January 12, 2011
Outpatient physical and occupational therapy continue to go very well. Both therapists are amazed at the progress that dad is making. It is slow, but nevertheless, there is noticeable progress and we are thankful. Dad has an appointment next week for a consultation visit concerning a prosthetic leg. We are excited for the new adventure that awaits us. Dad has worked very hard and we are well aware of the hard work he still has to endure to meet his goals for 2011. His therapy visits are very difficult and very tiring, but dad is determined to walk again. He has lots of cheerleaders!
The occupational therapist has been encouraging dad to exercise his vocal chords by singing a hymn each night “in his preaching voice.” Needless to say, “Glory Glory” has been the one he sings most often. The exercises have been successful and, as a result, we have noticed that his voice is stronger than in the past. Mom also noticed last week that, for the first time since his stroke, dad actually laughed out loud. His sense of humor has always been present and he smiles a lot, but that is the first time that we have actually heard him laugh audibly. He has been laughing more often since then.
Other improvements that we have noticed, since beginning therapy, have been improvements in dad’s handwriting (we think it is even better than before the stroke!) and his ability to balance himself and straighten himself while sitting (since his left side is weak, it pulls the rest of his body to that side). The therapist has been giving dad various cognitive exercises as well and he has also improved in playing Wii! All these exercises are proving to be productive in the process of healing and we are grateful for such good, professional help.
More than being grateful for the therapy and therapist, of course, we are grateful for your prayers and grateful to our Lord for His healing.
Thank you for continuing to pray.
It is so wonderful that Uncle Dan is doing as well as he is for the situation but I am not surprised. I know he has faith that it amazing and God has honored it. When we family members talk about him (as we so often do when we are together)it always includes how God still does miracles and Uncle Dan is proof that we do not understand everything and how but it happens!
Thinking about you all!
Love ya!
Diane
Beth,
We are so glad to hear the good news. We pray that Bro Salmon continues to grow stronger each day until he is up and running around like he used to. May God bless you and your family and may you feel his peace each day.
Love and Prayers,
Ruth Emory