Lap pool, more standing and walking

Hi from Kirstin. It is Sunday and we're starting to have a routine around here. We just got back from church and lunch with J's dad, just like any other Sunday in Greenville might be.

Firstly, I should tell you how utterly healing it is to finally be at a home (even if its not our own). Comfy surroundings and generous-spirited friends make all the difference! While staying with friends, Jonathan can get his own snacks from the fridge, chill out in front of the TV, read the paper and rest in the 'healing chair' (the cushy reclinder in the corner). As for me, I can nap. I can sleep late. I can even go to bed early. Life is looking up. :-)

LAP POOL ACROSS THE STREET
A funny coincidence... the neighbor's across the street are also friendly with John Paul (who seems to know everyone from here to Charleston and back up to NYC!), so we've been graciously invited to their 85 degree pool. For 3 days last week, Jonathan was in the pool exercising. In this more bouyant, weightless environment, Jonathan can walk, run in place, practise side steps and swim! And if he falls over, he won't really get hurt. It's a lap pool, so is only 5' at its deepest. It's a great way to get the legs moving in the right direction!

STANDING AND WALKING CONTINUES
To help the blood flow, Jonathan parks the wheelchair up by the kitchen counter and stands up for about 2-3 minutes every once in a while, using the counter top to balance if needed. Not only does this give his a bum a break from sitting, it also strengthens his leg muscles and allows him to practise the sit/stand/sit movement (and to think he took that for granted all these years!) When I'm done with this update, we're going to use the walker to do 150 steps around the house. This time, he's asked that we keep all obstacles in his path...shoes, rugs, things he'll need to step over.

I need to run. Jonathan is ready to do some exercises and stretches to prepare for the big walk! Then we need to get online and book our flight back to California. If we can, we'll try to get Jonathan in front of the computer. His wheelchair doesn't quite fit in front of the computer, but I think we can figure something out so he can post a note.

Love you guys,
Kirstin