Andrew's New Schedule

This morning I answered the phone and it was Andrew. He wanted to know when I was coming up! I hurried and dryed my hair and then it was off to the races! Andrew took two rides outside today. I am getting good at pushing the iv cart. The weather has been so nice. Andrew enjoys sitting in the sun. Today as he sat there, a golden retriever ran up to him and sat down by him. The therapy dog wanted to visit with Andrew. Julie and Ariel helped take Andrew to the third floor where they have an outdoor patio. There is a display case with Steve Young, Karl Malone etc. jerseys. Andrew has a schedule now. He meets with different people who work on various areas of his recovery. Andrew did a puzzle today, and a couple of math figures. Next he took a nap. Then it was time for physical therapy. He walked about 10 steps, and did some leg lifts. I met with the education director. She will coordinate with KJH regarding his educational needs. We are so impressed with the team that is backing Andrew's recovery. They don't miss a thing. Right now Andrew needs a lot of quiet. He doesn't like loud talking or a lot of busy things going on in his room. When we are in his room, we only talk in very quiet tones and less is more. The doctors have requested that if someone visits, that it happen after 5 o'clock. The visits need to be brief, like 15 minutes. Only two people (including parents) can be in the room at a time. It is best to call ahead because sometimes he simply wants to be alone. I've watched him cover his face with a pillow if someone talks too long. Tonight I watched the World Series with him. Then we had a visit by the hospital chaplain. She said a very nice prayer for Andrew. Afterwards, we watched a movie and then had a little scripture reading by dad. Andrew talked to Aaron and John and Matt on the phone. It is the first time that he seemed to enjoy talking on the phone. Every day there is progress. We are so grateful for our blessings. We are so grateful for our family. Life looks different now. All the things that used to concern me just don't seem to matter any more. There is so much good that a person can do if we just look for the opportunities. Tonight we read the scripture that basically says if you should labor all your days in serving God you would still be unable to repay his goodness to you. God is always helping and blessing us. You should hear Andrew's prayers. He understands where he has come from. He understands the blessings that he has received and he is so grateful!