Hi everyone, it’s Shelly. Thought I’d check in.

First off, THANK YOU. I’m blown away by the thoughts, prayers, well wishes, gifts, scarves, meals, flowers, visits, cards, bike riders, and bike ride donations. That you all have done all of that with me in mind is crazy. Thank you so very much!

Second, a big thanks to Jessica, Aunt Jessie, and Randy for providing updates here. You’ve done an amazing job!

As Jessica shared, I have shifted to the out-patient program at Craig hospital. Lots of PT and OT work and we’re hoping to add more FES bike (where my legs are stimulated to pedal) and robo-legs (where I’m able to put full weight on my legs and the robo-legs do the walking for me.) Craig is as amazing as everyone says and I’ve made life-long friends there.

For those that don’t know, I injured my spine and spinal cord at the C6 vertebrae. The surgeons patched up the vertebrae the day I fell off my horse. The pinched spinal cord is the wild card. The word is that it can take years for it to heal and for me to regain whatever function I can. The good news is my arms are nearly as strong as before. Strength-wise, my hands are about 50% but dexterity-wise they’re around 75% and continuing to improve. As most of you know, I love to write so I’m thrilled to be typing and writing almost normally again. The not-so-good news is that my legs are slower to recover. I have sensation in both legs but no consistent movement. I’ve recently fluttered some toes on my right foot and am working to get that going more consistently. Baby steps!

This kind of thing is amazing at shifting your perspective. Family has been everything during all this. You know who you are and you know me well enough to know that nothing makes me choke up more than trying to express how much I love you all. Friends – they say you find out who your true friends are in the tough times and, while I thought I knew how awesome you all are (I picked you after all and I have great taste,) you’ve gone way above and beyond. Bottom line, I’ve been dealt a $hit card but it’s crystal clear to me that my blessings FAR outweigh the bad fortune. Thank you!