We have now almost recovered from our China Experience. Jill has continued to exercise both on the Crazy machine and in her gym. I purchased a set of leg weights similar to those Jill used in China – 5kg – 2.5kg on each leg. She has been walking in the parallel bars as well as from the house to the gym with the weights on. I also am getting a set of the hurdles that Jill was using in China and hopefully we will have them before Christmas.
Jill has continued with the writing bug and each of the kids will have received a small letter from her. I wish I could show how much her writing has improved but believe me the improvement is there. We have been concentrating on her speech, alternating between the Vocastim, voice muscle stimulator and the voice exercises she learnt from the Parkinson’s speech clinic she attended in 2007. I am surprised at the volume, clarity and ease she has in reading “The Grandfather Passage” which she can almost recite without looking and I must add she hates. Jill does not believe that there is an improvement but there has. Stem Cells? – I don’t know but I have to believe in something.
We both visited the optometrist to have our eyes checked on Friday – Jill was Ok while I need new glasses- that will be early in the new year.
THE GRANDFATHER PASSAGE :for those of you that don’t know it
You wish to know all about my Grandfather. Well, he is
nearly 93 years old, yet he still thinks as swiftly as ever.
He dresses himself in an old black frock coat, usually
several buttons missing. A long beard clings to his chin,
giving those who observe him a pronounced feeling of
the utmost respect. When he speaks, his voice is just
a bit cracked and quivers a bit. Twice a day he plays
skillfully and with zest upon a small organ. Except in
winter when the snow and ice prevent, he slowly takes
a short walk in the open air each day. We have often
urged him to walk more and smoke less, but he always
answers ‘banana oil’. Grandfather likes to be modern
in his language
Her knees are giving her a lot of pain and problems and I have been looking at purchasing a portable tens machine (similar to the ones used in China) with the hope that that will help. Emotionally the inability to walk unaided and talking clearly upsets her and that is what we need to work on.
Another birthday greeting – Happy Birthday Barry – Boxing day
Another Christmas has rolled around and the lights , decorations, family and friends brighten up our world.
Jill and I would like to wish all the people from around the globe that we have come in contact through our trips to China , those on the internet who we meet by email and also the many family and friends who have continued to encourage us to carry on
Have a Merry & Happy Christmas
