Welcome the New Year

This week has been such an exciting one for us! Marvin has gotten more movement back in his arms and legs! He has been able to help me put his clothes on and kick off his shoes. We have even more good things happening. With Marka's help Marvin has been able to put more pressure on his legs and pull himself up higher to nearly standing. we practice this twice a day and cheer as he gains more strength and confidence. It has been a rough road and this bright moment makes walking again seem possible. We are to go back to Augusta on the 10th for the day to show off and get his chair worked on so that he can drive without the chin switch. His stronger hands should excite the staff.
There have been so many friends who have come by to visit and bring food and gifts during this Christmas season. It has made Marvin daily aware of the love and prayer that surrounds him. Please know that we are in your debt for helping Marvin find the will to fight harder.
May this New Year bring you hope and joy
Cathie & Marvin

Keep the faith

Marvin has been down this christmas thinking about what used to be. It hasn't been easy for him to feel motivated even with the prayers that so many have offered in his behalf. When we could see the slight changes in movement or better appetite he often saw the glass as half empty rather than half full. It is so hard to lay or sit in his chair and watch life go on around him. But God has been merciful these past few days and his spirits have picked up as we have cheered new movement in his legs and arms. He has been able to raise his legs up and off the bed a little to help me get him dressed. He has even gotten his arms raised a little while working a mat on the floor. This new hope comes from the near miraculous work of Marka Rogers. He is sound asleep now after 2 hours of stretching and lifting she inspired him through this afternoon. Such a smile on his face with this new energy of what can be for the future.
Thank you for lifting us up in prayer. God answers us with people sent to inspire us or opportunities for us to help others and get out of our own sadness. These miracles are as important as the one that saved Marvin's life in June. These save his sanity and give him purpose again.
Your loving comments, visits and call keep us going!
Cathie

Thank goodness for cookies

So many wonderful friends have come by and brought wonderful goodies for Marvin and us to share. This has been such a busy few weeks and my christmas cooking is nonexsistant. Thanks to you the kitchen is still a great place to find christmas goodies to perk up Marvin's appetite. He is outside now enjoying the last rays of sun in his Santa hat, red shirt and green pants! We have had only 2 bouts of nausea this week and both were short! Can't weight him but we feel he is gaining and so many say he looks better each day.
We won't have therapist come to the house anymore as our insurance is finished so we welcome anyone who wants to come over and help him exercise his arms or legs. Still no home health care from the VA. Ah, the wheels of the gov. grind slowly. But we do still have the equipment. We might try wheelchair races as we have 3 different types of chairs in his room. While I was on crutches at the VA I would hitch a ride with Marvin by latching on to the back of his chair with a crutch and let him pull me down the hall in his other wheelchair. We were the hightlite of the ward!
Your prayers are so appreciated right now in this season. We are dealing with memories of what used to be and trying to be positive about what is. It is hardest for Marvin and I ask that you pray that he will understand how God can use this to make a life even better than what was before.
The Blessings of Christ's Birthday to you
Marvin Cathie Trey & Amanda

Thursday 15th He Stands

Dear friends,
Like that headline? Well I cheat just a little! Marka Rogers, Trey& Mandy helped. With one under each arm and one keeping his legs on the floor, they allowed Marvin to push thru his legs and get into a crouched position 4 times on his own!. They then helped pull him into a standing position where he was able to feel the weight of his body on his legs and then let him lower himself to the sofa. He was so tired and so elated!
As we go thru week we notice more control in his arms and hands. It is too slow for Marvin but we see it and rejoice! We have so many good friends who visit and some who help us move his arms and legs which is a big help to me. Still no word from the VA on some home health care relief but many sources are calling them for me. I am trying to make some christmas gifts in clay and finding it so hard to even go out to the studio! There is much to do to make him confortable and we still have only the wonderful lights that Ann and Ed Wirth put up on the ramp as a token to Christmas. Perhaps this christmas will be more about celebrating Marvin's survival and homecoming throught God's grace. God's love has brought us this far and we are thankful for the many gifts of friends who have blessed us with their visits, calls,cards. Adversity can bring out the best in people. I pray we learn God's will for us as we struggle not only with Marvin's limbs but with our worries and doubts. You give us hope.
Cathie & Marvin

Wednesday and look'in good

As Marvin rests from the morn feeding, pills, pushing and pulling I take this moment to thank you for the calls and visits. He is doing well and eating better. We are able to stop some of the liquid diet and lessen some of the meds. Visits cheer he and massage by Gail puts a smile on his face. So many have asked "What does he need?"
So here is his wish list so far: A cd of the Beach Boys; A cd of the Lettermen;
A long-sleeved Citadel shirt (for the chill); 11 1/2 warm slippers; a room difuser for scented oils ( supposed to lift his spirits and freshen the room) Music to sooth for the nights when sleep takes it's time coming.
That's it for now. We hope to order a van soon and (praise be) start on the roll-in shower. Hope to see Charlie H today with his home grown citrus. To those Bull Dog reading this we have loved the e-mails and calls. Maybe a game will be in his future.
Our love and best wishes for you and yours this Christmas
Cathie

Marvin is home

It has been a week of work and joy. A week home and he is doing well. Trey and Mandy have been a wonderful help. Marvin has been outside in the beautiful weather enjoying the view of the new bridge. It looks wonderful at night with the lights. He has had visits from Marka to help with movement and breathing therapy and Gail with great massage on back and feet. Christian came by with the wonderful message of "yes you can" and told us of his hard work to learn to walk again and use his arms. He is a walking miracle as is Marka. Roper home care came by and gave us a good grade on our care of Marvin. There is much he must do to keep up with his therapy from the VA and progress enought to get a new handle on his power chair to drive totally with his hands. Many friends have dropped by and the wonderful food has been such a blessing. He hasn't been ready to go out by van yet and ours isn't handicap ready but we hope to order one soon. Drop by and help us hang lights around the yard. Christmas has come too fast for us.
Our love to you,
Cathie & Marvin