Pt is helping .... yippee!!

I am doing well and apologize for the lack of updates recently! Lots of holiday events happening and more things to do than usual this time of year . . . We took ROM measurements last week and things are slowly improving. Nothing earth shattering, but a few degrees of improvement in various areas. The hip strength was better as well, which was super weak when we started.

We tried this new exercise where I stand on a round ball (flat on the bottom) and do these squats. It was challenging, but it was the first time that my toes actually curved around the ball and somewhat “attached” to it. The more the toes are able to curve, bend, and become flexible, the easier it will be for me to slip into a shoe. As it is now, I can get some shoes on, but it takes some effort and I have to be sitting down to do it. I wore the forefoot compression sock to church on Sunday (under tights) and then it became too tight, so I was itching to get out of the service for the entire hour – long hour for me!

I am still learning what shoes work and what don’t ….. sometimes a pair of shoes might be good one day and then not work (for some reason) the following day. It can be frustrating, but I am learning that it just might be that way. My job is one that requires mega walking, yet I speak to a large group of people (parents/volunteers/business individuals) on a daily basis. Finding shoes that are comfy and yet professional looking is sometimes a challenge, but I am making it work. Actually, I should patent a line of fashionable, mega-comfort, non-orthopedic looking shoes.

I was reading some old notes and journal entries from long ago that I never posted and am still in awe at how far we have come. Some of the pictures that I have when things were bad are just unbelievable …. can’t wait for you to see my Christmas card picture …. sending them out this week. It has been my year to experience God’s blessings.

Today I had something interesting happen and it was likely a "God thing." Part of my job at JA entails finding needy organizations that will take new Build-A-Bears that the kids make each day in the Build-A-Bear shop (as part of BizTown). Kids make 25-30 per day, so last week I had about 100 bears that I needed to find a home for as they were piling up. This morning I piled them in my car and had planned to stop by a home that I thought was an orphanage for children. As it turned out, it was a home for families with kids that are receiving medical care in STL and need affordable housing instead of a hotel. Some of the families are there for weeks or months. Needless to say, I instantly had a big heart for what the families were/are experiencing. The director couldn't believe that I would just give them a hundred new bears .... I briefly explained that I'd give them all the bags to distribute if they would use them to bring smiles to kids suffering from health issues during the holiday season. I could have picked any place to drop off the bears, but my heart was rejoicing that I stopped at this special place today & they were very grateful for new furry friends for sick kiddos.

Wrapping paper and baking supplies are calling my name … wishing you a joyous week!

je