Harder Family

Harder Family

Friday, March 20, 2015

Update: 3-20-15

1 John 5:14-15 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him."

Today was a great day. It was a reminder to me of the power of prayer. Every time I see Wayne and hear how well he is doing, how he is exceeding the goals and expectations of everyone, I'm blown away at the awesome God we serve. I'm so thankful that it was God's will for Wayne to progress so quickly. It is also comforting thinking about the long road ahead. I know that I can trust God and rest in His plan. 

This morning started off with the girls and I enjoying a nice breakfast at home before piling into the car. I was able to take the girls to our friend's house for the day so I could visit Wayne. I prepared today's schoolwork last night so that we won't fall too far behind in school. The girls were able to complete their homework packet while visiting friends, which they enjoyed. Since the weather was nice today, they also took a walk to a local park and were able to play outside. My mother's heart loves knowing that my kid's are being loved and well taken care of while I'm off caring for their father. 

While the girls were busy doing their homework and playing, I was able to take a trip downtown to see Wayne. I decided to take the train today to avoid horrible commute traffic. Riding the train also allowed me to get some much needed exercise as I walked from the train station to RIC. The air was a little crisp this morning, but it felt refreshing once I got a few blocks in to my walk. 

It was wonderful to spend a few hours today with Wayne. When I arrived, he was standing at his room window. It made my heart stop for a moment seeing him like that. It has been hard to see him in a wheelchair, even with all the progress he has been making. Today everything felt a bit more "normal". I told Wayne that this past month still doesn't seem real. I feel like I've been in a daze walking in someone else's shoes. I keep hoping to wake up and everything is back to where it was six weeks ago. But, God has allowed this to happen in our lives for a reason, so we'll take it a day at a time.

We were able to spend some time talking alone and catching up. I left to start his laundry while his speech therapist worked with him. When I came back, I was able to hear her working with Wayne. She said that he had improved even since yesterday's session. She told me that Wayne has a less common form of aphasia called transcortical motor aphasia. *Note: When you go through something like this, lots of big medical terms are thrown at you. I have a basic understanding of this, but if you want to know more, google it* His therapist seems happy with his progression. She gave us some things that we can do at home to help him if he is struggling to find words. One suggestion was an emergency card. Since Wayne can read well, but can't always come up with the exact thing he wants to say right away, she suggested that we have a card near the phone in case he needs to call 9-1-1 and I'm not home.

After speech therapy ended, Wayne and I got to visit some more. Today reminded me just how much I miss having him home. Although it was a really enjoyable day, I left with an emptiness. It is hard to leave your best friend again and again. He has called the last two nights to say good night, but it isn't the same as chatting on the phone catching up for an hour when he's out of town. Next Friday cannot come fast enough!

Around 3, Wayne was scheduled for physical therapy (PT). The session today included a trip outside. They gave Wayne a list of things that they wanted him to do. He was to find the nearest Treasure Island grocery store; walk there; find milk, diapers, bananas, and ice cream; ask the deli clerk if they had his favorite cheese; walk back to RIC and ask the valet attendants how much parking is for family; and finally, ask security what the visiting hours are for RIC. Wayne did amazing! He didn't get flustered asking questions and he found all the items. This man just had brain surgery 11 days ago!! God is so good!! (If you look at the pictures, Wayne is walking so well that the therapists are just walking with him, they aren't worried about him falling at all).

Once we got him back to the "gym" at RIC, I took off to catch my train. I walked back to the train station, to get some more exercise. I almost missed my train! I boarded the train and about 30 seconds later, the doors closed! The day ended with a quick trip to Chick'fil'a  to pick up dinner to go. We went home and rented a movie and had a "picnic" in the living room. Overall, today was a phenomenal day. We are all counting the days until Wayne can be home with us...we are all missing him a lot.







1 comment:

  1. Praise the Lord that Wayne is doing so well. It is interesting to see how they are helping Wayne to find the words he needs. It is wonderful seeing him walking and "shopping". I can't imagine how it must be to be separated every night. I will be praying for you and Wayne as you go through this next week.

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