me on my feet as well. Despite the cold weather, I'm trying to spend more time on my feet to strengthen my muscles and improve my circulation. I've still been walking around the school auditorium with Hunter, and I feel safe trying new things with him since he's trained how to help me reach the ground safely were I to fall. This week we switched from him walking backwards in front of me with his arms out to me using just my right stick with Hunter holding onto me with a gait belt. The next day we tried using two forearm crutches instead of my single stick.
Both of these variations are things I've tried with Hunter or my therapists before, but have always felt pretty scary and wobbly. This week, I felt a noticeable difference in how I carried myself. I could tell that I was walking better. I still have a looooooong way to go in my balance, but I was hugely encouraged to feel the weight better placed over my legs rather than hovering in my arms. These new kinds of steps indicate new steps in my healing. I'm so excited about the progress, and I'm eagerly anticipating more healing.
Also, after I talked with Anja this week, I'm adding valerian supplements to my bedtime meds in hopes of getting better sleep because she thinks that better sleep can significantly impact the rest of my recovery. I'm grateful for all your continued prayers as I keep working hard to improve my status. God is at work, and it's exciting to see the positive changes.
Comments (9)
I too take Valerian with my nightly Melatonin. I have been using it for about a year or so and notice a small improvement in my sleep. I have heard of another med/herb to help but have been unsuccessful at finding it. So since my doctor took me off all prescription sleep meds about a year and a half ago I have been desperate to try anything that will help. My sleep has been screwed up since my first brain tumor surgery in 2005 and I usually only can get a good nights sleep if I take a ridiculous amount of Tylenol or Advil PMs. Praying for your sleep success especially on the nights where my sleep is futiile! Luv ya!!
How VERY encouraging! How wonderful that you have a safe indoor space at school,to continue improving your walking and that Hunter is trained and available to help! Wonderful! God is wild and good!
Love your spirit and your hard work, which not only honors God, but is also paying off. A lesser person would be in a whole different state right now. I had a dream about you the other night--Thursday night--and you were walking without your sticks. I am believing that was God giving me a glimpse at your future. It was glorious.
Good news. I can't ever see you giving up on yourself or your faith. You astound me.
I've been especially praying about your sleep! Praising God for all of the progresses.
So glad you got to spend time with Lydia and Jo. So good for them to see your improvement from when you were in rehab with them. Glad to hear of your walking at school also. Tell Shirley you will be walking someday without any braces or sticks cause your Granny told you you would. My prayer every day for you. Hugs and kisses. Granny
Great news! PTL
Glad to hear the encouraging news.
Bravo and congratulations on a good week of stronger walking and a noticeable difference with the arm crutches and Hunter's presence. Celebrate you, celebrate another milestone. Such good news. Thanks for being a constant influence in my life and the lives of our kids. Blessings.