Church

Dad, Mom and I went to church today and Dad was able to sit through all of Sacrament Meeting and half of Sunday School! This is exciting because lately he has had a hard time sitting for long periods of time. If he sits for too long, his poor behind gets sore. We're glad he's having a good day today.

I came down to visit them last night. Mom and I stayed up late talking and we got to talk to Tasha on the phone for a while. Mom made us a delicious dinner last night. She made potato salad, baked beans and roasted chicken. It was delish as always.

This morning Dad showed me how well he can walk with the walker and he was also showing me some leg exercises he tries to do each day. The change since the last time I saw him is slight but there is definitely an improvement. Dad said he gets really sore quite easily from doing exercises which is discouraging I'm sure to have the desire to really push himself knowing that he will be really sore the next day. He keeps trying though and hasn't given up yet.

Finishing the basement

Bob suggested to Dad and Mom that it might help to sell their house if they finished the two rooms in their basement so Mom hired a couple of guys to come work on the rooms.

Avoiding misfortune

Today Mom decided to see if Dad would like sitting in their zero gravity chair. So she brought it in the house and helped Dad get into it. In order to get fully comfortable, he asked for a pillow here and a pillow there. After a little while of getting everything just right, Dad shifted his weight backwards and started to tip. Luckily, the top of the chair miraculously caught on part of the couch so that Dad didn't land on his neck! Mom dove to try and catch him but she would have been to late. Once they both realized that he just about died they both started laughing until they cried. Mom ran and got the camera after they got Dad into a more stable position. But as you can see, he was lucky he didn't tip all the way over!

Dejunking

Tasha, Cortney, Spencer, Benson and Tasha all came down to help Mom dejunk a bit as they prepare to sell their home and hopefully move soonish. She got a storage unit and took a bunch of stuff there and also took a bunch of stuff to DI.

Dad holding up the wall

When Dad's behind gets too tired he likes to stand and lean next to this wall in their home.

Walking with a walker

Look at him go!

Pioneer Day - 24th of July

Dad got to be in the ward's Pioneer Day parade!

Dad's new bike!

Vroom vroom...

Mom called me yesterday with some exciting news: Dad drove the car! She had him practice in the church parking lot for awhile. After driving around in the parking lot, they decided he was ready to drive home, which he did. Way to go Dad!

We figure this enables Dad to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a race car driver. Seems like a good career move. :)

4th of July

Dad and Mom spent the 4th of July at Grandma N's house. Fun was had by all.

Aqua Therapy

Today Dad got to do a therapy session in the pool. Shane Rosenberg was his therapist and he showed Dad that therapy doesn't always have to be boring.

Sometimes it involves pool noodles.

And floating.

It was a good therapy session but he was VERY worn out after.

Making a leg mold

Today Dad got a mold made of his leg for a leg brace that will hopefully help him to walk easier.

Dressed for church

Today was the first time Dad didn't wear pj's to church :)

He was able to get dressed in his Sunday best and go to church in Saratoga Springs.

Handcycle for Dad

Mom and Dad have decided that getting a handcycle would be extremely beneficial for Dad's continued physical therapy. They have met with a bike shop and have picked out a model they feel will be best for Dad. It is a tricycle that will allow Dad to pedal with his arms and his legs. Dad has already tried out a model similar to the one he would be getting. It looks similar to the image below (only it has pedals for the legs too).

Mom and Dad like to spend time outside but the problem now is that Mom gets all the exercise from pushing Dad in his wheelchair and Dad just sits there. With this bike, he will be able to get an arm workout and also a leg workout. We hope that as he rides it more that he will be using his legs more and his arms less.

The bicycle costs about $3,000. In order for them to be able to purchase the bike, they are asking for donations from friends and family. Anything helps! Contact Gaylene if you would like to help them get this bike. We really appreciate everyone that has helped so far in Dad's recovery. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Continued Physical Therapy

This is a platform walker. It helps dad put his weight on his arms and he was able to walk about 30 feet (slowly but surely)!

This is a machine that raises him up and then helps him find a balance point to try and stand.

Here is dad working out his glutes and hamstrings (which are his weakest muscles).

This is a bicycle that allows the therapist to hook him up to electrodes that stimulate his muscles.

Here is another bike to help strengthen his muscles. This one helped his left leg more.

Dad walked two lengths of the parallel bars (with a lot of help).

American Fork Canyon

Mom and Dad drove up American Fork Canyon for a little picnic and time outside. They had to ask for help from some people to help get him down close to the river. When they were done they had to recruit some biker dudes (complete with leather jackets) to carry him back up to the car. We're all grateful they had a safe experience and that people were so willing to help.

Lilac season

That's the Emil we all know and love :) He always loves to stick his nose right into the clump of lilacs.

Going downstairs

Mom needed help programming the sprinkler system downstairs so they figured out how to have dad slide on his bum down each step. He successfully made it down and even back up!

Physical therapy at home begins

Bro. Farrer helping Dad work his legs.

Richelle helping Dad with the rowing machine.

Cognitive therapy

Since Dad got home, Bob has been trying to get Dad to work on little engineering projects to help his cognitive abilities.

Life back at home begins

Dad can stand! Yeah.

Here's a picture of the bathroom that Bob has been working on - he widened the door, tore everything out, replaced the flooring and trim, put in a different toilet and sink, etc.