Progress brings joy!!

May 15

My steps were quicker and my heart sang as I headed home from the hospital today. The weather was perfect, the kind of spring day you dream about. Birds sang and a light breeze swept through my hair as I stopped off at the local nursery to check out the latest shipment of spring annuals that had arrived for planting. Even though I normally look forward to the feel of fresh dirt under my fingernails in the spring, this year I was dreading the thought, worried that perhaps Marilyn would never see the results of my efforts. However, today was different because today I had the privilege of a stroll around the neighborhood with Marilyn at my side. Mind you, the only one strolling was me, and the neighborhood was the hospital ward, but for the first time in 5 weeks Marilyn was able to see past the four blue walls surrounding her hospital bed, dawn her favorite silky house coat and perch on a special stretcher/chair for a roll through the halls and out into the fresh air. Marilyn was left with more than the normal fare of pain and I know she was enduring it for the sake of me and all the nurses and therapists that have worked so hard with her over the past month. But I am hoping the experience is one that will become more and more frequent. I am hoping that the thought of attending David and Tracie’s wedding will not only motivate exercise but also become a reality July 1.

Marilyn’s exercise regime is beginning to take shape and I am seeing less resistance. I am sure your prayers are helping. She is still terrified of falling but a new approach is making a difference. The therapists and nurses have all stopped by to check out Marilyn’s progress chart and are beginning to have fun with it. I am wondering why I have had no firm commitments from any of you out there reading my daily ramblings. Have you taken the time to click on the link and see her latest accomplishments? If not - then please do. Caulene – this was your brainchild – What is your commitment to the project? I have promised to climb a flight of stairs instead of take the elevator for every star Marilyn earns. That means 4 flights of stairs for me every time I enter the hospital tomorrow and I will be in and out several times seeing that I am cheap and park where I have to move the car every hour or so. Ardith – I am waiting for your final word on your commitment to practice a few extra minutes on your harp for each star – who knows, with all that extra practice we may be hearing from Carnegie Hall about your upcoming recital. And David – I know you are committed to exercise – in fact I overheard you teaching Tracie a few arm exercises on Sunday. So – where are all those emails – I am expecting to have to add a bunch of extra personal goals to my chart soon. Seriously though, I know Marilyn will respond much more enthusiastically if she realizes that there are many people behind her both practically and in fervent prayer.

Thanks for all your support

Here is my email
brseeley@cbe.ab.ca