April 30, 2011

Cruel

Garren said he would go to his 8th grade semi-formal dance "if he can walk." We talked to his therapists on Monday. They both said "We better get busy!" They started pushing Garren, doing exercises and workouts to help him strengthen his core and start coordinating his legs. We ordered a walker, which came in yesterday.

My goal with Garren is to get him up using his walker two times each day. Yesterday morning his therapists helped fit the walker to him. They stood him up and had him start working on some steps. We walked about 5 or 6 steps. Right now Garren tends to lean forward, and his hips shift to the right. I am constantly reminding him to "pull in your butt" and "pull your hips to the left." When he does, he stands nice a tall. Using the walker he can almost stand on his own, keeping his balance for a few seconds at a time. This activity tires him out quickly!

We worked on it again yesterday evening, then this morning. Every time we do it, I see improvement. He gets stronger every time. Yesterday, with each step, his feet would cross over the other one. This has to do with which muscles are stronger, and where his leg gets pulled. This afternoon I noticed that he is much better at taking straighter steps. He is so determined, wants so bad to do this. After our work out this afternoon I said "Garren, you wear me out!" He lifted his finger, pointed at me, then at himself, basically saying that I was wearing him out!

Garren's speech therapists has been great so far. She gave us some things to work on with Garren. He wants so badly to eat! Someone brought us dinner last night - baked ziti...yum! He told us he could smell it. A little later in the evening he asked us to save some until he could eat it. I told him we would get him all the baked ziti he can eat when he is able!

It's amazing how many things we do center around food. You don't even really think about it. Trying to plan things while being sensitive to Garren's inability to eat has to be very intentional. This morning I was in his room with him, and I was flipping around the channels trying to find something to watch. We came across a cooking show. I stopped, and Garren started telling me something. We grabbed the alphabet sheet, and he spelled out "that's cruel." Oops, sorry Garren.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

So so happy for the progress that Garren is doing! Garren, keep trying, and keep trusting God for His healing...we are so proud of you...and when you can eat, let me know of something special that I can either make or get for you...love & prayers, Sandy & Russ

Jeff G. said...

We feel so bad for Garren.I bet he would settle for any food right now.His progress sounds good though.Tell him that every meal I pray for,I will be praying for him to eat also.I bet it won't be long time until he can swallow.Stay strong Garren!You can do it!

Beatrice Ann Householder said...

Nikki and I are hoping that Garren will go to the semi-formal! Praying for continued improvement!

Deja Kissiah said...

So happy for alll the progress Garren is making! i really hope he goes to semi!
Keeping you in my prayers <3
-Deja Kissiah

wendypoovey said...

Way to go Garren. I really love that he still has a sense of humor. When he can finally eat again, how wonderful foods will taste. I just can't imagine not being able to eat. You are right. So much is centered around food. We don't even think about it. We will be praying he will go to his dance under his terms. And we will continue to pray that he will soon be able to swallow and have his favorite foods.

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

Food is a great motivator! We're praying expectantly for more changes in that direction, and glad to hear about his walking!

Anonymous said...

God is good to us to give us a love for food. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach! The Lord may use food to give Garren the motivation he needs to continue working hard. I know I love my country cooking suppers and watching the food networks too. Keep up the good hard work Garren, it is paying off...
Donna Lochridge/Metrocrest Presbyterian Church.

Anonymous said...

Getting caught up on your posts today. This is priceless. You tell him Garren!!!
Think of you often, and praying for you too!!!
Tracy Brailsford