saturday evening

we had a regular saturday today, with only one half-hour of each therapy. the weekend therapists are always people we don't know very well, but they try to use the notes from the regular therapists to direct the sessions. in speech, gen worked on breathing and vocalizing as usual. every day she is able to speak louder and more clearly. (note to john: "e" is hardest for her because it requires more of the mouth to move, involving the smiling muscles that she is just getting back. "a" and "i" are just kind of open mouthed; "o" and "u" use the lips in a forward position; "e" needs the lips and tongue flattened out and pulled to both sides. hope that explains it more clearly). in ot gen worked on writing, and did better than last time. she is tracing cursive letters on paper propped on a draftsman-like table. in pt she worked on sitting balance, and for the first time she sat up straight with no support from anyone else. she practiced leaning forward and backward and to each side, and straightening herself back out. the substitute therapist was very good with her. the rest of the day was free...we watched tv, played cards (texas hold 'em poker) and looked out the window. the weather is stormy (tornado warning last night and storm warnings today.) i like to watch the clouds and remember that the Lord will come with clouds. i like to feel the wind and remember that the Lord walks on the wings of the wind. He reminds us every day that He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. we also remember that there are many people who remember us every day and who will be there for us no matter what. we are grateful.

susan