Measurable Progress
Well, Kirk hasn't been good about keeping postings, so I'll update everyone :)
Kirk and Connie were without their van for about six weeks... it was in Detroit being made handicap accessible. They had a special ramp installed, removed some seats and went to a great expense to make sure Michael can be transported safely.
Up to this point, Kirk has always had to go with Michael, as he is the only one of us that can lift him into the van. It is very strenuous on his back and has caused him some pain. Now, with the van converted, Michael can travel without him, as long as there are two adults there (one to drive, the other to attend to Michael).
Kirk and Connie are being very generous with the use of the van. Last night, Nurse Deborah and I took Michael to VBS at my/Michael's church. Michael was excited to go. He used to be very active in helping out at VBS - from working in the kitchen making dinner for all the volunteers, to helping out with the plays backstage.
He seems to be the star of the evening before VBS even started. This is the second time since his accident he has been to his home church (he goes with Kirk and Connie sometimes), so everyone was excited to see him. He had some pizza sauce while Deborah and I ate and later had a group of kids surrounding him.
Nurse Deborah was great with the kids - they were asking all kinds of questions - Why is he in a wheelchair? (He fell and hit his head). Can he talk? (Well, yes, but not like you and I do... his "talker" doesn't work anymore, so he talks with a computer). Can he walk? (No, that's why he has this cool wheelchair.) What is that purple mark on his neck? (It's from a trache. When he was first hurt, he needed help breathing and the doctor's put a tube to his lungs there.)
On and on it went.... When his computer was charged up, he was able to answer questions himself and the kids like the voice it spoke with... It sounds like Gov. Arnold - real deep and monotone.
Michael was very patient with them, but told us later he was a little embarrassed. That comes with the territory, but I think after the kids get used to seeing him, the questions will stop and he will be seen as just a normal young man.
Many of the adults stopped by also to say Hi and shake his hand or get a high-five.
Overall, I think it was a good experience for him. Mom was nervous - I always am when he has a new experience. I'm sure I'll get used to it after a while.
Nurse Amy, who works on Sunday mornings, has agreed to come to church with us. We hope to make it a regular thing on the Sunday's Michael is at my house.
Pictures of Michael at VBS will come shortly
Christine