Some good milestones
I (Randy) see it has been awhile since we did an update. Since we have not been real regular in updating the site, I am not sure if people are still reading it. In case you are following the progress I will give a quick update... here we go!!
We are still at home and that is very good! Sam had a couple of good things that happened. Last night he had his PIC line removed. That may not sound like much, but it really is a big deal for us. The PIC line was used to administer IV's daily. The line went in his arm and stopped near his heart. Not having that in anymore means that we can swim, get it wet, stay out past 8pm (because we don't have to administer the IV), and he won't get it caught in his spokes anymore. I won't miss making the IV's. We had to follow specific steps, sterilize the right things at the right time, mix the medicines with saline using needles, connect the right tubes & bags, and hope we did it all correctly. I kept having the thought that if I mess up and stick him with the wrong drugs at the wrong time I might kill him. None of us would like that.
Amyway, he feels FREE! He is down to wearing the torso brace and his "waffle stompers" (special sleeping boots) at night. We will start weaning him off the torso brace sometime in September.
Since the PIC line was removed, he was able to do some swimming. The staff at Mary Free Bed scheduled him for a special pool session this morning so they could teach him some things before we go camping next week. Sam did GREAT. As soon has he hit the water his face just lit up. He is a fish! He practiced the crawl, back stroke, elementary stroke, and breast stroke as well as an swimming endurance test.
The recreation therapist also arranged for us to try a special hand peddle bike for a few weeks. Sine they are quite expensive, we thought it best for him to try one out before we purchase one. We will be trying that out next week. If you are riding between Holland and Grand Haven and see a 3 wheeled bike powered by a blond wearing purple converse high tops, that would be Sam. I really hope this goes well because it will be very healthy for him (to get his heart pounding) and it is something we can do as a family.
I will post a picture of him riding the bike.
Please pray for:
- continued healing of Sam & removal of lingering infection.
- that his attitude remains positive and that he does not get frustrated with some of the simple things in life that are now quite hard.
- our family that we stay positive and encouraging.
- that Sam really enjoys camping
- God will still do a miracle on his broken spinal cord.
- The transition to school goes well
We are still at home and that is very good! Sam had a couple of good things that happened. Last night he had his PIC line removed. That may not sound like much, but it really is a big deal for us. The PIC line was used to administer IV's daily. The line went in his arm and stopped near his heart. Not having that in anymore means that we can swim, get it wet, stay out past 8pm (because we don't have to administer the IV), and he won't get it caught in his spokes anymore. I won't miss making the IV's. We had to follow specific steps, sterilize the right things at the right time, mix the medicines with saline using needles, connect the right tubes & bags, and hope we did it all correctly. I kept having the thought that if I mess up and stick him with the wrong drugs at the wrong time I might kill him. None of us would like that.
Amyway, he feels FREE! He is down to wearing the torso brace and his "waffle stompers" (special sleeping boots) at night. We will start weaning him off the torso brace sometime in September.
Since the PIC line was removed, he was able to do some swimming. The staff at Mary Free Bed scheduled him for a special pool session this morning so they could teach him some things before we go camping next week. Sam did GREAT. As soon has he hit the water his face just lit up. He is a fish! He practiced the crawl, back stroke, elementary stroke, and breast stroke as well as an swimming endurance test.
The recreation therapist also arranged for us to try a special hand peddle bike for a few weeks. Sine they are quite expensive, we thought it best for him to try one out before we purchase one. We will be trying that out next week. If you are riding between Holland and Grand Haven and see a 3 wheeled bike powered by a blond wearing purple converse high tops, that would be Sam. I really hope this goes well because it will be very healthy for him (to get his heart pounding) and it is something we can do as a family.
I will post a picture of him riding the bike.
Please pray for:
- continued healing of Sam & removal of lingering infection.
- that his attitude remains positive and that he does not get frustrated with some of the simple things in life that are now quite hard.
- our family that we stay positive and encouraging.
- that Sam really enjoys camping
- God will still do a miracle on his broken spinal cord.
- The transition to school goes well
7 Comments:
I still check the site every day! I am so happy to hear that the PIC line is gone...my husband had to have that a few years back and I know he hated it too.
I hope swimming and biking go well next week and that camping as a family will bring some sort of 'normalcy' to Sam. Your family's faith continues to inspire me and I know that God has great things in store for you guys!
By
Anonymous, at 8:39 AM
Hey Wassink Clan,
Don't stop the updates! We check every morning and you should see how fast the word travels through the family when we have "Sam's Lastest Update". We are so excited about the great opportunities for some summer fun for Sam and the family. Camping, swimming and biking, WOW! We are thrilled about the pic line being finished, I would be very nervous if Randy or Kris was responsible for mixing my medicine. When you are up to it, we would love to have your family up to the cottage for a weekend. How did the camp out at the store go? If I had known there was furniture free for the taking, I would have showed up with a pick-up truck and trailer! We continue to pray everyday for you Sam, and for the rest of your family. With Love and Prayers, Steve and Robyn Wassink & Family
By
Anonymous, at 10:06 AM
I agree - "Don't Stop the Updates!"
Even though I did have a chance to see Sam at Church on Sunday, I still check the site every day.
I hope camping goes well and I will continue to pray for your family and the requests that you have made.
Take Care and hopefully see you all soon. Laurie V.
By
Anonymous, at 11:18 AM
Hey Sam, it's Mrs. Boersma(Grimm). I haven't written yet, but I have kept up with your progress the past number of weeks. You have been on my mind and in my prayers all summer. I loved reading about your 'freedom' from the PIC line and also your experiences in the pool. I hope you and your family are enjoying an awesome time on vacation. And I hope the bike works turns out to be something you'll be able to keep doing. I will continue to pray for a miracle in complete healing of your spinal cord. I also pray that you keep your great attitude and the wonderful smile I see in your pictures.
By
Anonymous, at 2:44 PM
Hi Wassinks,
Please don't stop the updates! We are glad to hear that Sam is home! Continued prayers from Pensacola, FL! Luke and Aimee Rice
By
Anonymous, at 3:40 PM
Hey Wassinks,
It's the Doornbos' in Roanoke. Please don't stop the updates on Sam, it's the only way we can see what incredible progress Sam is making. Our prayers are with you not only for patience with Sam's recovery but for a huge "God-Bump" for a miracle. We miss all of you!
Mark, Tami, Connor, Sydney and Parker Doornbos
goodeats0413@cox.net
By
Anonymous, at 9:00 PM
Dear Wassinks:
I check your website frequently and am keeping you, your family, and especially dear Sam in my prayers frequently. I am still working on his "gift basket surprise" and hope to have it completed to bring to church in the next week or two.
It has been amazing to me to see the incredible strength, patience, love and understanding you have all shown this summer. I know this is very difficult and tests many aspects of life daily, hourly, etc.! Keep the faith that God has put you in this position for a reason. And, Sam...he is awesome! What a great role model for young men everywhere! We are very proud of him and his attitude and willingness to try so many new things! Keep it up Sam! God will bless you richly! Sherri Lynn Noe, Keystone
By
Anonymous, at 10:28 PM
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