Saturday, December 22, 2007

Home for Christmas

Mission accomplished...Tennies for Tim that is. Kate delivered the tennis shoes to Tim today at lunchtime. They look very comfy and hopefully will help him in his therapy. He was very thankful to say the least, he was almost speechless. Thanks to Kate's special friend for purchasing these.

While eating lunch today, Kate was surprised by her Uncle Tom who brought her a Terramizzou frozen custard from Ted Drewes, packed in dry ice. If you're from the St. Louis area, you know how wonderful this stuff is. Uncle Tom used to live near Ted Drewes when he was a kid and knows how much Kate likes it. Thanks, Uncle Tom!

We received word yesterday that Kate will be allowed to come home for 8 hours on Christmas day. (No visitors, please) She is looking forward to it. I have to go in for some training on Monday on how to handle her physical limitations in a home setting. Let's hope it doesn't involve any heavy lifting! In case you are wondering, my back is feeling a little better each day and should be resolved soon.

Kate still has a mild fever and has asked for more prayer about it. The doctors continue to believe it is due to a bladder infection and she is still taking anti-biotics to combat it but can't seem to shake it.

Several people have asked about visiting Kate at the rehab center. Aside from family and close friends, I would hold off on visiting her at this time due to her busy therapy schedule and much needed rest times. As much as she enjoys meeting with visitors, too much activity is not the best for her right now. I'll let you know if that changes.

Kate is still making daily progress with her left side. She is able to walk 500 feet with minimal assistance. Also, I noticed she was lightly grasping at an object with her left hand, so it appears her grip is slowly returning. Praise God! I know the progress is not moving fast enough for Kate but I'm pleased that slow and steady progress is being made. Her recovery is going to be more like a marathon versus a sprint.

We are blessed to have so many people praying and supporting us. Thank you for following our journey and making intercession on our behalf.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas,

Dave

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are thankful to God for His providence and for planning Christmas Day for all of you. We are grateful that He is bringing all of you together in your house to spend the better part of Christmas Day celebrating Christ's birth. He never fails us. We pray for you,Dave, as you train to make this home visit a more comfortable reality for your family. We pray for joy and much happiness for those special boys who will be thrilled to have their mom at home for a little while. Asking God's blessings upon all of you on Christmas Day, and forever.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! I am so happy that Kate will be able to spend some time at home for Christmas. God is so good!

We are still praying for you in Nashville.

Anonymous said...

Gram had forgotten how one whole day can pass without getting much household work done due to one three year old. Add to that a seven year old on a soggy Saturday.
I feel like I did not accomplish much today as Christmas keeps creeping up. But I suppose if the boys did not get hurt or otherwise I did my job today.
I quit counting the number of times the boys kept calling out my name all day. Finally I gave up trying to do 5 loads of laundry or anything else I deem important and just started to read to them and chase them around the house.
After all, who needs clean clothes anyway. It's all relative. Isn't it?
Uncle Tom does interesting things. One time I asked him to get me to the airport for a very early flight somewhere. He wanted me to experience some little donut shop in south St. Louis at 5 a.m. on the way and then we drove through a Jewish cemetery. He said he always thought it was interesting to look at the dates and names and wonder what their life was like.
I must say eating soft glazed donuts and looking at headstones in south St. Louis at 5:30 a.m. in the morning is probably one of the hightlights of my life. You can always count on Uncle Tom for a good time whether it is glazed donuts or Ted Drews.
Gram feeling her age (102) after a day with the boys.

Anonymous said...

From Branson, Missouri
I follow the progress everyday.
It's like I can't wait to thank God for something and to pray for you. Proverbs 3:5-6 is my prayer for you today.

Anonymous said...

My heart is warmed by the idea of Kate at home with Dave, all her boys and family for Christmas Day! God is good! I am praying for strength and endurance to finish the marathon that recovery can be.
And I need to throw a quick shout out to Soccer Gram... she rocks! The laundry will always be there... the special moments made by reading to the boys and chasing them around are precious.
Praying often and sending big hugs-
Elizabeth Ward

Anonymous said...

Hey Kate and Dave!
Just letting you know I'm continuing to pray for you, and I'm so thankful you'll all be home together for Christmas!!!

Will be praying that it will be a quiet, peaceful day.
Love you,
Tiffani Gibbs

Anonymous said...

Warm fuzzies thinking of Kate being home for Christmas Day!!!

When I was teaching special educ., I learned so much from my OT, PT, and speech therapists!! I still use ideas, concepts, techniques, and strategies I learned from them. Dave, who knows...maybe they'll help you with your back, too. :)

Soccer Gram, you're doing exactly what you need to be doing....lovin' on those boys!!! I'm praying for you for solid sleep & extra energy. As Elizabeth Ward said, "You rock!"

Uncle Tom sounds like a fun person!! If he ever wants another family to "experience life" with, we're just down the road!!

In His Grip,
Sue Stark :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Snodgrass clan and Soccer Gram,

I spent yesterday home with my feverish 8 yr. old, Soccer Gram, and my laundry aspirations also went unmet! Don't know what it is about a sick child that makes them need you the second you enter the laundry room. Thought I would wrap presents, instead, but discovered I'm out of tape...

SO GLAD to hear that Kate will be able to come home for Christmas. I know the Snodgrass men have already gotten their best present in knowing that. Remember, Dave, that we are only a few miles away and more than able to help if you find your back goes out on Christmas day.

Kate, my sweet friend...I am praying for you and loving you right now. I know it will be very hard for you to come home just for the day on Christmas, and then leave that evening for more therapy, and I will pray that God will give you the peace that passes understanding. Praying also for your lovely boys that they will be encouraged by your time at home.

Love,
Erika

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that Kate will be able to spend some time at home for Christmas. Continuing to pray for you and your family!
Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Gram, if the laundry gets to be too much to keep up with, you can turn the boys clothes inside out put them back on them and call it an "inside out." day. They would not care I'm sure. Kidding, mostly ! ! ! You are doing great, getting them fed, loved, read to, and driven to and fro, and making sure each one feels im;portant with lots of playing. They have the coolest Gram ever. Praying for God's continued blessings at Christmas and always.

Oldqueen44 said...

I am so glad to hear you are doing so well. The struggle you face is huge in man's eyes , but praise God, you are trusting in the God who can manage all things. I continue to pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so delighted to know that you will be coming home for Christmas. God's special present to you all.

I love the new family picture on the blog!

Merry Christmas. Know that I continue to pray...

Episcopollyanna said...

I'm so glad to hear that Kate can come home for Christmas. Keeping you all in my prayers. God bless and Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Dave and Kate,

That is wonderful news! So excited to hear you will all be together in your own home for much of Christmas Day. I pray it will be a sweet time for all of you.

I was looking back over the last few days and marveling at Kate's progress:

Dec 19 - walked from toilet to sink
Dec 20 - walked from bed to bathroom, lifted left arm, and moved left wrist
Dec 22 - walked 500 ft w/minimal assistance! Also grasped an object with her left hand.

Go Kate! And go GOD!! I know Dave said the progress isn't fast enough for you, and I'm not a medical person AT ALL, but this seems like serious progress to me in just a few days! We're still praying for good sleep and a healthy appetite, so you have the energy to keep giving it your all.

Merry Christmas!!
Stacey Preis

Anonymous said...

Kate and Dave Your lives are a wonderful example of Christian love and faith. God will be with you forever and he works "In his time". He will continue to work in your lives and shower his love on you. I will continue to pray for your family.

Anonymous said...

Kate,

I am so thankful you will be at home with all your boys for Christmas Day. You are making such good progress. I am so proud of you and so thankful for what the Lord is doing for you.

Luke 2:8-11 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Have a joy filled Christmas and "do not be afraid", God is taking care of you and your dear family.

Love, Judy

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Kate and Dave!! You couldn't ask for a better gift. Carter, Cole and Stewart will be so happy to have their family all together. Enjoy your day at home, Kate. Keep up all the hard work. You are doing an amazing job. Your faith, strength and determination are amazing!! jen schulte

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Snodgrass family! What a wonderful gift to be at home with ALL your boys, Gram, and other family memebers. You're going to be sprung for 8 hours to be with your family!!!
We have missed you at the traditional Snodgrass Christmas Eve get together for several years but you are all with us in spirit. Aunt Carol called and asked me to make the "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS" cake, and I was sooo excited/honored to be able to do this. In the past years we have done the 3 layer/color cake and although I like that tradition it hasn't been the same since your family hasn't been able to attend and I think Kate and Dave were the ones who started that Christmas Eve tradition. The HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS chocolate cake has been a tradition in our family (Snodgrass/Schlag) since I can remember. I have very fond memories of getting up early in the morning and watching/helping my mom make the wonderful cake. I have taken it to my husbands side of the family for Christmas day for the past several years. Sebastian (age 3)is so excited about singing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus and blowing out the candles!! I'm hoping this tradition continues after I'm gone.
Keep up the great progress and work Kate. You are a true inpiration and loved. You and your family are being prayed for non stop with thousands of people praying. God Bless! Dave take care of your back- have you tried moist heat, you can soak a towel with water, wringe it out and put in microwave for a minute or 2 and then lay on the towel. You can do this as much as you feel needed and some people say it helps to alternate ice and heat.I'm sure you have already gotten lots of advice so please forgive my medical background and back pain sufferer myself advice. Didn't Kate go through PT school or maybe I'm thinking wrong.Also there is a natural lotion you can get at Walmart, it has wintergreen, sage (it is in the lotion section), and you won't smell like the medicine cabinet!
Well off to make the cake and goodies for Santa- Sebastian has offered to help with the baked goodies- I just hope he doesn't try to eat it all in one sitting!!
Praying you have a peacful/restful/fun Christmas together!
Love from Indiana
The Cripe's

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!
~Gina

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas from the Peskorses! We will be praying for a fun relaxing day at home- for protection of Dave's back too! Our prayers for you and your family continue- God is faithful in all things and gives us joy despite our trials-
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. Psalm 138:2

Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus- Jen and Bill

Anonymous said...

Kate, girl...it was good to see you and pamper your toes and hands. Hopefully your mani- and pedi- were relaxing, and you were able to take a good snooze after I left. You know, you were nodding off towards the end of our visit, but I don't take it personally...that was the purpose: to make you feel warm and fuzzy on the OUTSIDE as well as on the inside. The receptionist at the desk was a little miffed that I didn't have time to do HER hands and feet, too.. :) I love you and am praying for quality, fun-filled, family-filled time tomorrow celebrating AT HOME (yea!)--you'll probably fall asleep in the CAR on the way back to the rehab hospital! Love to Dave, Soccer Gram, Dee Dee, and all of the boys, too. This eve of Christ's birth, you all are ON THE BRAIN...Love: Laura Joback and family

Anonymous said...

Kate and Dave,
So glad you get to all be together for Christmas at home. Love to you all from Atlanta. Many prayers from my extended family have been lifted up to our Father for you all this week. Merry Christmas,
Shannon H and fam