A Quiet, Busy Christmas Eve

It's been a busy couple of days around the Snodgrass household getting everything ready for Kate's (temporary) return and Christmas festivities. Hence the reason for not being able to post an update sooner. We are blessed that several people wrapped many of the gifts for our children. This took a huge burden off of us. Thanks!

Kate continues to make progress with her left side. I'm very encouraged but I know it still is not happening fast enough for her. I attended her therapy sessions this afternoon to receive my "home" training. Kate was able to walk down and back the hallway of the rehab center without much assistance, although they still need someone to walk beside her "just in case". She was also walking up and down stairs with minimal assistance as well. This is positive since we have plenty of stairs in our home. Finally, she was using her left hand during therapy to grasp clips, similar to chip clips, and place them up on a pole to the left of her. She also used her left hand to hold a knife loosely at dinner while trying to cut a piece of chicken, though it was very difficult and she wasn't successful.

The therapist said that this Wednesday the doctors and therapists are going to get together to start working on her discharge plan. This is extremely positive news because it means the end is in sight! After she returns home, she will likely have home therapy for a short time and then outpatient therapy for an extended period of time.

Today, I arrived while Kate was doing group therapy and noticed that Tim was wearing his new tennis shoes. The therapist mentioned that they were helping him walk much better today. They looked pretty stylish as well!

Kate had a restless night's sleep last night despite being on sleep medication. Not sure if it is due to taking too many naps during the day. Please pray that her nighttime sleep would improve. Also, she still has a slight fever, around 99-100 degrees F. Please continue to pray that this would subside and not get worse.

Tomorrow, I'll pick up Kate and bright and early to bring her home for the day. She and all of us are looking forward to a great visit. Please pray that she would have the strength to enjoy the day. It is sure to be an emotional one.

I'll leave you with a great passage this Christmas eve:

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31

Merry Christmas to All,

Dave