***** BLOG TAKEOVER *****
Hi folks! This is Kabrina's sister, Kristel. For those of you who don't know me, I call Houston home, but have been semi-permanently in Frisco since Dec 2021. Back in November, when Jared was in an LTAC in Carrolton, I felt the Lord leading me to move up here and join Jared's journey. I reached out to my employer and boom... it was settled. I still have roots in Houston, but with each new day, I am beginning to see the next chapter of my life taking place in DFW. Who knows? Not me, only the Lord, and he will reveal it to me when the time is right -- that I know for sure!
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) says, "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."
Let me tell you folks, I have seen this piece of scripture play out time and time again throughout Jared's journey. I could go on for paragraphs with the how's, why's and who's, but there's no need. If you've been along the journey with us, you already know! ;0)
** PATE'S THERAPY UPDATES (aka PRAISE REPORTS!!) **
Physical Therapy (PT):
Jared's ability to shift his weight when standing is getting better.
Jared continues to try to propel himself forward in his chair, but is now engaging his arms! Go J, go!!
His longest time sitting unsupported (at the edge of the mat) is now 35 minutes- way to go, J!!
This past Friday was Jared's maiden voyage on the Nimbo Posterior Walker. This one has no seat or resting option for his upper body -- it's 100% full on Jared! (video is from his 1st walk)
Occupational Therapy (OT):
He is getting better with helping us/staff put on & take off his clothes and shoes, helping while bathing, how often he asks and initiates standing and how much he helps when moving from bed-to-chair and vice versa.
His right hand's ROM and flexibility are increasing, but he will definitely benefit from a 2nd round of Botox injections.
Speech Therapy (ST):
Jared is speaking more and more! Some of the words and phrases the staff have heard from him are: roll the dice, wash your hair, baseball, sweet tea, chair, and bed. He's not initiating conversations yet, but we know that will happen soon!
Jared is eating at a more consistent rate. He's enjoying oatmeal, mashed potatoes and loves the fruit & protein smoothies Kabrina makes him!
His speech therapist let him jam out to some tunes a bit last week, and she said he was "dancing and moving his arms around acting silly." We love hearing the Jared we know and love is coming out more and more! I always giggle when I ask him to 'give me a shimmy' and he obliges! (check this video out of him giving me a small shimmy, but while standing, so I'll take it!)
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) tells us, "For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes) ascends to God for his glory." Yes and Amen! We give thanks to God (Jehovah Rapha) for keeping his promise to Jared that he will heal him!
Look at these two, but more importantly, look at those smiles! They radiate hope, strength, perseverance, joy and love. They don't even know it, but they are embodying just how much "the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10b - NLT) Something I'm pretty sure my sister doesn't realize is just how much of a godly wife she is, and has been to Jared since his accident. Proverbs 31:12 (NLT) says, "She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life." I don't think she would mind if I share with you all that prior to Jared's accident, her faith and belief in God was all but non-existent. She grew up with the Lord playing a big part of her life, but somewhere along the line, as I'm sure many can identify with, that light went dim with everyday life. However, over the last 10 months I have been blessed to witness her heart softening to the Lord. She spends her weekdays waking up at 4:30am and commutes about 40 miles to stand on her feet for 8 hours inside an operating room. After that, she leaves work and heads straight to Jared wherever he's been these last few months, She caught a huge break while he was at BIR because that facility was only 15 minutes away. Now that he's at Pate in Anna, she has a 60-90 minute drive after work. Weekends are spent with Jared -it's very hard to pull her away— trust me, I've tried and many others have too! Proverbs 31:17 (NLT) it says, "She is energetic and strong, a hard worker." Amen, yes she is! I pray the Lord continue to bless her, and that she clearly see how much of her strength these past 10 months has come directly from him.
This picture is from Valentine's Day 2022. I know 2023 will be the polar opposite, but until then I'd be remiss if I didn't commend both Kabrina and Jared for loving God and each other so selflessly and so well. I Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) says, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
** PRAYER REQUESTS **
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) tells us, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help s develop endurance. And endurance develops of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
We are praying and believing that Jared will continue meeting (and exceeding) his therapy goals, specifically in OT-- that he progress from max/mod assist to minimal assist, and Speech --that he speak more words and his volume be LOUDER!!
Favor with the third-party committee as they review Jared's case to grant continuing insurance (Aetna) coverage until he transitions onto Kabrina's plan (BCBSTX) 9/1/2022.
We humbly ask that the Lord to send us someone who will bless Kabrina and Jared with a master-bathroom remodel that is functional, beautiful and at a minimal cost.
Prayers for continued patience and peace for Kabrina as she navigates this time of renewed and sometimes uncertain tastes and preferences for Jared. We've learned that he still loves Oatmeal Cream Pies and Dr. Pepper, but everyday we are faced with the same question, "what will he want to eat today?"
On a personal note, I'd like to end this week's blog by expressing my gratitude for all of your love and continued intercessions of prayer for my sister and brother-in-law. I thank the Lord daily for all of you. You may not know it, but those prayers are truly are making a difference in their lives. God has been so faithful to them, so it is my honor to offer this sweet prayer to all of you. Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) says, "‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
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