Good to be back on the beach
by Mike, under General, Photos/Video, Update by Mike
A great week again at Project Walk particularly with my brother and dad here to help and encourage. I have been able to add a lot of other therapy and movement at home, and when we are out and about with two strong sets of hands around. The highlights for the week have nothing to do with project walk but outings we’ve made. On Saturday we went and watched the redbull air race which happened to be on in San Diego, where Pete and Dad helped me to walk onto the beach. And even though I couldn’t feel the sand with my feet, it was invigorating.
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The other highlight was this morning when again with their help I had a shower without involving commode and stood up for a shower. It felt pretty good after having sat down for a shower for the last 10 months. There is a rail out the front of our condo, that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, here is a picture of me standing up holding the rail (sort of) and looking back towards Oz.
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At project walk we started to get more focussed on what is weak, with plenty of work on my shoulders and arms, and also on my right hip flexor. If my body is feeling good, you can definitely feel and see the improvement in the way my body parts are working together. It has been very frustrating at times as I cannot imagine why my body won’t work the way I want it. It is a game of patience however, and it is not going to happen overnight or without a lot of effort. I am putting up with enormous amounts of pain as my bodies nervous system reconnects itself, and I literally have to convince that it wants to. My time off from project walk over here for the past two weeks has had to involve resting to make sure that I am ready for the next session. I have one week to go, and I am determined to get to the end of my time without missing an hour.
I am interested to what we will work on this week with it being the last week before we do train-the-trainer. I am very tired, and physically sore from the work done so far and hope that we can continue to work on the bits that are weak and come home with them as strong as they can be.
I have included a clip on YouTube of me walking with sticks, with hand grips and a trainer assisting me to make up for my weak shoulders, hands and wrists.
May 11th, 2009 on 7:26 pm
Mike, what you have achieved is just amazing! All the best for your last week!
May 11th, 2009 on 8:48 pm
Michael you must be so proud of yourself & your achievements over the past month or so as would your family and friends. Your site has quite a following amongst my work colleagues and friends and they feel as though they know you and are amazed at your achievements. Take care – Marg & the Wyong Kings.
May 12th, 2009 on 12:12 pm
Good on you Mike – I walk down at Elwood Beach every Monday morning, when you get back I’d be more than happy to pick you up and take you for a stroll with me. Hope the last week at PW is a good one!!
May 12th, 2009 on 4:20 pm
Another wonder filled week.
The only thing we do caution Mike on, is about being ambitious enough to try to fly one of those Red Bull planes!!!!
Keep up the good work.
We know that Vanya is very excited to be coming over on Thursday to see you all.
Congdons
May 12th, 2009 on 10:56 pm
I’m sure you have re-written the books at Project Walk Mike! The videos show the absolute commitment and determination of ALL the Forbes crew and support team. Mike, you are an inspiration to us all and we wish you all the very best for the remaining weeks at Project Walk. Love from the Underwoods.
May 13th, 2009 on 1:21 am
Mike,
fortunately out of all of us, you are the one with the patience (not that anyone needed this to convince us of that). I can’t even find a map to your world of pain, frustration and determination – trying to get your body to make and then listen and then follow the new messages. One thing though, you look like you are getting a tan in the process! I love the picture of you standing at the condo, you look so straight (wouldn’t say tall but that is not surprising). Can’t wait for the clan to return. El Boy is saving a lollipop to share with Ash (although is being reminded every day that that is what he is doing!)would not be surprised if Teg downs it first though. . . . bless.
Lots of love Sally, El, Teg and As In xxxx
May 13th, 2009 on 9:59 am
Great stuff Mike,some more pieces of the miracle coming together, you have great power Mike, with all of your team and Mon being the leader of the pack. God Bless you all.
Love Lorna
The Beef Capital of Australia
Rockhampton.
May 13th, 2009 on 10:50 am
So happy for you Mike that you have made it to the beach! Looks like we will be making some trips down to Elwood beach this Summer ( which believe me at the moment seems a long while away!)
Looking forward to the Forbes/King return. Our weekends are not the same since we can’t invade your house whenever we please.
Love to Bruce, Pete and Vanya.
D,J,L and Z
May 13th, 2009 on 5:18 pm
Hey Michael,
I have been away from my computer for a few weeks and am amazed at the progress you have made. Good on you! Best wishes for your final week abroad. Trish.
May 13th, 2009 on 9:29 pm
Forbsey,
Mate, you are awesome! Your family and friends continue to rally around you and I know you inspire them as well. Keep going mate!
May 15th, 2009 on 11:51 pm
Amazing work Bov, we’re missing wandering over for a BBQ and catching up with you guys. I’m having to drink extra wine on your behalf. Chloe’s almost ready for primary school (starts next Fri) so can’t wait for the day when you walk Ash & Chloe there (with me too!). I asked Chloe tonight if she could go anywhere in the world where would she go right now and she said America to see you all. See you soon! – Cam
Bov – you are unbelievable. If anyone can do the seemingly ‘impossible’ it’s you! But I think that the best thing of all, that isn’t even mentioned above, is that your appetite is increasing – woo hoo! Bring on the degustation menu!!
Can’t wait for you guys to get back. The count down is on!
The WHOLE Wall Family xxxxxxxxxx
May 17th, 2009 on 4:49 pm
I welcomed home Dad and Pete yesterday morning and have just finished viewing the video snippets that Dad took. Your gutsy determination, Mike is awesome. I loved watching where Eric gave you the speel and seeing you adopt each of the directions and balances and you finally standing. Yey! I have pictures in my mind of you when the physios first put you on your tummy at Talbot and I thought you were going to suffocate. Two weeks to go, Mike so best of luck.
Love
Mum
May 18th, 2009 on 11:56 pm
Dear Mike, Mon, Ash and Vanya,
All the very best for the last two weeks at Project Walk. The courage and determination you all show is remarkable. We look forward to hearing all the news when Vanya returns. Much love, Marcia
May 19th, 2009 on 12:19 pm
Great stuff Mike – loving viewing the video clips. I know everyone says it – but your progress is bloody amazing. Great to see every new thing you teach your body to do. Just keep reminding those limbs who’s the boss!
May 19th, 2009 on 5:28 pm
Mike – bloody fantastic mate keep up the good work, your two girls would be very very proud of you. Trevor & the gang at ANZ
June 17th, 2009 on 8:35 pm
Hey Forbsey!
So good to see you back on your feet again, you’ve been such an inspiration to all of us, its been both heart braking and incredibly inspirational watching your journey over the past few months. hope you’re feeling better every day and staying positive.
sarah just saw and add for the show on sunday and leapt up in excitement! we’ll both have our eyes glued to the tv on sunday night!
all my best to mon and the family. keep your chin up and stay STROOONG!
love Boz and Sarah
December 22nd, 2009 on 10:58 pm
Hey Mike,
I saw you on the ABC news last nite. Man, you could’ve knocked me down (very poor taste pun not intended…) with a feather. After the initial shock I soon realised that this wouldn’t keep you down for long. And so it is.
Your progress has been astounding, but I expected no less from a driven individual like yourself, & I hope your recovery continues apace. I have a feeling your story is just beginning.
My thoughts are with you.
Stephen Hearn