That is such gret news! I know from Ray's recovery from the two 1999 strokes that we cheered as each improvement happened and what a difference little things made in our lives. I think sometimes we forget that recovery is about an improvement in their lives that also affects our lives.

I think back on the 10 or so bus trips we had from 2002 - 2007 when back in 1999 he thought he would never walk again and how he walked around the boardwalks and along beside waterfalls etc, seeing the same as everyone else yet at a slower pace. Every forward movement is good, who knows where simply being able to raise both arms may lead to?

Sue.

I think for people who don't understand the way people come back from strokes, they either don't get the improvement (still can't use hand/lower arm) or they over estimate it, thinking, well his arm is going to be ready to go in a few weeks now! Like they also may see Bob practice walking up the driveway and think he is back to walking, but no, he can only do about that much. But, knowing how limbs come back from the top down, it is definitely new hope. Sure, there is no guarantee, but each new little thing, gives hope for the next. I think that electrical stimulation is the most marvelous technique for getting those muscles back..

Oh, another thing different today. Since this place has handicapt spaces right by the sidewalk going in the front door, I left his wheelchair in the car. I thought about leaving it home, but wondered if he might really need it AFTER the session. They are going to be moving to another building in a couple of weeks, and I don't know how the parking will be there, hopefully the same. It would be grand to be able to leave the chair at home. When we got home I told him, 'this was the first trip out that you didn't use the wheelchair'. I know it's 'cheating' because it really is a very short distance, like practice walking up & down the driveway, but I think it was good for him to think about not having needed the chair to go there, and feel more like he could do stuff, even if it was cheating! Kinda the 'placebo' affect!

Oh Sue that is sooo great! Mike still can't raise his arm that high but we have not tried the mirror effect that way! Gonna do it today though you can bet your bootie on that! LOL. Mike asks me each day about "Good ole Bob" his words LOL! When I told him you had not posted in a while thats when he wanted me to send you a message. I think he has kind of a mental connection with him due to our past conversations.

I too was so happy the first time Mike and I went to town and did some short distance walking to the places we needed to go into instead of getting the chair out of the truck. It made him feel good too to know he had taken that small task off of me as I am sure it did the same for bob. We do so much for them that they think they are burdens, even though they are not, so little things like that mean a lot to them too!

Tell Bob YEA!!!! Give him a big ATTA BOY from me and Mike and tell him to keep up the good work!! ((((((HUGS))))) and prayers to both of you!

Cat