Today started off as a highly emotional day for me.  I didn't sleep well last night at all.  After laying in bed awake for an hour I finally got up a little after one and came out to the family room to read thinking that might help me.  When it was obvious that it wasn't going to, I decided I'd start a movie.  It's usually pretty easy for me to fall asleep to movies as I really don't enjoy them often.  I went back into the bedroom to grab a pillow and blanket.  When I walked into the room, Marty sat up and very clearly said, "What's Wrong, wh, wh, wh, wh, wh. . . . "  I walked around to his side of the bed and started rubbing his back until he laid down and went back to sleep.  He has no memory of this at all.  As I lay out on the couch watching my movie, I wondered, what if all of this is just a dream.  What if one day, Marty wakes up and regains all his abilities, memories, etc.  Wouldn't that be great?  Oh, a girl can dream.

As I was getting ready for work, Marty just seemed off.  I asked him what's wrong.  He wrote, "I dont want to fight any more".  I asked him if he wasn't going to fight, what was he going to do.  He wrote, "Maybe I should Be the Strong Silent type"  We mimed back and forth for a bit to try to give him some encouragement.  It must be terribly difficult on him. 

I recommended that he walk on the treadmill today.  He hasn't done that since his stroke.  He alternated one lap of running with one lap of walking.  He did a total of 2.5 miles today.  GO MARTY!!!

I will admit, I cried my way to work today.  I didn't want to leave my husband who said he was done fighting.  I didn't want to spend my day at work wondering what he was doing and if he was okay.  Thankfully for both of us, he had an appointment at 1 so I was able to come home and check on him mid-day.

Some of the things that Marty wrote during therapy today:

When asked if smells bother him "Not Bother, But I can Smell everything"  Marty has a very heightened sense of smell.

"When we went to church, I thought I was going to come unglued - a lot to take in"

"I like the Sound and the Beat But I don't understand the words"

"I now know why the First words people say are cuss words.  If I could say any word I want it would not Be Good!"  That is the first time he has used punctuation.

After his therapist left, we were talking.  He wrote, "Every day my Brain gets clearer At first not talking was not good But did not upset me Because I could not think well enough to have anything to say.  The more I understnad the more I want Everything Back to NORMAL"

"It makes me So MAD & SAD that all day long I try to talk and I can't or it's so HARD and when I don't try, at comes words"

"It's coming Back, Everyday more comes Back, but the more I underand the More I get Mad"

"I know I need to Help with Addy's car, with teh cooking, with Bills.  I know the thing on your leg is Because of you worrying about me.  I know Mom & Dad are too old and sick to Be Here taking care of me.  I just don't know what to do."

"PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE YOU WILL FEEL BETTER"

When his dad asked him if he learned any new words today he wrote, "Not that I should say in public"

After an emotional morning and afternoon, Marty had a terrible headache.  I suggested that he go to bed.  However he remembered that we had scheduled a Skype session with his sister and brother that live in Utah.  He really did want to see them.  He has been asking me to take him to see his siblings since he came home from the hospital.  He really does miss them. 

We had a great time with them.  Marty didn't say too much to them, but shared some humorous jabs back and forth with them via his writings. 

"Itsy it was better than his car" referring to his car he shared with this sister.  One of their friends made fun of it.

"You should take meds to forget" - Marty's comment to his sister that remembered way more things from high school than Marty did.

"Tony Dockery - Monday night after they lost the super bowl Jon made the trip in 45 min" - inside story I presume

"I remember a Day that mike Spent the whole Day in our little Pool"

"I Bought Him a Dr. Pepper" remembering when Marty took his brother-in-law to the ER after they tried to build a shed and it wasn't too successful

"Can't be worse than Dad" - referring to Marty's ability to drive

"If you could see what I look like after I run you would forget too" - comment made when his family asked if he remembers running yet - he doesn't

"He gets tired at a movie marathon" - comment made to his brother who is NOT a runner

"I forgot and was told over and over again" - Judy asked if Marty remembered that Becky had died

After a fun Skype visit we have spent the night relaxing.  Marty seemed to be energized by the visit with his family.  Technology is GREAT to be able to keep families connected. 

A little later our friends Hannah and Casey came for a visit.  This was their first time to our home.  Marty was awful tired, but stayed up to visit.  While talking to them about Marty's hard day, I think it was Casey that said something about tomorrow being better.  Marty wrote, "Maybe tomorrow I wont want to cuss or Kill anyone"  And that statement really sums up the way Marty felt about today.

Marty wrote, "At night I am tired But I feel more relaxed" "I was the same last night"  "During the Day I am very stressed"

I guess you could say it's been a bit of an emotional day.  Marty has hit a wall.  We have got to get him over this hump and ready to tackle the next one.

Patti that I had lunch with yesterday sent me a sweet followup note.  In that she referred me to this scripture in Jeremiah

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

It's always a nice reminder that the Lord has a plan and we should be at peace with that.

Today was my first full day at work after Marty's stroke.  I actually worked 10 hours today.  Holy moly!  Now I really feel disconnected with Marty's progress.  However it was nice to actually be in the office.  I was able to go to our fall walk through, meet with suppliers, see my director for the first time this year, and talk to co-workers.  I was able to meet a good friend for lunch too!  It was a nice distraction, thanks Patti! 

I am normally a perfectionist that gives 100% to everything that I do. I've told a few people this now, but I am struggling with not being able to give 100% to anything.  I feel like I'm constantly in a state of limbo, doing just enough to get through one day, anticipating the next day.  This is not usual for me.  I am a planner.  I always know what's going on.  I am a control freak and I can't figure out how to get everything into control.  I want to be available for work to do everything I am needed for there, every meeting, every class, every personal conversation, every phone call, everything!  I want to be home with Marty to help him learn new things, learn new words, reassure him when he gets frustrated, and just tell him it's not his fault when he wonders "why?".  I want to be available for my girls the way Marty used to be.  I want to be able to take them their lunch, homework, money, clothes, and any other thing they may have forgotten.  However, I have to pick and choose what I can and can't do.  Prioritizing every task.  Choosing, good, better & best.  Hard lessons to learn!

Marty and his parents ventured out to Walmart again today.  Poor things, they've been every day because I haven't menu planned and shopped for groceries yet.  We'll try that Saturday.  Anyway, when I asked Marty how Walmart was he wrote, "I am faster than mom - not as fast as Dad wants me to be"

Jessica tried to teach her dad to text message today so he'd have a way to communicate with me and the girls when we are away.  He just couldn't connect the letters to the numbers on his phone.  Jessica then recommended that he write down what he wanted to say first and then try to match the letters and numbers.  That actually worked!  Slow, but it worked.  They were able to exchange a dozen text messages back and forth.  This is one more step toward his recovery!  I am so excited for him to learn all the things that we take for granted.  I am also excited that my daughters are taking an active role in teaching their dad!  They really are amazing young women!

I asked Marty if he's been helping cook.  He wrote, "It is Good to have Mom Help me in the kitchen - She does not know any more than Me - We are learning together - It is the Hardest thing I do - It makes my head Hurt"  He then wrote, "Mom tells me I am a good cook - I don't know - so much to do at one time - I am better at Pool with Dad"

Marty is just tired all the time.  All this learning is hurting his brain.  He wrote, "Doing not bad - I can do ok - I am strong - Thinking & Doing together - not so good"  When he tries to read or learn too much in one day it gives him a headache.  I have got to be sure that I don't show my impatience to him as I don't want to add undue stress on him.  He pushes himself on his own.  I know that it must be frustrating to know what you want to say, but not be able to say it. 

I will close with a scripture from our reading this morning.  1 Nephi 18:16:

Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.

Ever since Marty yelled STOP! I have known that the words are in there and he just needs to get them out.  It's like there's a wall between his brain and his mouth.  Prior to the STOP incident, all words Marty had learned has been through repetition watching someones mouth intently.  It has been a grueling process that has frustrated Marty something fierce.

Sweet Roberta came over today and did another session of speech therapy.  Something changed during the session today.  Roberta has a great way of wanting Marty to learn and to try to talk.  She doesn't push him.  She allows him to write when she can tell he is frustrated.  However, today he has really started talking more.  Here are the words that were added to Marty's vocabulary today.

Carolyn (Marty's mother)
Ray (Marty's dad)
Yes
No
Hot Rod
Train
Bus
Good
Catch
Push
Day

There are probably a few more, but those are the ones I can think of.  Hot Rod, Train, Bus, Catch, and Push are all words that Marty actually read.  Roberta brought him some flashcards and we also have a "things that move" picture book that we are borrowing.  Marty's dad tried to get him to say Limousine, but Marty refused!

I told Marty that this language barrier is like a wall that we are chipping away with a small little hammer and one day it will come crumbling down.  Marty then made the motion of a sledge hammer beating down the wall.  This has to be extremely frustrating for him.  He knows what he wants to say, but just can't say it.

I am not sure why I was in such a funk today.  I suppose I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with the pressures of work, girls, home, Marty, bills, etc.  I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that could sense my frustration and answers my prayers.  He sent an angel to help me see the potential.  Thank you my angel, Roberta.

I have a room in my house that I refer to as the perspective room.  It has come to be my favorite room in the house (though really messy right now as it has turned into a dumping zone).  The perspective room is a place of peace, tranquility & prayer.  It's a place to help find my eternal perspective when life's challenges cloud it over.  I love to look in the mirrors sitting opposite each other and see for eternity.  In challenging times, I cope much better when I can keep that eternal perspective.

On the first day of Marty's stroke, Bishop Jarvis gave me a priesthood blessing.  In this blessing he promised me that there would be lessons learned with an eternal outcome.  I have thought a lot about this since then.  There are lessons that the Lord is trying to teach me, through Marty, that I will need for the rest of my life and for all eternity.  That's beautiful!

Perhaps patience is one of those lessons.  For today, we will celebrate the small breakthroughs.

I woke up this morning in a little of a funk.  I suppose reality is beginning to set in.  I am not a patient person.  I am grateful for Marty's progress, but the slowness is wearing on me.  To try to pull myself out of the funk, I went back and reviewed some of the sweet messages that have been sent to us over the last 11 days. 

We have received so many inspiring words of hope and love from all around.  I wanted to try to capture as many as possible, all in one place.  I apologize up front if I embarrass anyone with these, but it is important to me that I have these for future reference.  This isn't an exhaustive list by any means as there have been hundreds, if not thousands. 

• Been thinking of you all day.  I hope your day went well.  It has been precious for my family to pray for Marty.  I love hearing the children include him in our family prayers without even being reminded. - Cori Graham
•  
• Zach told me that in his prayer this morning he said, "please help Miss Rylee's dad not have to go back to school." I thought he liked school, but maybe not. I guess since we told the kids that when he got sick he forgot lots of things, Zach worries that he'll have to go back to school & that would be TERRIBLE! :) Hopefully therapy isn't THAT bad... We're still praying for you guys everyday. - Shana Howe
•  
• Marty - Thought you could use something to help you "carb load"!  You'll be pounding the pavement in no time.  It's just like all the marathons you've run. . . one step at a time.  You're an inspiration! - Tia Glover
•  
• We have fasted and are praying for your complete recovery every prayer we utter.  I was delighted to hear today that you had smiled a great big smile and said, "Hi!"  We had specifically fasted Sunday that your voice would return.  I know you of all people, have great faith, a will of steel and an excellent work effort.  With the Lord's help you will beat this Marty.  And our prayers will not cease until you do exactly that!  You have touched so many lives for good and are an amazing man. - Jean Fields
•  
• I was watching you and your family in church today. Reading your blog has made me feel like I know you all so well. After everything you've been through, I was so happy to see all of you smiling and laughing today, with arms around each other. What an extraordinary trial, and yet you all have happy, positive attitudes. You're such an example of enduring with patience. Good luck this week! - Stephanie Clawson
•  
• Just wanted to share something sweet with you. Yesterday morning, with no previous discussion of it being Fast Sunday for us or what/who to fast for, our 9 year old McKenna remembered all on her own and told us she was fasting for Marty. =) - Nicole Bingham
•  
• We will put your family pic on a hand cart u both will be with us. You will get a copy of the dvd too - Lorlinda Hackett
•  
• Reading the little miracles that you shared uplifted me and reminded me to be a little easier on myself. These trials we are given take time to heal from. - Laura Hammontree
•  
• I've been thinking a lot about you lately and your decision to work outside the home. I'm so grateful that you followed the inspiration of the Spirit even while others judged you. You inspire me. - Jane Kilby
•  
• while they are looking for a therapist, I would be more than happy to help out. I do not have certification in AR for speech therapy. I did take the test here for that, but went into the classroom instead. I cannot charge anything......that would be just wrong, but I could work with him until they find someone. I hate for you to have to drive all that way when I am right here. I would be happy to do it as a friend. I also sign. I have experience with language development, stroke rehab, sign language, reading recovery...all kinds of stuff and would love to be of service. I'll send you my phone numbers in a message. - Roberta Collins
•  
• When Greg got his calling, the stake pres. told him he will see miracles in our ward. I think Marty is one of those! - Krista Evans
•  
• Your blogs were a wonderful insight to what you are going through and the beautiful bond that you and Marty and the girls have! You are a strong and brave woman. I am so thankful to have you in my life. - Amy Glazier
•  
• No words exist to tell you how I feel - I only know He loves you, He loves Marty, He loves your children and He is very aware of each of you. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt feelings. Prayers continue for you all. - Jean Fields
•  
• My heart breaks and it overflows with the abundace of love here. I am so sad for your losses, so glad for your gains. You always have appreciated every little thing, you are just seeing them different now. I Love you, my dear cousin, and am glad to take this journey with you and your family. What a great blog journey so far, words somehow have a way of becoming important when we least expect. You will remain always in our prayers as well. - Susan Rodman
•  
•  
• What a trial your family is going through right now--I'm so sorry. We have been thinking and praying for your entire family ever since we heard about Marty's stroke on Sunday. Craig's comment after we heard was that Marty is just a salt of the Earth person, it just doesn't seem fair that something like this would happen to him. I know Marty has helped and reached out to so many people, I guess now it's his turn to be the recipient of service on the other end. . . You are a great example of strength and courage through of of this. We will be continuing to pray for all of you as you deal with this trial.  - Rachel Robinson
•  
• I am so grateful and humbled to know Brother Christoffersen. He is one of the few people in the world today who has the light of Christ shining in him always. I will never forget how when we came in the room, he was so happy. We had all planned to bring the light to him, but he was the one who brought it to us. He is the best seminary teacher I have ever had. I hope he knows how much we all love him and how great his effect and influence is on us seminary kiddos:) lots of love and prayers to you guys! - Unknown

Since I am not really home with Marty this week, I am having to rely on Marty's notebook for his day.  If anyone knows what any of this means, please let me know.

Today is Tuesday January 12 2012

NaNa

Today is Tuesday January 10 2012 (after I asked him to relook at his calendar)

Do you know where you Bought me Donuts

Can you get there

Need to Help DeAnné at 1:30 (he actually wrote the accent over my last e and remembered that Jess had an ortho appointment, but I didn't really need his help)

I Just Don't understand (wondering why he'd had a stroke)

They tool

There is a Place By Jessi Ortho
Panara - It is new

They are next to each other
Drop mom off

The place next to BBQ has good san ( I think he was trying to write sandwich and referring to the Honey Baked Ham Store)

Now I don't have to choose what to eat first

Do you remember the Place in New Mexico with the Dirt floors

What is that food called

I did not get dressed untill 10:30 (concerned that he won't be dressed for his 9:00 visit with Roberta tomorrow.  I asked if he feels better when he gets dressed earlier.  He agreed and is now excited for an early visit)

Uncle Dick Plays Ping Pong

The Silly Show you were watching (reference to the Bachelor)

Can we turn the news on for Dad (when I got home - we don't have cable so I needed to find it on the computer)

Roll Tide (when Neva walked in for piano lessons)

Flip flopps & a coat
summer & winter (Emme came dressed like this for piano lessons)

Is the server going to fill up my Drink (while sitting at home pointing to his can of soda)

He was so ugly the God would not play with him unless we tied a pork chop around his neck (Marty said his uncle used to say this to him)

That is for you (when Marty was asked to repeat a phrase he has learned - Marty is very tender and doesn't say words from the heart to just anyone)

2 Nephi 32:5 (when asked for a favorite scripture)

Scott is sleeping naked in it while you are gone - time to get new one (my in laws were mentioning they needed a new bed because their backs hurt when they are in theirs.  Marty just gave them one more reason to get a new one)

I'm really not sure what most of this was about.  I know that they tried to go to Panera for lunch, but the line was so long and there were no empty tables.  They ended up at Whole Hog Cafe, which I think was a better choice, especially since I ended up there about an hour later.  (we should really talk more and coordinate these visits)

We had a visit tonight from our former Bishop, Matt Isabell.  We do love Bishop Isabell.  It was a nice CRAZY visit as the girls feel very comfortable just being themselves around him.  Let's just say they do NOT behave when they are comfortable around people.  Matt shared an excerpt from this month's Ensign magazine.  You can read the entire article here

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.

I guess this has always been my attitude.  Marty's mom used to say, "Put a smile on your face, you'll feel better".  I had someone tell me this week that God gave me lemons and I made lemonade.  I corrected her.  Life gave me lemons, God made lemonade.  Through times of trial and adversity, how we handle things is a choice.  That's not to say I haven't cried my eyes out, been angry, asked why, mourned the loss of my husband, and felt anguish for my children.  I have done all of these.  However, in the end, I have also

• relived memories I would have never recalled otherwise
• laughed at funny ways to pronounce words
• learned to look at "thank you" and "sorry" as special words
• learned to take a life at a slower pace
• noticed the little things in life like puppies bird's nests, falling "snow", beautiful moons and funny hats
• learned to love deeper than ever before

So today was my first day back to reality.  I left Marty in the fine hands of his parents and off to work I went.  Kudos to my peers at work.  My team had everything all caught up for me.  I was not very far behind after being off for over a week.  It was nice to have the distractions at work, but my heart was definitely still at home.

Marty's mom ventured out to Walmart with him today.  It was like a sight seeing tour.  They slowly did their shopping allowing Marty to take in everything.  I think they shop at the same pace. 

During their discussions today Marty was able to remember his address from when he was in Elementary school in Green River WY.  He remembers helping lay sod at their new church in Green River as well.  He remembers camping with his family and his dad making animal shaped pancakes.  Marty's long term memory is really coming back quickly.  The last year still seems to be gone, but sneaks in occasionally.  Today he remembered the car (red Camero) that his dad drove when Marty ran the 40 miles.  He still doesn't remember nor believe he ran 40 miles.

This afternoon, our angel friend Roberta Collins, came and did an assessment on Marty.  She found he has some weakness still in his right hand and gave him the same advice his doctor did to squeeze his ball multiple times a day.  She also gave him homework to mark a calendar and write the day of the week and the date every morning.  This will help him keep track of time.  She also found that his tongue muscles needs strengthening.  She gave him homework to lick applesauce and peanut butter off a spoon.  Rough homework!  Roberta also got Marty to say his own name! 

Roberta was going through some basic signs Marty could use until he can verbalize what he needs.  When she did the sign, sorry, Marty wrote, "I dont understand that word".  We tried to explain it, but that's a hard word to explain.  After a few minutes Marty wrote "If it comes from the Heart is it a special word"  Yes, Sorry is a special word.  What an awesome afternoon!




For Christmas, Marty got a gift certificate to Steak and Shake.  Marty wanted to take the family out for dinner.  It is one of Marty's favorite spots and he would eat there daily if we'd have let him.  He ALWAYS eats the same thing, western BBQ burger.  When he ordered tonight, he pointed to the shooters instead.  We all found that funny since he has never tried them before.  I suppose he's open to new ideas :)

On the way home, the car in front of me came to an abrupt stop.  I guess I wasn't stopping fast enough because Marty yelled out "STOP!".  He then covered his mouth and looked shocked.  His heart was racing from what he thought was going to be a car accident (it didn't even phase me, it really wasn't that close, just a hard brake).  He then couldn't force himself to say stop again.  His parents and I were cheering and laughing at the spontaneous speech.  Now, if we could just get him to talk on a regular basis and didn't have to scare it out of him.

Little victories every day.  Marty can now say about 20 words.  Children usually know 2500-5000 words when they enter Kindergarten.  If Marty were to accelerate his learning to 10 words a day, he'd have the vocabulary of a kindergartner in 8-16 months.  That's a little depressing, but for now, we will take the words he can say, plus his ever increasing written skills. 

He seems to be constantly fatigued.  He told Roberta today that he is not sleeping well and is having nightmares.  She indicated that it is normal and for him to have me help calm him down to get back to sleep.  Getting lots of sleep and good oxygen flow will be important to his brain development.  We will continue to have him take catnaps through the day as he wears himself out.  All this thinking and learning is hard work.

I am grateful for the continued support we have from our family and friends.  I can see a long road ahead of us, but I can also see a full recovery.  If we can unlock the door that is holding back his verbal skills, we'll be in GREAT shape!

      Its been a long, stressful day. We are all so tired from the day we have had. De Anne, my mother, is so tired that she asked asked me, Rylee, to blog for her.
       The day started bright and early at 8:00A.M. Today is Jessica's 16th birthday. Dad got a can of silly string. He sprayed it all over her and her room to wake her up. She was so scarred. Dad had so much fun doing it!

I have been thinking of some things I have left out and want to capture these as well.  There is really no rhyme or reason to any of these, so bare with me.  This the way my brain has been working lately.

I have friends who are AWESOME cooks.  I am not someone to easily accept help.  When Karen Sasine asked if she could help coordinate meals this week, I very reluctantly accepted.  I have three teenage daughters, plus I was home all week.  There should be no problem with us feeding ourselves.  However, I am grateful for the meals that were brought in.  Everything Marty and I do takes 3 or 4 times as long is it would do if I did it myself.  Many days we haven't made it home until 5 just for that reason.  We would have eaten a lot of cold cereal this week had it not been for the delicious meals brought into us. 

When my girls heard we were having dinner delivered, they whined a little about casseroles all week.  I reminded them we would simply say thank you and eat them.  I am pleased to say that we didn't receive just casseroles this week.  We ate so much better than we ate before.  I have some learning to do from these ladies.

On Monday Tamara Heiner brought bowtie pasta. Tuesday Meg Willardson brought homemade tomato soup along with homemade bread and homemade cheese!!!!  Wednesday Karen Sasine brought chicken tortilla soup.  Thursday Nancy Davis brought a delicious pasta casserole.  Friday, Marsha Traylor brought roast and potatoes.  Saturday, Lucy Thompson brought chicken enchiladas.  Every meal was uniquely different and delicious.  Portions were large enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day.  I have some recipes to gather!

We have also had so many delicious treats brought over.  I can't even begin to name everyone who has brought treats.  We've had cookies, breads, pies, cakes, muffins.  Every time I walk into the kitchen I am reminded of the love that the people of Northwest Arkansas have for us.

At one point this week Marty wrote, "Thank you is a special word".  He has only said thank you twice this week.  It is a very hard phrase for him to say.  Both times it made the recipient cry (me & Jean Field)  It was after talking to Jean that he wrote this.  I love that simple phrase.  I think I need to make a sign that says this.  How often we don't realize the meaning behind Thank You.  It is used so often that we say it without really thinking about it.  For Marty, because it is so hard to say, it if very heart felt.  Thank You is a special word.

Marty wrote down "studel dudel" after Terri Hansen brought over a freshly baked apple pie.  I told Marty I had NO idea what he was trying to say.  I have never hear of studel dudel.  He made the motion for the phone and said "mom".  So I called his mom.  When Marty's mom made pies, she took all the crust scraps, tossed them in cinnamon sugar and pan fried them.  They called these studel dudel (probably not spelled like that, but this is now Marty's world and he can spell things any way he wants)

Marty wrote, "I don't like to be alone".  We haven't left him alone at all this week.  However there have been times when he was upstairs and the rest of the family was downstairs watching a movie.  Marty really wants to be surrounded by by his family.  I need to be more aware of this and not assume that being in the same house is being together. 

When we left for the store yesterday I had left my list at home.  I asked Marty if he could make a list while I drove.  He did a really great job.  As I remembered things we needed, he would jot them down.  His written skills are getting better and better.  It used to take him forever to write a single word and now he can write out full phrases without much effort.  I know his speech will be the same way.  Single words take a lot of effort.  Soon phrases and sentences will flow easily.

Marty still has a great sense of humor.  Some of the gifts he bought for Jessica will prove that out today.  He was able to exchange football team jabs with Shane Thompson last night.  He laughs at his own situation.  He motioned unscrewing his head, throwing out his brain, putting in a new one and screwing his head back on.  If only it were that easy.  Like changing a battery.

The final thing Marty wrote yesterday was "Everything is hard work".  Yes, everything  he does is hard.  He tires easily.  He takes multiple catnaps a day.  However, I don't know anyone that that is capable of doing harder things than Marty.  He is a very determined goal setter and always accomplishes every goal he sets.  Anyone that can run 40 miles can learn to talk again. 

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"