#178

Elaine had an informative day of therapy today. They made some changes to her session. Fred sat in for all two hours today as his job over the next 6-8 weeks is equally as important as Elaine's. She has to do some new exercises for her frozen shoulder, 2-3 times a day. Most importantly, they have to be done correctly! Additionally, they have decided to add a mental and multi-tasking challenge. She now is going to count her reps. It is also being incorporated into her daily routine, for example, when she is brushing her teeth with her right hand, she is going to hold the toothpaste with her left and hold it in the air. Today, as she was doing it, after about 8 seconds, it falls to the ground. If prompted, as her arm is starting to fall, she remembers to pull it up. Simple things like this will continue to wake up her brain and improve her cognitive skills. She is working so hard and not giving up!

Fred is really committed to helping her through her frozen shoulder. The more we learn about it, the most consistent message we hear is how incredibly painful it is. It has been compared to child birth without medicine, but for weeks and months rather than hours. Unfortunately the worst is ahead. Next week the therapist will begin to literally break the scar tissue. Elaine's toughness is truly unimaginable. At a time when she could sit around saying, "why me? why do these things keep happening? when is enough, enough?" She doesn't! Her attitude is as strong as ever and it does seem there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are in awe of her determination and so proud of her! She truly inspires us every day.

Fred deserves so much credit too. He is by her side every step of the way. He continues to break down doors and push for answers. While he doesn't feel her physical pain, his heart breaks for her and together they are going to overcome this challenge. The love he has for her is displayed so clearly by his actions and words. As they saw all the time, they are attached at the hip! We are reposting this picture because it is Olympic time and its one of our favorites and it always makes us smile. They are proud to be Americans and literally dressed head to toe alike, like they are 8 year old best friends, and they are!