Last I mentioned, Nick was going to therapy in Little Falls 3-4 day per week. With that, he gained more strength and stability in his core from a lot of hard work with PT. Nick also worked with OT to get enough wrist strength to get a tenodesis brace, which he did eventually get. It was custom made for his left wrist. Nick is right hand dominant but his left wrist is stronger so he will need to become a lefty. The brace works by clicking/locking closed with a pinch of his thumb, index and middle finger when he lifts his wrist up. (Currently he still needs assistance with this function) Then he’s able to unlock it by pushing a little switch. We haven’t played around with it too much yet but it should create a little more independence in the future with some work. It was also good for Nick and for me to get out and socialize with other people on a regular basis. Our lives have changed so dramatically, we have become much more isolated from the people we use to see almost daily. So it is nice making connections with new people too.  

Back in November, Nick was discharged from Little Falls outpatient therapy and started a fitness program down in Golden Valley, called the ABLE Program. When Nick was down at Courage Kenny in Golden Valley, we got him on a waiting list for the program, which was about a year long wait. It is run as a fitness program, not physical therapy. It’s designed for people that have neurological conditions, SCI’s. They use a lot of neuromuscular stimulation on Nick’s arms and core. They put a harness around him and lift him above a treadmill. They then help move his legs while the treadmill moves. This goes on for about 45 minutes. So on Nov. 21st, Nick took his first “steps” since his accident that occurred on July 13th 2022. It’s his favorite part of the days down there. They also work on core and arm strengthening and get Nick on some other specialized equipment.  It’s incredible to see what the program has to offer for the community in need. We go down to Golden Valley 2 times per week, 4 hours each session for 12 weeks. After the 12 weeks are up, Nick will likely enroll in another 12 week program. Which is actually something he can just continue doing if he wishes. If you’re interested to know more about the program, you can research it online. 

The holidays came and went. Our first Thanksgiving and Christmas home as a family. No rushing back and forth to the cities, only seeing each for a limited time like we did last year. This year, we stayed home on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It was the first time ever actually, as a family that we spent the holiday just the 4 of us. It was different but I’m such a good way. We played games, ate food and enjoyed each other’s company. We did, get to see family on days surrounding, which was good for all. 

We have stayed very busy this winter with taking Grayson to activities, Nick to his sessions and the holidays. Grayson also got to participate in the youth hunt and regular deer hunting season. He was out there every morning and evening he could. I took the morning shift, Nick took the evening. Nick’s cousin so graciously crafted a hunting blind equipped for Nick. It’s large enough for all of us actually. So thoughtful and we appreciate it. On the last morning of hunting, while Grayson sat with his uncle, he shot his first deer. A 7 point buck. His patience paid off.

It occurred to me that February 16th is coming up and that marks the 1 year of being home. It’s been one wild year. Extremely exhausting, mentally, physically. I can honestly say that we are STILL trying to figure out all of the quirks. What’s been working, what hasn’t been working. We are still waiting for life to slow down but I don’t know if that will happen anytime soon, so we will just take it as it comes. We live for socializing with family, friends and the communities so thank you to those who continue to reach out from time to time. 

Thank you for continuing to care about Nick’s recovery and for the constant support. Throughout this last year and a half, we have always felt it.