one

After months of sorting through photos and music, I have finally finished the photo project of Michael’s journey back to life - the rebirth as I like to call it. I had hoped to be able to just add a link to the side bar of the blog but because I have MP3’s linked to the photos it isn’t going to be that simple. This creation has meant so much to me. Each and every stolen moment I took to sit with my laptop and devote an hour or two putting the pieces together, was like an hour or two of therapy. I have nurtured and cared for it but I think if you ask my husband, he would say it has been my obsession. At any rate, it is done. A reminder of how far we’ve come -an inspirational journey of courage, of love and hope. A journey that connects us all in some way. It is my gift.

The last couple of weeks in and out of Mt. Vernon Rehab have been full for Michael. Usually 4 full days of therapy - tough but no tougher than he is. Swimming a couple times each week - 800 to 1000 meters of breast, free and back. Still working on the difficult nature and rhythm of butterfly.  If he could swim every day he would. He lives for those days at the pool.

A trip to DC with his father to see the new museum, the Newseum. A trip with Nathan and Sylvette to the Body Works exhibit in Baltimore. Visits and phone calls from friends determined to keep Michael a part of their lives. Visitors from England - my best friend and her beautiful children.  One of her daughters has said special prayers for Michael since his accident…it was so nice to see how happy they were to see him standing so strong and healthy.

The compression fractures Michael suffered bother him most days. It’s our hope that with continued rehab he’ll find relief but in the mean time, we explored massage therapy. Starting a couple of weeks ago for 30 minutes and then on Monday for 45 minutes. There was marked improvement after the 45 minute session so we’ll work on his doctor to get a prescription for subsequent visits.

We still begin the day identifying the date and appointments with the now irreplaceable journal. He checks email and myspace daily and the blog when time allows. His daily routine also includes PT and Speech homework either in the morning or evening of which he never complains or tires of. He wants to get better and he needs to feel he’s getting better each day. There are some areas of recovery that will take much longer than others but we find and give encouragement with each step, large or small.

There are no words to describe the feeling I get seeing Michael’s heart soar. I don’t see it after a good therapy session or when he is praised for hard work. I see it when you call, when you send him an email, when you stop by to visit with him - when he feels like he is not forgotten. Like there’s a chance he is still “Mike”. Thank you for that…all the therapy in the world can’t give that inner circle feeling to him. One love…

LIVESTRONG Michael.

xxoo

Here is the link to the slideshow.

(Click the “View PhotoShow Deluxe Slideshow“  link below the photo.  It will take few minutes to load.)