Do you see that purple thing behind Bill's right shoulder? That's his bed and as you can see he is not in it. Today he spent about an hour and a half upright in a wheelchair and that's big news! It was a bit anxiety-inducing but he did very well. Each day he is to increase his time in the chair by 30 minutes until he can go all day. Sitting upright after spending five and a half weeks in bed takes some getting used to, but it's a big step towards rehabilitation. I was worried that his blood pressure might get too low (he has the tendency to get low when he's stressed) but it did not happen.
Being in a new hospital means you have do everything again and this morning a speech and swallow therapist cleared him for soft foods. His tube feeds will only run at night and will account for 75% of his nutrition. The rest he will eat during the day. As he gets stronger he will eat more food and receive less through his tube, although I sort of hope they will try to fatten him up a bit first!
Many of you have asked about how you might help with Bill's recovery and his transition home. I am grateful that so many people are concerned and want to help and know that there is a lot to be done. While Bill is in rehab, Dad and I are thinking about changes that need to be made to Bill's house so that it will be accessible to him. We are doing some research now and will have a better idea of the changes needed in the weeks and months to come. I'll let you know when we are ready to go to construction. In the meantime, I've set up an Andrew William Beck Benefit Fund at People's Bank in Marietta for Bill.
Thank you all for your support, donations, gifts, and cookies. Happy holidays.
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Merry Christmas Bill and Sarah, Love Bekah and Bri.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Bill and Sarah! Your enthusiasm is encouraging and your stamina is amazing! We all love you guys soooooo much and we're with you all the way. Hopefully, John will be in Huntsville end of next week and wants to be with Bill on New Years. Can't wait to kick 2009 right out the door! Love and strength to you all.
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS BILLY AND SARAH,
ReplyDeleteYou are missed a lot here on Whipple Run. It doesn't feel a bit like our traditional Christmas's when we're all together enjoying this special Holiday. We decided to wait until next year to hold our close family meal and all. We'll have a big 'shindig' then!!!
As we all know Christmas isn't about food (although that's great) and gift giving (almost as nice) but about the love God has placed in our hearts through Christ Jesus for Him and each other. I've seen His amazing love in the faces and intentions of so many this past couple months and if I weren't already a believer in God, this would be enough to convince me. Love is so much greater than anything. Love is the greatest gift of all the Bible says. Nothing can compare to it. Those of us who have tasted of Christs love have to tell others so they too may know it.
"For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes upon Him should not perish but have everlasting life." He will never leave us or forsake us. People will always let us down at one time or another even though unintentionally, but He is always there to hold us and love us. Although I don't have a pretty package to hand you this year, I want you to know my heart holds love for you and if there's anything possible I can do to ease your burdens I hope you'll ask.
(I'm not too bad with a mop and bucket Billy, and would love to help make your home a little more comfortable before your return) Just ask, ok? I'll be there for you.
My prayer for you today is that you'll experience Gods Holy Peace, Love and Joy despite the tribulations you're 'GOING THROUGH.'
It's so nice to see your smile Billy, and to see you sitting up! Your dad and I look forward to being with you soon!
Oh, would you ask someone to get a picture of both of you together and post it?
God bless you both always.
Love, Nancy