Chris has now finished his first week and a half at G.F.Strongs.

We are so impressed with the staff there.The program is incredible. He has settled in and has the nurses all trained on how to manage the IV machine… things are looking up. heh heh.

Chris has shown more independence than they ever had anticipated. He is working out well in the Physio Therapy times. He gets 3 or 4 ½ hour sessions a day, (if the IV’s run smoothly…. And on time…… This has been mostly good but gets a little tricky at times.) and he gets 2 or 3 Occupational therapy sessions each day.

With those sessions, the IV times and other appointments with the Social Worker and Dietician and others…IF and it is a big IF, all goes well…. He possible gets a little time off just around 5 for dinner… He is back on the IV at 6 depending on how cooperative the IV Machine is and the timing thing with the nurses… He could be off again just after 6:45 and not on again until 8 pm giving him time for a quick run over to the Starbucks and Safeway between this time.

He gets time off until midnight after the 8-9pm IV if he is still awake. His IV’s run at -4-6-8-am and 12 noon 4-6-8-pm and midnight He is for sure in his room at these times.

Physio is really pleased with his progress. She measured his knee bend when he first came in and then just before their goal setting assessment on him this week and he had gone from a 80’ to 89’ degree bend. When he was admitted, his shoulder had frozen and there was not much range. Today she was showing us just how far he had come. He is definitely making good progress.

She was really stretching both his arm and his toes today… when she asked him if it hurt he would say no but he could feel it….Today she asked him if he could feel it.. she knew she was really cranking it… … His answer was…” It definitely is a good stretch.”

She has now learned that means it is pulling really good and most people would be saying “OWWW that hurts!”. He has worked with the balance ball, and pulled pulleys with both his arms and legs. He has a good handle on the walker, and she loves his attitude.

Occupational Therapy works more with his hand and fingers, on his manipulating skills and building strength. They are also bringing in cognitive skills and coping skills.

Chris has whipped me at more games of Scrabble, Dung Beetle and Rummy (his way) than I care to admit. Especially today…. Not a good day for me.

He really enjoys when he gets visitors. He talks about it after and really appreciates it. From 4pm on into the evening is the best time as all the other appointments are finished by then and he is in his room. Also weekends. He has his phone number on the bulletin board if he is out of the room.

He picked up some raw carrots and olives from the Safeway tonight to have for a snack later, while he is watching a DVD. (He wheeled himself over there and picked up what he wanted, went through the check out himself. He did it like NO Sweat! )

From the assessment, we have found out that he should be another 4 weeks non weight bearing and then Chris’ team would like for him to stay there for two more weeks to get him walking, using his left leg and foot before they send him home. So all going well He would be released from G.F. Strong sometime early to mid November. This is not definite but a goal to look forward to.

Please continue praying for his bones to heal, for his arm and hand to continue recovering to wholeness, for healing and restoration body soul and spirit.

We thank God for all the promises He has given us and continue to hold fast to that which He has promised He is also able to perform. And will fulfill that which we have committed unto Him and He will complete the good work He has begun in Chris.