Sunday, February 22, 2009

His Braces Came!!!

When Mike first started rehab...one of the first questions was..."is your goal to be able to walk in braces?" We were both a little confused by the question...just because the obvious response was..."no...my goal is to be able to walk...period...no braces!" But as time went on we finally came to the realization that there was no way around it...and that actually it would be a great thing to be able to use braces...especially if they were an aid to walking...better and better! So...we actually started the process late in ordering the braces...just because we didn't know if they'd be covered by medicaid...and if Mike would actually end up using them...a wheelchair is so much faster. But after the decision was made...things started to fall into place...and a few months later...Mike was being fit for braces...and they came on Friday!



The leg braces are custom fit for Michael's legs...worth somewhere around $6,000. But by a small ...actually large miracle they were covered by medicaid and Vocational Rehab! We went in Friday...and met with the makers for over 4 hours. During that time they fit them on Mikes legs...refit them...changed the the plastics...the screws...and then bought wider shoes...and finally...they fit! Mike was able to pull himself up using the parallel bars.He walked up and down from end to end a few times. Granted it was slow and tedious...and required a lot of cheating...but he did it...and boy did he look good...good and tall! He kept teasing everyone in the room about how short we all looked...yeah it didn't take him long to get readjusted to his old height! There is going to be a huge learning curve...things and he'll have to work slowly into them. But...there is a lot of hope in the air...and evidence of the power of God! Just one day at a time.

...can anyone see Brody?

17 comments:

Nicole Fryer said...

Yeah!!! That is so exciting, I am so happy for you guys. I Hope everything continues to go well. What a cute family.

Brandon and Tina Goss said...

AWESOME!!!!You look great Mike! Keep it up buddy!

We miss you guys!

love,

The Goss Fam

Ashley Dawn said...

haha!! Brody seems like quite the kid. Congrats to Mike - that's a HUGE step (literally)!!

Amy Craig said...

Congratulations Mike! That is so cool! We missed you guys at dinner a few weeks ago :(. Lets get together next time for sure!

Emery said...

Ethan has edited his daily prayers to "Bless Uncle Michael to be strong and to be able to walk really." The braces have given everyone a leap of hope.

mckenna said...

Exciting!! You two and your patience and faith are just So incredible!!

Jason & Kelli West said...

michelle that is SO SO exciting! I am so happy for you guys.Mike looks like he is doing a fantastic job int he braces. I just love ya michelle. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Hilary said...

Wahoo! That is so amazing! You guys are such an inspiration to me. I'm glad you posted because I've been thinking about you lately. So has he been going to physical therapy or is he accomplishing all this on his own?

Unknown said...

That is so exciting!

Becky said...

I see Brody!!!
Wow, Mike is so tall!
Talk about amazing and miracles! We are so happy for you guys! Keep posting. We want to hear what's up with you guys!
We miss you!

Wilson Family said...

This is fantastic! Michelle, you guys continue to be inspiring. Keep it up Mike

Kassi said...

So glad that mike's has braces. 4 hours to get them fitted and learning to use them I bet mike was beyond tired! I do see that little guy hiding between dad's legs!

capturingtheride said...

One word: WOW!

One Giant Fall Forward said...

I am so proud of you big Brother!!! You guys are GREAT!!!

The Gomes Family said...

Whoooo rock on with your braces on!!!!!!That is so fantastic. I will bet that in a few months he will master those braces and by the end of this year may not need them. You watch! Who wants to bet?

Albright's said...

Your family is so darling, it was good to see you that one day at smiths keep in touch Rachael

Tina said...

It's late at night and I'm already emotional, this picture made me cry. Good for you guys! I'm so excited for you and Mike, I bet you are loving the feeling of bending down to kiss your sweet wife, and Michelle on her tip toes.
Yes Michelle, lets go out, next week looks good for us, lmk! Love ya!