Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Digging Deep

Sorry for the delay in writing but we don’t have the computer set up at the apartment so it is difficult for me to keep you updated regularly.  Hopefully that will be remedied soon!

Mike’s out for good!!!  What a treat to know that we are finished this leg of the journey.  The long anticipated day did not go as smoothly as planned...

…I had to wait for Mike’s commode and tub bench before coming to the hospital.
…Mike’s wheelchair has not arrived so we had to make adjustments to a “loaner” before we left.
…I couldn’t fill Mike’s prescription at the drug store because they didn’t have WCB approval so I had to go back the hospital for enough meds for the day.
…Meanwhile, the drugstore got approval so I had to return to the store to pick up Mike’s meds for the month.
…We had to coordinate sticking around the apartment because the adjustable bed was to arrive in the afternoon.

But, in spite of the hurdles, it was rewarding to know that we didn’t have to go back to the Glenrose.  That’s not to say we won’t miss the staff and other patients there.  We made many friends and it was hard to say goodbye.  We were excited to find out that one person we’ve come to love and appreciate will be our neighbour!  What a blessing to have someone living so close who understands intimately the struggles our families face.

Today Mike and I shed a few tears.  Some of the equipment that Mike planned on using isn’t going to work or will need some adjustments.  Nothing seemed to go smoothly and it appeared that everything had a glitch or hiccup.  Maybe it was just pent up emotions over the last few days but it was good to talk things through. As positive and optimist as Mike is, it is hard to face the fact that nothing is easy, everything takes longer and it’s hard to find the balance between doing it yourself and asking for help.  There are days when you really have to “dig deep”!

(Thank you so much for your encouraging words.  They definitely lighten the load!)

P.S.  Mike wasn’t able to do his driver’s test because they couldn’t fit him in but we’re hoping to do it soon.  I’ll keep you posted.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a frustrating experience. I will be praying.

Love,
Noreen

DaveKerwin said...

Yo Mike, have fun with your new stuff and adjustments. I am sure it is difficult figuring it all out, but you'll get it.

How do you like using the hand controls? I know a guy who had them installed on the different vehicles he has had through the years. So will this van have a video game system in it? :)

Glad to hear of your latest progression, and the love and support of your family and friends. You got a heck of a Mom bro, says your thanks to God for her!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you are home!!!Tough to have all these glitches but We are still praying.
June

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,
I know you have my number, yet you still refuse to call. I'm crushed. Ha..have a good day. Tell your mom I miss her. Love, Ash

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you're home now!! Even without a computer, or with equipment 'hiccups,' you'll make it through. Hiccups or hurdles, you all are still an awesome family.

Hanging in there with you,
Britney
Michigan

Proverbs 23:18
Galatians 6:2
Psalms 50:1

Anonymous said...

Hi mike i am glad to hear that you are out of Glenrose and now going to start ajusting to your new home now. i know it will be hard but you can make anything work, you have ways i know that, lol. And if you have a phone number i can reach you at that would be great i can talk to ya you know my cell number, if not chels has it call me and let me know. I know i can't say much to make you feel better but i am hear if you need me, if ya just need to talk or even vent when you are mad just pick up the phone and give me a call anytime. Good luck adjusting, and with the drivers when you go.

Luv ya Sherraz

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike: it's been a while since we've talked but I check in regularly to see how you are doing. Your strength and your optimism continues to inspire me and so many others. I look forward to seeing you sometime soon, I believe I still owe you some decadent choc. cookies.
Brenda: you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. I only hope that the days ahead become smoother and gentler.
Love, Cindy P.

Anonymous said...

Since Mike's accident, I have been constantly encouraged by, and thankful for, your faith and confidence in God. During the rough times, you shared your vision of better days to come; while relating the lows, there were always highs to talk about too.

This is all good, but it also allowed me to lose sight of the enormity of the changes that have been thrust upon Mike, and you as his family. It's been awesome to read of the great strides that Mike has made (okay, ironic use of that word!), but all too easy to forget that each day has more than its share of frustrations and disappointments.

Reading this last post brought me first to tears, and then to prayer. Know that I will continue to pray for each one of you, as you adjust to this next part of the journey.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you; my love to all of you in Christ Jesus"

Anonymous said...

I am sure this is a difficult and frustrating experience. Stay strong. Many people are supporting and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,

Thats sooo sweet that you are out of the Glenrose now... you've come a long way! There will be new challenges though as u are finding out... but ur a fast learner. You can do it!! Good luck adjusting! You have lots of friends praying for you.

Ashlee

Anonymous said...

Mike and family,
I'm so happy to hear that you're out of the hospital...but I'll be praying for you that things start going smoother!
Take care,
Rona MacEachern

Anonymous said...

Considering the alternative the very fact that Mike and Family are at home, having an emotional time is a real positive. Embrace the times for they are real and a blessing. You have been through a lot and now is the time enjoy the life that God has given. Time is in His hands, what we do with it is in ours. BUT ... Think of it this way "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and He will direct your paths." Mike is soo blessed to have great parents and to have so many supportive relatives and friends. Let us know when Mike is driving, so we can stay out of his way. (Just Kidding) Our prayers for Mike and Family are being answered before our very eyes.

Blessings

Anonymous said...

Keep Strong and don't give up. There are going to be tough bumps but keep driving forward and trust God for your strength. Your determination is an encouragement to all who read this.

~Julie-Anne~

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys
Michael I am so happy that you are out of the hospital and possibly living in Sherwood Park sometime soon. We are praying for the adjustments in the days to come that God would give you the strength, patience and wisdom to enjoy life to the full. Continue to let God be your strength during all these hurdles . We love you and hope to see your family very soon
Nadine

Anonymous said...

hey mike its samar
im so glad to hear that you are out of glendrose and you've finally made it home, once things calm down a little i would love to come visit you. keep your head up buddy your doing awesome
love ya
Sum