In less than 1 month, we'll be exactly 1 year out from the accident.   So much of our life has changed, some for the better and some for the worse. 

Time to catch up (as it always seems for me).   Mark back has healed quite well, although the numbness/pain in his right leg has not diminished at all.   She did say there was a pretty good pinch on the cord when they went in, so we're in a wait and see with how quickly things bounce back there.   Laying around and stopping PT to help the back recovery tends to have slowed some of his progress.   I'm noticing more balance checks lately, but I feel that could be more muscle memory but also sensory loss to some extent.   The hands (numbness/pain) have continued to increase, but we tested hand / grip strength when we had PT this week - there was an increase of strength on BOTH sides!  So while he might be feeling worse, his strength continues to grow (yes dear,  I will stop nagging you on your dexterity exercises 😬).   We also started back at PT last week!  I think it felt good for both of us for him to get back to this.   Still not where he wants to be, and they're starting at the beginning on a few things, but it's PROGRESS!   The team at Courage Kenny is amazing, and they know his competitive nature....  they just tell him where he was before and they know he'll try to crush it.   6 min walk test (how many steps you can make in 6 min)?   Took off like a bat out of hell, thought he was going to take off running😅  - he added 200 or more steps to the count.   He was sweating, panting, and a little wobbly at the end, but I think he proved his determination (as always).   He's also back at work AND coaching.   The days are long, but for him - it sure beats sitting around the house thinking of how he's feeling.   He loves coaching, and he's always so proud of the boys he coaches.   A smile on his face = a HUGE bonus for me😁

We see the neurosurgeon tomorrow (6 week postop for the back, and discussion on his hands).  This is one area that needs a lot of tending to.  We have tried to get some movement with this new care team, but we still feel like a number in a VERY long que.  Houston.... we have a problem!  As much as I didn't want to, we'll start looking for other options after vacation.  I realize changing teams won't make his pain go away, but I can only imagine how he feels when they treat you as a # and not as a human being.   

To say this year has been one for the books - that's an understatement.   A year ago, we were planning that empty nesting thing - getting a larger camper, trying new adventurous hikes, house projects, and yes... even planned a vacation focused on pickleball (who's silly idea was that???).   It's frustrating to have things stopped dead in your tracks when everything was being perfectly planned out.  But we're adjusting to new needs and ideas, like putting layers to stay warm and minimize tone (tightening of muscles), or buying trek poles to help with balance on future hikes.  And we're slowing our roll, 2-3 miles hiking and small rest on a beach blanket is a DRASTIC difference from kayaking down the St. Croix and hiking 6+ miles in the same day.  It's a necessary difference (at least for now) and one that allows us to still enjoy what we love to do together.  Yes, our life has changed, and at times we get weary.   But we're learning how to make the most of the good days when they knock on our door.   

On that note... we're heading off on a new adventure in 3 weeks!  A week in Vegas (meh), but 3 days trialing some day hikes in the area (yea)!   Red Rock,  Valley of Fire, and ?? ~ we'll see where and how far we can get.   We'll have those trek poles at the ready and a blanket in my pack for a rest, but we're SOO looking forward to adventuring again.  Time to get busy LIVIN'! 

• Prayers for continued healing and some small understanding of where / why his hands feel the way they do would be amazing!   
• Prayers for comfort.   I'm realizing that his pain is probably going to last the rest of his life, but an ounce of comfort in a day could give him a flickering of hope when his days are at their worst. 
• And prayers for some movement in his care team, whether it's the current team, or a new team - it would be good to know we have someone other than Courage Kenny and God that is taking an interest in Mark's pain and healing. 

Being grateful for what we have today (so we don't regret tomorrow),

Mark and Audra