In PT today, Pat took Cale outside to check out some weights. Right before the entrance into Cale's building, there are a bunch of exercise weights for people in a wheelchair to use. Some are focused on strength and some are more for Range of Motion. Cale has been so focused on so many other things in his therapy's and by the time they're over, he's wiped out, so since we've been here, Cale hasn't touched them! Today was a good day to try. At first, everything was so easy for him because he's come so far with being able to use his arms, but then as we kept trying different ones, he got to a couple that he wheeled his wheelchair on, and had to lift his weight. He loved one of them so much! When he started, a huge smile spread across his face and he kept going! Pat asked if he was going to stop and Cale said "No! Keep going!" I asked him if it made him feel like a man and he said "Yes!" He has a shirt that he wears a lot that says "Welcome to the Gun Show" with a picture of a stick man with muscles. Pat always asks Cale to see his gun show, so today, Cale showed it off! :)
Here's the first one that really worked him. He didn't seem to be the biggest fan, but still thought it was a work out!
This one was Cale's favorite! He LOVED it! We'll be working on how many he can do!
Cale showing his gun show! :)
Basil came to visit today! I didn't get one stinkin' picture, but it was a nice visit. It makes me so happy every time I get to see him...I have a crazy attached relationship with that dog. I was telling someone today about how many of my tears have been soaked up by his fur, how many times he's made me laugh, and how he was my cuddle buddy when Cale was at the hospital and I was alone at the hotel. We have a very special relationship :) I miss him so much. It will be a wonderful day when I get to bring my husband and dog home with me! Can't wait!!
Earlier this week, God brought a very special woman into my life. Her son was injured 6 years ago and she is FULL of wisdom and tons of info! She is such a huge blessing! Over the last few days, I've been talking with her and listening to different ideas of things that might be options for Cale and just a bunch about TBI stuff. Last night and this morning, I was feeling overwhelmed and out of place. As many of you know, I'm a planner and sometimes, God likes to show me how my plans are not always His plans...I'm learning...well, immediately I listen to all of this stuff, my brain starts processing it, and then, yep, I start planning and when there's a lot of new stuff or even a little, that might seem like a lot, I get overwhelmed very fast. It's always been that way. The reason is because I hear the voice of other people and my voice, which together, is very loud. I have to constantly remind myself that in the midst of all of the voices (which are good voices!), I need to listen for God's voice too. This amazing woman has a ton to share, but if I don't listen for God's direction in it, it ends up being hindrance, instead of a blessing. So, I'm praying about everything and talked with her more today and I feel much better now that I'm laying in bed and have taken my deep breath. :) Now, I'm getting really excited for all the Lord has planned!
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” Psalm 29:3-9
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
His voice is the voice that calms the storm that rages within me. His voice is the voice that speaks peace in my heart. His voice is the voice that comforts me when I weep. His voice is the voice that fills me with strength in my weakness. His voice is the voice that guides me on the right path when I feel lost. His voice is the voice that shines light in the darkness I face. His voice is powerful and majestic and He does great things beyond our understanding. I am His sheep. He knows me and I will follow Him where ever He leads us!
13) I am so thankful for laughter! It feels so great to be able to laugh! I remember right after the accident, all of our friends had come to be with me and Cale and in the waiting room, we were telling stories about Cale. I started laughing so hard-and it felt good. At the time, I was thinking how sad it was that I was sitting there laughing and Cale a couple days before had been fighting for his life...how could I be laughing? Until I realized what a blessing it was to look into each of the faces of my friends and family sitting with me in the hardest time of my life and I was laughing with them. Right after Cale deployed in 09' I was laying in bed with Mama, wondering if the tears were ever going to stop, and she made me laugh! Now, Cale and I laugh all through out the day and it's such a blessing! Laughing with him is such great medicine for me...and him too! :)
Here's so you can laugh too :)
Kathleen THANK YOU!! I need all of this today! And the cartoon at the end is GREAT!! Loved it! You will forever be my HERO!! YOu are my rolemodel! I love you friend! And I miss you too!
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Tigger
G-d knew that man would have a difficult time understanding unconditional love, so He made dog, a loving servant to man, always there and always longing to be with man... this is why G-d spelled backwards is dog :) My own theory of course, but my dogs are always happy to see me and always there to comfort me, and it has helped me to understand G-d's unfailing love for me. :)
ReplyDelete~ Heather
Kathleen, It was Father who said "laughter is the best medicine"....some translations say "a merry heart doeth good like a medacine". Sooooo, you use Father's medacine when you laugh. :) I like the snowman picture. I have one one my fridge, where the snowman sneezed and his nose(the carrot) knocked a kid down. The other snowman just said, bless you. :) You will hear from Father, and you will KNOW what you should do. He may speak through this woman, or He may choose another avenue. I know, you will hear. You desire to please the Lord, and He delights in helping you do just that. I love you, Marion Hansen When you first said Cales guns, I wondered how he was able to get to the shooting range. lol
ReplyDeletecaleb said yah he did it.when he saw the pics.celeste said i love you uncle cale.jer just smiled.caleb also said i like uncle cales.
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