Once again I have to begin with an apology for not updating as frequently as I should.  To make it up to you, I have posted a new video called "Stairway to Heaven". It’s captures me ascending the basement steps with my...well just check it out in the video section. Although I say in the video it is dedicated to the doctors I have encountered during my recovery, I would also like to dedicate the video to my friends at Project Walk-I am sorry I cannot be there with you for this years Steps to Recovery.  But keep up the hard work- I’m talking to the trainers and clients alike.  In other news, Mandy and I have finalized the purchase of my van.  The driving system is currently being installed and should be ready by the end of this month.  I done several hours of driver training with hand controls and I am excited and ready to get back behind the wheel.  As far as recovery is concerned, as you can see from the latest video, I am still progressing and getting stronger each day.  I now have a climbing harness in the basement that is suspended over a treadmill and I have been spending about 2 hours a day on it.  I cannot walk for 2 hours but I am on my feet the entire time and periodically take a few steps.  This has been especially important lately as I have been battling a pressure sore (my first)!  It is healing up nicely-thank goodness.  Thanks for checking in and thank you all for the birthday cards and wishes! 

Sorry it’s been awhile since my last update. I haven’t really felt like things have changed since my last post.  However, today on the 3rd anniversary of my accident-a major BREAKTHROUGH:  I am pleased to report I just finished clipping my own fingernails for the first time in 3 years.  Mandy is so bummed because she just loves clipping my nails!  As small as an achievement as that may sound, it is a gigantic leap towards independence in my mind.  Speaking of independence and breakthroughs…today I was also able to get out of the basement completely unassisted.  Let me briefly describe what is involved in this feat. 
Step 1:  Transfer out of wheelchair onto workout mat.
Step 2:  Tie a rope to the back of wheelchair.
Step 3:  Transfer back into chair and wheel over to the basement door. 
Step 4:  Stand, rotate chair and insert rope in mouth.
Step 5:  Hobble up stairs with rope in mouth.
Step 6:  Sit down at top of stairs.
Step 7:  Pull wheelchair up the stairs with the rope.
Step 8:  Sit in wheelchair and untie rope.
Step 9:  Call Mandy and brag about what I just accomplished. 
A tad risky of an activity I realize but well worth it in the end?  In other news, I am still working on purchasing a wheelchair accessible van which has turned out to be a fairly overwhelming process. There are just so many choices and only 1 shot to get it right.  I do hope to be behind the wheel in the next 2 months though.  We are pleased to announce that a renter has moved into our home in Sparta and is planning to purchase the house in the next 6-12 months.  We are glad to finally have some financial relief from our mortgage payment even though the rent does not cover our mortgage completely, it does help immensely.   As soon as the deal is final, we’ll let you know!

Well I"m off to the dentist to get a few cavities filled this evening . What a great way to celebrate my 3rd anniversary:(  At least this weekend I’m heading to North Carolina for a long weekend at the beach with family!  Thank you all for your continued support.  The last 3 years would have been much worse without you all behind me.

p.s. This is Mandy sneaking into this post.....Rob doesn’t know this yet but we really aren’t going to the dentist.  A bunch of us our surprising him with an anniversary dinner!!!  Love ya Rob....hope you enjoy yourself tonight!!!