Hello, everyone.
What an exciting and full life we’ve experienced over the past few weeks! Yes, ALS and FTD are still quite difficult, but there are so many wonderful things too.
On March 30th, a couple of guys from our church picked up our piano and delivered it to us in spite of the very uncooperative weather (it rained a lot that morning). On Sunday March 31st, we enjoyed a rather low-key Easter dinner with Phil’s brother and family.
It’s a good thing we had a calm day because the next day, our granddaughter decided to make her grand entrance twenty days early. Aurora Frances was born April 1st small but mighty – she only weighed 4 lbs 7 oz and was perfectly formed in every way. Phil and I are hoping to meet her in person along with visiting our Smyrna Tennessee family in late May.
One week later, we had the joy of experiencing a solar eclipse with 100% totality. Words cannot express how spectacular those four minutes were for Phil and me. We were able to view it from our front porch with one of our new neighbors, who had a filter for her cell phone. She let me attempt photos with my phone and her filter, but alas, I could not get a good photo no matter what I did. And that’s okay. The memory of what we experienced will last a lifetime.
Phil is now receiving in home health care for physical therapy and occupational therapy. These appointments have helped him tremendously. The PT exercises have strengthened his leg muscles enough that he no longer needs to wear a brace on his right knee. And the work on his upper body via OT has helped him a lot too. We’ve also received wise counsel to consider what lies ahead in terms of mobility. So, in mid-May, Phil will be fitted for a powered/motorized wheel chair. Completion and delivery of a specially designed wheelchair can take up to six months. We recognize that this too will help him live life a little more independently and fully. We are grateful.
As mentioned in an earlier journal entry, I have been approved for FMLA extended through April 23rd at which time I will be stepping down from my role as Professional Virtual Instructor for Imagine Learning. The two and a half years under their employ has been a pleasure and a season when I learned that I can teach virtually as well as traditionally. While I recognize that I cannot work in the capacity I once did while progressing through this journey with Phil, I am optimistic about what the future holds.
We are so thankful for our friends and are especially grateful to those of you who continue to help us. Many have stayed with Phil so I can run errands and keep appointments of my own. We appreciate each one of you so much!
Thank you again for living life with us through Phil’s journey.
We love you.
