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!!!