Thur. 2/28

Only one more day left in February; can you believe it? We've come a long way since December 19. Clem gets stronger everyday. Only two days of outpatient therapy and he can move his wrist a bit more sideways and up about 45 degrees. They are also working hard on strengthening his right leg and improving his balance in preparation for the prosthetic leg. So if you see Clem in his wheelchair and is pushing with only his foot, that is part of his exercise routine; his right arm is just fine!

Please to continue to pray for us, especially for Clem's rapid recovery. Also, I'm waiting to hear back from the life insurance company regarding compensation for his amputated leg. Please pray for a good settlement regarding the claim. Whatever the outcome, we're sure God will take good care of us, but it would be nice to know what has been decided. Love to you all and may God bless you all abundantly. DV 

Monday 2/25

Just a quick note to tell you that Clem is scheduled for his first outpatient OT this afternoon. We are excited to see what they plan to do to get his left arm moving again. He will be going to therapy 3x a week. We'll keep you all posted as we know more. Please continue to pray that his left hip is healed enough to be able to support a prosthetic leg soon. We will know more about that on March 6th. God has been so good to us throughout this trying time. It's almost embarrassing to ask for anything else! Love to you all, DV

Back on 2/22

I know that I've been away for a long time, so I hope that you still check in occasionally. Got great news. Clem had his external fixator removed on Wednesday and now he is only wearing a splint to support the left arm. They removed the fixator right at the orthopedic clinic. Got out a ratchet set and unscrewed it out of his arm. Ouch! But now it's out and it's nice to be able to help Clem put on his pants without fear of putting my eye out with the thing! 

He is scheduled to return for a follow up visit in six weeks, on April 2. On March 6 they will decide if his left hip is healed up enough to let him get started with a prosthesis for his leg. He still can't bear any weight with the left arm, but if he is cleared to be fitted, he can start learning to use the leg during outpatient therapy. Can't wait to find out if we can begin the next step. It's God's call, of course, so we are trying to be as patient as possible.

We would so appreciate your prayers that the fractures in his pelvis are healed enough to start this process. And if you are reading this, thank you for being so faithful to keep checking on Clem's progress despite my lack of attention to the blog lately. Love to you all, Debora

Thursday, 2/7

We went to LSU again yesterday and got another good report. The trauma doctor was pleased with Clem's progress and only wants to take one more look at him in two months. The plastic surgeon was also pleased with Clem's arm; it still looks pretty raw to me, but the Doc said it is healing exactly as he wants to see it heal. He also gave me a thumbs up on the cleaning and dressing I've been giving it. That was a relief because it looked funky to me and I wasn't sure if I was taking proper care of the wound. After all, I'm no doctor or nurse!

Clem's appetite is increasing and he is able to taste food again. He's even back to drinking coffee again (with sugar now). That pleases him very much. This is especially good because he had lost 30 pounds or more due to the accident and he needs to gain weight and muscle back. Working out with weights with his good arm and leg has helped a lot, too, with the added bonus of making him stronger and stronger every day. The coffee doesn't hurt his alertness, either.

Clem is so thankful for each new day and praises God in heaven constantly. We are both excited to see what God has in store for his future. Blessings to you all, DV

Mon., Feb 4

We had a busy weekend and I finally feel up to a short blog. Clem wanted you all to know that the flexibility in his fingers is increasing and he can manipulate them with his other hand with lesser degrees of pain. His OT did some sort of reverse massage on his left hand today which helped relieve the swelling and stiffness there. Clem works on his fingers many times a day (maybe not 1, 000x, but frequently) and is determined to bring it back to full use, if it be God's will, as he often says.

Clem is in good spirits and in his words, "it's been another good day," this one being one of many lately.  One of Clem's favorite pastimes is to watch the birds that gather at one of several bird feeders around our yard. Knowing this, a very good neighbor of ours made two thistle feeders and hung them up outside the picture window of our living room. His parents also brought a lovely bird bath. Clem is eagerly looking forward to seeing a variety of finches eat thistles and other birds splash around enjoying a bath. Clem has been blessed by many and is most appreciative of your prayers and attention. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, particularly for the restoration of his hand. DV