honoring ben...

{may 2007}

 

13 years and 2 months ago Ben started his journey in the Army. He started off in the 82nd Airborne division and then ended up with the Ranger Regiment where he has spent his last 7 years.

 

During Ben's time of service he has been deployed 6 times to both Iraq and Afganistan. God definetly had his hand upon Ben during those deplyments and came home safe each and every time.

 

Ben has completed Airborne School, Ranger School, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster (he was about 5 jumps away from his Master Jumper), Pathfinder School and what he says was the hardest school he's ever done was Combat Diver School.

 

His award and decoration count are at 24, including a Bronze Star. He was able to move himself up in the ranks along his career pretty quick and in November 2007 was promoted to a Sergeant First Class. Ben was not really known for all of his awards, decorations or his rank yet his character. He was a man of his word, an honorable man, he did things well.

 

I didn't meet Ben until July 2006. I knew nothing about the military...nothing! Ben was very patient with me and would have me memorize things so I could recall them better. It was alot of fun. His job was important to him. He took it very seriously and even though he didn't agree with some stuff that took place he still did his job well and to his fullest ability. He was deployed once while we were dating and then once more while we were engaged. Those days were so hard. It broke his and my heart for him to leave but to go was his job. To lay his life on the line for us was what he had signed up for and he was committed to the task even if it meant leaving me or worse then that.

 

Like I said Ben is an honorable man, a trusted man, a very humble man. His heart towards young men has been amazing as well. He loved being their mentor and helping them to become men in how they treated their families and wives. He didn't want them to be little boys with low esteem but good strong men who had good character. His heart is so good. The list would be to long for me to go over everything good people have said about Ben, his character and his committment to the Army.

 

Today is a sad day for Ben and I. Today marks Ben's last day in the Army. It was a day we thought he would see at 20 years or more. Definetly not under the circumstances we are in now. God had a different plan for Ben. He has not lost heart in what the task is before him now but trust me he would rather be deployed then doing what he's doing now.

Ben is sad, his heart is breaking a bit. He understands what is going on and knows why it has to happen but yet it is so hard for him. We don't really know what to do with our feeling and emotions right now. It is a change and it has to happen.

Ben has had a new mission his last three years in the Army and that is to get better! He has done amazing so far and has a warriors heart in it all! He tells me all the time, "just you watch, I will beat this stupid brain injury!" or "I will not give in!" or "I'm going to prove alot of people wrong!" The best one is "I will not surrender because surrender is not a Ranger word!" He will push on even through frustration, anger, craziness, moving backwards, stuck in a rut and all the things that are against him. Like I said he has a warriors spirit and heart!

 

There are alot of memories for Ben and for me too. We cannot stop making memories but we will for sure continue to look back and remember what was. I will always remember who Ben was in those years...the same man that he is today but just now he has a differnt path to walk down. I still sometimes wonder (ok alot of times) wonder how the heck we got down this path and why the heck we are still on it but we are here and that is it. We move forward, we continue to build memories!

 

 

 

 

 

Please help me honor Ben by saying some extra prayers for him, by telling another soldier "thank you" and for giving honor where honor is due. Please continue to pray for Ben's healing and recovery. I know this means the world to him and he just so much wants to get better!

He wants it SO bad!

 

We will be having a retirement ceremony for him the end of November (have to wait for the boys to get home) and so that will be a great time to honor him! If you would like to send him a note of thanks or have your kids make him some art I know he would love it! I would love to put together a scrap book for him with all of these in it! Please don't feel obligated to do so but it would be fun to have them for him! I want to have it ready for his retirement ceremony the end of November so if you would like to send him something please send it by the 20th of Nov!

You can send them to:

SFC Ben Rye

2641 Ballantine Dr. SE

Olympia, WA 98501

 

We are still continually in awe of all of you who still follow our journey! The prayers, comments, notes and emails all mean so much to both of us. It is one of the things that keep us going! Blessings to all of you and more posts to come! :)

 

 

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

Rangers Lead The Way!!!

need Him now...

we were driving the other day and the song below came on.
it has been on repeat.
we have read and re-read the words.
it is our hearts.
it is our feeling.
the questions are still there.
the fear still remains.
were going through change.
trials are at hand.
silence is not fun.
no answers makes life grueling.
but He has given us the strength
and He is with us.
jesus we still need you more and more...

Well, everybody's got a story to tell
And everybody's got a wound to be healed
I want to believe there's beauty here
So, I guess you're tired of holding on
I can't let go, I can't move on
I want to believe there's meaning here

How many times have you heard me cry out
"God please take this"?
How many times have you given me strength to
Just keep breathing?
Oh I need you
God, I need you now.

Standing on a road I didn't plan
Wondering how I got to where I am
I'm trying to hear that still small voice
I'm trying to hear above the noise

Though I walk, though I walk through the shadows
And I, I am so afraid
Please stay, please stay right beside me
With every single step I take

How many times have you heard me cry out?
And how many times have you given me strength?

I need you now
I need you now

go to the link below to listen...it wouldn't let me load it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnx0NA9X4&feature=related

san diego...

 

Ben and I just got back last Saturday from an amazing week in San Diego! We went down there for the National Veterans Summer Sports camp where there was a sport he participated in every day of the week! The weather was beautiful, the scenery amazing and the people wonderful! We were really taken care of and had a wonderful time!

I am going to surprise you all with a video I put together! Why I have not done this before with the posts that have mass photos I don't know but this time I took the time to figure it out! Thankfully at one point I closed my computer to shut it down before it over heated so it was saved. If I lost it I was going to give up and just go out and buy a new computer. It saved so the bank account remains the same! Anyways, yes I made a video and yes it is like 15 minutes but its fun!

Before the video I will break down the week for you...

Saturday - Flew in to San Diego! First time flying alone with Ben after the accident and it went really well! We got settled in our room (25th floor that everyone thought it was a pent house but I swear people it was a normal room) and then went to register Ben and meet his team leaders!

Later that night we met up with the besties and had dinner! Lindsey, my friend and her boys, have seen Ben a few times since the accident but Jeremy her husband had not so it was fun to go out to dinner with them like old times! Aww, then sleep!

Sunday - we slept in a bit, if sleeping in to 7am counts. We kind of got adjusted to where we were at and then went outside the back of the hotel which was backed up to the marina. Ben and I went exploring and had lunch along the way! It was a good long walk that we both enjoyed. Besides Ben being in his wheelchair it felt so "normal."

Later that day we had opening ceremonies where we met with our teams and had some instructions. The rest of the day was free time and we just spent time together!

Monday - today was cycling and rock wall climbing! Ben did the rock wall first, then a 10 mile bike ride along the water on Coronado Island and then the rock wall again! I must say that he did amazing on the rock wall. It was all in his arms!

(ive been trying to download a video but its being stubborn! i will post when it works!)

 

Tuesday - sailing!! First we went out on a big boat called the Stars and Stripes. It was such a cool boat to be on and Ben got to stand up and steer for it bit! There was alot of action out on sea! Helicopters, ships, Coast Guard, Navy Seals, actual seals and so much more! After lunch we went on a much smaller boat that Ben was able to help with and we also had some boat races!

Wednesday - this day was a full day!! We had to wake up at 5am to load the busses by 6am to go to the Olympic Training Center for track, field, rowing and archery! Ben did awesome once again! After that we hurried back to the hotel to get cleaned up and then load up once again to have dinner and music on the USS Midway! John Corbitt performed and Bo Derek was also ther

Thursday - we headed to Mission Bay yaght club! It was a beautiful place! It was bright and shiny when they started out but out of no where came the fog! Right as they came back in the sun came back out! The sun was out the rest of the way for their sailing/kyaking adventure!

Friday - surfing!! So much fun and Ben was in heaven that he could actually get in the water! Ha they have them wear helmets so he totally looks like an egg head but eh we don't need another brain injury! He went out about 3 times and caught about 5 waves each time! First he did it laying down and then he said he wanted to either stand or get on his hands and knees! Hands and knees it was and he did great! His surf instructor said that he wanted to see Ben next year standing on a board! Ben said he would be!

That evening we had an award ceremony, dinner and closing ceremonies! Followed by alot of photos!

I asked Ben on the way home what he thought about the clinic and he said he loved it! I asked him why he liked it and he said because he saw that he was not the only one injured and so it felt like he was not alone on this journey. He also said people showed him how to stay positive and that he was very motivated by the other guys that were there and were on their own journey to get better!

I don't think I have have seen Ben laugh or smile so much in one week! Also he did a really good job instigating conversation, asking questions, and instigating shaking hands with people!

Here is the video! No I am not the most techy person so if you see something weird just ignore it! :) Also in the first song there are two words that I don't like but didn't know how to get them out! The rest of the song is about a Fighter so just ignore those two words! Thanks! :)

 

Yesterday morning...Laying in bed this morning and I asked Ben why God isn't healing him faster because we both want it so bad? His response, "I really want to be healed but maybe God is using me as an example to other people of not to quit until I'm healed!" Me-don't you think we've waited long enough? B-yes but He has never quit on us so we cannot quit on Him!
His word for word...wise man!

mt. rainier and a few upcomings...

 

 

So, yesterday was Labor Day...no therapies due to the holiday.

Ben and I had looked at weather the day before and saw that it was to be nice and decided that we would head up to Mt. Rainier before the bad weather hit up there! Ben had not been up there since the accident and before then it had been some time because we were living in GA.

I had also looked up Sunday afternoon for some cabins but I should have known that they would all be booked due to the three day holiday! After thinking about this adventure a bit and fully knowing that there might be hills involved, if there were even any accessible trails for a wheelchair, I text one of my sisters Monday morning and asked if she wanted to join! Of course I asked them for just more then an extra set of hands! She and her kids were game because they were literally going to do labor at home and do chores! We had a good excuse to get them out of that, let's get Ben to Mt. Rainier!

 

We took off early afternoon because she said they did want to get a few things done and Ben and I needed a few extra minutes to get ready! She picked us up and we were off!

We drove all the way up to Paradise! Pretty much the highest point you can drive up to. We went into the Inn and asked what the best trails for a wheelchair were. The lady pointed to a trail head right close to where we were parked and said follow the signs to Myrtle Falls. She said it was a perfect lil trail that was paved and had a few (hand motions were lil ups and downs to form slopes) lil ups and downs. Well we started off...on an incline! I am so glad I didn't do a workout that morning because I def got it pushing! These were no lil hills...they were INCLINES and almost all uphill with hills in between! My sister and I took turns and at most points had to do it together! Of course in stead of offering to help people just laughed with us as we pushed Ben up and our bodies were pretty much parallel to the ground! It didn't help that we were laughing because it made it worse. Oh note to y'all who don't have to push people in wheelchairs...PLEASE don't walk right in front of the person being pushed and PLEASE don't stop directly in front of us...especially on a hill!! We asked Ben along the way, which clearly we shouldn't have, and his response was, "I am great because you guys are doing all the work!" Of course that was followed by, "if I could walk this on my own you know I would!"

 

We got to the top, at Myrtle Falls and it was definetley worth it! It was a beautiful view of the mountain, water, flowers and valleys! God's amazing creation! I looked at that mountain and was just amazed that Ben had climbed and peaked it 2 times before! When you look at it your like oh that doesn't look to bad of a climb but when you LOOK at it you say there is no way! But to know my man did it 3 times and wanted many more was amazing in itself!

 

We hung up there for a bit and met a great couple from England who now live in Seattle. The were older then us and had pushed their dad up in a wheelchair. I figured if they could do it us young (yes were still young) bucks could do it as well. We took each other photos and got to chatting a bit. The lady had a spinal cord injury and she never thought that she could make it. It took alot for her and she avoided some stairs because of balance issues but she made it. Ben shared a little of his story and they were able to encourage each other. It was a cool moment!

 

Going down this trail we were on! Ha, I truly wished we had taken video of it all! We had to be a sorry sight for sure! On the say down my sister and I literally each had one hand on the handle and the other holding on to the back of the seat. We were in the sitting position and literally pulling ben back as we tried not to run down the hill from his chair and weight pulling us down! People did actually ask if we needed help then...again, a sight for sore eyes! Ha!

 

All in all it was a wonderful afternoon! Of course we hit alot of traffic on the way home but we survived that and made it home safely! Ben especially was a happy man, I am sure it was the fresh mountain air that helped!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The upcomings...

 

So, we have alot coming up and I am sure that there will be things that I will forget to list! Bear with me!

 

1. We are going to San Diego in the next few weeks! Ben got accepted into a VA sports camp that they offer every year! They do kyacking, sailing, biking, track, surfing...and whatever else they are going to offer! It will be a jam packed schedule of sports and fun! It will be our first adventure flying on our own but thankfully it is a short flight and so it should be fine! We are super excited for this adventure!

 

2. Ben has his first official orthodontist appointment tomorrow. They will be checking out his teeth, taking impressions and hopefully getting a good treatment plan in line. We are praying that it will only entail one surgery in this process but there might be two. Prayerfully we will get the answers we need...but we are dealing with the Army here! :)

 

3. Towards the end of the month I get to go with my mom and sisters on a lil weekend (much deserved for all of us) trip. It will be tons of fun for all of us! Ben will be hanging out with his nurse and dad...good time for them to get alot of football in!

 

4. October will be a bittersweet month for us. That month Ben will transition out of the Army. He has now been in for a lil over 13 years and has served his country well. We are praying for a smooth transition but there is alot that needs to happen. We have some amazing people working with us and that has been a huge blessing.

 

5. During the time of Bens transition we will be meeting with new docs and new people we will be working on from then on out. I have a long list of questions, referrals, needs and so on that I have to present to them! Ha, watch out! Hey, it's all for Ben and I will fight for him to get the best! Please be praying that all of this goes well...

 

6. October 27th marks our 5th wedding anniversary! I cannot believe it will be 5 years! Anyways we are trying to decide what we might do to make it special...we shall see!

 

7. Towards the beginning of November we will be heading down to Texas! Ben has been asked by his good buddy to be his best man and his finace has asked me to be her bridesmaid! We are so honored that we can be there for them! We will be in southern texas on the beach! Super excited about this!

 

8. The end of November we will be having a retirement ceremony/party for Ben. We are having to wait a little longer for Ranger reasons. More planning!

 

That is all I can think of right now! So, as you can see there is alot of planning, doing, task lists, issues to solve, things to do, travel arrangements to be made, things to check off the list(s), and so many other things...this of course doesn't include the things that we have going on a daily basis and things that I just have to do around the house and get things done! Lord help me! :)

 

We will for sure keep you updated on these things. Im not giving out dates for safety reasons but of course I will be taking hundreds of photos of the things that were doing!!

another year...

 

"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." Psalm 36:5

 

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

 

Just two months shy of our 5th wedding anniversary we are living a life that we never expected to live. If it were up to Ben and I we would be living in North Carolina and Ben working with an elite military group, we would own a house, probably have a baby, I would be working part time in my dream job, in the PICU or NICU, traveling when Ben was home, doing fun things together, exploring and so many other things. This is what people so close to their 5th wedding anniversary should be doing...living and loving!

 

If someone had told me that we were going to be doing almost the exact opposite and also throw a brain injury into the mix I don't know if we would have believed them and we would probably never drive again!

 

Three years ago we almost lost our lives. We should have but God had other plans. I still wonder why and I still wonder why it wasn't me that was more seriously injured and not Ben. He did nothing to deserve this, neither did I but he is the elite soldier whom everyone respects and wanted to be. But then again when I tell him I wish I could switch places with him he reminds me that, "you would never be strong enough to do what I have to do."

 

Would we do it again? Um no! I don't think if you asked anyone if they would re-live a traumatic event, lost a loved one, has gone through a major illness, lost a baby and so on if they would do it again would you get a yes answer. But, we don't have a say in the matter...it happened and we then have to decide what we are going to do with it.

 

So, this third "alive" anniversary...we are alive and we are greatful! We have the Lord and each other. I would have thought, and have prayed alot about this, that we would be further then where we are in Ben's recovery but that is not always for me to know. At times it is disappointing because Ben and I long for it so much! We would give up alot to have it. Ben only has potential to get better, something God gave to him and we are blessed for that!

 

Ben refuses to give up and that is another thing that keeps me going. You would think it was the other day but he continues to be the man of the house in that way...he doesn't want to fail his wife and will keep going until he knows he has done all he can. The LORD has given him that courage and determination! I of course draw my strength from the Lord but I draw some of it from Ben as well. He really inspires me to get out of bed every morning...even if it is way to early!

 

I was getting  ready the other day and was overwhelmed by all the blessings God has given to us. Everything from finances, smooth transitions, situations solved, certain people in our life and so on. I realized that we have ALOT! I was asking God why He had blessed us so much in life? Yes, it is not the 100% healing in this moment but He has chosen to bless us in other ways. Why us? Why me when I have not always been the most faithful to HIM and have not always been the one thanking and praising...and sometimes just asking! He softly said to my heart that it's not always about being faithful but it is the fact that He loves us and He takes care of His children. He said, no I have not healed Ben 100%, the time has not yet come for that yet, but I can bless you in other ways. I can be near you and show you that I am here, I care and I see your heart and what you are going through.

This blessed me in a huge way. We are so undeserving but yet God still thinks we deserve!

 

So, the above saying in the photo...AWAKE, ALIVE, BLESSED...that is Ben and I. We woke up this morning, 3 years after a day when we could have been gone, we are very much alive and kicking, and we are truly blessed by the Lord.

 

Life still stinks at times and is incredibly hard but to have those three words before me brings it back to what God has done. Yes, there are days when Ben and I want to give up, were done, finished...but we have to go back to what God has done. Hard yes!! Worth remembering, yes!

 

We look forward to what God has for us in this new year. We pray for more healing, we pray for more blessings, we pray for more love for our God, we pray for more love for each other, we pray many people will come to know Jesus and we pray that this will just be an amazing year!

 

Thank you for continuing to stick with us and pray for us. That is apart of the many blessings in our lives! Prayer is powerful and it helps! We are honored to have you in our lives and are grateful for each and every one of y'all!!

"Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." JK Rowling

 

hiking and randoms...

This above saying is so true yet so hard to do! We will never know what God has for us if we just stay on the comfort of the shore. On the shore you have everything you need but if you step out into the water it may be all stripped away! But, if we don't step off the shore we may miss what God has for us across the ocean! There may be more blessings, more healing, more of Him, more relationships, more peace, more love...alot more! Just what I have been pondering a bit about...

 

Ok so I left y'all hanging as to Ben going on a hike. He has actually gone on a few hikes since then. This one is one that I went on with him and his OT so I snatched a few photos and video!

 

Ben had gone on one before this but it was a shorter one. They had time to practice before I came along! What happens is that Ben pretty much does the walking and his OT follows right close behind him and helps him with his balance. He is also there to help guide Ben in his footing and for rest breaks!

 

Here are a few photos...

 

 {working on standing on his own!}

 

{his OT was tying his shoes and ben took off the rail}

 

{gettin ready} 

 

 {and they're off}

 

{beauty of the trail} 

 

{love us some PNW!}

 

{end of the hike!}

 

For some reason my phone wont send the videos so we will have to skip that! Sorry folks!

 

Ben's new thing after the last 2 hikes he has been on is to ask the OT to drive him to a local donut place here called Heavenly Donuts! His purchase, apple fritters! He loves those things and we don't have them often so I found it hilarious of him to ask his OT to look up directions and take him there!

 

The randoms...

 

 {amazing creamy avocado bean wraps that ben said i could make again}

 

 {we went camping with my fam}

 

 {God made some amazing scenery, including my man}

 

{washing dishes was on his ST task list for him...did amazing!} 

 

 

 

side note on the dish washing. Ben's ST has given him a few tasks around the house because he said that he wanted to help me out and assist to "lift my burden!" Sweet man, yes he's mine! Anyways, one of them was to wash dishes and put them in the dishwasher. He did this at the beginning of the year and I had to stand behind him and also have his chair there in case he got tired and needed to sit. This time I saved him all the plastics to put in. He did them all and stood the whole time we me just standing by! What a miracle this is! I will always have a dishwasher in the house! Best of all is that he felt very good about his job and that he was able to help me out!

 

 {homework}

 

{after a hard days work!}

 

 

{marion berries that i turned into paleo bars}

 

 {love when the neighbors put out free veggies!}

 

 {don't they both look guilty?}

 

{we cleaned the garage a bit ago}

 

 {it was not crazy pants day, i was just crazy that day and put them on backwards}

 

I am working on a list of all the things that are going on now and that are coming up for us! My mind is in a thousand different directions and I'm being pulled in every single one of those directions. It is good though because for the most part it is all going smoothly. Once I get that list together I will share it!

 

One prayer for right now is sleep for both Ben and I. Ben was sleeping through the night, and so was I, for a long period of time. That is gone now! I can go through the day with no naps even if I'm exausted but to lose my sleep at night is not good. It's not good for either of us! Ben gets super restless and sits up alot in bed. I have to be careful so he doesn't get too restless and fall out of bed. That scares me because he has been close! When he sits up, everytime it wakes me up! So, please pray for rest and sleep! We need it!

 

boating, biking and hiking...

Well, being as I am going to be up until midnight watching the Olympics, like I have from the day they started, I figured why not put my time to good use! Not that I waste the nights away by just sitting here but I have alot of calls to make and I will only get voice mails and wouldn't get anywhere!

A few weeks ago we launched our boat! It wasn't the nicest evening but the next few days were to be somewhat decent so we thought it would be a good time to do it. We launched it on a Friday late afternoon and that evening Ben wanted to take it for a drive. After a lil work we got him in, we don't have a dock yet at my parents so it's an interesting process, but then we took off. I got it out past the bouys (sp) and then let Ben take it from there! I was interested to see how he would do compared to last year. Last year we had to help him steer and use the throttle! This year we did nothing except for a few words of direction...and he amazing! Be loved the fact that we were not telling him what to do and that he was in control!

[the beast!]

[waiting his turn to drive]

 [there he goes]

 [loving every minute!]

The following day we hit the lake again with wakeboarding and tubing in our plans! My lil brother was up visiting from AZ so it was him, his girlfriend, my other lil bro, Ben and I! It was a lil chilly but it eventually warmed up!

Ben really wanted to inner tube! Last year he went for the first time since the accident and he did well but this year he again did alot better! Last time he had a hard time holding his head up and didn't last long on the tube due to his upper body strength. This year he went around the lake quite a few times and also held his head up the whole time! During the ride Ben kept giving me the thumbs up to go faster but me being the responsible one kept it at a safe pace! He got back into the boat and was grinning but of course had to mention that "you didn't go fast enough!"

We have been out a few more times with other family members and friends. We met some new friends and took them out too. Down side for them is that they recently moved here from Hawaii and it didn't warm up to much! Can we say goose bumps! I met up with her a few days later for coffee and cupcakes, that made up for the cold boat ride!!

Another awesome adventure Ben is starting in again is biking! There is a great organization up in Seattle who offers adaptive equiptment for those who need it. Before the accident Ben was an avid road biker. He biked to work in the summers...like 25 miles one way, or whenever the weather was nice. He got me into it in GA and it was something fun for both of us together. For some time now he has been talking about gettin back on a bike again. We went to this facility a few weeks ago and trialed a bike! Ben couldn't wait to get on it! He did and he shot away from us! We had to slow him down a bit by putting him in a grass field so he could get the idea of how this new bike worked! Once he got the hang of it Ben went back on the concrete and did much better!

That Saturday Ben's OT came down and all three of us went on our first ride! I had to borrow a bike, which reminds me I need to get my road bike tuned up! We went for about an hour and a half. This ride was not about speed but about Ben controlling his speed, listening to directions and controling the bike. It took him a little bit but he did do really well. We took a bathroom break along the way and a few stops just to make sure he was doing ok. The next Tuesday Ben and his OT went out on their own and went for 2 hours and covered 12 miles!! My man rode on a bike for 12 stinkin miles! Praise Jesus!!

[getting instruction]

[getting ready]

[ready]

 [beginning saturdays ride]

[back to riding together]

[our scenery]

Next step is to get in contact with the VA regarding getting Ben a bike of his own. It was good to trial it to see how it went and how Ben did and next will be tackling it. Praying that it doesn't take long and that we can get Ben moving on a bike again...plus it lifts his spirits!

Ok, now on to another adventure we went on. Ben and his OT had gone on a hike without his walker and wheelchair a few days before we went...ya know to practice so I wouldn't pass them up on the trails!

Biking and a few more pics coming up...my computer over heated and crashed a few times while trying to get this up so I will try and finish tomorrow so it doesn't happen again...also attempting to put up a longer biking video!

To be continued...