Now This Is a Milestone
With the work that I’m doing in the gym and the physiotherapy no doubt contributing also I absolutely achieved a milestone last week. I can now stand up and let go of a handle on the wall after finding my balanced position and stay there without falling over! The work we have been doing has been strengthening those little muscles that everybody uses in order to not fall over when in a standing position. You would not believe how much I had have been watching people in a standing position and the way that the muscles flicker in order to keep you there. It would be very interesting from a physiological perspective if it wasn’t happening to me!
Here is a picture that was taken at the end of one of my gym sessions with Pat. Patrick is holding a little leather bound book which is a bit of a joke from Project Walk where my instructor over there Eric used a leather bound book and we used to wonder what the contents were. Now Patrick has the ability to do the same to me that Eric did when I was in the US.
In addition to this I visited a friend’s house on the weekend where there were no less than 40 steps to get to the first level of their house. Rather than be carried I used his assistance to walk to the top and then had a wheelchair carried up the steps for me to sit on once I was there. Going up the stairs was actually okay, but coming down was not pretty.
In other news I’m regularly taking Ash to kinder in the mornings riding my electric wheelchair. It is nice to contribute in some way to the running of the family once again.
Hope you are all well,
Mike.
August 3rd, 2009 on 7:17 pm
wOW, Thats a great photo and and awesome acheivement, well done. I bet Ash just loves having her dad take her to kinder.
August 4th, 2009 on 9:49 am
You never cease to amaze us all.
August 5th, 2009 on 11:02 am
Fantastic photo! Although there is no fantasy about it – all your hard work and new knowledge about muscle development makes an inspiring and educative story. Thanks for keeping us all so well informed.
August 6th, 2009 on 7:54 pm
That is absolutely fantastic news Mike, so very pleased for you. You have all worked tirelessly for this achievement and there will be many more to come. Great photo and thanks for sharing your news. It is always inspiring.
August 6th, 2009 on 8:42 pm
WOW – congratulations on being able to stand up! Well on the way to achieving your big “goal” of walking Ash to school next year.
August 7th, 2009 on 8:25 am
Hi Mike,
Just logged in to check up on your last month’s activties and amazed by your progress! The walking, climbing stairs, standing alone, doing the kindy-run – really impressive stuff and has made us smile, which was needed after another rainy summer’s day in London town. Hoping Justin will let us move home one day soon so we can come and see some of this action in the flesh. Love to your girls. Keep the good news coming through.
August 13th, 2009 on 12:29 pm
Pat…. maybe you should start doing some exercise as well !!
Michael looks great but you my friend need some work!!!
All the best Forbesy.
Catch you soon
Craig
August 13th, 2009 on 10:04 pm
Mike,
You continue to be an inspiration!
I played golf today at the Ryde Royal Rehabilitation Golf day. There was a guy zooming down the fairways in his electric wheelchair and i thought of you! Then there was another truly amazing guy. He was a double leg amputee and he had a special golf cart. it had his clubs on the front and then a special chair for him on the back. It swivelled to the side and strapped into his chair, he swung the golf club and hit a fantastic ball. With more work on your hands, there will be no excuse for your golf game being crap!
love to you and Mon
Al.
August 15th, 2009 on 11:45 pm
Always great to log on and catch up with your progress – fabulous to see that wonderful photo of you standing – you are a truly amazing and inspirational young man! Best wishes to you and your family.
Inge Webster.
August 16th, 2009 on 6:42 am
Hi Mike,
I’m a regular reader of your journal on your web-site and always stupified by your “milestones”! I heard about what happened to you from your brother Pete, who last year stayed in our house for a few days, whith his lovely wife Lorian. Lots and lots of congratulations for you and your family for your courage and perseverance!
Greetings from Gonda and Jean from Schoten (Belgium)
August 18th, 2009 on 5:18 pm
Hi Mike,
WOW – what a great photo! We were all heartbroken after learning of your accident and have followed your progress regularly ever since. All your hard work and determination is certainly producing very positive results. You are blessed to have such a loving and supportive family by your side every step of the way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family often. Keep up the great work!! With love from the Longmore family (Wagga)
August 20th, 2009 on 5:38 pm
Such incredible news Michael. Well done. Keep up the great work, and the ongoing motivation. Both Matt Kuhne and I are watching every step you take. Talk soon. Dare to be remarkable … and continue to prove them wrong!
August 28th, 2009 on 6:22 pm
Highly impressed by your courage and the support of your family and friends. We can only say : go for it !
August 28th, 2009 on 10:48 pm
Hi Mike
We regularly check to see how you are doing and were absolutely thrilled to see you standing and looking so well. We think of you often and so admire your courage and your perseverance. You continue to be an inspiration.
Love from the Bakers, Wagga Wagga.
August 31st, 2009 on 11:03 am
Happy birthday, Mike: such super progress since this time last year.
Love
Mum
August 31st, 2009 on 7:44 pm
Hi Mike,
Hope that you had a good day today, Happy Birthday. Kids are about to ring Uncle Mike. See you in a few weeks.
Love Lexie
August 31st, 2009 on 11:47 pm
Happy birthday Mike. Love the latest photo. Very best wishes from Julien, Anne, and kids.