May 18 Update

Jodie had a good 1st week at "camp".

(we arrived at Timber Ridge late last Monday afternoon) On Tuesday morning in her first physical therapy session, they therapists got her up out of her chair, positioned her in a special walker and assisted her in taking her first "steps" since the accident, 30 steps to be exact. We were elated - of course, mama, beth and I were crying tears of joy, as were some of the other therapists and patients present. It was as if time stopped for that moment and we all witnessed God's healing hand in that room.

I have attached a picture. (that's jodie with the pink shoes)
As you can see the therapists (Carey - a man - is in front and Chessica, is behind Jodie) Chessica assisted Jodie by guiding her left foot for the first 5 or so steps and then "set her free" to take it to 30. Carey attached a rope that has a hook on one end to the shoelaces of Jodie's right (foot) shoe and he uses the rope to pull that foot forward, while Jodie put pressure on and continued to take the steps with her left foot. (her right side is the part of her body that is "impaired" and in which she has the most involuntary movement - she does move that side of her body, but it is with much effort and sometimes unintentional). By looking at the picture you can (hopefully) get a sense of what I'm trying to explain. When they started out Carey said "okay, Jodie, let's see if we can get you to take 20 steps" - I think Jodie was in the mood to "show out" and decided that 30 sounded like a better number!

They are very proactive at Timber Ridge and are extremely optimistic concerning Jodie. Of course, she has instantly charmed them and they called Mama yesterday to see if it was okay if they ordered Jodie a new mattress because they didn't think she liked or was comfortable in the one they had! We were able to decorate her room in any way/manner we liked (with no restrictions) so we have it looking so cute! One of the things that I like most is that her room looks NOTHING like a hospital or even a rehab facility - you would actually think she was in a dorm room or something similar. She is in an actual "cabin" and there are 8 total in her cabin (they all have private room/bath). Jodie is directly across the hall from the nurses room. None of the staff is dressed in hospital garb - they were jeans and logo shirts. Even the doctor was in khakis and a pullover. They asked us the first day to make sure she had a bathing suit so they could get her in the pool. They immediately asked if she liked to have a shower in the morning or night (anwer - morning) and said she would have one daily. They emphasized that they want her to feel as much like home and routine as possible and even asked for us to bring her makeup if we wished.

We were very pleased and felt very comfortable with her being there. I hope to have more pictures to share in the future.

Continue to pray for Jodie, her recovery and for progress at Timber Ridge. Pray for her therapy sessions and therapists -
I will update with more later.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.