October 13, 2006 - Day 260

It is so wonderful to have so many photos to send you showing Rand's progress this week. Enjoy them.

A major key to Rand's ability to walk is learning to lift his right leg and to move it forward. His brace keeps his ankle and toes locked in place and unable to bend. Therefore, moving/lifting his paralyzed right leg/foot is even more of a challenge. The pictures below were taken today as Thuan, with Manny's assistance, worked with Rand, walking and lifting his right foot. Kiki, Michael, friend Laurie and I were all there cheering him on! I was "Connie the Smoocher" at the end of the ramp, ready to give him a big kiss when he walked to me! He walked that ramp six times this afternoon, and at the end of each segment, he practiced lifting his right and left feet ten times each. Each time he lifted his foot higher and higher. He was pooped by the end of the session! I didn't capture his best efforts on film, but I hope you get the idea.
Trying to lift his right foot with Thuan and Manny coaching. Trying, trying, trying .
Still trying - it is such an effort. Notice the determination on his face.
He did it! Now, count 1, 2, 3, to 10, ten times with each foot at the end of each walk up the ramp. That's a lot of energy and determination and it shows in his face.
The trick here is to have Rand balance on his right leg, of which he is barely aware plus it is weak, and lift his left foot 60 times. Uff da! But he did it!
Later, at a nearby park during an outing, Kiki and Michael presented Rand with a Norwegian flag pin for his right arm sling. He's a happy camper!
Michael has such long arms that he can hold the camera at arm's length and get us all in the picture! This was at the end of our time at Almaden Lake Park together this afternoon.

Kiki and Michael have been so good for Rand. They have made him laugh, made him walk taller and prouder. We have gone places together and they have been so flexible, helpful, fun and funny. They have made both of our lives bright and cheery this week. They are leaving in the morning and we'll miss them very much.

Keep Rand close to your hearts and in your thoughts and prayers. He has made such progress in the last few weeks and it was wonderful to have Kiki and Michael here to see much of it, to share in the joy and to cheer him on. He and I will see to it that the progress continues!

Love,
Connie