August 16, 2008

Wow! It’s been a month since I posted anything on this blog. It is hard to believe it’s been that long. Much has happened since then, so I want to get it out here.

When I last wrote, Becky had extended her walking to 8 minutes at a time. That took a lot of effort and made us both happy and just a bit proud. She’s now walking for 11 minutes and has even managed up to 15 minutes once. As I said before, you can not watch her working at this and not be proud. We go to Meyer Park near our home and walk there. They have a nice paved walking path, the park itself is very nice, and there are always friendly people there that we spend some time visiting with. Our time there is really a positive experience for us in several ways. It provides walking time for Becky (and me), we get to visit together and strengthen our own bond, being in a relaxed setting such as the park is a great stress reducer, and it gives us a chance to take our beautiful Sheltie, Chester, for a walk that he loves. Other things have happened since I last posted that have made for significant differences too.

The last time we went to Physical Therapy, Becky’s physical therapist told us that he thinks Becky has reached a point where she can do just about everything at home that she was doing at the clinic. He said he would prefer to transition her out of the clinic setting more slowly, but insurance had not paid for any of her visits in what is now a year. (I had not known that and am now fighting the insurance company.) With the lack of payments and her improved condition, he said it was time for Becky to work on her own, so we are working on that and have been for several weeks.

We joined the YMCA and Becky has started going there to exercise on some of the equipment and in the pool. Just yesterday, she walked for 45 minutes in the pool. She is pretty sore from that now, but I think she’s encouraged by being able to do those things.

Our church family has noticed that Becky comes walking into church now rather than riding in her wheelchair. Her increasing ability to do that, and to stand and sing hymns in the service, moves me to tears. I remember the time immediately after the accident, during the time she was in the hospital, I couldn’t sing hymns without breaking down. It was something we had done together that I learned was particularly special to me. Not until she left the hospital could I sing hymns in church. To have her stand with me again now and sing was more than I anticipated.

I want to also take a moment to brag about our daughter, Adriane. On Thursday, August 14, she completed her coursework for her college degree!!! Adriane has worked so hard and so diligently – and now she has reached a wonderful milestone. I don’t know how we could be more proud of her! In addition to this milestone, she and Benjamin celebrated their first wedding anniversary on August 4. Congratulations to you both!!! We love you and are proud of you!!!

Cameron and Juliane start back to school in just over a week. Cameron will leave home again tomorrow to return to Texas A & M to prepare for classes, so we have another change of the season now. Juliane is embarking on what promises to be a very tough year – her sophomore year of high school, in which she’s going to have a tough schedule.

With each of our children, we’ve learned a very important truth. Through lofty aspirations come great successes and promising futures. In their own determinations, each of our kids have shown this to us time and again. As are parents everywhere, we’re really proud of our kids!

Take care and thanks so much to all of you who’ve continued praying for Becky and for our family, giving encouragement. You are so important to us in this time of trial and recovery. God gives us what we must have and you are part of that.

Love to all,

Dennis & Becky Bounds