Another great weekend!

Greetings again, friends and followers of the Wiebe saga!
I
 had a wonderful weekend at my mom's and my sister's places, with Ben and Chris coming down to celebrate Ben's birthday. Another achievement for me: climbing the stairs to the upstairs room in my sister's house! I made sure there was someone right behind me, but the climb was no problem! I had practiced on a small flight of 4 stairs in the gym here, but wasn't sure if I could manage a whole flight. So Ben didn't know that I would be there when they arrived at 2 in the morning - the look on his face was priceless! Surprises are always fun! My sister and I also did some shopping, which was a lot of fun, and we also enjoyed a salmon dinner with my whole family on Saturday night.  Most special was the time of prayer that we shared together, as we have learned to appreciate each other and support each others needs in this way. All of us have our own burdens, and it was so cool to lift each other up and be renewed as we came before our Lord as a family. Ben and Chris returned safely home on Sunday, and I slept most of Monday away at my mom's!

Back at GFS, life goes on, and the focus continues to strengthen limbs and improve balance. Each day is a challenge, but exciting. I am especially excited about the work that is happening with my speech therapist.  I will be going to see the ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist next week, and then there might be a possibility to meet with a voice specialist! In the past, I have said (and still mean it!) that if my voice is the only thing that I lose in this whole process, then I have lost very little. But if there is possibility to restore at least some of my normal vocal quality, even for my speaking voice, then I am very interested in doing what I can to pursue that. I had my speech therapist call my voicemail on my cell just to hear what my voice used to sound like - she was floored at the difference! Right now my voice is very nasal and flat sounding, so I would really like to get it somewhat more pleasing to the ear.

Ben is doing fairly well, and is working toward spending the first two weeks of June here in Vancouver, doing a couple of files in the area.  We are also planning on going to my cousin's daughter's  wedding in the Seattle area the last weekend in May, another exciting prospect and goal to work toward. Aaron is back to work for a few hours a week, and is starting to look forward to college in the fall, but I'll let him post more about that if he wants to!

A prayer request above and beyond the ones that we continue to have - that I can be a testimony to my neighbour here, Doreen. She is leaving here in 2 weeks, and is fearful of going home alone. At 78, she is frail and overly cautious, and isn't sure how she will manage on her own. She has a belief in God, but does not have a personal relationship with Him. Pray that I will be able to show her Jesus, who can be her comfort and give her confidence as she learns to rest in His presence.

Just a note on the side - I met Rick Hanson just outside my door this afternoon! He was very personable, and not at all pretentious, unlike some celebrities that I have met! Here, we are all the same as we deal with our disabilities together.  That was a cool highlight for the day!

Judy