We finally were able to get away for a vacation. The Frio River was up do to some timely rains. Tubing was great...although Jennifer had to spend her time in the cabin, or on the shore, because she could not get her skin graft wet (it was still weeping a bit). Jennifer left it uncovered all week and it took a tremendous turn toward healing (almost time to break out the Sharpies).
No phone and intermittent Internet access made it even more special.
After the river, we travelled to San Angelo,. We had a great time visiting with my family, participating in birthday parties, shooting Jumbo Grasshoppers*, treasure hunting, and taking care of Dad.
*It's that time again. The weather has been ripe for a grasshopper infestation. However, these aren't your typical flying grasshoppers (of which there were plenty about). The grasshoppers we were shooting with BB guns were the Jumbo Grasshoppers, aka giant grasshoppers, aka lubber grasshopper. These guys are 2-3 inches long with wing pads instead of functional wings. They pop up every few years and wreak havoc on our cotton crop. My brother and I, as kids, had to walk around the turn rows with baseball bats and go "country mafia" on them. Eventually we grew tired of of breaking legs and getting grasshopper guts all over us (yes...they are pretty juicy), so we grabbed our BB guns and made a game of it. We were natural dead-eyes....good times.
We also broke out the metal detector and search a spot where an old house used to stand. Found some buckles, hitch rings, and an old butter knife, beat up from years of plowing over it...but still exciting to find.
Keep thoughts and prayers out to my Dad as he's going through some difficult times. We are trying to pinpoint the issues and adjust accordingly. Wish him well.
Oh yeah.. This is all about Jennifer. She had a great time getting away.
Jennifer had a follow up appointment with the plastic surgeon. They were excited at her progress. The next follow up is four months away to determine whether additional tweaks need to be made to the tongue flap and/or the skin graft. Good news.
The physical therapy went well too. We've been in it for a month, so they re-evaluated her mobility. Remember the 90 degree neck mobility she had (looking left-to right)? She has improved it to 140 degrees, far exceeding expectations. Same for the up and down movement. I did take a picture of the contraption they use for measurements (see earlier posts referencing the GPS device from the early 1800's). Out of respect to Jennifer, I will not post them here. But if you ask me (when she's not around), I'll show you. :-D
Hands and wrist are getting better. The arms still need more work. They increased the resistance in her workouts, really challenging her now. The therapist assigned three more weeks of workouts. That should be all she needs before she's turned loose for the last time.
We discussed Jennife's ability to drive. The therapist was fine with it, as long as we are comfortable. Her improved range of motion pushed her over the top. Great news.
As her caregiver, I did ask the therapist if I need to continue to arrive with Jennifer (since she will now be able to drive on the interstate). Recall, Jennifer was chastised for not having her caregiver with her during her early CT scan. We just want to play by the rules. The therapist said "Well, you don't do anything when your here. And I only allow you for entertainment value...... ". ---- I quit listening after that....I discovered I was only a tool for entertainment. :-(
So, going forward, I only plan to attend the actual doctor's appointments. Jennifer still needs my expertise in this area. As for the physical therapy, I will let Jennifer continue without me.....I'm good with that, as I'm the epitome of physical fitness. ;-)
Other than PT, the next foreseeable appointment is mid September to address the thyroid issue. Unless something changes before then, I will most likely post at that time.
Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and kind words. They are much appreciated.
