Lance Preparation On Many Fronts

Lance was kept busy on Monday with a few diagnostics due to some swelling in arms during the weekend.  X-rays and ultrasound evaluation demonstrate that all seems ok so plans can proceed.  A new cast was fabricated for left arm; the purpose of all the casting is to stretch muscles and fight against limited movement due to prolonged shortening of muscle tissue.  These are uncomfortable to him because his muscles want to bend arm while cast holds arm straight.  He continues to wear bi-valves on legs and a soft splint on right arm at this time; these are secured in place from 8 PM to 8 AM daily.

During a time of frustration on Monday morning, Jill reports that the therapists positioned his wheelchair in front of the FES bicycle.  This time, just to see what would happen, no electrodes were connected to his legs to stimulate muscles.  Guess what happened.......he started pedaling and continues to pedal for 26 minutes!!!!  The rest of the day was filled with physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

In Vanceburg, his bedroom was being prepared with removal of carpet and laying of linoleum.  Measurements were made and materials ordered to construct ramp.  Many calls were being made to arrange home health, physicians, and other needs, once he arrives back in Lewis County.  After work  Chelcee, Gena, and I started toward Ashland to look at a wheelchair accessible van; with  snow covered roads looking dangerous, we reconsidered about 5 miles up the road, turned around and returned home.

-John

Not So Far Away

Funny how the 450 miles from Black Oak driveway to the Shepherd Center has become the Saturday outing....and it seems to be not so far away anymore.  The miles go faster when one is traveling toward Lance with the anticipation of seeing him; traveling north, knowing you will not see and touch him for a few days, is the most difficult direction to travel.  Yesterday the miles went by so fast and I thank all who continue to help and accompany us through this chapter of life.  The prayers that have been lifted for traveling safety have been bountiful and, to date, all travelers have had safe journeys.

Also as Gena and I maneuvered up I-75 yesterday, we knew that many were gathering at Lewis County Central to Dance 4 Lance.  Wow, what a wonderful combination of planning, hard work, big hearts, fellowship, sweating, exercising, and very generous giving - all to show support for Lance.  I cannot wait for him to understand, see pictures, and read about the event - he will be so humbled and so grateful, as we are.  Thank you so much; we are currently shopping for a wheelchair acessible van for Lance and that is how the donations will be used.

Also phone calls and messages from friends and family continue to encourage us.  I feel that my family is so much larger now - as I blogged about the community of the Kingdom of God last week and as I have become better acquainted with Lance's circle of friends.  This morning in a church in Blacksburg, Virginia where Dick Gilbert worships, a time of prayer for Lance will be a part of their service.  So this morning at 11:15 AM Jill will sit beside Lance as he sits in his wheelchair, knowing that God is being petitioned yet again for his healing.  I am thankful for each of these loving prayers - each and every time that God has been asked to keep Lance alive, to carry him through surgeries, to guard him from pain and infection, to restore him by performing a miracle of healing of nerve and bone and muscle and brain tissue.

I am thankful for friendships forged and lessons learned as we go through valleys - shoulder to shoulder - as Ted and I have during recent weeks.  Part of travel yesterday was a phone call with him as we celebrated Shannon's outing and cooking and overall progress during her stay at Cardinal Hill.  We have a new perspective on Psalms 56:8, "You keep track of my sorrows.  You have collected my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book."  Sometimes we get a very clear vision of God throught he tear-filled eyes of brokenness.

Today marks 10 weeks since Lance's accident, 10 weeks since we have seen his smile or felt his hugs.  I miss him terribly and I know you do as well.  He has made great strides but has a long road ahead.  He is so blessed to have many with him on this adventure. He will have a quiet weekend with no therapy, time for extra rest and to prepare for the busy week ahead.  Thanks to all of you for holding him close in your hearts; I know, by your love, he is never far away.

-John     

PS-more later from Chelcee  

Dance 4 Lance

We keep I-75 hot these days, especially on Saturdays, that's the day my parents are traving to and from the Shepherd Center to spend their week with Lance. Today, my mom is heading south and as soon as she arrives, my dad and Gena will head back to Kentucky.
On this Saturday afternoon, Brock and I will be hanging out in Vanceburg with lots of family and friends at Central Elementary school for a zumbathon, Dance 4 Lance!

From 4:00 until 6:00, $5 entry fee.

Some of you may already have your Dance 4 Lance tshirts, there will be some available for $10 if you would like one. It's my understanding that like the Live the Lion bracelets, the shirts seem to be a hot item. If your size of shirt isn't available tomorrow, some of my friends will be there to take up orders and money for more shirts.
So, whether you zumba or you don't zumba, come and hang out with us. It will be a good time!

Im a firm believer in the power of prayer. What I don't understand is the timing. But I'll just leave all of that up to God. He has it all under control.

Here is the latest update on Shannon Gilbert!

This was a fantastic day!   To paraphrase an old Elvis joke...Shannon left the building!   We were allowed to take her out for lunch today.  This is the first time Shannnon has been outside a hospital for more than 5 weeks, and it was awesome.  My old friend Barry Scwhartz is co-owner of the Campus Pub,  a really neat sports bar/restaurant that is only about a mile from Cardinal Hill.  He and his partner treated us to lunch today, and we had a great time. Shannon was very excited and anxious to get to go out, and we enjoyed a great lunch and some great fellowship and conversation.  

 

We also had another surprise today.  Shannon made me my favorite dessert that she always makes for my birthday or Father's Day.  It is called Striped Delight, and it is awesome!  The therapists bought the ingredients last night, and Shannon made the dessert this morning as one of her therapy sessions.  As much as I don't like to share my desserts, we shared it with everyone else during dinner this evening.  (I still managed to save some for myself!).  

 

Shannon is doing so well, and we are so thankful.  I can't even find the words to describe how we feel.  She understands what happpened to her, and understands that she is getting better every day thanks to her hard work and the great therapists that are helping her, and the awesome power of prayer. 

 

We have enjoyed a lot of laughter today, as Shannon's old personality is coming back strong.  Holly was putting some Mederma (scar cream) on Shannon's trach scar this afternoon, and she told her "this doesn't sting or burn".  After a few seconds, Shannon pulled a joke on Holly when she flinched and said "ouch".  Then she burst into laughter.  This is the Shannon that we know, and it is great to see her coming back.

 

I asked her if she wanted to say anything to those of you that are following the updates, and she said to say thanks for all the cards and flowers and the prayers.   

 

Thanks so much to everyone for your outpouring of love and support, and most importantly, for your prayers.  God has blessed us so much.  

 

-Ted 

Two Weeks and Counting Down

Thanks to all of you who follow the blog; the emails and other contacts we receive are so kind.  We continue to appreciate your prayers for Lance and the family.  Often as I read emails or cards, I cry as your amazing stories of faith leap off the screen.  When I hear from individuals who have lost a child or a spouse or other relative in the past, it makes a difference in my day because you care for us; thank-you.  I have a whole new appreciation for families (and especially parents) who care for those with disabilities.  Thank-you for the kindness so many of you demonstrate as you care for and minister to those who are sick or impaired.

While Gena and I are here, time goes by so fast that posting starts to feel like I'm in school again and I have a paper due tomorrow.  While we are home, and Jill is here, each 24 hour cycle is filled with sleep and work and getting ready to return.  The best report is that he looks better, more like Lance than anytime since the accident.  That was certainly the consensus of Granny Betty, Granny Marlene, and Papaw John after their weekend visit.  (Thanks to all of you who have ministered to them; what an awful 2 months they have had, grieving for this grandson they have spent the last 24 years cheering on.)

Lance had a couple of restless nights, but last night was much better.  Today has been his best day of the week; he has been alert during therapy sessions but able to rest in between times.  Wednesday morning on the FES bike was good; he rode 2.55 miles in 22 minutes with stimulation during half the ride.  Today was amazing;  he rode 3.6 miles in 22 minutes with no stimulation after the two minute warm-up.  He is 6 miles ahead of me on cycling for the week.

One discouraging report came with Dr. Zadoff's visit Wednessday afternoon.  He is the pulmonologist who manages Lance's airway and lungs and is the decision maker regarding the capped off trach tube which is still inserted in his throat.  It has not been used to aid in breathing for over 3 weeks and it no longer has to be used for access to remove secretions.  We had hoped that this would be out by now and had thought that when the skin graft surgery was off the table, it would certainly be removed.  He explained that Lance's coughing reflex had diminished over the past two weeks and that his advice is to leave the trach.  It decreases pneumonia risk, helps avoid an airway blockage, and is just in Lance's best interest to leave in place.  This should not be considered a major setback; the cough reflex should return with time.  Some of you who witnessed Lance's strong cough while visiting him will probably have a hard time believing this paragraph, especially those of you who were targets. 

Today Lance's left arm had a new cast placed-from armpit to wrist; this is to stay until Monday, when it will be converted to a bivalve(see earlier blog for examples-Brock is the model). This is part of the continuing efforts to get his muscles to relax so that coordinated function will hopefully return to arms and legs.  He continues to wear the casts in sections for multiple hours, usually 12 hours during evening/night hours.

Much time this week has been in family training because of the two weeks mentioned in the title.  Lance is scheduled tentatively(and most likely) for dismissal from the Shepherd Center on February 17, two weeks from today.  He was admitted here with purpose of emergence from comatose state, on Dec.22.  The staff has worked diligently and he has progressed significantly during that time, however he has still not emerged to the level which  enables him to begin the rehab phase.  Things could still change during the next 14 days; if they do, all will celebrate.  However, the education process is in high gear.  Today training was given for stretching of lower extremities, respiratory care(specifically for trach), and nursing.  Also, as Lance enters this "out of facility stage" called the Bridge program, the doctors and staff will be able to see him via Skype and therefore continue to aid in his care.  Most importantly, they will stay involved as he hopefully will be able to return here for the Rehab program.  Therefore the name - Bridge, represents this time he enters on Feb 17- bridging the time between the coma prep program and the rehab program.

The best news of the night comes from data collected during the bicycle ride.  The information display shows how much each leg is working.  The left leg is doing its share of the work.  This is very exciting news because it diminishes the chances that there is paralysis in the leg.  There are so many complex mechanisms at work each time we take a step.....we take it for granted as we run through life.  Enjoy each step, each arm movement, every word you can deliver.  In fact, do more than that.  Run or jump or dance at every opportunity!  Use your arms to hug or to give a helping hand!  Use your mouth for kind words, never for gossip......share the Good News!

PS-Karissa, thanks for your comments.  If you could email me some more info from Communality worship, I would appreciate.  He told me about it and I have been trying to put together a blog entitled "Lance Loves Church".  My email, which anyone is welcome to message, is eujohn@windstream.net.

-John

Praise You In This Storm

Lance has loved music from a very young age.  I remember the first bass guitar purchase - shopping for the guitar, selecting an amplifier, and of course one must have a case to protect the instrument - wondering, in the days before Christmas....how many days after Christmas it would be before it was just another old  toy.  Well for Lance it was a wonderful toy that was constantly  in his hands being practiced and mastered.  In fact, the next Christmas, Gena and I purchased another guitar, this time a 6 string, so that he could expand his musicianship.  He enjoys making music and listening to music from multiple genres.

He used both of those guitars(and others since) to play worship and praise music in many churches and other settings.  We have discussed our friendship with Ted Gilbert as we have kept updating the blog(this is Shannon's dad).  The friendship started when Ted and Holly were attending Fly Branch Church of Christ while Kevin Angel(husband to Rayetta), another old rock and roller, served as minister. Gena, Chelcee, Lance, Brock and I were also part of the congregation at that time.  The boys were teenagers at the time; Brock was a beginner drummer and Lance was learning fast.  Kevin, Ted, Lance, Brock, and I started spending our Saturday mornings practicing so we could play for worship services.  We played hymns, contemporary Christian songs, and a few songs that were modified for learning about or glorifying God.  We all learned alot through that experience, made friendships with one another, and most importantly used our time and talent for the Lord and His Kingdom.  (I've always expected that I was in the band only because I owned some of the equipment and transported two very important band members to practices.)  The greatest thrill of all, as a dad, was to get to spend all those hours over a 3 year time frame with my sons.  I had always thought that as a father of two sons, I would be in ball parks and gymnasiums as they were growing up.  Wow, was I wrong!  They were not like me; all I had been able to think about,during my young years, was sports.

What a gift Lance and Brock gave me - their music.  We spent time at band camp and competitions, at concerts, practicing around the piano.....time with Ted and Kevin and others just learning how to play.  The band, Joyful Racket, had lots of chances to play at church camps,  youth events, and at other churches in the area.  Brock continues to develope his mutiple music talents; he and I have prayed, from the first days after the accident, that Lance's music - playing the guitar as he jumped around in his bare feet - would be a part of his future.  Thank-you, Brock and Lance for such a special memory - getting to praise God though song with both sons.  More praise after update......

Lance was very busy on Monday; speech therapy was very exciting as Heather showed us how he was positioning his lips and tongue to make certain sounds.  At this point no noise comes out, but this is a first step.  As the day progressed he just seemed to notice his surroundings and people more.  His long looks with those big brown eyes seem to be communicating alot, but it is up to those around him to interpret the meaning.  One of the difficult daily(especially during the evening and nighttime hours) occurrences  is storming.  This is a symptom of many patients who experience brain injuries.  During the "brainstorm", the patient will usually sweat profusely, appear agitated or uncomfortable; sometimes the pulse and blood pressure elevate.  These storms are part of Lance life (and part of our life) for the immediate future.  We just do what we can to comfort him and cool him down - pain meds and cooling off techniques - as you would any patient with an elevated temperature.  A song comes to mind that combines praise and storms.  It is written and performed by Casting Crowns; several of their songs were favorites of Joyful Racket.

Praise You In The Storm

I was sure by now

God you would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

 Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and  it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

 I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I wll praise You in this storm

I praise God tonight for the Vanceburg Christian Church, our home congregation.  But I praise God for THE CHURCH.  I thank God for letting me see it in action.  I feel its presence in our lives.  I learn daily of how groups of believers around the world continue to pray to God and lift Lance up to Him through their prayers.  The church is God's Kingdom; we are a part of something great, something big and powerful.  Many have made me realize God's abiding presence through their love, prayers, visits, cards, emails, and other ways.  We have visitors that often make me feel like I've been in revival after they leave - such as today.  Guy Priester (of First Baptist of Snellville) and our new friend Sarah Ott(Passion Church)  were both in Lance's room at the same time today; we all joined in prayer as we gathered around his bed.  Yesterday's visit from Jennifer Barnes, so warm and so genuine, brought so much of God's comfort to us.  These people, who we didn't know before this event, are being sent by divine ordination.  All I can say is we will continue to praise during this storm, and the next, and the next.  One day, we are promised, that the storms will cease.  If we desire to follow Christ, we can claim all the promises of scripture.  Our lives will have storms; it may even seem that you have a stormy life - all the time.  Please know and trust that peace is promised.........then, take the next step - seek God with all your heart......that is when we will be truly blessed.  That is when we can claim all the promises!

-John

Weekend Update

It is great to be back in Atlanta with Lance.  Gena and I arrived Sarurday morning after leaving Vanceburg at 5:00PM Friday following a work day which started slow because of snow.  The snow did enable other Georgia visitors to depart early due to cancellation of school.  Chelcee, Ben Harrison, and Grandma Betty left early and arrived first. Giving chase were Granny Marlene and Papaw John being escorted by Shauna and Madelyn Spencer.  Lance was tired after a busy week so visits were brief.  Earlier that day he had ridden the FES bike again and did well, riding 22 minutes, doing much of the pedaling on his own; even the e-stimulation was turned off for most of this ride.  If I don't start decreasing my intake of all this wonderful food that has been prepared / given AND increasing my exercise levels,  I will not be able to keep up with him.

He also received first muscle injections of Botox - prescribed to combat muscle tension.  It will take 5-7 days before we see the maximum effect of these injections. 

Granny Betty & Jill departed for Kentucky Saturday morning.  Soon after they left, we had a wonderful visit from Terry Stork, a friend of Larry and Connie Bryant.  He inspired us with scripture and prayer.  As part of his prayer, he quoted Judges 5, "Wake up, Wake up, Break out in song!  Arise Barak(Lance)."   I don't know how many prayer circles you have been involved in - but if you get a chance, gather with family and friends around a loved one in a wheel chair and call on God for His help and strength.  Join hands with each other and lay your hands on the patient.  It not only is a plea for God's help, but it acknowledges Him as the Healer, the Source of all things good, Almighty God, Our Creator.  It is healing for the one that is being lifted in prayer but also serves as wonderful medicine for all in the group.

Shauna used her training and provided Lance some occupational therapy in the afternoon, even though she is not on the Shepherd Center staff.  They have given us exercises to help loosen his arms/shoulders - she rendered them in a professional way.  Papaw John and Granny Marlene enjoyed their visit; it was the first Shepherd center visit for all three grandparents.  A little trip to mall for the three generations of girls - Gena, Shauna, and Madelyn - were part of the afternoon.  Overall, Lance still seemed tired today and rested most of the day.

That brings us to Sunday; it has now been 9 weeks since Lance's accident.  This was a special Sunday because it was his first time outside since the Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving(other than ambulance transfers).  The Atlanta weather was blue skies and 70 degrees.  We went to the first floor and into a garden which lies between the hospital and Peachtree Boulevard.  For thirty minutes we slowly moved around to different places in the garden.  He seemed to enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine.  We all anxiously await his first words; I keep wondering what he is thinking.....................

-John


(PS by Chelcee: I've had lots of questions about bracelets and tshirts...
Live the Lion bracelets and Dance for Lance t-shirts will be available at the zumbathon on Saturday)

i'm back...

So, I'm back in Atlanta.
It feels so good to be able to look at my brother again!
My Grandma Betty, Ben and I drove down from Kentucky today. We arrived at the Shepherd Center to find Lance moving more than I had ever seen him move. It was probably the second week at UK, when he started rolling his ankle around in the bed, and he has hardly let it be still since. But today, his toes were curling and his whole leg was moving under the sheet. He can even lift his knee up off the bed and put his foot flat on the bed. Plus his head, he keeps moving his head around. I might have mentioned before that he  had a tendency to look only to the right. However, this evening, he was going back and forth from his left to his right. My step-sister, Shauna bought my Grandma Marlene and Papaw John down today as well. They were so excited to see Lance. They last saw him on December 21st, the night before he left for Georgia. My niece Maddie also came along! She was able to thumb-wrestle with Lance.
I only saw Lance for a few hours this evening, hence the short update... I'm not feeling well, so I mostly sat in the corner of his room. I have since dosed or maybe even overdosed myself with nyquil, tylenol and vitamin c, so that hopefully I will be able to see him all day tomorrow.

So many people have complimented my dad, Brock and even me on our writing... Thanks so much. I have to warn you though. Wait until Lance is able to finish this blog. He is the writer of the family. He will have what we have written covered in red ink. I can't wait.

In other news...
The DANCE FOR LANCE has been set...
its going to be Saturday, February the 5th. at Lewis County Central Elementary. 4:00pm-6:00pm
so, go Zumba!
A huge thanks to Kayla Willis, Grace Bentley, Karen Killen, Penny Liles, and Betty Poynter and many other for helping put all of this together.

LIVE THE LION bracelets...
we sort of... kind of..ran out! yikes! we had no idea that so many people would want them.
However, I have ordered more. If you would like one, you can leave a comment on the blog or email me. or facebook me. There will definitely be some available at the zumbathon next Saturday.
Also, If you know Trish Bloomfield Weddington, you can contact her. She's is helping me distribute them!

A couple weeks ago I was trying to explain to everyone how the physical and occupational therapists have casted all of Lance's limbs and then made them in to splints to keeps his muscles stretched while he sleeps. Brock and I thought that strapping all of the splints on his limbs would be a good way of showing you how they look. After I strapped Brock in, he didn't think it was the best idea after all.










I apologize for the scattered thoughts this evening. Dr. Johnny will be back with blogs that make more sense and flow much better.

Please keep Shannon Gilbert in your prayers as she continues to make improvements at Cardinal Hill. Also, Michaela Harr. and so many others... as I watch the news tonight. :(
Love to you all!
~Chelcee

its been a couple days...

1. Lance's mailing address is now located on the right hand side of the blog. A link to email him is also available. Please feel free to email him, even if you don't know him that well. We love reading stories of how people came across the blog.


2. DANCE FOR LANCE! If you are into Zumba, there is going to be a zumbathon in Lewis County on Saturday, February the 5th. If you aren't into Zumba... come anyway. I think it will be a good time. More information to come as soon as times are set.


3. Shannon Gilbert! Shannon is now at Cardinal Hill. She is up walking, and is talking more and more each day. She actually spoke to my dad on the phone last Friday. We are so excited. I plan to go visit her this week. 


4. Lance will definitely be in Atlanta until February the 3rd. Prior to that date, we will have another family conference where we will learn what the team (made up of Lance's doctors, nurses, and therapists) thinks is his best course of treatment. He may be ready for therapy at that time, he may be granted an extension of the PREP level. Or he may come home to Kentucky. Should that happen, we will be waiting and watching for him to completely emerge out of his unconsciousness state. Tentatively, once he has emerged he will go back to the Shepherd Center for his therapy. Like, I said... tentatively, we are taking this one day at at a time. 


5. Dad mentioned in his blog last week that Lance had been making some noises since his trach had been capped. Mom said that when she put the guitar in front of him yesterday, he was a distinctively different sound. Lance will also wave... his friend, Mary and her mom came to see him last weekend, when they were leaving, Lance waved to them. He is also reaching out for the phone when mom tells him someone wants to talk to him. 


6. Some of my friends have been telling me that they couldn't leave comments on the blog unless they were signed in. I think that I have fixed that. Everyone should now be able to leave us a comment without having a username. Hope this helps!


7. We have Live the Lion bracelets.
They are red eco-friendly rubber bracelets. One side says LIVE THE LION and the other, Isaiah 40:28-31. That scripture has been printed on cards we have received, written on the inside of others, scribbled on a scrap piece of paper, sent in text messages, posted on facebook, left on voicemails and even embroidered on a quilt since Lance's accident. If you don't know it, I encourage you to look it up.
If you want a bracelet, please let me know and I'll do my best to get it to you soon. And a HUGE thanks to Shauna and Deah for purchasing the bracelets! 
We want everyone to feel connected, to know that we appreciate your prayers, and to remind you not live everyday as a sheep, but as a Lion.


~Chelcee

There's Within My Heart A Melody

     With the winter blast slowing businesses and schools, I am sure the blog searchers have been disappointed.  Time for an update:  Lance has had a good week, making progress each day.  The steps are small and the journey is long, but we have many wonderful people to meet as we move along;  I feel Lance likes that.  The severe wound on his left leg is healing and it appears that a skin graft is not going to be needed.  This is amazing and I continue to hope that he is healing on the inside the way this wound and the incision areas are healing on the outside, which we can easily observe. 
     A new set of x-rays was taken to measure healing of the surgical sites; the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Murray, cleared him for full weight bearing on all areas except left leg.  The pelvis needs a few more weeks to be ready; we had been advised at UK that 3 months would be considered a typical wait, so we are still ahead of schedule with that area.  This release allowed the therapists to do more and they were anxious to do so.    
     In physical therapy, Danielle placed him on a tilt table and brought him up to 40 degrees(right leg  down only) with no problem on Wednesday.  Thursday's schedule included a ride on an FES bike.  With this therapy, his wheelchair is positioned and locked in front of the device.  His feet (in tennis shoes) are strapped to the pedals, then electrodes adhered to the skin over the appropriate muscles.  The muscles are stimulated with electric impulses and as they fire the pedaling begins.  The pedals are also motor operated, therefore can continue to rotate, even if patient muscle strength is not adequate.  What do you think Lance did?  After a 2 minute trial with total motor activation, they changed resistance and he participated in the pedaling for the next 18 minutes.  At the half-way point, the staff asked me to encourage him, as he showed fatigue.  I told him to pretend he was climbling Big Hiney(cute name, eh!).  This is an actual place between Maysville and Dover - a challenging 1 mile incline that Lance had pedaled with Kirby Wright, Chris Mcglone, Randy Lucas, and me.  Of course he kept up with us, on that climb, even though he was riding a hybrid  while we were riding road bicycles. 
     The occupational therapist, Allison, concentrates on his upper body.  She was pleased with his tooth brushing attempts, snapping his fingers, and giving a wave to nurses at the nurses station as they yelled and waved at him. Her major therapy challenge right now is the high degree of tonicity in his muscles.  Multiple treatment modalities are planned to decrease this tone over the next week.  One will be botox injections.  This med has multiple applications.  If there is some left over, I may use in some dental syringes to deal with these wrinkles that have appeared on my face - out of nowhere and for no good reason.
     The speech therapist, Heather, works in many ways that I had not realized.  She is involved with hearing, vision, and generalized awareness, as well as speech.  Today she and Lance listened to music on his Ipod while he had a large control that connected to it with large buttons.  She is also the team member that will help with his eating this week, as more opportunities to eat something solid are on schedule.  He has not pronounced any words yet; we all anxiously await.  Gena has been able to get him to generate some sounds as she talks him through deep breathing exercises.  Also yesterday after their daily Bible reading  Lance and Gena were listening to music from the Passion conference.  During one song, she said, "Let's praise God by raising our hands!"  His right hand raised from the rest on the wheelchair as the song played!!!!!!! 
     The big event for me to occurred today.  I played a couple of songs on the guitar (actually my entire repertoire).   Then  I positioned the guitar so that it he could get his right hand on the strumming area of the strings.  (His right hand and arm, with his limited mobility, does not at this time wrap around the guitar body in the customary way.)  Then we waited........his finger moved and the string sounded.  He moved the fingers again and noise could be heard more clearly.  He continued moving his fingers and making sounds but that is not what made Gena and me cry.  It was his countenance - as the look of joy spread across his  face - that caused our weeping.  He continued to move his fingers for a few minutes; it was the most beautiful music I've ever heard him play........all because of what I could tell it was doing in his heart. 
     What have I learned?  I will continue to appreciate beautifully coordinated music which is played flawlessly, but will know that the heart may be playing a masterpiece - even if the pitch or tune is imperfect.      
     My advice to those with whom I worship:  "Don't sit behind me and expect me to keep my hands in my pocket.  It's time to praise God for who He is, what He has done, and for what He wants to do in each of our lives!"
-John

A River Ride it might have been; Let's call him Huck "Fabu-Lance" Finn

     Tonight's blog will be light as a summer breeze, not filled with fearful stories or lines that will make you cry.  Perhaps the moms, step-moms, and grandmas will tighten up a bit as they read - but when told in the past tense, stories don't seem so scary.  Tonight I can report that Lance has downsized his trach AND it is capped off.  This is the next step in series toward removal of the trach tube.  ( Much has been in the news the past week about tracheotomies, brain injuries, and the medical care that is being given to Cong. Giffords.  I pray she can recover form this horrific attack.  I can also report that Shannon Gilbert was transferred to Cardinal Hill in Lexington where she will begin rehab therapy. We celebrate this step with the Gilberts. )
     The most significant part is that the tube is capped off.  The cap can easily be removed if needed should food become lodged in throat, but unless it is removed, Lance breathes all his air through his nose and mouth.  The respiratory therapists and pulmonologist are pleased tonight as his oxygen saturation is staying at 98-100%.  Today as I sat in his room in the quietness and listened to him breathe, I remembered middle of night experiences all parents have.  I thought back to when Chelcee, Brock, and Lance were infants......quietly looking in on them in a dark room, holding my breath as I listened for theirs.   This event today went well for Lance; his repeated breaths were like a cadence of beautiful music to my ears.  (More on breath at end of this entry)
     Also Lance ate  real food for breakfast - yes it was yogurt, applesauce, and pureed eggs chased with orange juice and milk.  It was the closest thing to a real meal he has had since the Sunday after Thanksgiving when were still hitting the leftovers with vengeance.  I kiddingly said to the nurse that Jesus fasted 40 days and nights while Lance's fast lasted 52 days.  She mumbled that Jesus fasted willingly; not everybody digs my humor.  So Lance has had a good day - blessed be the name of the Lord.
     Now let's tell our Huck Finn story which happened about 3 summers ago behind our house in the Ohio River.  Lance and I had spotted a dock that had ended up on the river bank after the river  had receded quickly.  It had been nestled in a clump of brush and trees up river from our property for several weeks.  We had discussed reclaiming it but knew it would require much manpower to wrestle it from its resting place and move it to a useable location - behind our house.   Our moment came when, after several days of heavy rain, the river level was quickly rising.  I looked off our deck and thought I saw the dock bobbing.  I got Lance and we hurried over the riverbank to check out our coveted prize.  Sure enough the water level was just high enough that we felt we could dislodge the dock.  Sometimes boys (and even men) evaluate challenges with Alfalfa-and-Spanky-like mentality...this may have been one of those times when the excitement of conquest overrode all common sense.   I did postpone the mission for a few minutes to go up to garage and get a life jacket (and a camera); then with a facade safety measure mandated that my reluctant son strap it on before the mission began.  He was not reluctant in the manner that Isaac may have been with Abraham; Lance just didn't see why we should mess up a good photo-op.
     After the life jacket was in place, on Lance, I got cold feet.  What would the neigbors say?   What would Gena say?  How would I explain if something bad happened?  I continued asking these questions as we are now in waist deep water rocking the dock and getting it untangled.  It started to move and.....in just a few moments it was out in swift water and picking up speed away from the bushes as Lance used his arms to lift himself up on the the dock which had now become a river borne raft.
     I ran along the water's edge, took a couple of pictures, and wondered how he could ever steer it to the shore with the oar we had taken with us on this poorly planned fiasco.  If he could not turn it toward shore line, would he jump into the muddy, swift water or would  he ride the raft, Huck style, on to western destinations such as Vanceburg, Concord, Sand Hill, Maysville?
     I can add no more drama. He, Fabu-Lance did it!  I'm not sure how because the physics and the water dynamics do not make sense.  But somehow he maneuvered the pirated vessel back into shore; he jumped off in the water and we together pulled it to the water's edge.  Why did we take such risk?  We never really analyzed it, which is odd because we tended to overanalyze everything.  Lance may have said "Why?  Why not?  It is the American way to ask why.  It is the heart of the explorer to tackle the unknown, to try the untried."  That is enough speculation.  It just shows Lance's adventurous nature (and my foolhardy nature).  The nickname Fabu-Lance was dubbed by some of Brock's friends during high school, who thought Lance could do no wrong.  The confessors, Alison and Jordan, recently admitted this story in an email; it is not a Wiki-leak.
    ****Breath notes: Sandy Bertram teaches yoga; Gena and I attend her classes and Lance had attended a few with us.  In yoga, the breath is your focus.  Many people are surprised to hear this as they believe yoga is all about strength and flexibility or some may think it  is about being in a hot room wearing tight clothes.  Yoga is good for the body and the mind...but the entire practice(as the yoga experience is called) has a rhythm that coincides with the rise and the fall of the breath.  The cultures that practice yoga are probably on to something in that the older members are the most flexible.  Contrast that to most modern cultures where along with the decades of life we can expect stiffness of joints and muscles.
     The Greek and Hebrew words interpreted as breath or wind in the Bible also mean Spirit.  The spirit of God is life.  Some look at our existence as one which will last until we die - period.  I see my existence as eternal.....my soul is eternal and my natural life is just a small piece of that time line which will never end.  Each breath is precious, each one is a gift from God - a gift I will never again take for granted.  The combined breaths we have make up our life, something else which is a precious gift from God; our life is much more fragile than I used to think.  Let's use each day, let us use each breath to let God live through us and in us.  We have a fabulous God  and he wants you to have a fabu-life.

-John