To your health!

No doubt Tim is wishing everyone a healthy new year 2009!

Christy had a great visit with our sister, Stephanie at her home in Naches, Washington. It's been difficult for Steph and Einar to be so out of touch with Tim. So, they took a trip to California and brought the baby, of course. It has been nice for everyone to visit and for Tim to see his niece, Liv for a second time. He is a proud uncle and thinks she is so cute.

We all wish that Tim could spend more time at home (folk's house) with us, but we are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving at Dominican. It certainly seems that the nurses like him and await his return when he gets a pass to go home. As far as patients go, Tim is a good one. I continue to be encouraged and amazed by his optimism and truly sweet disposition, despite his incredible adversity. I know I speak for the entire family when I say that occasionally I have to catch my breath when I realize Tim's reality. He makes this whole thing seem like a mild inconvenience. Believe me, it is not!

Tim still cannot read because of dizziness and blurred vision. Don't let that stop you from writing to him on Facebook and through cards. We read everything to Tim and these notes, along with food are his only pleasures in life...seriously. He reads text messages as often as he can and really appreciates scripture blessings. Even if you just send the reference, we can look it up and read it to him. I believe that praying scripture over him is the best healing balm we can give him, so please keep them coming.

Tim has an insatiable appetite, which is due to the steroids that he is taking. We really love to watch him eat because it's one of the few things he can enjoy right now. He's certainly had his fill of sugar over the holiday season!

Tim has made so much progress in the last few weeks! His left leg, which was mostly paralyzed after surgery is now moving quite well. He is able to move his arm at the shoulder and with a lot of concentration and hard work, he can grip a hand. He is able to move his hand at the wrist, which is excellent. He can hold himself up on his hands and knees and is getting better at being able to stand with assistance. He is working very hard at his physical therapy every day. We are certain that with his persistent spirit and self discipline he will make a remarkable recovery. Our goal for Tim is the coming weeks is that he will progress to a point where he is able to take care of his needs in the bathroom and be able to move himself from bed to wheelchair and back.

Tim is so anxious to come home and is pretty unhappy in the hospital. He wants to be able to shower every day and enjoy the outdoors more. These little things we all take for granted are the very things he longs for!

He still gets tired out pretty quickly, but loves the company, so please continue visiting him!

Thank you for all of the prayer and well-wishes!

Christy and family