Quick update on happenings:
Shriner's wants to admit him on Monday for a few days of rehab/practice with his new wheelchair. The therapist was worried about it being completely safe to take the wheel chair home last Tuesday. This was frustrating to Grant and slightly to us as well. We are having to switch our vacation plans around. But, Shawn's job is such a blessing. They are so accommodating. We are hoping that after a couple days of practice we'll be able to head out on our way on Wednesday or Thursday. We're nervous about traveling to Texas with Grant. It is such a long drive. But, there are a few loose ends we need to tie up there and once we get there, we thing that the farm will be good medicine for him.
Grant's current status--
*Ambulation (walking/moving) is still very difficult for Grant.
*His eyesight is still periodically troubled, but no worse. Reading for long periods of time and looking intently at things seems to make it worse.
*His speech is much worse. This is so sad to him and to us. We are working with a place in Lexington to get him an augmentative and alternative communication device. Basically, a really cool computer that has millions of functions to help him communicate what is in his head.
*His hands are still having trouble. They tire and writing is difficult to impossible depending on the moment. We just got some magnets to help him learn spelling and to aid in communication. He even tires out while operating the electric wheelchair. They said there are many adaptations they can add to help with this.
*His nausea subsided for a while, but has returned a bit this week--not sure why.
*He is still having pain, but often refuses medication. We only give it now when he asks for it.
*He sleeps a lot, but is somewhat nocturnal. He really always has been, but now he gets a bit afraid when he is alone, so we're are having to become somewhat nocturnal as well. But, since we are required to live in the real world as well, this can make 6:30 a.m. roll around very quickly. We do have help and many of our neighbors, friends and family have offered to help relieve some of the burden. We've even had people offer to come and just sit with Grant. We have been so blessed to be in a town such a short while and have people show such kindness. At times we are overwhelmed. I had some women from church, some of which I've never met, give me an afternoon at a spa while they cared for the older kids. My parents took Grant and I had a couple hours of rest. I still can't believe they did it!
*His neck muscles are weak and they are ordering him a special collar to help protect his spinal cord from damage especially while riding in the car and maybe even in his new wheelchair.
God is still faithful and meeting Grant's needs as they arise. We are so grateful to all who are praying. Please pray for our time at Shriner's. Grant loves it there. Pray that it's effective and is done quickly. Please pray for us as we travel. Pray for Grant. He hurts a lot in the car. He'll hopefully have his new chair in the car so we're hoping it will help him to hurt less. Please pray also that our house would sell. Grant's medical bills are adding up and having another house to take care of is beginning to weigh on us. We thank you so much.
Love, Shawn & Emily
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