June 28 - Hawks parade, training

I need to come up with a new countdown.  Also I have quite a few pics and videos today.  My dad was a bit trigger happy.  

Today has been really great so far, and I’m going out to a Cirque show and dinner tonight with Rebecca so it will hopefully just continue.

9-9:30am - Pool therapy with Jeremy.  Walking in the pool seems to be easier without the brace.  I’ll post a video.  Not to mention it just felt good to be in the pool without that stupid brace!  I wasn’t quite as buoyant without that foam layer on me but who cares?!  

Here Jeremy is trying to get me to push against his resistance.  Good quad workout.

Here he’s just stretching my quads and hips.  Tons of new things I can do now that that stinkin’ brace isn’t holding me back!  Also you can see my surgical scar here.  Not bad, really.  Nothing too exciting about it.

After pool, I jumped out and my dad and I headed down to see the Blackhawks victory parade.  

It was alright but obviously I couldn’t see much in the throngs of people.  I did manage to see the Stanley Cup hoisted into the air, Toews, and some other players I wasn’t as familiar with.

After we decided to head back (for more therapy), I surprisingly ran into my buddy Dan.  

Small world!

We had a good lunch on the river at Houlihan’s and then headed back to RIC. 

Jeremy got me to lie on my stomach and do some more new stretches.  It felt awesome.  Then we got on the treadmill for the first time in a while, and for the first time with AFOs.  It went really well.  I went faster than ever before at a blazing 0.7 and 0.8 mph, and more importantly, it was 100% of my weight on my feet (and hands).  The harness was just there for safety, whereas before it held anywhere from 20-50% of my weight.  

I’ll post a video that shows a better view.  My knees bend more now, mainly because of the AFOs and how they form and hold my feet.  

That’s about it!  Time to get ready for my date with Rebecca.

Thank You, Lord, for such a great day.  Don’t ever let me take anything for granted.  Let me find appreciation in the little wins of each day and not dwell on the negatives.  Give me wisdom and strength so I can serve Your will best!  Thank You for this life, Lord.  Please be with all those that need You in their lives - in other words, everyone.  In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Happy Friday and go Hawks!

Chip