Sunday, August 19, 2007

A picture with the kids


Hi! Not much to report today. I'm still making progress with my left arm. Today I can lift it all the way over my head. I couldn't touch my nose on Thursday morning so that's a big improvement. The leg is still slow in responding, but I have been able to push very slightly with my left quadriceps so that's a small step in the right direction. The therapists say my recovery is very unusual. Evidently, most people with brain injuries recover the use of their leg before their arm and muscle activity generally starts closer to the trunk and moves to the extremities. In my case, I've been moving my fingers since immediately after the surgery and am working my way back to the trunk. Hopefully the anomaly is a good sign.

Here is a picture of us having dinner in the cafeteria on Saturday. Kelly brought in "Noodles & Company" for dinner. The kids were great. It made me feel good to hear them arguing about which one gets to sit next to me and who gets to push me in the wheelchair first. I haven't heard them complain once about having to visit me or postpone some other activity because of me. Instead, they constantly tell me how much they love me and that I'm the best dad in the whole world. I am awed by their unwavering strength, their boundless hope, and their endless compassion. They make me so proud, and I love them very much.

Jeff

10 comments:

Katie Elsener said...

Jeff,
This is a great photo. You look terrific. Kelly should moonlight as a barber! The kids are adorable.
Keep improving. Thanks again for the update. I have your blog on my desktop and I check it every day.
Sincerely, Katie

aubrey said...

hey dad! i have to go to bed now, but i just wanted to leave a comment so you'd know i read the blog. luv ya!
love,
aubrey

Katie Clancy said...

Hi Jeff & Company!
Great photo. It looks like you have a mohawk Jeff! I am so glad that you're in Milwaukee so close to everyone vs. Houston. No surprise that the kids are such troupers - they have some incredible parents they've learned from. Congrats on the progess...Will call. Received your and Kelly's messages... lots of love, Katie

Terri said...

AWE!!! You guy's look so cute. I love the pictures on the blog site it's nice to see everyone. I have to say I am jealous, I see all of you dressed in long sleeves and pants and I can't wait for fall. It is supposed to be 97 degrees here in Hastings today. Oh,well. Anyway, I'm glad you're making progress with your leg. I'm sure it's frustrating when you immediately want it to work and you have to wait and see, this whole ordeal has been a "wait and see" and that can get old fast. I will continue to pray for you and for a speedy return of the use of your leg. Thanks for the update and pict. Love, Terri

michelle wait said...

Hey Jeff! You do have awesome kids. They're parents are really great too! Jeff and I are looking forward to our trip to Wisconsin. Doesn't it feel like forever since we've seen Pat and Tracy?
Love,
Michelle

teasley_5 said...

Jeff & Kelly,
I don't know how you guys do it, but you know how to find the humor in all of this. You had us laughing so hard at some of your comedy we almost fell off our chairs! You really should look at doing some stand up comedy as a couple! I bet you would sell out!
Keep fighting and stay strong.
We will keep praying for you on our end!
Love and prayers,
Jason, Chanda, Alex, Noah & Bailey

Patrick and Tracy said...

Hey guys- We are in the Paris airport getting ready to board our 10 hour leg of the trip. Yeehaw!!! We will see you all tomorrow nite when we drive in.
Love, Uncle Pat and Aunt Tracy

aubrey said...

hi every1!! i m just leaving a comment 2 say "hi" 2 u all! so hi alex, noah, bailey, chanda, jason, uncle pat, aunt tracy, katie (e), katie (c), aunt terri, aunt michelle, and jeff :)

michelle wait said...

hey aubrey kate! can't wait to see you thursday!

teasley_5 said...

Hey Aubrey! I had so much fun with you in Kansas, we need to do it again:) Hope school is awesome! I am praying for your family.
Bye, Alex