Our last outing with the Ymca was to Wharton, Texas. this was a 8Am to 6P trip. William tolerated the trip well. No mishaps. Whquearton , is a little tiny town. We saw everything that was possible to see in Wharton.

We had delicious bar b que. I also found some pralines at one of our bathroom stops. William has wanted pralines last time we went to a Mexican restaurant. He was ecstatic that we could find some. Delicious stuff!!

We had our primary care appointment. The Docotor had a student with him. The student came in and took the initial history. Now, this was funny. He asks if there is anything that we want to report. Well, William says yes. He has lots of stuff. First, his ear has been ithching. He is afraid that he has a roach in there. He has a rash on his head and he is concerned that is is coming down onto his face and into his ear. He also has a rash around his groin. (This was an old rash and is now gone). Of course, constipation..and difficulty sleeping. The night before the appointment he had difficulty sleeping and needed half of a sleeping pill. This was the first time in months that he has needed a pill.

The student ask about SOB (Shortness of breath). he explains that he is not able to move very much and therefore doesn't exert himself enough to get out of breath.

But, he said that I get out of breath because i run all of the time. I had to explain no, I do not run marathons. he is kidding.

William was doing so well explaining all of his problems. This is a far move from when he would not talk to them. He insisted that i do all of the talking.

The following day we had a visit with the rehab doc. We had a dynasplint ordered for the ankle. We had an adjustment on the hand splint from the Dynasplint rep.

The rehab doc was surprised that William could actually walk by himself in the wate without flotation help. I said , yes, he can do that. He doesn't want a belt or noodle.

The other participants on the bus trip. have noticed that William has progressed alot from when we first started taking trips. He is able to stand on the lift and get lifted up and can walk with assistance to the seat.

I continutally have to tell William that we have to keep working.

OUr rehab doc is a vegetarian. After each visit I want to increase our veggie intake. I have told William to eat at apple a day.

i came home and made a fabulous salad. Greens, broccoli, apples, avocado. Delicious. I came home and gave William some sliced apple and orange for a snack.

Patience and perserverance. We need to keep our schedule. Strict routine. I tell William every morning...Time to get up and go to the pool. On the mornings that I go to work we have to bypass the pool. William just feels loss without the regular routine.

Ruth