May 7, 2013 Slow and Steady Wins the Race

 

This week has gone by so quickly, it's hard to believe it's been a week already. Where does the time go?

Bryce is making progress- "Slow and steady wins the race!" is our motto. Every time we get in the pool for exercises, we keep reminding ourselves of our motto. It's not that he is moving slow- it's that he is staying consistent with his time in the pool. I have learned how hard it is to walk heel to toe and keep your balance when there are others in the pool doing aerobics next to you. =) The deeper you go, the harder it is to stay balanced and to walk in a straight line. One of Bryce's rules is "No Waddling!" Well, I'm pretty sure I broke that rule several times.

There have been some 'tender mercies' this week as well. We have been listening to the book "Divine Signatures" on cd, by Gerald Lund, as we drive to therapy and back. He calls those 'tender mercies' a signature from God that we are on the right track and that he loves us and is watching over us. Thus the reason for the title of the book.

On Monday, Bryce and I had decided to head to the swimming pool (The Natatorium) at Box Elder High School at 5:45 a.m. This turned out to be a blessing. This is one of those tender mercies. There was a group of ladies there doing water aerobics and the swim coach for Box Elder High was there as well. During our exercises the coach talked to us for a minute and asked us to come and talk to him after we were done swimming. I got dressed a bit faster than Bryce- he pretty much stays in his suit until we get home so he can change one time after showering- and I talked with the coach. He told us that for the next two weeks the pool would be available for Bryce to go swimming during the day. The normal hours are 5:00-7:00 am and then 5:00- 9:30 pm. Monday thru Friday. (They are also open on Saturday) He encouraged Bryce to come twice a day for an hour each time. We had purchased a pass for our family to use the pool for the next three months for $45. This totally beats driving to TOSH and paying $30 for one time and then the gas it takes to get there and back.

Today, we made it to the pool at 1:30 and began our routine. We purchased a couple of tools online and they arrived in the mail yesterday. One purchase was an awesomeAqua Jogger belt that wraps around his waist and holds him in the upright position with his head and shoulders above the water. He does cycling exercises with this belt. We also bought a kick board that he holds to his chest while he lays on his back and he kicks his way from one end of the pool to the other. When he is using one of the fun tools, I use the other and we talk to help pass the time. We had just about finished our deep-end exercises and Bryce was ready to head home, but the coach came out and told us to stay. So we stayed and did more walking exercises. We didn't make it back tonight for more swimming, but it was sure nice to get in the pool and have the whole pool to ourselves.

Our next appointment with Dr West is on the 15th and we are hoping that we will find out when the left hip surgery will be scheduled. We will also be moving up a level on Bryce's exercises for the pool and land therapy. Hooray for progress! Bryce has also read some great books and worked some more on his watercolor of Ben Lomond Peak. If you haven't read "Men of Valor" by Robert Millet, it's a great book. Bryce has also read, "Being George Washington", by Glenn Beck. He loves History and especially George Washington. I guess I'm going to need to pick up on my reading and finish "Men of Influence" by Robert Millet, so Bryce can read that next. I just have a few too many things pulling me away from reading. I am lucky to get my scripture reading in every morning uninterrupted. =) I consider that time a tender mercy.

We are grateful for your prayers and for the blessings of the temple. We are also grateful for those tender mercies that keep us going and help us know we are on the right track. I am grateful for my sweet family that is consistently helping me out. I am also grateful for great neighbors who take the girls for us when we are gone to Dr's appointments. We are counting our many blessings!