Almost Home

Tomorrow is my final therapy day and then home on Sunday. It has been good to be back at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. This is an excellent facility and with my knowledge of the staff is has been like “old home week.”

This afternoon was another good occupational therapy day..Barry my OT the last two days (pictured on left) worked with me again on some of my shoulder muscles. I have worked with Barry before but this time around he seemed to be the real man of wisdom and insight into helping me focus on underdeveloped muscles. It is amazing how tired you can get when you engage dormant muscle groups. This is even without weights or that much resistance.

It has been interesting to see the muscle responses between my left and right side. For a long time I have just stated, “My left side is weaker than my right.”That is true for some movements and not for others. By the time we finished our hour long work out today, I think I had Barry scratching his head as to the response of my muscles and explaining the physiology behind why I could make various arm and shoulder movements. However, I do have a new set of exercises to incorporate into my home therapy.

Overall, I have been thinking about the work of the physical therapist and great job that they do with a wide range of medical issues. When I was Chair of the Health and Environment Committee in the State House I sponsored the Physical Therapist Practice Act. This was an update of the statutes governing the practice of physical therapy in Colorado. I was impressed about what I learned of the profession through that process,especially the need for an aging population. But I did not anticipate physical and occupational therapists being my life line to regaining my walking, level of physical activity and quality of life that I find myself in at this point. So hats off and blessings to those who are engaged in this important medical profession.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil”.  Eccl. 12:13-14

These are the final verses of the Book of  Ecclesiastes. I always find its pages filled with contemporary commentary about life. I guess it shows how little mankind has changed over thousands of years. The final chapter is a good and poignant summary of where the meaning of life is found. It begins with “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”  and ends with the verses above. The best life, the fulfilling life is found in relationship with God through Jesus Christ.That is the story of the Bible. It is a life that is not be put off until the end of a “miserable life or a life of meaninglessness.” But when we trust the Lord with our life we find the meaning and purpose for our life that God intends.

PLEASE PRAY FOR…

All the details to be finalized for return home

Final day of therapy on Saturday

Continued improvement of medical condition as blood test results come in

Development of shoulder muscles