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!