Paul's Update - 04/16/06

Dear Friends:

What a glorious Easter. I'm so thankful that our family could be together. Carl headed over to Paul's house at 5:30am. The cab was suppose to show up at 5:45am. Our Sonrise service started at 6:15am. The CNA came early today so she could go to church with us. Paul did real well during the drive to church. He appeared to enjoy being outside to see the sun rise during the service. He was participating during the service according to Carolyn. He was bowing his head and closing his eyes when the pastor prayed and opened his eyes and looked up when she was done!! He was a little sleepy this morning but he hadn't had his Provigel (the med that wakes him up and makes him alert). He was able to stay through breakfast at the church before heading back home. After the 11:00am service Dad & I headed over to his house. Paul was pretty alert by that time. He was in the bed but when Dad asked him "do you want to get up for a bit?" he nodded his head. Dad had him balance on the bed for a couple minutes before he got him out of the bed. He got him onto his feet and let him stand for a little to get some practice balancing on his feet. After a minute or so Dad asked "do you want to sit down?" and he shook his head "no". Dad held him up to stand for a few minutes. He does pretty good. He still requires someone to hold him but he stands on his legs and bears his own weight!! Once he was in the wheelchair Dad put the TV on and they watched for about 45 minutes before Dad & I left to go home. Bobby & Tabby were both home today so Dad & I were able to spend a day at home!! Bobby called this evening to tell us that Paul was playing with the remote for the bed. He was raising his head & feet and raising the bed up & down. He seemed to be adjusting it to his comfort! Also Tabby said she saw Paul lick his lips today. Bobby said he was very alert again today! It appears that he is making lots of progress each day (in small steps of course!!). That's OK ... we praise God for every improvement ... big or small!! Monday Paul goes to see his regular family doctor. This doctor hasn't seen Paul since the accident but will be his general practitioner from now on. A transport will come to take him and bring him back. This appointment is in Manassas so he won't have a long trip! Thank goodness!

Have a great day!! Carl & Lynne