When we began this medical journey last October, the 100 degree days of 2013 were just ending. We welcomed the cooler days ahead and looked forward to walks, bike rides and more time outdoors. That didn't happen and now more than 7 months later the long hot days are beginning again. But we are people with a new appreciation for life, live expressing gratitude each day, and with awe of God's continuing grace and mercies giving us hope for better days.Although we are ever aware of the limitations - fatigue, muscle weakness, and nerve recovery - that continue from the Guillain Barre (daily naps help, John is gaining strength and endurance. The right leg can do more weight-bearing and has more control and flexibility. His eyes close and blink, but still tear often and vision can change during the day. The new ophthalmologist agrees we made the right choice when we bypassed the eyelid surgery. Speech and eating are almost normal. He has been able to continue in physical therapy for a few more weeks. Here are pictures of John's first lessons on climbing stairs. This felt like real progress!
We have a family zoo membership and very early one morning, we took our friend, Mary Danforth, to the zoo. It was a good place for a walk with different scenery. It was also a good chance to relax in the shade while watching the "African" plains complete with giraffes, rhino, gazelles and ostriches.
An exciting event was getting a new "socket" on John's prosthesis! Because the stump continues to shrink dramatically, the old socket was too big and a poor fit. He had begun to wear 10 "layers" of the special socks. The new prosthesis fits great and is very fashionable - take a look below. John is able to move around with more comfort, confidence and safety. He also does well on the parallel bars, moving with a smoother gait when he uses only his right hand for guidance.
However, he continues to experience setbacks because of wounds on the stump. Each time there is a small seepage of the "serous" fluid, he is not able to wear the leg. It has been a full week this time. He continues in physical therapy twice a week, but emphasis is on strengthening his right leg, arms and "core". No walking. This also means a lot more time in the wheelchair and less activity which is very frustrating. The prosthetist is working on a possible solution, but the possibility of more surgery grows stronger. (Please pray about this particular issue.)
Jackie continues to feel well most days and keeps up with day-to-day routines and chauffeuring. Yesterday she had the second echocardiogram and next week will get the results when she has a checkup with the cardiologist. Keeping track of the diet with the sodium intake under control has become easier. Occasionally, there is shortness of breath - oddly, not occurring during her vigorous activity or exercise.
We continue to care for our patio garden - and there is always some "chore" we need help with when we have visitors. Our friend Tony Cook came by and conveniently helped hang two flower pots - after Jackie had pounded the long nails into the rafters. My skills at home repairs keep growing! Just today I repaired the latch on the front screen door.
Two weeks ago we successfully trimmed our purple sage bushes. Our beautiful museum palo verde tree in the front yard needed trimming, so today we tackled the job ourselves. You can see from the pictures below that John was very determined to cut what he could from the wheelchair. Since he could not venture forth on the gravel yard it was my turn with the tree trimmer - a first for me. It was a lot of work, but we got the job done before the temperature hit 100. 
We continue to receive your greetings and appreciate the encouragement. We live in the grace of the Lord and the answers to your prayers. Please know that all of you are in our prayers each day. If you are in town, give us a call and stop by for a visit!
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