Wednesday, September 22, 2010

mini vans, pedi and milkshakes...


Yesterday was another accomplishment for Ben! we have a big outting coming up on Saturday (stay tuned for blog report) and Ben's rec therapist didn't really want to take the massive wheel chair van. so, she got together with Ben's PT and they decided to try Ben out on transfers to the front seat of a mini van!! This was a first and I was super excited! Ben did amazing with his stands and he was able to do it 2 times! We didn't go anywhere yesterday but told him that we would take him someone today!









Later that afternoon I went out with another patients wife Kathleen! She is a lovely lady who I have been able to hang out with on several occassions! We hit up the mall, got much needed pedis and dinner at PF Changs!!





Today we made sure that we practiced more car transfers and then took Ben on his first ride, in a van, in the front seat to get of course a milkshake!! We got it for him and gave it to him to sip on the way home! It was not coming through the straw and we were all thinking it was because it was a thick milkshake! By the time we got back to the hospital he still had not got one sip of his chocolate shake!! I tried and nothing...just the sound of air! Poor Ben had a slit in his straw so he couldn't get anything out!! Of course I traded him for my straw and the slurped the thing down in no time!!
We are now set to go to our outting Saturday in the mini van (ours is not here yet so we are using one from the VA!) All we have to do is throw Ben's chair in the back and off we will go...and Ben will be much more comfortable! Photos and updates to come!



Prayer Requests:
1. Ben's smile! Pray that he gets his smile back soon! He does a slight one but I am praying that he get it back...it lights up people's lives...and mine!
2. Trunk control...Ben needs this so that most of all his other movements work.
3. Arm mobility: the tightness in his arms limits Ben to alot that he can do. Pray for movement from the shoulders and loosening of the arms.
4. Continued head and neck strength. Loosening of the muscles and that he can hold it up!
5. Speech...that it would have more volume and that he would initiate words but bigger even sentances!
6. Memory...that Ben will retain what he is learning now and what he has been doing!
7. Continued increase of a better mood! The down in the dumps feeling would leave in Jesus name!
8. Direction for the future.
9. I am emotionally tired yet again! Please pray for strength and endurance!

Love you all and thank you so much for your continued prayers, love and encouragement! Keep them coming because we sure feel it!
Blessings!!

14 comments:

Freedomtrain Ministries said...

Great news - you are on our radar screen for sure! Thank you Lord for peace and continued strength.

Chelsea said...

Will do Katie. Keep going strong for your man. God will honor your steadfast love.

You guys inspire me!

Kathleen said...

Our "get away" time was so great yesterday! I LOVE having you here and getting to share all these things in Cale's recovery! Praying lots for both of you! We should stop texting each other so you can sleep! ;)

Love you!

The Southbay Newlyweds said...

we are praying!

Goodnight moon said...

I just came across your blog and my heart just goes out to you and Ben. I read through alot of your blog last night as I laid in bed...crying my eyes out! I am a Marine wife and I can not imagine just simply going about your daily life and being in an accident that has put so many set backs for you and Ben. We are stationed at Camp Lejeune and one of my husbands best friends is stationed at Ft. Bragg. He is in special forces. My thoughts and prayers also go out to Aaron's wife, daughter and family.

I will be blogging about Ben today to help spread the prayers for you. I pray for Ben's smile to return to you along with everything else that he works so hard for everyday.

You are such an amazing wife...to be there every step of the way, supporting your husband. I can only imagine how hard your days must be...and the stregnth that it takes to fight each day for the man that you love.

My heart is with you, and I will always be thinking of you and Ben.

Sending you LOTS and LOTS of hugs and prayers!

Candice Pair said...

Will do!

Allie said...

I came across your blog today via Goodnight Moon. I sat and read the entire thing. You and Ben are so strong and have so much faith! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

I will be following and praying for you and Ben.

Anonymous said...

I love you Katie. You are an amazing woman of God. I am praying for you and Ben.

"Don't be afraid," he said, "for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!" Daniel 10:19

-Angela Brewer

Nicole said...

I came across your blog today while reading Amber's blog Goodnight Moon. Thank you for sharing your story, I can only imagine how difficult it is. You are an amazing and strong woman! You and Ben are both in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I discovered your blog via Goodnight Moon and I just want to say you two are a beautiful couple. Thank you for being so strong and courageous. It seems like Ben is being very strong and courageous too! We will pray for you and am looking forward to following your journey to healing. Thank you so much for sharing this.

xoxoxo
Jennie Pie
"Capturing Sweet in the East"

Anonymous said...

Father, Hold Katie and Ben in the bubble of your love. Give Katie the utter peace that passes ALL understanding. Give Ben the assurance he is in the palm of your loving hand. May they both have rest, both physical and emotional, so there is NO DOUBT of your hand in their lives. Thank you for being You, your grateful daughter, Marion

THE Stephanie said...

Wow. You are surely a woman of strong faith. The picture of the two of you in the van is a clear representation of your love for each other, as well as the love that Christ has for us.

You are both in my prayers.

Lindsey Clair said...

Ben is looking great! Thank you Lord for your healing and strength! Katie, I came across your blog not too long ago from another blogger and have been truly touched by it. Because of this I would like to present you with the "Versatile Blogger" Award. God bless you!

Go here to accept your award:

http://peacefulislandmother.yolasite.com/index/i-won-a-blog-award-whoot-

Erin said...

I just found your blog and I am in tears. Rolling down my face.

You are so inspiring and that smile on your face in every picture of the two of you is amazing. How you stand by him and show your love and just beautiful.

You are strong and that is something Ben needs in his life I am sure. I can not wait to read more and catch up on more from your blog.

You are touching a lot of people in this blog world and I thank you for that.