Paul's Update - 12/09/07

Dear Friends:

We have returned from our vacation and I will attempt to catch you up on all of Paul’s progress over the last week and a half. Since it has been so long I will summarize the time for you as best I can. We left on November 30 to go to Charleston South Carolina to leave for our cruise. We took a seven day Western Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Cruise ship Majesty. We drove to my sister’s house on Friday and spent the night with her. We had an opportunity to visit a little with Nana Richard since she lives down the street from Aunt Ann. We arrived about 8:30pm. Ronda and Bill travelled separate with their children Mike & Vickie and Mike’s friend Christie who were all travelling with us.

Saturday morning we headed to Charleston and boarded the ship about 12:30pm. Paul got priority boarding since he was in the wheelchair. We went right to the front of the line and were checked in and escorted directly to our stateroom on the ship. The rest of our group boarded within the hour. We set sail about 4pm on Saturday evening.

Sunday and Monday were days at sea as we headed to Grand Cayman. Paul acclimated to the movement of the ship very well. He didn’t get sea sick at all. We had ten people in our group and only two got sea sick. Fortunately after the first full day at sea the ocean was calmer and everyone felt better. Sunday most of our group had scheduled massages in the spa ... including Paul. What a nice treat for us all! Paul was also able to go out to the pool deck and Dad got him up the stairs to the top deck of the ship (there is no elevator to that level so he had to WALK the steps). Monday was another day at sea. Paul used his walker that day. He did VERY well with it. Most of the ship is very handicap friendly. The dining room presented a few challenges but we were able to manage OK.

Tuesday we arrived at Grand Cayman. This port is not handicap friendly since we had to ride a smaller boat to go to shore. The water is not deep enough at the shore for the cruise ship to go to a dock. Paul, Carl & Bill stayed on the ship while the rest of us went ashore to snorkel and shop. We were only in port from about 9:30am to 3:00pm. The guys had a relaxing day on the ship!

Wednesday we arrived in Cozumel after traveling through the night. This was a much more exciting day for Paul. He had to walk the dock length in order to go on an excursion. We took a Jeep ride into the countryside on the island which is only 33 miles long and 11 miles wide. We saw most of the island!! Paul rode in the front of the jeep and really enjoyed it. Carl and I had to get into the back of the Jeep but it was worth the work to get in! After lunch at the beach and a trip to one of the ancient temples on the island we headed to another beach spot to do some snorkeling. Carl went with the group while I stayed with Paul. Paul was having a great time. I got him a soda while we waited and when I handed it to him he said “thanks” without me prompting him!! I love it when he does that!

Thursday we arrived in Key West Florida which was our last port of call. We were able to take a local train trolley tour that took us around the island and showed us all the historical and significant sights. Once Paul was on the train he really was able to enjoy the sights. It was evening and the sun was going down so we were able to enjoy some of the Christmas decorations on the historic old homes. Paul did really good getting on and off the train! He was presented with several challenging activities throughout the week and managed very well.

Friday was our last day at sea as we headed back to Charleston. We spent most of the day on the pool deck enjoying the last of our vacation.

We arrived back in Charleston on Saturday morning. Once we had disembarked we headed back to Ann’s house and spent the balance of the weekend with her and my mother. Aunt Cathy & cousin Lizzie were visiting also. It was nice having my sisters and my mother to visit with.

Sunday morning we went to church with Ann. The sermon was powerful. It was on what the scripture says about divorce. After the sermon the pastor invited people who had been touched by or affected by divorce who wanted someone to pray for them to come forward and someone from the worship team would pray with them. When Dad attempted to get Paul to head out of the sanctuary ... he refused to go and started to head down to the alter. Dad asked him if he wanted someone to pray for him ... and he said “yes”. Wow ... how wonderful is that!! We took him down to the Pastor and his wife and they prayed with us. They know our story and were able to pray specifically for our needs! As much as we like to think we are doing OK ... we still need lots of prayer ... our life is very difficult some days!

Monday Dad, Paul and I will be heading home. Back to our real lives!! I’m so thankful that we were able to vacation and that Paul was able to be blessed by it as well. Just think ... a year ago (even six months ago) that seemed impossible!

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl