December 18, 2006

Hello from chilly Marin. I woke up this morning and there was frost over everything... brrr.

We have really exciting news. Dirk ran his first race yesterday in San Francisco. It was a relay race and each leg was 4.5 miles. He was last to go on our team and he had friends and neighbors surrounding him the whole time. He did so well and it was so special for all of us to be there for the moment Dirk crossed the finish line.

When I think back to where we were six months ago it blows me away to see what Dirk has accomplished. And he continues to get better every day/week. It's difficult for us to see the small, incremental improvements, but therapists and friends are quick to point it out. I also tell him that there was a time, not too long ago, that if he moved his toes or gave me a thumbs up on command I was thrilled. Now, we are celebrating his first running race. Yes, he needed some help, but he ran 4.5 miles, which is a huge accomplishment and a great way to end 2006!

As I mentioned above Dirk continues to show improvement. I don't think any of us will ever understand how hard this is for Dirk; he is working so hard every day and it's really tough when you are used to seeing the rewards of your efforts faster. In this house we try to turn frustration into motivation and keep moving forward.

I can't believe Christmas is already here. Despite the chilly mornings, I sometimes think it is still early fall because three months of this year we weren't really participating in everyday life. It's a strange feeling. Nonetheless, we have embraced the holiday season. Some fun news- we went to my Christmas party for work (Kentfield Rehab Hosp) this Friday and they have a contest where you make up words to a chosen holiday song (Frosty the Snowman) and sing it in front of everyone. Well, after thirteen years of summer camp and what we've been through with Dirk, I thought it wouldn't be so difficult. Well, I got up and sang my song and we won first place ($500)!!! What fun!

Dirk and I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season. We appreciate your continued prayers and good wishes. He said to me the other day that he hopes people are still thinking about him, I told him I think that people all over the world are still praying for him.

May 2007 be everything we dream it to be and may we continue to be blessed by so much love.

Love, Kelsey

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