The Ramp

Today, the Pioneer volunteers came to build the ramp for Ceil. Below is a chronological photo essay of the entire process. You can click on the picture to enlarge it. These men, mostly retired Qwest employees volunteered their valuable time to help make Ceil's life a little easier during her recovery. They did such a great job and really worked hard. Mike, the coordinator directed the group as they moved quickly through the process. All of the prep from last week made the task a little easier for the men. We are very grateful for these men giving their time and energy to make this a reality for Ceil. Please view the photos below to see the process and to see Ceil enjoying her new deck and ramp.
Denise came this evening to spend time with Ceil, which gave Linda and I a chance to get some important errands done. Thank you Denise!

Happy 24th birthday Robbie!

Brian and Mike

Brian arrived and up went the volume, again.

Uncle Fester "working"

The finished product

The reveal. Ceil loved it!

Coffee on the deck

Thank you all for the wonderful ramp.

Tuesday Can be Quite Boring...

Today has been one of those quiet, almost boring days. Ceil did very well with Sue, the PT. She walked the hallway very nicely and worked hard on her exercises. Jane came at 2:00 today and challeneged Ceil's routine. Ceil, of course did very well. We did take a nice long walk in the sun and cool breeze. That was very nice. Other than that, very boring. Still looking for that call in the afternoon to break things up for Ceil. Anytime after 3:30 pm is a great time to call and say hello. See ya tomorrow. Something really great is happening tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Monday Comes Too Soon

Ceil had such a good weekend, with visiting family and meaningful outings. Monday seemed to come all too quickly, and the week ahead with it's hard work and consistent routine. This morning, after Linda left for work, and I had finished with ROM on Ceil's right arm and leg. I asked her, off the cuff, if she enjoyed hearing from her kids by phone. She nodded, said yes and smiled. I can't express enough the importance of keeping in contact with Ceil on a fairly regular basis. She is very aware of, and enjoys the calls she receives from her children. It is also much better than talking mainly to me most of the day, every day. ;^)-

Ceil continues to work hard with Jane, the speech therapist. Ceil did well today with reading comprehension and writing. PT went well, as Ceil continued to walk with the A-frame cane.
After her nap, Ceil had a surprise visit from Vickie, Chris, and their father. Ceil was so happy to see them. They had a nice visit and caught up on all of the family happenings over the last few years.

Farewell Father Jacob...

Today was Father Jacob's last day as visiting priest. There was a going-away party in his honor, and Ceil was in attendance. We went over early to hear the last part of Father Jacob's message. Ceil listened very closely and was pondering every word, even though she had heard the message yesterday. Afterward, we met Father Jacob by the church office to say hello and wish him well. As Linda was describing Ceil's current condition, Father Jacob looked down on her with a deep concern and compassion. He then laid his hand on her head and prayed a moving and sincere prayer for her healing and restoration. A truly touching moment. Father Allan also greeting Ceil warmly and touched her head with a prayer of anointing and healing. We had a nice time visiting and snacking on fruit and treats brought by the parishioners.

After Ceil's nap we went to lake George for the taste of St. Cloud celebration. Ceil was ready to get out in the sun and enjoy the afternoon. It was windy and warm by the lake. As we made our way around the lake we saw the jets flying in formation in the distance at the air show. We stopped by the splash-pad, Shetland ponies, and enjoyed a snack in the shade. It was a great Sunday for Ceil.