We have been at this facility now for two weeks and a lot of good progress has been made. I have drawn up a weekly list of milestones that Darryl has achieved and week one was on one page, but week two took up two pages. Both in terms of what extra things he is able to do and the importance of those things, Darryl is doing very well.
Today he went up to the gym and performed a number of tasked aimed at not only establishing his range of movement but also his mental capacity to process the commands given. For example, with your left hand touch your right shoulder then your left knee then your stomach. He also did some weights! Mind you its the first time he’s ever used a 1kg dumbbell but, you have to start somewhere. While being supported in a seated position with me standing in front of him with my hand as a target he pushed the dumbbell in a punching motion. He did this 10 times.
For a lot of the gym session he had his eyes open of his own volition and we noticed that the direction of the eyes is starting to line up more with each other. Until now his eyes have been looking in quite different directions which again is due to the damage to the nerves that control eye function.
He again did some leg raises with his left leg and he was even able to put his hand down on his thigh to feel his muscles working as he did so. This was all followed up by some good stretches of his torso and lower back which he seemed to enjoy.
I showed the physio (like a proud father would of milestone achievements) how he could put the dog whistle in his mouth. He didn’t disappoint and repeated his efforts from Sunday.
The physio was overall very pleased with the progress seen. I was not so much surprised as relieved that what I know in my heart Darryl is capable of, he is now slowly achieving.
It is exhausting for him, but then that what bother him either. What will bother him is not moving fast enough the challenge moving forward will be a very familiar one to me, to get him do be patient for the result.
Who am I trying to kid! He got himself in this place because of his character and a he’ll get himself out the same way. I’ll just try and ensure that if he ‘falls’ I’m here to catch him this time.
Darryl, remember that the mountain you are removing has started with carrying away small stones, but it is still a mountain. The key is to take it one pile of stones at a time and when it gets heavy remember we are here to share in that load.
Keep strong mate.
Dad
Great to hear of all Darryl’s positive responses. It must be so hard to see your son as he has been. Your dedication to helping him may be normal to you but it is a wonderful testimony to others out there. Keep up the great work.
Blessings. Sue.
I just read Sunday’s message, and like so many others, the tears came. God is good and the ‘family/friend’ bond is something very, very special. Fantastic news. Well done all. Keep up the great work.
Blessings, Sue.
Hi Mike & Family
What a journey you have been on, I admire your family strength. I have been reading your daily info, after I was introduced to your page by Jude T. As I have read your reports I had the feeling that I knew your family, so last night I phoned Lew and then that confirmed to me. I know a great friend and work mate that had the strengths you have, it turns out to be your Grandfather Wally Sabin. I know Wally will be looking down on all of you, his determination was second to none.
With his strength you and Darryl will survive, as the Sabin,s all ways get their in there end.
All the best
TJ
Encouraging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kia kaha!!!!
Love and regards, Bill Thurston
It is no longer with a heavy heart & the fear of the dreaded unknown that we read your daily progress, now it is with sheer excitement & delight at your extraordinary progress Darryl. Your baby steps are now huge milestones! How proud we are of you, keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Mike, you have done an amazing job of guiding Darryl back, what a team!
Good Morning Dazzla.
Holy crap Dazzla you never cease to amaze. You are doing so well. While it might be very frustrating and feel like slow progress for you, I’m sure according to the injury you had you are marathon ing through it way faster than anyone else in your shoes would be able to.
Stick in there and keep pushing on as hard as you have been. Believe me, everyone who hears of your progress knows that this isn’t coming easy to you, we can tell you are working really hard for it and putting in a lot of effort.
My parents came down for the long weekend, the weather was nice and sunny the whole time, almost like summer again which was really cool. Was looking through the photo’s on their camera and came across a couple with you in the back ground at the boys naming ceremony. You were sitting on some of the hay stacks next to Bonnie in your footy shorts. Was cool to look at.
You are so important to a lot of people Dazzla. Keep working hard, things will just keep getting better.
Love Lulu*.
Wow, wow, and wow again. So great to hear your wonderful progress. And wow to meet GH and get a jersey! I am speechless.
Steph and Lance
Hi Darryl
Deane and I spent another day in the cattle yards sorting cows.
A good day and not to much (you know what) flying through the air.
Only had 11mm of rain last night and a fine day to day.Your garden survived the night okay.
Kathleen brought home some tomatoes from your place to night to ripen in the sun.
Kind regards
Kathleen, Max, Deane, lewis, Latimer, and Sandy.
I can see that the Sabin family dictionary does not include the word “can’t”. Another great day and more positive steps! Keep it up. What a team you are….Jude T
Go the DAZZLA
Awesome Progress Mate
There is a little light of you in all of us now
We cherish it and long for it to keep burning brighter and brighter
You are moving fast Darryl and I am sure it won’t be long till
you are communicating in other ways
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow might bring
Keep being YOU
Tubbs Family