A Season For Miracles

No matter what your religion or beliefs, we sometimes hear or experience miracles in our lives. As our family celebrates the miracles of Christmas, we are also celebrating our own miracles. From the birth of our first child, Lindsay, we have learned many things about the fragility of life. She was a preemie and as first time parents we experienced more than most with our share of intensive care stays and ambulance rides. Lindsay fought through a rough beginning and has blossomed into an incredible young women. Jackie was healthy from the start and full of life until a senseless act of violence changed that on February 23, 2014. He has now been our focus and the fact that he is still with us, a miracle.

For those of you who have been reading my blog, I apologize for the delay in posts. After being home for nearly a month, we are finally getting settled in and are so blessed to be here. PTL We are now familiar with our new routine and Jackie could not be happier to wake up in his own bed, nudged along many mornings by Jovie, our Golden Retriever. Our transition from Magee Rehabilitation Hospital to The Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital Day Program has been a smooth one. We are so grateful to Magee for their months of work with Jackie to get him to this point and look forward to the weeks ahead with the team at Hershey.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Recreational therapy continue to be part of Jackie’s rehab schedule. Jackie is working on standing and sitting balance. The Hershey team is also working with Jackie to learn how to make transfers on his own from his wheelchair to the mat or to a chair. Strength and balance are still needed before this task can be completed. Braces on his left arm and leg are starting the long process of stretching out muscle tone and tightness. Different walkers are being tried to give Jackie the best aids for walking assistance. Walking on his own without assistance from a therapist will still take some time.  Although a huge mental struggle, Jackie played a game of backgammon on Monday during rec therapy. With much coaching he was able to get through the game and ended up winning at the end with a clutch doubles throw. He was absolutely exhausted by the time we were in the car for the 45 minute trip home. Jackie seems to be withstanding the commute to and from rehab well, but I’m sure it tires him more than we know. Although, just being out and in the car has got to make him feel normal again.

Appreciating all the things we used to take for granted seem to be the norm for our every day life. I hope your holiday is filled with family, love and laughter. Life is too short and unpredictable to have it any other way.

We continue to receive support in so many different ways. Thanks to all of you for bringing tons of joy to our lives.

“Rejoice in the spirit of Christmas which is Peace, the miracle of Christmas which is Hope, and the heart of Christmas which is Love.”
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