Howdy friends! It's been awhile since I've been able to get in my stamp room and create. It's been a busy few weeks.
First an update on Russ. Each day he gets stronger and his walking is getting better. He still doesn't have the ability to pull his toes up which makes walking a little more difficult. His brace that he wears helps him with that motion but he works everyday to try and get that motion back. As for the right arm, the good news is he has movement in every muscle in the arm. The bad news is that it's stubborn. He works hard everyday in therapy to get more movement.
He still has therapy twice a week and then we have therapy here at home. Therapy is getting a little more intense lately. The Occupational Therapist is trying constraint therapy with Russ where they place a belt around his body and left arm making him use the right arm. All I can say is I have to leave. It's so hard watching him work so hard everyday to regain everything he had once before.
Everyday I wake up wondering what will today bring. Will he move his right hand more? Patience is something I've never had and this is proving I still don't have it. I can only imagine his thoughts are the same.
The kids are doing fine. They are so active and running me like crazy. With Russ not being able to drive I'm pretty much on the road with the kids from 4-8pm every day except Wednesday. I love Wednesday's. It means everyone can CHILL out and regroup before the weekend comes.
Our weekends have been busy but awesome. The kids were baptized this Sunday. It was a beautiful thing. This past Saturday we attended a beautiful ceremony for Russ at the Museum of Naval Aviation. My friend Jackie Bolhuis nominated Russ to receive a quilt from the Quilts of Valor organization. What an honor for Russ and the ceremony was beautiful. You can see how this program works HERE.
Here is a little piece of our world:
Lastly, but not least… a little stamping. I wish it was more. Finding the time has not been easy.
Stamp set: Eye-Catching Ikat Photopolymer Stamp Set #134624 Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Coastal Cabana Ink: Very Vanilla, Baked Brown Sugar
Accessories: Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon #132982, Gold Fancy Foil Designer Vellum #133363, Gold Bakers Twine #132975, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch #133324, Tea Lace Paper Doilies #129399, Linen Thread #104199, Designer Buttons (Brights) #1300028, Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack #133522
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10 thoughts on “Where is Kimberly?”
Kimberly-
I can tell you that I had a serious arm injury maybe 8 yrs ago….nothing like you guys are dealing with specifically but I can tell you my physical therapist had to push the envelope…she also reached out to her collegues to figure out the best plan….I can tell you for me it was incredibly hard, painful and taxing, there were times that I was brought to tears, but….all in all it was all worth it, I gained all my mobility. It took alot of work, frustration, stubborness and time (time is the most difficult-as there is no control of that) but from what you have described about Russ and yourself you can do it!
Hi Kimberly! I love your posts, having followed you for several months, and wanted you to know I am thinking about your family. I am an OT! I work in Pediatrics for the last 12 years but previously worked in adult rehab (including stroke) and know about constraint-induced therapy—-it's hard to watch but a great therapy technique. Best of luck to your husband and in his recovery!!!! I'm an OT because my precious baby girl, my first born child, suffered two strokes when she was born. Know that there are many others out here who have a bit of an understanding of what your family is going through….keep strong!
Great update on the Van Diepen family. A beautiful and proud honor for your Prince. Your childrent are amazing and so are you. Prayers continue.
So nice to hear from you and know that things are going well. What beautiful pictures. The quilt is gorgeous. Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. Love your card, very pretty.
Thank you Lisa! XO
Thank you Wendie! XO
Thank you so much Penny for your reply. You are correct, restraint therapy is great. It’s just a tough one to watch. I want to reach across the table and pick everything up for him. Ahhh…. patience. It’s my weakest link. My hats off to you being an OT. It’s definitely a job for a person with a ton of patience. I love our OT. She is amazing and she always takes a few minutes to ask how I’m doing as well. She is a keeper. XO
Lynn, thank you for sharing your story. It does take a lot of work, and frustration goes along with it. I am so thankful that Russ and I have off days when we are frustrated. He takes a day, I take a day. LOL. It’s SO SO hard to watch him try to do all the things he once did without hesitation. I know it will all come around, but in the meantime there are days we BOTH want to throw our face in a pillow and cry. This too shall pass…
So glad to see that you are back, Kimberly! I do enjoy seeing your work and hearing your story. I'm so thankful that your husband is doing much better. It is answered prayer from so many praying–even those of us that you have never met. And, the pictures of your children being baptized…Praise God! You are a determined woman; what a wonderful strength!
Thank you. You made me smile big time. 🙂 XOXO We can’t thank you enough for the continued prayers. XOXOXO
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