November 28th to August 28th

Today marked 9 months since that fateful day, the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the day the world turned upside down.  Putting that in perspective, it is the same time an expectant mom would wait as she carried and nurtured the child developing inside of her body.  I guess we inpatient males could never have survived that mission of love; for me this has been a long nine months.  Today was a special day as Lance attended worship service at Vanceburg Christian Church for the first time since his accident.

The past month has gone well as Lance makes progress through 4 outpatient therapy visits per week-3 in Ashland and 1 in Lexington.   His therapists are so special and we appreciate each one; thanks to Amy, Ryan, Leslie, Lacey, and wow Susan, you are so very special to us.  During these visits he gets speech, occupational, and physical therapy.  He continues to be treated for muscle tone-a common problem for patients like Lance.  It is improving.  We are seeing movement in the left leg; I praise God for this ,after watching it lay still for 8 months.  He can move his right arm/hand much better now and has been eating much more in the past week.  One of his favorite things has been fresh peaches from the orchard. 

Communication has improved also.  We have been surprised at his memory of the past: people, events, important numbers(such as social security number).  It is wonderful when he expresses his own thoughts.  I had taped a Ben Harper concert and we were watching it Monday evening.  I paused it and Gena asked if he was ready for shower; without moving his eyes away from the TV he said "Maybe later."  We laughed and watched the concert in its entirety.

Thursdays are for Cardinal Hill; we often run into old friends there as Lance takes his "walk" on the lokomat, supervised by Shelby.  Always as the van goes through Lexington, he watches out the window and takes in the familiar sites.  He seldom sleeps as we travel and has tolerated the many miles well.

Back to church.......we had discussed church attendance a few times but it was evident that it was a troubling topic for Lance.  Three weeks ago, on a Friday evening, we drove to Vanceburg Christian and went inside.  Ed and Teresa Bryant were there and we visited with them for a few minutes. Then Lance and I went to the back of the sanctuary and paused behind the back pew as we gazed toward the stage.  After a couple of minutes Lance became very emotional.....and cried out.  I'm not sure what was going on in his heart during those moments but I know that God was there comforting Lance.  I believe Lance felt Him then and that God has made His presence known to him on this journey; I look forward for Lance to be able to tell us about that part of the story.  What did Lance remember as he looked over the pews to the front of the room?  Was it the beautiful stained glass?  (One of my favorite scenes is Jesus holding a small lamb....just like He holds us when we are frail.)  Did he recall plays in which he had participated?  Did he recall being behind the pulpit when one of the shortest sermons in history was shared, by him?   Could he have been thinking about playing music in worship?  This was one of his loves and he had stood on that very stage and played his bass guitar to the Lord just seven hours before the crash. 

Whatever happened that night, I figure Lance knew best - it wasn't time for him to attend.  I continued to raise the question 2-3 times per week and each time the answer was negative.....until this past week.  I asked multiple times, to be sure I was not getting the wrong impression; each time the answer was yes.  I am thankful tonight that Lance had followed Christ and accepted His grace.  The Comforter, I know, will be there meeting his needs from this day forward.

-John

well, you must be going to the right church

This blog has been viewed over 100,000 times. I can not even begin to express my gratitude for all of you. For all of your cards and calls, texts and dinners, they have all helped us help Lance.
The past two weeks have been truly amazing.
As most of you know, in early July, Lance was whispering a few words every day. That has certainly continued. He came home from Cardinal Hill on July 11th. We've been busy since then. He is still traveling to Ashland three times a week and to Lexington once a week for therapy. We thought this would wear him out. Nope. He does fine. We are the ones that are worn completely out :)
He has continued to work hard in every therapy session he has been to. The therapist at Kings Daughters have been amazing at helping him. He continues to get stronger in his legs and his arms. He will follow commands better with his right arm and right leg. Even some with his left arm, which we've been so worried about.
One morning about 2 weeks ago, my dad walked in his room and said, Hey Lance, How are you? and Lance said, "I"m fine, How are you?"
Is it ok that I'm italicizing and changing the color of his words? well, I am anyway.
Since then I've pretty much been grilling him. Trying to see who he remembers, how far back he remembers and how recent he remembers.
He knows his birthday. Very clearly, he will say March 10th. 1986 is sometimes muffled. His voice will sometimes be weak. Sometimes the speech is slurred and sometimes he gets tired and doesn't want to talk at all. I asked him how many years were between us, he told me three. I asked him how many years were between me and Brock, he quickly answered six.
He knows all of the months of the year, the days of the week and who the president is. He also answered yes when I asked him if he thinks the questions we are asking him are stupid :)
I started saving simple headshots of friends and family and saving them to the iPad. I've tried to get a hold of everyone to let them know that he can say their name. Among the famous are... Brock (of course, he's his favorite) Ben Harrison, Derrick Reeder, Alex McGlone, Jean McGlone, Chris McGlone, Megan McGlone, Clay Lykins, Brandon McDaniel, Spencer Walters, Jasper LeMaster, Chad Kidwell, Lacey Collins (not Patton), Travis Patton, Corry Eveland, Ashley Cooper, Jared Dixon, Matt Voiles, Randy Lucas, Patrick Barker, Trish Murphy, Doug Boyd, Aaron Kegley, Mary Rohrer, Chase Plummer, Colton Halverson, Kaylee Cooper, Daniel McClurg, and Mike Halcomb.
also... Bill Clinton and John Coltrane.

Lance had an appointment with a neurologist last Thursday. It turned out to be quite a long day, with an extended time in their lovely waiting room. We went through a facebook album of one of his classmates from Patterson. He told me a name for almost every person in the album. I showed him the famous Kinneydip picture from the new years day of 2010 and I asked him where it was, he answered, Kinney. I think that all of this information is still in Lance's head. He just needs some help getting it all out. Once we finally were back to see the doctor, he was certainly amazed that Lance had been nearly comatose for so long and then began talking after 7 months. After Lance told him his name and birthdate, the doctor said "well, you must be going to the right church."
Thats right. We are. Good things are happening.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and continued support. and Give God All the Glory!

Lance has been home for a week now! The first evening, he was able to go outside on the back deck and look at the river. However, since then, its been too hot for him to be outside. He continues to mouth more words each day. Most mornings, he will say "Good Morning." He can say almost everyones name... except mine, of course. If only I had an easy name :(


Lance is traveling to Lexington once a week for Lokomat therapy and to Ashland for outpatient therapy, 2 or 3 times a week. We are so excited to meet all of his new therapists and see what they can do to help Lance in his recovery. One, we know and already love, Leslie Weddington! 
Since the schedule is so hectic, we ask that if you want to come visit Lance, just get a hold of one of us. He needs lots of rest since most of his time is spent on the road. But I think he has enjoyed people visiting him. 


Its been a rough week in Lewis County. I'm asking that you keep both of these families in your prayers. They need renewed faith and strength to get through the days, weeks and years ahead of them.


A couple days ago, a 17 year old volunteer from Chicago drowned in Kinniconick Creek. You can read about it here.


A week ago yesterday, a 16-year old from Garrison, passed away. Drew Riffe. His mom is Tracie, a cousin to my step-mom, Gena. His dad, George and step-mom, Tessa are great friends of mine. Drew loved to ride horses. The day of his burial, 153 horses rode along side him for his last ride here on earth. 


To honor Drew, the the Rough Riders Saddle Club of Lewis County will host its July trail ride on July 23rd at George and Tessa Riffes' on Bill Chain Road in Garrison, KY off of Route 3311. 
They will be riding the entire Mountain Trail from start to finish, roughly 8 or 9 hours. This is a difficult ride. The ride will start promptly at 9:30am. Riders need to include a trail lunch. A cookout will follow the ride on the Riffe farm at the days end. 


Please RSVP to Kirk Collier at 606-541-4207 or Reah Stone at 606-541-5009 or Becky Horsley 606-541-0157. 


Directions: If traveling East on AA HWY: Turn right off of AA onto 3311, If traveling West on AA HWY: turn left off of AA onto 3311. Go approximately a mile, and turn onto Bill Chain Road, his place is on the right. Signs will be posted.


I know many of you aren't from Lewis County and won't be able to attend this trail ride, but please keep this family in your hearts and prayers this Saturday.

Tour de Lance

Hello to all and I continue to be so grateful to each of you for your interest in and prayers for Lance.  My last blog described Lance's move to Cardinal Hill Rehab Hospital in Lexington, Ky.  Sorry it has been so long but hours of driving the 100.5 miles from our driveway to the C.H. parking lot, 3-4 days per week for treating patients, a little sleep, and every possible hour with Lance has busied me the past 2 months.  He has been blessed with 2 months of time at C. H. in which he received wonderful nursing care, outstanding therapy, and excellent medical supervision by Dr. Nickerson.  These truly are a dedicated group of individuals who have rallied around Lance and family and have played a huge role in his recovery.  There have been bleak days during the stay - times when progress seemed very slow.  But there have been exciting days as well.  The past 10 have been like traveling when you were young - you are very anxious to get to the destination, you feel that something special is going to happen, but it seems like you will never arrive.

In the past few days he has eaten his first food since Thanksgiving weekend.  It seems to be going well and Gena cannot wait for him to be home so she can cook some of his favorites.  The current plan has him returning home by this weekend; we will start outpatient therapy as soon as consults can be done.

Lance has been trying to get some words out for the past 3 weeks - thanks in a large way to Gretchen, his speech therapist for the past 8 weeks.  Jill had seen him move his lips to "mom" and other times we could make out names and phrases "I love you" and "God is good".  A week ago Thursday about 6AM he said the first syllable of Chontale, a member of the nursing staff; this was with enough volume that it surprised me.  Later that same day he whispered "dad" and I had never heard a more beautiful sound than that faint whisper.  Since that time he has said (or attempted to say each of our names).  Chelcee asked him "Who is our dad?" and "Who is our mom?" - he quickly whispered "John" and "Jill".  That was middle of last week.  On Friday he said "Gena" to her.  Saturday morning, during a visit from Tom and Karen Cox, he faintly whispered "Tom".

Tonight was really cool.  The speech therapist called Lance after she had gone home for the day; Jill was there in the room and answered phone, then handed it to Lance.  He whispered "hi" and "bye" to Gretchen.  Soon afterward, I called and Lance said those word to me as well.  I asked him about Brock(who was also in the room) and he said "Brock" audibly.  When you have not heard from someone you cherish for 7 1/2 months, these are big events.  We celebrate and give God all  the glory for the good that is coming from this experience.  We know and trust that God is taking care of Lance, consoling him during fearful times, and providing the Holy Spirit abiding presence so he knows that the Creator of the universe is still watching over his every  breath - knowing the number of hairs on his head.

After the phonecall this evening and after watching Stage 9 of the Tour de France earlier today, I felt the compelling need to take a bicycle ride.  It was dusk and it was very hot/humid but I jumped on Lance's  Felt bicycle which he had purchased with graduation cash he received after earning his Master's Degree at the Patterson School of Diplomacy.  I rode 3 miles to one of my favorite spots - the peak of the Ronald Reagan Road.  This is a connector road from the AA Hwy to the Black Oak community; it is one mile road and is a decent challenge on a bicycle because of the grade.  Just as one begins the descent, you get a beautiful panoramic view of the Ohio River valley.  Tonight the sun looked like a bright red molten ball as it dropped over the mountain.  I enjoy the beauty of this place for many reasons.  Often I would stop as I gazed across the valley and call Lance - he would always give me time to describe what it looked like at that moment.  He would say I wish I was there with you, dad......and I felt like he meant it.  Tonight seated on his bicycle, listening to his voice, realizing the long and grueling tour he has traveled (and knowing there are many miles left before we arrive in Paris) made me feel him very close.  Thank-you, his fans and friends, who line the narrow mountain path and cheer him on each day with your prayers, with your love, with your tears.

An FFH song goes something like this: "This would not be the road I would choose for me; but it still feels right somehow.  I have never felt Him as close to me - as I do right now, as I do right now."  Him is capitalized because Him is God.  Thank you God for victorious days like today.  Thanks for being close though, even on days that seem gray.

-John

c'mon baby, do the locomotion

The past couple of weeks at Cardinal Hill have been wonderful!
Lance has shown great improvement in almost all areas. There are several coma recovery scales that have been used to measure Lance's consciousness. He is now measuring a 4 on the Rancho scale. Some might say that he is awake... I still have faith that there is more emerging to come.

I mentioned before that during speech therapy, not only are they working towards vocalization, they are working on all kinds of communication. Lance has a mouse that can plug into a computer, its a huge mouse. with a baseball size trackball. And left and right color coded buttons. When you ask Lance to roll the trackball up and down, he does. He can also roll is from left to right. When dad ask him to right click, he follows that command. One day last week, he moved a card on a solitaire board using the mouse. He will also mouth not only single words, but phrases. Such as God is Good. and I Love You. He can count from 1 to 10. So even though he can't move the noise up and out, most of us can read his lips.
Yesterday, Ted and Holly Gilbert came to visit him. Ted taught Lance how to play guitar several years ago. Ted, Lance, Brock, Dad and Kevin Angel were in a band called Joyful Racket. Ted played several of their old songs, and when he played How Great is Our God, Lance mouthed almost every word!

After continuous casting on his arms, botox injections and strenuous stretching, I think that the tone has been broken in Lance's arms. He is able to stretch them out almost straight. His left arm still doesn't do as much as the right. But his hand will squeeze yours. and sometimes he will rotate his shoulder while sitting up. Last week, they began pool therapy for Lance. The warm pool water has really helped in many areas. Lance loves to swim, and we get to get in the pool with him.

A couple weeks ago Lance was eating bites of pureed chicken. However, something has caused his swallowing reflex to decrease. We think this may have been caused by the Botox that was administered to the muscles in his arms. In some rare causes, Botox has been known to temporarily paralyze muscles that are involved in swallowing. So, until that effect wears off, we will be only giving him ice chips.

Back in March and April when we were at home, Lance had great strength in his core. He was able to help us stand and sometimes he even wanted to continue to stand. Because of seizures medication and medicine to help with the tone in his arms, that core strength has been lessened over the past several weeks. However, last Tuesday the therapist decided to see how long he could sit on the edge of the exercise mat with his feet on the floor. They were watching their watches closely, hoping he could make it to 30 seconds. Lance sat perfectly still, with zero support for 30 seconds, then a minute. then two minutes. Then... as more of the staff gathered around, he continued to sit. There were calls being made to the insurance company and all eyes were on him, as he sat upright for 20 minutes!

The other big thing is the Lokomat! The Lokomat is a robot.. sort of. Lance is strapped into a harness and is suspended over a treadmill. More straps secure his shoulders and legs, all of this is hooked up to a computer which assist Lance in locomotion therapy. The machine lets Lance move his legs in a walking motion, but will kick in to help if he gets tired. Its a lot like the FES bike he rode when he was in Atlanta. When they tell him to kick harder, or bring his knee up higher, the sensors on his legs show that his muscles are working.
The first time, Lance walked for 15 minutes, 1421 feet. The second day, 26 minutes. and 4373 feet.  I hope all of you can open this video!

Lance is working hard... so, please keep praying for him!!

-chelcee

3 More Weeks...

So, Lance has been at Cardinal Hill since May the 11th. He has been making great progress and the insurance has approved for him to stay 3 more weeks! 

Lets start with Speech. 

  -They are awesome. He likes Gretchen. and she is very patient and is as determined as we are that Lance will communicate!

  -When he was at house back in March and April, I was giving him ice chips and he was doing well with chewing and swallowing those. As well as some bananas. Once he had the seizures, he had to go back to a nothing by mouth status until we were sure his swallowing was up to par. So, a couple weeks ago, he had sort of a modified-modified barium swallow. His swallow was in fact, good. However, he manipulation that he needed to get the food to the back of his mouth needed some work. They advanced him to a pureed diet. Within a couple days, he was back to taking bites of mashed up fruit. He even tried eggs for breakfast and chicken for lunch. Sometimes, with medicine timing, he gets very sleeping and its hard to keep him alert for mealtimes. 

  -On Monday, Lance met all of her goals for the next week. He can visually choose between 2, then 3, and now 4 items based on their function. We, of course know that Lance knows that a cup is for drinking, a toothbrush for brushing and a phone calls people. However, getting him to look and hold his gaze on that object is an accomplishment! 

  -One day last week when I was with Lance was the first time that I felt like I knew exactly what he was trying to say. I have felt like Lance has understood what we have been saying to him for months now. But, the other day when I knew exactly what was hurting, it was a completely overwhelming feeling! Even though some of the meds make him very groggy, he has been doing an excellent job at consistently answering yes/no questions with one finger or two. Its wonderful to be able to know if he wants to listen to more music or watch tv or go outside. :)

  -Today when Brock was with him, they were trying to figure out what kind of mouse would work the best for him so he could work a computer. Lance tried a mouse laying on his chest and then a handheld mouse, to move cards from one side of the screen to another. I'm pretty exciting to see this tomorrow. 

  -Lance has also been working on lots of tongue and lip exercise, which will help him in mouthing words and forming sounds. One day with therapy is was able to count to five on his fingers and mouth one through five! He will also make some new noises, like clearing his throat. 

Occupational/Physical Therapy.

  -I'm sure most of you know, Lance has a lot of tone in his arms. He isn't contracted, but he is very tight. They casted his arms and legs when we were in Georgia, that seemed to help quite a bit. However, when he gets sick (bowel obstruction, sodium imbalance, seizure) the wearing of the splints goes out the window. At Cardinal Hill, they started casting again, after his 2nd round with botox. More range was gained with this casting than before, so he know has bivalves again. He doesn't like them much, but we tell him, they will help him in the long run. 

  -The medicine they have put him on act like muscle relaxers. Which greatly impairs his ability to stand. When we were at home, I was moving him from the bed to the chair without any trouble because he would stand straight up. Now, he has some trouble with that. He will stand in a standing frame, where he is strapped in securely. They have also put him in a lift to simulate walking. I haven't been there to see this, so I can't really explain it very well. 

As always, we can begin to express the kindness and support of our community. We continue to feel this every single day. When we walk in to the post office or the grocery store, the prayer sayers shine through. 

Please keep Tom Ginn in your prayers. He has has a tough week, but from what I understand is home from Cleveland Clinic. Also, the Bertram family. Ann Dudley Bertram passed away on Saturday. 

-chelc

A Ride to Remember: In Memory of Zach Ruble 06.04.11

There will be a 8, 17, 30, or 50 mile loop. Plus the added, "Ruble Challenge" this year. The Ride begins at the Mason County Track Facility in Maysville, KY on Saturday. June 4th at 8am. 


To pre-register, go to Limestone Cycling League


Sponsored by the Limestone Cycling League and Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville, KY. All event proceeds go to the Zachary Ruble Memorial Scholarship Fund administered by the Hayswood Foundation.  


Find it on Facebook. Zach Ruble Memorial Ride

                                                                                                      

The first Zach Ruble Memorial Ride - "A Ride to Remember" - was the brainchild of Kyle Pitakis. Kyle wanted an event that brought together people with the same mindset that his friend Zach Ruble had ... a love of nature and respect for the outdoors. His vision of a small group bicycle ride in memoriam for a lost friend turned into a much larger and more inspired event than anyone could have anticipated. The turnout and show of... support that first year made for dreams of a larger event each year to follow.

Lance was able to participate in the Zach Ruble Memorial Ride the past two years. Of course, this year he will be cycling on a stationary bike at Cardinal Hill instead of in Maysville. But I know that if was able, he would be there. Lance shared Zach's love for nature and respect for the outdoors. He loved exercising and pushing himself, and I know he would be trying out the "Ruble Challenge".

So, if you are around Maysville this weekend, go out and ride a few miles.Do it for Lance. Do it for Zach. But most importantly, do it for yourself. 


~chelcee

Hello, again.

So, I haven't blogged lately. Ive been laying under a blanket of Live the Lion tshirts. All of the shirs have come in. Now, its just a matter of getting them organized and delivered. Marilyn Scaggs has been so helpful in delivering several of them. Since I'm off today, I plan to deliver more to central and the middle school. If you are one of my dads patients, that lives out of town, your shirt will be at the dental office. So, come to your next appointment :)
If I can meetup with you somewhere else, I'll be doing that in the next few days. A huge thanks to everyone who ordered a shirt. The tshirts were not really meant to be a fundraiser. But more of a way to get the word out there. The word, that prayers works. As well as what Live the Lion means. And what it means to Lance.
Live the Lion was a saying that Lance frequently enjoyed talking about. E' meglio vivere un giorno da leone che cent'anni da pecora translates to [It] is better to live one single day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep. These words were written as graffiti in 1809 on city walls in Italy after the victorious Battle of thhe Piave River. This was believed to have originated from Psalms 84:10, reading, "Better is one day in your house than a thousand elsewher. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God an dwell in the tents of the wicked."
Lance always said to Brock that when you decide to be a lion, you might only live for one spectacular day. But it will be spectacular! And when you decide to be a sheep, you wake up and everyday for a hundred years, you have to say to yourself, "Today, I'm just going to be a sheep." This was Lance's way of encouraging everyone he was around to make their day spectacular. Make each day count.

Lance has been at Cardinal Hill for over a week now. They are amazing there, he has each therapy twice a day. Sometimes, they group together for a therapy session in an attempt to keep him awake. Lance is still on some seizure medication, and I think that makes him drowsy at times. Visiting hours at Cardinal Hill are from 8am-8pm everyday. They recommend that if you can come later in the day, after therapy, that is best for Lance.

My Aunt Christa's husband, Chief lost his battle with cancer this past Monday. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

The sun is shining today, so I'm going to make the best of it.

-Chelcee

The Lion Has Landed

It has been a busy day; it started at Chandler Medical Center after an early morning drive from Vanceburg. Lance's mom had stayed the night with him on his last night in # 879.  Lance rested during the morning hours.  Chelcee and I wheeled him out of the UK hospital at 2:00 PM.  After loading Lance and wheelchair in the van, we made the short trip over to Cardinal Hill.  Lance was very interested in the sights on this beautiful summer-like day as we drove across Waller and past the previous home he shared with Jasper, Spencer, Brandon, and     . (We had an opportunity for short visit with wonderful friends, Billy and Lisa Barbour, before leaving UK.)  

The reception for Lance was friendly, and busy, as multiple staff members entered his room, made introductions, reviewed history, and did their assessments.  It is a relaxed atmosphere, compared to the hospital.  Shauna, Madelyn, and Gena arrived to check out his new digs later in the afternoon.   Lance has an early therapy appointment at 7:00AM; his morning hours will be busy.  We are so grateful to all the fine HCW who have provided Lance's care.  Thank-you for your prayers as you continue to cheer for Lance.  The Lion has Landed - for now, at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

Many haved asked about Shannon Gilbert.  She had a planned surgical procedure last week and all went well.  She had a few challenges over the weekend, but if all went well, she hoped to come home today.

-John

Next Stop - Cardinal Hill

It's Kentuckyy Derby Eve in room # 879 of the Chandler Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.  The discussion is not about horses or jockeys but about another race.  This race is much longer that the two minute Run for the Roses which Lance had opportunity to attend four times while playing saxophone in the University of Louisville marching band.   Lance is on this incredible race that seems to be more like a coast-to-coast run or an endurance run in Death Valley.  Lance admired individuals who put their bodies through incredible stress while participating in such events.

A week has passed since the day of seizure activity.  Lance received excellent medical care; it was very aggressive management, but what was indicated for the magnitude of the circumstances.  He has had no recurrent seizures - this was important to avoid.  Now the anti-seizure medicines are being titrated so that the control continues without over-medication.  Other concerns have been overcome as his lungs are clear.  Administration of  IV anti-viral meds will continue for several days as viral infection was part of seizure etiology.  

On Wednesday, he and Gena watched a movie - the first hint that he was feeling better.  Thursday brought many good signs as he attempted to form the sounds for "mom" to Jill, listened to Chelcee and Brock on the phone, and blew kisses to his mom and step-mom.  I had the night shift; he and I got some much needed sleep from 10 till 2.  We both were awake when nursing staff entered room at 2:00 AM; then Lance stayed awake..........watching me sleep till about 7:00 AM.  That's when we had first doctor visit of the day.

Since that time Lance has been sleeping and I thought I should give an update to each of you who have followed him during his recovery and have prayed for God's touch and watchcare in his life.  I also want to express my appreciation to all our patients in the dental practice.  These past few months have brought many challenges there.  The patients have experienced rescheduled appointments and often appointments during times that were less than convenient.  When I am at the office I am in a rush as I try to provide consultations and treatment in most efficient manner.  I have less time to talk and that probably makes me aloof; thanks for understanding and thank you for continuing to use our office for your dental care.  I say a major thank-you to each member of our staff as they have walked through this valley with Gena and me.  They have provided much friendship and fervent prayers while tolerating my emotional times and much inconvenience as we constantly modify the schedule.  To Dr. Jill Price - you have been a blessing in so many ways; thanks for stepping up in difficult times.  I appreciate each and every one of you - to say thanks is a huge understatement.

Where is Lance on Friday May 6, 2011?  He (and we) have had a setback.  It is our continued prayer that he will return back to April status quickly.  Arrangement have been made for him to be transferred to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital here in Lexington.  This was not the ticket into rehab for which we had hoped, but it is what is needed at this time.  The staff there will provide 3 hours of therapy each day as they help him bounce back to "pre-setback" level.  Once that happens he will be re-evaluated; following that he may be ready to enter a more aggressive rehab program (6 hours per day) or he may need more time at home for healing.

This is a good place to discuss rehab hospitals; we certainly experienced great treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia and now Lance is about to enter another facility with a national reputation.  The staff at Shepherd were fabulous and the many friends we made while in Atlanta continue to follow and support.   The nice advantages are: Lexington is two hours from home instead of eight and Lance does not have to bounce down I-75 in an ambulance for the 6 hour ride from Lex to Atlanta.  Back in December, as we watched him lay in coma, we anticipated that his next stop would be Cardinal Hill.  However his status at that time made the Shepherd Center the most appropriate choice.  Now the best decision seems to be Cardinal Hill.  The future may include Atlanta, Lexington, or other locations; we certainly hope that God continues to open doors that lead to wonderful opportunities for his recovery.  We put it in His hands.  The move to Cardinal Hill could occur over the weekend - we will wait for the call.  Lance's past certainly was filled with chances to travel and meet new people.  Leave it to Lance to find the one place in Lexington, Kentucky where the word "Cardinal' can be spoken aloud.

-John