Saturday, February 28, 2009

March Madness is Approaching


As Febuary comes to a close, we all have been busy giving our sweethearts Valentine's and showing them our love by our efforts, know that God's love for each of us can not be contained nor lost. He seeks you daily and would love to have communion with you! Reach for the love that has no end, its your creator Jesus .


Isn't it Madness! March is upon us :)

Levi, we know your move brings much change and we are so proud of you for taking the bull by the horns and meeting every challenge with much determination.

One day soon you will be explaining to all what an ordeal you have endured. Know that we love you and that many, many people are loving you and your family during this time. Tell a neighbor, tell a friend who your maker is and what he has done for you.

We know your parents are the bomb. Their love is always shining.


Keep up the good work, we are praying for you.

With Love

Monty and Cindy

Friday, February 27, 2009

It's Friday!

Bloggers, Levi is moved and settled in. Room 320. Visitor have to be put on list so please call. Its privacy rules but EVERYONE is welcomed to come and it is simple to be put on list.

Its a different place with a different perspective. He will doing more for himself here:
P.T, vocational therapy, O.T., neuropsychology, therapeuatic recreation, speech/language pathology, residential services, long-term living/rehabilitation.

The transition has been heart tugging and mind challenging for Esther and Joe. They have been very protective of Levi and its instinct for parents to protect. Some parent get their claws out, I heard but I wouldn't know personally. :)
Thank God that Levi has awesome parents that love him and have been by him every step of the way.

Friends, God bless you. You too have been there every step of the way. I often think about Levi and every miracle that God has performed in his life and his body and tears well up so quickly and even though I cry, there is a strange sense of joy that overcomes me. God's love for Levi, for you and for me is unexplainable but it sure feels great! He is Risen!

Til next time,
~Gilda

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Feb.24th Tuesday

I talked to Levi today on the phone. It was great to talk to him! We talked about the Garner boys and about me coming to see him. He said, "Come on", when you coming? He asked what grade Gabe was in, I said, "11th" . He replied, " Oh, he's a junior". I let him talk to Vicenta, a great lady that I work with. She wanted to talk to him for herself since she's heard so many colorful things about Levi. We are planning a trip to Lubbock during Spring Break.
Today at therapy with Roda, he would not do anything!! He didn't want walk, he didn't want to stand and finally Roda asked him why he wouldn't do anything for her, he said, "I got a hurt foot." and she said," oh your foot hurts?" and he said, "no, I GOT a hurt foot and there is a difference!"

What's new: Levi is moving at 10:30 in the morning (Wed.). Transitional Learning Center, 4000 22nd Place 3rd Floor, Lubbock Texas 79410. 806-281-5425. Room is not none at this time.

We'll post his room line as soon as we can.
Enjoy the springish winter weather.................

~Gilda

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Happy February-- Be a Sweetheart

2009 Keeps moving right along and yet sometimes we seem to just maintain what is to us and the rest of the world just our ordinary everyday stuff.

We so appreciate all your acts of love, notes, prayers, cards, phone calls and every way you have reach out to Levi and his entire family. We often get busy with just Life having obstacles come our way and putting things on the back burner, if you, will at times.

Sorry we have not blog in some time but we have experienced some computer problems.

Thank you to all that made the Blood Drive a huge success!!

Levi is and continues to make progress.
The Lord is good.

He will be making another move around the first of March to the Transitional Learning Center in Lubbock. As soon as we get the information on this we will post it on the blog. Please pray for this move as it will bring about many changes for Levi and all the workers he will encounter. Change is hard in the best of circumstances. The therapist that currently caring for Levi are sad to hear of this move but are excited to see Levi take his next steps to recovery.

He continues to make progress in many areas and grows stronger everyday. He had a cast put on his right hand to help with alignment. We expect a new report from Dr. Lehman soon.

He has good days and some frustrating days as with many of us. He is ready to go home. You can call Levi @ (806) 740-8501 if he does not answer he could be on a walk, therapy or any other phase that he is undergoing currently. He has had many calls from friends lately and is thankful to hear from each one.

During Valentine’s and Presidents day he enjoy much time with Aryah, Jake and Luke.

Joe says the Farm is busy but much rain is needed and the work continues. Please pray for our farmers and that they receive rain.

We continue to ask that you pray for every area of recovery concerning Levi. God continues to unfold so many blessings in ways we see physically and some that are discovered a layer at a time. Its exciting to share and to be a part of this wonderful life changing experience called God.

Just know that your efforts and concerns are overwhelming, very much needed and appreciated!!
We love each one of you for being a part of our lives.

Pray for us as we pray for you

Lots of Love

Monty and Cindy

Monday, February 9, 2009

2.9.09 Monday

Friends,

It's been a spell since we've blogged. The family has been there with Levi and dealing with day-to-day feats and foes.


Levi is experiencing some struggling with days/nights. How many of us can say AMEN! to that? Last week he had been making steps in therapy with assistance of his walker and support of staff and family. As we are all familiar with "bad emotional days" we know too well how it sets the stage for other areas in our lives. Well the same is true with Levi, his progress, and his particiapation level. The doctors are trying out different sleep medicine but its a trial by error to harmonize with his body.


Please continue to lift up the name of Jesus and pray for Levi, his mind, his body, his spirt, and for all the wonderful staff at Trust Point. The Steelman family have expressed more than once how humbled they are to be loved by you and how privileged they are to have your love, support, prayers, jokes, hugs, and your friendship. God is the only one capable of repaying you for the outpouring of your hearts. Blessings to you.


Whats in the works:
* Levi needs a hair cut.
* On 12th, a follow up visit from the surgery on his foot AND Dr. Lehman looking at wrist.
* Levi wants to talk on the phone. 806-740-8501 is his room number. Call him and let him tell you for himself a thing or two.

Nana aka Grandma with him today. Cristy came up this week end too.
Til next time,
Gilda


Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Februray 4, 2009 Joe's story

Grap a cup of java, pop a squat, and enjoy recap from Joe aka Dad.

Two’s Day, January 31
“Dad, what day is it?” “It’s Saturday, Levi.” “Nut-uh, Dad…its Two’s day.

When I arrived at Trust Point, I thought it was Saturday. He had gotten the fixator off the day before. He had to get up early, about 4:30 am to get dressed and be ready to leave by 5:30. We were dressed and ready, but the van didn’t show up till 6:30. We got to UMC, filled out papers for the 3rd and 4th times, talked to the anesthesiologist, doctor, and at least 4 assisstants….got in the surgery room on time, 8:30. The procedure was quick, as the doc had assured us----took 15-20 minutes. All went fine. Then we had to wait in recovery, make sure the tummy was fine, no vomiting. Levi was thirsty, drank about 3 quarts, and VERY impatient.
According to him, he also got married while he was out. Good thing Cristy was there!
We got back to Trust Point and he asked for pain medicine cause his foot hurt (he used more colorful language). He slept most of the rest of the day, but did manage to open Birthday presents. I think he read every card. Really liked the musical ones, even bobbed his head to “Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music…”
Anyway, the point is….all this stuff got his internal clock off----nights and days reversed. He was awake all Friday night. When I got to his room Sat. morning I was both surprised and glad to see the bandage was still on his leg. Luke and I would have both bet $50 it wouldn’t be there the next day! They were taking his breakfast tray away, eventhough it still had about half the food uneaten. I asked the nurse to leave it, “I bet I can get him to eat some more”. “Oh no, he’s had plenty! He ate all the first tray, and wanted more. This is the second tray!” I looked at him with raised eyebrows.
He says, “I ate two trays”. “2 eggs, 2 toasts, 2 jellies, 2 juices. 2 times”. I smiled, “Oh, I see”. “Did you eat?” he asks. “No, not yet, Levi”. “Nurse, bring my dad 2 eggs, 2 bacons (you do like bacon, doncha, Dad? Uh-huh), and 2 toasts…..with jelly, he likes jelly. If you want more, just tell them, Dad….they’ll bring you more.” Smiling, “Ok, Levi”.
Saturday is usually “group” therapy day, but Levi wasn’t handling the group thing two well, so we wheeled on down the halls, ended up in the gym. We were just fiddling about when, as luck would have it (yeah, right!) therapist Donna showed up. We had never interacted with her before, I think, but she was extremely patient and calm….and it rubbed off on Levi (Thank GOD)! She “shattered” the road for us (lead the way), as we wheeled down the halls…Seth wasn’t there…neither was Melissa and Joanne…we retraced back to the gym. “Hey, Levi…there’s that walker thing Roda was playing on yesterday!...Want to try it out?” “Yeah, ok”. Donna and I lifted and assisted him as he stood and grabbed the handles, he supporting his weight with his forearms. He took two steps. “Oh, that F’n HURTS!” He sat down. We sat and talked a bit, he tried again. This time 4 steps (or 2 steps, 2 times). Then we wheeled about a bit, considered going outside, to see one of those pergola things like Mom’s been wanting…but, when we opened the door to the wind and chill, Levi says “Nope. Shut the door. Shut the door!” We did. Decided to walk some more. Helped him open the fingers on the right hand, so then he could grasp the handle real well. Walked 7 REAL steps this time, then sat down. We were wheeling around heading back to the room, when we came upon the full length floor mirrors by the entry. Levi was ”checking himself” out. “Want to stand up and see yourself, Levi?” “Yeah, ok”. Donna whispers, “I’m just glad to help him stand any time we can get him to do it.” He stood…looked himself up and down, took a couple of steps, sat back down. I told him, “That’s GOOD, Levi….you stood up twice, 2 times!” “Yeah, that’s good s..t,, huh?” “Yes, it is, Levi…you did REALLY WELL!”
He speaks and hand motions…”Take me to the room”. As we go down the winding halls, he doesn’t bother to speak, just points the direction…..he’s tired. I smile and remember the boys playing those video games….memorizing the pattern… “James Bond and the Golden Gun got nuthin’ on you, Levi…..just don’t lay down none of the proximity bomb things….I don’t wanna get blowed up”. As we approach the nurse’s station, he says, “Take me over there.” “Hey….HEY!” Calvin looks up, “Hi there.” “Hey….I wanna run a tab, ok?” “Run a tab?”, smiling. “Ýeah, just run a tab, ok?” “Ok, will do.” Levi says, “Push me up there!” “No, Levi….they got papers and stuff….we don’t wanna mess it up”. “PUSH ME UP THERE!” “Shhhh….no, no…..we’ll go to your room” We go to the room, get in bed…eat lunch.
Later, he called Skyler to wish him Happy Birthday. Levi told him to be nice. So, we had two birthdays in two days.
Luke comes. Greetings, small talk…whatcha been doin’?, etc. We decide to get up and go outside…see Luke’s Pick- up. Levi wants to get in, go for a ride (really he wants to DRIVE, but he settles for a ride). They circle the hospital, come back, stop, Levi rolls down the window…”Dad…what are you doing?” “Just standing here on the sidewalk with this wheelchair, Levi….trying to pick up chicks.” “Dad! You’re Dumb!” They go for another lap. Meanwhile, Cousin Leah arrives. We’re standing there when Luke pulls back up. “Told you I could pick up chicks, Levi! This wheelchair is a chick magnet!” He shakes his head…”Let’s go again.” “You already been two times, Levi.” “Let’s go 7.” “No, Levi, the walls might fall down…remember what happened at Jericho?” “Dad, you’re dumb.” Luke gets out and comes to the passenger side to help. Levi locks the doors! Luckily Luke has the keys and clicks it open, we wrangle Levi out and into the chair….go back inside. We visit a bit…Leah is giggly happy cause Levi is up walking and talking and riding in the pick-up and what not. (Or was it because I referred to her as a “chick”?)  Josh Kerby , Michael Nieto, and some other guys from home show up to see Levi. He greets them, uses his left hand to hand them his right hand to shake, briefly asks how’s it going, etc……then rolls over and goes to sleep! Sorry, guys. Big day, I guess….Two’s day and all…
He sleeps through supper….wakes up about 7….HUNGRY! He eats a can of pears, yogurt, brownie, beef jerky, and Snickers from his B-day goodies. (Thanks, folks) He’s down from 205 to 138 now. I try to feed him the good stuff, but I’m just happy if he eats any and everything! I give him all the milk shakes and bananas he’ll eat, per Joe Jones’s instructions…..old army recipe, he says.
We watch TV and talk. I tell him I talked to Mom and she says people gave about 22 pints of blood in his honor. He sits and ponders a bit and says, “That’s damn near 3 gallons of blood.” “Yes, Levi, nearly. People waited in line 1 ½ hrs.” “Pshhht,” he says, shaking his head.
About 11 Levi says, “Dad, you awake?” “Yes, Levi….whassup?” “Dad, you look tired.” “Yes, and my feet hurt, too.” “Mine, two, Dad…….Dad, you should go to bed.” “I was thinking about it, Levi. Are you ready to go to sleep, Levi?” “I’m trying, Dad…..but I wanna go home” “I know, Levi, maybe soon you will, one day.” “But Dad, it’s already two’s day!”
“Yes, Levi…..it’s Two’s day” All day.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Monday February 2nd

Hello all! I hope everyone had a fabulous superbowl weekend. We had a great turn out for the blood drive. We had 22 donations. There were actually a little over 30 people who came and tried to donate, but for one reason or another, only 22 were accepted for donations. It was a long wait. There are quite a few questions and paperwork before the donation process. The actual blood donation takes about 15 minutes. If we do this again next year, I know to stress making an appointment in advance. Coffee Memorial was very pleased with the turn out. I just want to thank all the people who helped put this together: Everyone at First Baptist Church in Bovina, for placing the ads, for organizing everything Coffee Memorial, Mr. R.C. Quiett I have never volunteered for something like this before and there is very little work involved in it people. I just found a place for it to happen and hung up some flyers (that they made and mailed to me!) I encourage you all to sponser a blood drive at least once. It is a very rewarding experience. Well, I will let Joe update us on Levi. He had a good weekend but Joe says it better than any of us! P.S. Yes the background is pink. Its Valentines month and this was the most masculine one I could find. So deal.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

1.31.09 Day After surgery

Friends,
Levi's surgery went well. The surgery was about 15minutes long but pre & post stuff is what took longer. (of course you guys all know that!) The family was glad they were able to take the fixator off the right way (through surgery) because Levi had asked for a knife all week to take it off himself.

Levi has managed to walk 7 steps with assistance of tall walker. He then realized his R leg hurt so he lifted it off the ground about 6" to stop it from hurting. (Truely amazing, Levi. There is an ole saying "tough as leather" and boy I believe you resemble that remark).

He had a good week of celebrating for his birthday. He got visit, calls, cards. The musical cards he enjoyed to jamm' out.

The blood drive went well in Bovina. I hear many people came out and basically camped out up to 2 hours trying to give blood. Hopefully, Robyn will update on that.

Joe commented humorously, "Levi is ready to walk and that they better get ready to chase Levi around the hospital".

Friends, great things continue to unfold. What amazing things we have been apart of whether physically or by the blog. I hope that our current post in life gets to be set & edited by Jesus so that we can view the beautiful, amazing things he has for each of us.

Til next time,
Gilda

Friday, January 30, 2009

Friday Jan 30th-Levi's Birthday!!!

I just spoke with Esther and she said the surgery went very well. Levi is in recovery and then in about an hour he will be transported back to Trust Point. Joe is going to spend the weekend with Levi and Esther is going to come back to Bovina in a few hours to go to the
BLOOD DRIVE THAT IS TODAY FROM 2-6PM AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-BOVINA.
If you don't think that you should give blood today because sheesh your just one person.
You can't make a difference.
How has little ol' Levi impacted your world?
Please Please Please come donate blood. There is going to be snacks and finger foods galore. You can meet new people. You can see old friends. You can make new friends. You might win some movie passes. You will help save someone's life at some point in the near future.
Have a great Superbowl weekend!

P.S. Where did the song go?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

1.29.09 Follow up NEWS

Levi will have surgery @ 8:30 UMC in Lubbock tomorrow.
On Feb.12th, Dr.Lehman will assess his right hand.
This week Esther has been celebrating at the hospital for Levi's birthday.
Mon. crispy creme
Tues. veggie/meat tray
Wed. homemade burritos
Thurs. Rosas
Friday. birthday cake
The staff followed their noses right to Levi's room and enjoyed all the treats. They were very grateful to be included in Levi's birthday.

I spoke with Seth who is the supervisor of all therapists. I don't know the official title but I am sure he has one.
*Levi is progressing well
*With the fixator being removed it will increase physical mobility. ITS A BIG STEP FORWARD.
*Brain injury has a specific progression and Levi is aligned with it (meaning he is healing on schedule)
*Limited attention span due to injury and in accordance with guidelines
*Levi demonstrates big window of lucid cognitive function then agitation sets in and he's gets mad, or won't perform {we knew this, right! :o
*HOWEVER TINY the progression, it is always better than the day before.

Levi told Roda today that she was mean, like his mom. But he did say he loved her anyway. Way to Go Levi, sucka!

Thank you to Roda, Moses, Melissa, Jenny, and Seth for challenging Levi and inadvertently challenging yourselves!

Levi got an IPOD for Christmas that he is trying to use. He loves it. Esther said he comes down the hall, jammin' and then shruggs his head with "Whatz up" ...... :))))

p.s. Levi asked about his aunt Gilda and uncle Doyle!!!!! (I'm making him a chocolate cake just for that!!!)


Til next time,
Gilda

1.29.09 Brief Therapy summary

Okay folks as promised, the therapist was sick this week and so she gave us brief facts as follows.
Initial intake,
When Levi came into TRUST POINT he was very quiet, humble as a lamb, and unable to roll his body to either side. They had to use a sliding board to move him. He was unable to stand or sit. He was noted as impatient and needing immediate gratification. {wow, they discovered that on the 1st day :0) Roda noted that Levi has shown immense improvement since day one.

To date,
*Levi can roll to right side with assistance.
*He can sit at end of bed and can scoot on his bottom to the right side and into the wheelchair with minimal assistance.
*He has stood on parallel bars with moderate assist. SOMEONE always makes sure his right leg if off the ground because of an unknown internal condition. He can stand for 2 minutes if he's not too tired. Repetition is desired but depends on agitation level- aka exhaustion.
*He can push his wheelchair with left hand
*He can change positions from sitting to laying down.
*He is able to lift legs up on bed
*Levi is still noted to be impatient and wants immediate gratification

Roda is also a pilot and uses alot of pilot terminology with Levi. It probably provides an instant bond that makes it easier or more interesting (whichever the case may be) to work with Levi.

Please pray for Roda, Moses, the other personnel that interact with LEVI daily. Thank you for their expertise and we ask your abundant blessings on them.

Until next time,

Gilda

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Top 10 reasons people give for not donating blood (read gilda's update under this)

10.I don't like needles / I am scared of needles / I am afraid to give blood.

Nearly everyone feels that way at first. However, most donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch, and 7-10 minutes later, you are finished and headed for the canteen. If you take the time (and courage) to make one donation, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated.


9.I am too busy.

The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation time is only 7-10 minutes. If you stop to think that an hour of your time could mean a lifetime for a premature baby, someone with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, or someone who's had an accident, you might decide that you can make the time to give the gift of life.


8.No-one ever asked me… I didn't realize my blood was needed.

Consider yourself asked! There is simply no other way to supply the blood needs of hospital patients but for the generous donations of people like you. Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. More than 38,000 donations are needed every day in communities across the U.S.


7.I already gave this year.

You can give every 56 days. Many donors give 5 times a year!


6.I am afraid I'll get AIDS.

It is not possible to get AIDS by donating blood to the Coffee Memorial. A new sterile needle is used for each donor and discarded afterwards.


5.My blood isn't the right type.

Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors available to give it, so it is in short supply.


4.I don't have any blood to spare.

The average adult body has 10-12 pints of blood. Doctors say that healthy adults may give regularly because the body quickly replaces the blood you donate.


3.I don't want to feel weak afterward.

Donating blood should not affect adversely a healthy adult because your body has plenty of blood. You will donate less than one pint, and your body, which constantly makes new blood, will replace the donated volume within 24 hours. Most people continue their usual activities after donating.


2.They won't want my blood (I am too old / I've had an illness).

If you have doubts, check with your physician. The qualified staff on duty at a blood drive or donor center will also review your medical history with you. There is no upper age limit to donate blood with the American Red Cross, and a great many medical conditions do not prevent you from donating blood, or may have done so only temporarily in the past.


1.I have a rare blood type, so I'll wait until there is a special need.

Blood that is rare or special is almost always in short supply. There is a constant need for these blood types in order to avoid having to recruit specific blood types in a crisis.

1.27.09 Brrr! It's cold.

Friends,
Due to technicial difficulties I have been unable to update the blog on a regular basis. I have enjoyed reading the other updates though. It's a relationship that we have developed here so thanks for your friendship

What's new:

  • After Luke and Joe took him to the doctor on monday, they found out that Dr. Risko (the orthopedic surgeon) will take the fixator off Lev's right leg on friday (HIS BIRTHDAY). PLEASE PRAY FOR THE MEDICAL TEAM AND GOD's hand to be upon everyone and the healing of Levi's leg.
  • Dr.Leeman, hand doctor, will be looking at Levi's right hand. It currently is in a downward position they call "palsy". The doctor will be looking to re-route nerves and tendons to stop this condition.
  • Therapy is going well. Esther is has asked the therapist for a summary of his initial assessment and his recover to date. I can tell you that it has been tough, it has been joyful, it has been miraculous, it has been tear jerking, and it has also been very funny.
  • Visitors are still welcomed. Be mindful that with too much stimulation Levi starts to use obscene language (Joe's words). So best be the first one to come so you don't hear the brunt of it. :o
  • The therapists always make small talk with Levi which is part of their assessment. However, Levi has not been one for small talk. He will tolerate it for a while but then he will tell you the truth. It's the "don't ask or he'll tell" policy. Levi coined that for himself long ago at the ripe old age of 1.

  • Esther was sure to point out that no matter what, LEVI is just a miracle.

    Esther, Joe, Luke, Jake, Trish, Nana, Papa, Weita, Cristy, Reese have been giving lots of care to LEVI. (lets remember to pray for them)

..............................................DONT 4 GET 2 GO GIVE BLOOD....................
Til next time.

~Gilda

Monday, January 26, 2009

Facts About the blood donation Process


1.Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded

2.Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments



3.Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor's temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hematocrit level (red blood cells count) to ensure it is safe for him or her to give blood



4.The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour



5.The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation



6.All donated blood is tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases, before it can be released to hospitals



7.Information you give to the Coffee Memorial during the donation process is strictly confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law


Blood Drive in honor of Levi Steelman
Friday January 30
2pm-6pm
First Baptist Church Bovina TX
www.thegiftoflife.org

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Facts about blood supply

Facts about the blood supply

1.The number of blood donations collected in the U.S. in a year: 15 million (2001)



2.The number of blood donors in the U.S. in a year: 8 million (2001)



3.The number of patients who receive blood in the U.S. in a year: 4.9 million (2001)



4.The volume of blood transfused to patients is increasing at the rate of 6% per year (2001)

5.The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations



6.Less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood



7.Blood cannot be manufactured — it can only come from generous donors



8.Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays


Blood Drive in honor of Levi Steelman
Friday January 30
2pm-6pm
First Baptist Church Bovina TX
$25 Gift certificate raffle!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

From Esther

Levi is not moving from Trust Point at this time. We had been discussing moving him to TLC here in Lubbock but after much assessment, all docs, therapists, and nurses are in agreement that Levi is not quite ready to move there. He will be eventually but we still have some medical issues that we have to yet battle. They have Levi scheduled with an orthopedic doc here in Lubbock to assess the situation with his external fixator. Everyone thinks it's time to remove it so he can be more mobile. He has not been able to put weight on that leg so it has effected his therapy. It is so crucial that all things work together for what is best for Levi. He has indeed made so much progress. With the help of therapists and Luke, Trish and Jake, he was able to stand for 6 minutes. That is quite an accomplishment.

So often we share our daily adventures with you. We hope you don't mind but it's those experiences that help bring us joy and keep our spirits up. We are with Levi day after day and at times it get weary but we keep going because we can laugh with each other and at each other. Levi keeps us rolling but at time there are tears. But we brush off and keep going. Buddy Jeff came in the other day and Levi was sleeping. Jeff is so much like Levi about being patient. He wanted Levi to wake up and visit with him so he was bugging him. "Levi, wake up" he said "I brought you an Allsup's burrito, That is what you said you wanted. Why are you tired? Have they work you? Have they worked your right arm? Come on, show me what you can do with that right arm." Levi precedes to turn around in his bed and drags his arm over to the front of him. He begins working each finger with such grace while both Jeff and I are looking to see what he does. He bends his pinky, then his ring finger, his pointer, and finally his thumb. He gives Jeff his middle finger extension. Jeff and I look at each other and die laughing. Jeff says, "Attaboy, my Levi is back". Later I see Dr. Walcott and tell him what Levi did. He says," That is so awesome, do you know just how many parts of the brain he just used?" No, Dr. Walcott, we just thought it was funny. He says it is but that's just great that Levi could do that. I guess we all look at everything so differently. I go tell Roda, his therapist (Levi calls her Rosa with a D) and she assures me that they have been working with the extension of his wrist not his finger. I am so glad to be where we are (at Trust Point)), I believe that was also a God thing. They have been so fabulous with Levi.

As a family, we are sharing the responsibility of being with Levi so don't be alarmed if you see someone different when you go. We are pooling all our resources to help Levi as he recuperates. Everyone has taken time to come see him, read the blog, and send cards. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to you. So many have pulled together to help out. We sincerely appreciate everything each of you have done. You guys have a good day and keep checking in with us. We love you!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Update from Joe

Hey guys, I (Dad) was talking to Aunt Cindy just a few minutes ago. She had texted me earlier in the day, asking about Levi's progress etc., but I was cleaning nozzles on a sprinkler at the time. Between that and building fence, a very farmer style MLK day, don't you think? Anyway, I closed the conversation by making a request of her....to put a certain song on the blog....We call it the "Knocked down song". It reminds me of Levi....not only for the obvious reason now....that this accident "knocked him down and he's trying to get back up again'....but he picked it himself back several years ago!
He was fortunate enough, when he was a junior in High School, I think, to be selected to participate in a special "field trip". He and several others got to go to the NASA facility in Houston...ala "Houston, we have a problem". Anyway, they got to do a lot of cool stuff like ride the simulated weightless airplane also known as the "Vomit Comet". As part of the project, they had to make and present a power point presentation of their trip. Much like me , Levi didn't want to get up in front of a bunch of people and talk, so he did the computer part of the presentation. The song background he chose was this "Get Knocked Down" song. He just had it looping....over, and over, and over again...aaaargh! LOL. It reminds me of him in so many ways! I am sure it will likewise remind those of you who have known him for long, of our LEVI. Just click on the green Chumba thing!
Thanks SOO Much Cindy! Although I KNOW Monty helped ( I heard her asking, "Who sang that, babe?") I been trying to get this on the website 2 months now! Shoulda just asked a woman! (Shuddup, Naomi!) She got it up and running in 15 min or less!!!! Nice to have talented family members!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

10 Quick Blood Needs Facts

1.Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

2.More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.

3.One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood.

4.Total blood transfusions in a given year: 14 million (2001).

5.The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints

6.The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

7.The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

8.Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98% of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

9.More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

10.A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

Blood Drive in honor of Levi Steelman
Friday January 30
2pm-6pm
First Baptist Church Bovina TX
Be there or be square!!!!!

1.18.09

Luke, Jake and Trish went up to visit part of the weekend.
Esther and Joe went to Bovina to chill and visit with Aryah and they had other company in town.
Cristy went up to Lubbock the other part of the weekend.
Levi is doing remarkable...

Friday, January 16, 2009

The Blood Drive on Levi's Birthday-1-30-09

Levi has used 8 units of blood since October 18,2008. That is not counting what was needed during surgeries. The average adult has 10 pints of blood in their body. That blood was there to be used on Levi as needed. That blood was there because people gave.

I have felt relatively helpless through out all of this, constantly wondering how i could help without causing more stress. Then one day God gave me an idea. Have a blood drive. Replace a little bit of what was available to save Levi. How easy is that?!

I called Coffee Memorial and found out exactly how easy it is. I was told that if we can get 17 donors, that would be great. I thought, 17? that's it? That seemed like such a small number compared to how big all the other numbers have been. You know,

  • like the number of people following this blog; 105 (that we know of)
  • and 42,656, the number of times people have logged on and looked at the blog.

Well, Levi turns 26 on the day we are having the drive. Why not shoot for 26? That might not be realistic, but I think it has been proven that we are not in control.

The blood drive is the last Friday of this month, from 2-6pm in Bovina, TX at the First Baptist Church. Coffee Memorial will have promotional items to give away and there will be a drawing for a $26 gift certificate to Allen Theaters in Clovis, NM. Some of the congregation at First Baptist has volunteered to make snacks for the fabulous event.
I have plastered the town of Bovina with fliers. There are tons of advertisements going out in newspapers and church bulletins. From here on out, I am going to do a daily blog on blood things, facts, figures. Please be in prayer for this event and come out and show your support!!!
Go to www.thegiftoflife.org for more information.