Monday June 15th

It was another full day at RIC. Knowing that my schedule started early, at 8 o'clock, I wanted to get a jump on it. I was ringing my bell at 6:00am to get dressed and get out of bed so I could brush my teeth and go get a couple more final touches done on my chair. First thing I had was physical therapy where they got me on a mat and they called down the wheelchair maintenance guy to take some of the lean to the back out of the chair. While on the mat my goal for the session was for me to roll onto my side from my back. After several tries and advice from the PT I finally was able to turn over onto my left side with no problem! I could not get onto my right side but that will just have to be another day. Little steps at a time they say.

Next, Mom showed up and had some breakfast with me and quickly after that I had OT hand group. During hand group Ed (the gentleman who is leaving for good tomorrow) and I played Battleship. Battleship was quite the challenge with such small pegs. We ended up calling it a tie because the time ran out.

Right after hand group was occupational therapy. We did another great session of E-stim and several exercises with large rubber bands and my arms for strength training. To continue occupational therapy I then had OT exercise group. During exercise group there is about ten people sitting in a circle doing swinging arm exercises with weights - it really takes it out of you!

I ate lunch and then took a quick 15 minute nap and was headed on for psychology group. Four of us had a chance to talk about what was on our minds and how our time at RIC has been so far. I met another patient from this floor who gave me hope and more encouraging words.

After psychology group I decided to take it upon myself and do a few laps pushing around the floor. Meanwhile, Mike, Sarah, Dennis and my Aunt Maureen were all on their way to come visit. They came and we played a few more rounds of golf (cards) and Kalli and I had our dinner in the canary room.

Probably one of my biggest goals and accomplishments of the day was a new record of eleven and a half hours sitting in my wheelchair. This is truly amazing and I am really getting comfortable wheeling around in it as well.

I received a lot of mail today and want to thank everyone for thinking about me, commenting to me, and sending me cards.