Time to Get Moving

Vaughan didn't want to miss any time working with his new leg braces so he scheduled an extra PT session on Saturday morning.  Before we left for the day he took a little stroll around the gym.  He officially walked 197 feet, but he insists that his physical therapist must have missed measuring that last three feet, because he was sure he hit 200.  Hope this short video gives a little glimpse into  how far he has come in just a few short weeks.

 

Forty-Four

Today, Vaughan took forty-four steps! 

His leg braces arrived this morning during PT and he was able to take steps under his own power.  He was able to walk with the support of the parallel bars and a walker.  He was very excited and called at lunch time to share his latest accomplishment. We can't wait to see with our own eyes.

Thanks and praise to God who heals...

 

A Picture is Worth............

.....more than we can express.  It has been exactly four weeks since Vaughan was admitted to the hospital with total paralysis of his legs.  We felt that this short video speaks more than we can put into words.  God is GOOD.

Sunday Visitors

 On Sunday, we had a lovely visit with the Ratliff children. 

 Elijah, Grace Miriam and Naomi have been praying that Mr. Lippert would be healed.   We are convinced their prayers will be answered!

Weekend Outing

Saturday and Sunday we were able to bring Vaughan home for the day.  As you can see, Cameron was so excited to help and even had a ride with Grandpa on his wheelchair down to the car.  

I don't think that any of us expected it to be so tiring, but one of the first things Vaughan did was take a very long nap and we enjoyed having him at the dinner table -  we can't believe it has been over three weeks since he has been home.  

While Phil manages the farm animals every day, Cameron II built a temporary ramp so we could easily get access to the house.   

We still are hoping that we won't need to make a lot of drastic changes to the house but are thinking about short-term options we can implement for the time being.   On Wednesday of this week, Vaughan is getting fitted for a custom wheelchair.  I think he will be putting 'off-road' tires on his wishlist so he can get down to see his cows.  They sure do miss him.

Getting Mobile

Wednesday was a big day.  In order for Vaughan to be able to leave the hospital on a day pass we had to learn how to get him in and out of a car.  

Vaughan passed with flying colors but our minivan didn't.  The seat was a little too high for a first effort so we had to practice on a 'pretend car' in the OT Gym.  Fortunately we have an alternative strategy, and will be using Phil's Volkswagen - it's about 10 inches lower - to make that first trip home.

Improvement Every Day

Vaughan is making great improvement with the movement of both legs and he is feeling better, which helps him with his Physical and Occupational therapy. Marilynn, Brooke and Cameron are going to the hospital today to practice car transfers. If all goes well Vaughan will be able to come home this weekend for the day. We are very excited...we may not bring him back.

We met with the Neurologist on Sunday and she is very encouraged with his progress.  Vaughan is now off all of his medications (except blood thinners.) He will have two follow-up MRI studies.   One to check for improvement in blood-flow to the effected region of his spine and another brain scan to determine if he has any indication of mini-strokes.  We don't anticipate anything like that, but it is a good way to determine if there is a possibility this could happen again.

FINALLY - starting to think he may be ready for visitors. He is much stronger and not quite as tired by the end of the day after therapy and probably ready for some new faces. We are hoping Vaughan will get a day pass and come home for a few hours on Saturday or Sunday.  So make sure you check the schedule or email us to find out about visiting before you make a trip and find he is MIA.

Thank you for all of your love and prayers - we are so grateful for our friends and family and their unconditional support while Vaughan recovers.