Al will be moving to Good Shepherd for rehabilitation today. The address is 850 S 5th St. Allentown, PA 18103-3295, (610) 776-3299. Kristen is, as I write this post, filling out the necessary paperwork for the transfer. Once we have additional information as to the exact location, room number and visiting hours, it will be posted here. Al will be undergoing three hours of rehab each day. I think this will expend some of the energies he has been exhibiting this past week.
Retrospectively, this past week has been a roller coaster with today working toward the summit. It is amazing how God is working. Al has been eating some, he spent several hours sitting up in a chair the other day. He is exhibiting frustrations, which would be trypical for Al (or for any of us in the same situation) when restricted. Trusting in God.....the only way to proceed!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Silly Photos, Al Style
this one has a reason?
Do we really need a reason?
Self explanitory....DONT TOUCH!Helmet Controversy
I have restrained myself from commenting on the helmet issue. Although a personal choice in the state of Pennsylvania, it is my opinion is that you should wear one when riding. I have seen all kinds of apparel on the road (and many that are lacking).
Yesterday I noticed three riders on sport bikes, wearing shorts, sneakers (one had on sandals) t-shirts and sunglasses, no helmets. As they were speeding along, noticibly enjoying themeelves by swerving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies while travling at a high rate of speed, I wondered what I would do if they crashed into me, or worse, someone else. Driving a larger SUV, I believe I would fair much better in the crash than any of them. I know for sure that my body would have been better protected.
When I ride, a helmet is on my head. I wear protective foot wear. Having ridden over 8000 miles so far this riding season, I have been very fortunate. It is not worth the risk. Things seem to happen much faster on a bike.
I mentioned at the Prayer Service for Pastor Al that there are two kinds of riders. Those that have gone down, and those that will. For those of us that have gone down, we understand the dynamics of what happens. Most can remember, either saying out loud, or at least thinking, "this is going to hurt." In my case Deb can attest to the vocal rendition of that statement. I have said many times that based upon my accident in 2003, I would not be here making this post had I not been wearing a helmet. I keep the helmet as a reminder, and it shows the scuff marks of the asphalt pavent on the left side and rear. I can only imagine what my head would have looked like without it.
I found this video on YouTube from a man in New Mexico concerning helmets. And, athough some of the language is offensive, the video makes a point. If you want the opinion of an avid biker, and can take the language, view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8jTHlVqiOU
I am NOT making any excuses for the language, however, the content is good.
As I mentioned in the begining of this post, it is your choice. As far as the three I saw yesterday, I would stop if needed to help, because of God's compassion in my heart. It has nothing to do with their choice.
Yesterday I noticed three riders on sport bikes, wearing shorts, sneakers (one had on sandals) t-shirts and sunglasses, no helmets. As they were speeding along, noticibly enjoying themeelves by swerving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies while travling at a high rate of speed, I wondered what I would do if they crashed into me, or worse, someone else. Driving a larger SUV, I believe I would fair much better in the crash than any of them. I know for sure that my body would have been better protected.
When I ride, a helmet is on my head. I wear protective foot wear. Having ridden over 8000 miles so far this riding season, I have been very fortunate. It is not worth the risk. Things seem to happen much faster on a bike.
I mentioned at the Prayer Service for Pastor Al that there are two kinds of riders. Those that have gone down, and those that will. For those of us that have gone down, we understand the dynamics of what happens. Most can remember, either saying out loud, or at least thinking, "this is going to hurt." In my case Deb can attest to the vocal rendition of that statement. I have said many times that based upon my accident in 2003, I would not be here making this post had I not been wearing a helmet. I keep the helmet as a reminder, and it shows the scuff marks of the asphalt pavent on the left side and rear. I can only imagine what my head would have looked like without it.
I found this video on YouTube from a man in New Mexico concerning helmets. And, athough some of the language is offensive, the video makes a point. If you want the opinion of an avid biker, and can take the language, view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8jTHlVqiOU
I am NOT making any excuses for the language, however, the content is good.
As I mentioned in the begining of this post, it is your choice. As far as the three I saw yesterday, I would stop if needed to help, because of God's compassion in my heart. It has nothing to do with their choice.
Sitting up and Eating
The progress in the past few days has been incredible. Yesterday, they had Al sitting up in a chair for about 5 hours. He also had his first meal, peaches, mashed potatoes, meat......all pureed, so he wasn't too keen on the meat part. All this with no major issues. He is that much closer to a steak dinner!
Today it is planned to get him up and to try walking. When they put him in the chair yesterday, he needed alot of assistance. Knowing Al as I do, I am sure he is very frustrated with being in the hospital. I can imagine, as someone that likes, and has been in control, he doesn't like all the restrictions, and others telling him what to be doing all the time.
This is how it is with each of us. We like being in control. We like calling the shots. But God wants us to put our FULL trust in Him. This means TOTAL reliance on Him. This means He calls the shots. WOW. This is a difficult thing...this relinquishment of our control. Think about what Al's situation can be teaching us. Ultimately, we are NOT in control, and need to surrender.
Today it is planned to get him up and to try walking. When they put him in the chair yesterday, he needed alot of assistance. Knowing Al as I do, I am sure he is very frustrated with being in the hospital. I can imagine, as someone that likes, and has been in control, he doesn't like all the restrictions, and others telling him what to be doing all the time.
This is how it is with each of us. We like being in control. We like calling the shots. But God wants us to put our FULL trust in Him. This means TOTAL reliance on Him. This means He calls the shots. WOW. This is a difficult thing...this relinquishment of our control. Think about what Al's situation can be teaching us. Ultimately, we are NOT in control, and need to surrender.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
He Speaks!
"Turn Off The Fan!" His first words in almost three weeks, echoing his frustrations. These words and a few more more were expressed during Kristen's visit today. He also expressed that he is tired of being "here" meaning in the hospital. The plan is to get him up tomorrow, with the help of Physical Therapy. We are greatly encouraged by what God is doing through this!
Benefit Ride and Concert - September 26th
Our first organizational meeting was held on Friday night immediately following the Service at Kingdom Roadhouse. Plans are under way, and we will be needing your help. There are many ways to volunteer. Check out the list within this blog and contact Mitch Miller, M2Architek@hotmail.com or Carrie Roberts, carrbear883@gmail.com. click the link on the right side to go to the benefit page and view the flyer. email us and we will gladly send you a pdf copy of the flyer.
The Roller Coaster Ride
Three weeks into it and the roller coaster ride is very evident. The ups and downs continue, and sometimes the peaks and valleys can be close together or sometimes far apart. We must continue to rely on Gdo, as He is ultimatley in control, just as the roller coaster operator is in control of when the cars leave. The difference in one person's vist can be drastically different than another one, so stay encouraged, as the waiting continues.
Al is back in the Transitional Trauma Unit, back in 6D where he was earlier in the week. Kristen saw him last night after the move last night, and it seemed to agitated him, as he is now with three other patients again.
My visit today was a good one. I read the Psalms to him, and I joked around with him. I pointed out to him that someone had put an angel pin on the prayer card, and when I asked him whose picture was on it, he tapped his chest several times, clarly indicating that he knew it was his picture. He is constantly moving around, and when I asked him if it was hard getting comfortable, he make a face, again indicating yes. I showed him the picture of us in Johnstown with his 'top hat' and asked him if he remembered when we got the hat, and he nodded yes.
He doesn't seem to want the sheets on him, and keeps kicking them off. Fortunately, his hospital underwear is keeping him covered and the nurses stay after him, calling him their "streaker." His hands are not restrained anymore and his right hand remains bandaged, and they have a 'glove' on his left hand, as he keeps trying to take the bandage off. He even tried to use his teeth while I was there to get the tape off. Hopefully this week they will get him up, and expend some of that energy he seems to have.
Contiune to pray.....he is not eating. Of course, I explained to him that he is lucky we went to so many buffets before he was hospitalized. If he keeps this up, we will have to take the "I beat Anorexia" t-shirt away from him.
Al is back in the Transitional Trauma Unit, back in 6D where he was earlier in the week. Kristen saw him last night after the move last night, and it seemed to agitated him, as he is now with three other patients again.
My visit today was a good one. I read the Psalms to him, and I joked around with him. I pointed out to him that someone had put an angel pin on the prayer card, and when I asked him whose picture was on it, he tapped his chest several times, clarly indicating that he knew it was his picture. He is constantly moving around, and when I asked him if it was hard getting comfortable, he make a face, again indicating yes. I showed him the picture of us in Johnstown with his 'top hat' and asked him if he remembered when we got the hat, and he nodded yes.
He doesn't seem to want the sheets on him, and keeps kicking them off. Fortunately, his hospital underwear is keeping him covered and the nurses stay after him, calling him their "streaker." His hands are not restrained anymore and his right hand remains bandaged, and they have a 'glove' on his left hand, as he keeps trying to take the bandage off. He even tried to use his teeth while I was there to get the tape off. Hopefully this week they will get him up, and expend some of that energy he seems to have.
Contiune to pray.....he is not eating. Of course, I explained to him that he is lucky we went to so many buffets before he was hospitalized. If he keeps this up, we will have to take the "I beat Anorexia" t-shirt away from him.
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