Friday Update

Me again for those no longer upset with me for the delays this week.

Friday started early with a 6:30 wake up call for Justin. I showed up just in time for dress time and breakfast. He seemed in good spirits this morning and actually said he didn't even realize it was a full moon weekend. He said he was not at all feeling like he normally would, which is wanting to go postal on someone (ha)!! That in itself was good!!

Doc came in briefly and discussed a few things they want VA to test him for. He said they typically do their tests here at out-patient time but he felt it would give the VA something to feel they participated in and would give Shepherd a jump on things when he returned. Sounded good--we'll see what happens. Still have no specifics of if they've decided to call VA and when they intend to do so. Hopefully we'll get a chance at a sit-down with Queen Bee (Barb) on Tuesday and get a more detailed plan.

He rode the bicycle today--it's the one where they use electricity to stimulate his legs that work turning the pedals on the bike. He said it was interesting. His appetite with lunch was great then it was off to his PT/OT/TR Group which was painting a ceiling tile (about 18 inches by 18 inches). Justin is designing a tribal version of another tattoo (go figure) and looks pretty decent so far. He's got part of it drawn and painted; had some difficulty with getting the pencil design of the rest of it done but didn't seem to mind it's taking time. The paint session seemed to turn into a 'jam' session with some music and "air guitar". Sam is a younger fellow in his group and he is hilarious (a younger version of Justin as Robyn calls him). Between the two of them, they kept us and some of the therapists laughing so much that the 2 hour session flew by.

We did another brief push pass to CVS for some more junk (like he needed anymore, restocked his Vitamin water and came back). He spent about an hour and a half teaching Robyn some chords--tabs and chords---"Smoke on the water" and "Simple Man". Her fingers are hurting but she seemed to enjoy it. Justin said it got him so excited that now he wants his hands back so bad so that he can jam out with her while he's teaching her.

His BP came in at 110/76, he's been 'warm' all day. Atlanta weather was cool and breezy early then warmed up but on days we think are smoldering, he's cold. Days where we say the temp seemed to be nicer, he's complaining how hot it is. I told him we needed to get his thermostat readjusted. His temp came in a super 97.6 (he said it's abnormal but it's actually normal---he, dad and Robyn all usually have between 97.6 and 98.6 temps).

A TMI moment--he can feel some sensation in his 'private' area---he advised me today that's how he knew the nurse had made a mess on him earlier this week. Because he could feel the "temperature" of the fluid in that area. I'm continuing to think any sensation he feels has got to be a blessing. He and another patient had a small collision earlier and he said it was awesome; he said he actually felt a jolt of tingling sensation when his foot hit the other guy's chair.

We continue to look at so much he tells us as miracles and steps to improvement.

He did another food outing (Firehouse Subs---they are pretty good, especially coming from me, I don't do bread well so I usually don't do subs, the Philly Steak & Cheese with hotsause was amazing). Good food, good group--it was fun, fresh air with outside seats and everyone came back miserable. We gave it up with him around 7:45 and he said he may call it quits early himself. We're doing laundry and Robyn is about to fall asleep from getting in so late (had an accident on the interstate that left her sitting an hour and moving all of 2 miles) then back up early this morning. She pulled a double so she's tired from work, ride and all day with Justin. BUT it was a GREAT day as she put it!!!!

For everyday we feel overwhelmed we are given one that reminds us of the blessings, friends, support and improvements made and yet to be made.

I needed this kind of day...................will get some pics loaded as soon as I can get them transferred from phone to laptop. I told Robyn that next time, I'm remembering the camcorder and doing an actual video not just still photos!!!

Love you guys!!!!! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.................