Walking Spirit

I know, one of these things is not like the others. Almost one year ago many of you visited me in the hospital while I slept. While many of you were there you left me messages on quilt squares. Some squares were taken to work and other places. Cindy Carpenter had the idea and Denise Rogers made the quilt. I think Mom wanted the quilt to be a surprise but I heard about it in the hospital. Mom kept hushing people when they'd talk about it but I'd still hear them. Well, Mom and Dad brought me the quilt this week.

I can't tell you how much I am touched by the quilt and the thoughts and emotions that were put into it. Thank you all, thank you all for the support, love, and prayers you have given. The quilt is, of course, on Star Wars material so it fits in perfectly with my house. Cliff's wife Kellie actually has an order to the way she describes my collection. (Perhaps, if we're lucky, she'll describe it for everyone in a comment.) :)

This past week was very positive. My friend Rob from Purdue (the best school in Indiana) came to visit. On Sunday he went to church with us. Sunday began like normal with me putting on the legs and leaving the house to meet my family for breakfast. When I left the house I discovered that Rob was driving a car, not an SUV. Up till then I hadn't tried to get in a normal car with the legs on. It worked and then I had to worry about how I would get out.

When we got to the restaurant Rob parked on the street so, not only did I have to get out of the car but I also had to step over a curb to get on the side walk! It worked and I walked into the restaurant for the first time. Madeline sang at church, it was the best concert ever.

On Monday Renee and I met with another amputee who is also a Prosthetist. He had some great suggestions and was very positive about my situation. We met with my Prosthetist today and some changes are going to take place. Another new socket on my left leg and my left leg will also be altered to compensate for the alignment of my hip. This will hopefully allow me to stand straight up and put weight evenly on both legs. We'll see...