Moments With Bampa...

We are LOVING being close to Bampa again. I am amazed by how much he has improved since we last saw him end of March. His voice and laugh are more natural, more him. He is walking so great, even up and down the stairs. He continues to work so hard. My sister is out of town and Cindy went to Idaho for the week to spend time with Nicole (who just had sweet baby girl, Lauren!) I'm so glad I get to spend this time with my Dad. He has therapies daily for about 3 hours. He wakes up each morning on his own, does his exercises, showers, gets ready for the day, and even makes his bed. My boys can't get enough Bampa snuggles and they laugh until their bellies ache playing with him. This makes me so happy,  I wondered if it would take the boys a bit to adjust and understand, but a beat wasn't missed, Bampa is still Bampa, and my boys are in heaven playing with him each day. We are still trying to figure out the best ways to communicate, it takes a little longer but we can usually figure out what he is trying to tell us. I did receive my first text message from him today since the stroke, it was a pretty quality text conversation we shared. Each night we do scriptures and prayer, I sit in between Dad and Fynch, I read four verses then Dad will read two, I will read four more, and Fynch will read two, and we will continue that pattern until we finish the chapter. There's a part of me that yeah, it is sad and devastating that my Dad has to relearn everything and to watch him struggle with words and daily tasks, but my heart is so filled with gratitude, admiration and love for him, and for how far he has come and how optimistic and perseverant he continues to be. We were sitting together downstairs going through his flash cards, and he looked out the window and said, "I am happy." I am so thankful for the tender mercies and miracles that continue to take place.  President Clark and Sister Clark stopped by to visit tonight. So thankful for their love and great encouragement they give my Dad, along with everyone else who loves him. We love you all, and can't express just how thankful we are for your continued prayers and love for our Dad.

UPDATE...

We were happy to be discharged from the hospital April 22 and on to another journey on the road to Kevins recovery. We feel blessed to be accepted into the 'Rehab Without Walls ' program here in Utah. This is an intense neur-rehab program not available at all in Idaho. Our Physical therapist, Occupational therapist and Speech therapist all come into the home throughout the week with aggressive and varied treatment. Each is excellent and provides special skills and expertise in neuro-rehabilitation. I do not think Kevin's recovery could be in better hands. We continue to feel most grateful and humble to be recipients of so many united in prayer. We surely feel those prayers. Kevin is working so very hard and making gains daily. Often a therapist asks him if he needs a break. A 'No!' with a smile is almost always the answer. They comment that just doesn't happen with other clients. The therapists also provide us with a variety of many exercises and activities during off therapy time. Recovery is a full time job. There have been tender mercies all around us. Tender mercies at the hands of family, friends, those in the ward we attend here who have so warmly welcomed us, strangers in stores/ restaurants/games and programs we get to attend to watch grandchildren. Dear friends and family are taking care of the upkeep on our home and yard. We pray for special blessings on these angels daily! We know that through much united faith and prayer, priesthood blessings, lots of hard work and determination, the Lord will bless us with a remarkable recovery.

-Cindy Miyasaki and family

Hospital scripture study. 

Our oasis in the hospital where we would read, watch conference and Mormon channel videos.

Last day in the hospital OT session.

Sunk a ball on the second shot!

Push! Pull! 

Passive exercise on that right affected side. 

Getting more movement in the right arm, hand and fingers. 

Nice shot of Kevin mini golfing and Nicole's baby tummy.

 

My kids are having so much fun having Bampa near! 

They love getting involved in the therapies, reading with him,

 having him come to their special events and lots and lots of snuggles!

-Nachelle

 

April 17th...

This Friday we will leave this Neuro Rehab Center and begin a new leg of our journey. We've seen so much progress here and feel so very grateful for the expertise and knowledge of the therapists. Today we went outside for a good 50 minutes, using a cane. He felt good about doing that, also enjoyed it; although, a major workout for him. Just a few weeks ago walking the wheelchair along the same route, I told  him he would be walking along here soon. He just raised his eyebrows and laughed. But now he's doing it!

                                              Kevin was happy to be walking outside again 👍

We are both excited to see progress with language. He does best one on one...we've had some precious conversations lately. This is quite a journey but also a spiritual journey. Praying and reading scriptures together has always been a special experience but has taken on a new tenderness now. Elder Kim and Sue Clark's visits are always a highlight. We're grateful for the faith, prayers and encouragement of all. Love, Cindy

 Friday night date with Alec, Lacey and Wes. Great chats

and delicious Thai cuisine. 

 Happy Sams Club shoppers

 Sacrament meeting is only a half hour at the hospital so we

enjoy a few conference talks on the iPad afterwards.

Kevin's favorite reading material doubles as really effective speech therapy.

April 8th...

Thursday I was able to attend a temple session with 2 of my sisters and Jared enjoyed time with his Dad. This was extra sweet and special as I pondered on the endowment, covenants and blessings especially for Kevin and his priesthood service. I offered up many prayers throughout the session. I felt a calm, peaceful assurance of his recovery, and deep gratitude for healing blessings during these past several weeks. That evening, Kevin was anxious to have a talk... holding hands looking into each others eyes. This was a tender and heavenly experience that night. Also, our longest conversation since the stroke. I believe a tender mercy after temple worship.

 We really enjoyed our trip to the Aquarium in Draper.  We were surprised and delighted to run into his brother, Rick, with his wife and kids on an outing also for spring break!

Friday, physical therapy wanted to try a single point cane... he did SO well! 

This is much more difficult, using more of his own balance and strength. 

I think Kevin is pretending to be working out at the 

Hart fitness center at BYUI (minus the awesome required gray shirt).

Resistance work with the right arm. 

4/2-4/3

Friday Kevin broke into the biggest belly laugh!

Working on balance in front of a full length mirror and

holding his breath, the therapists were trying to get him to

BREATHE, joking around, it worked!

If it were easy we wouldn't be doing it!

We had a great weekend with many of our kids and grandkids visiting. The grandkids got involved in balloon toss and beanbag passing....grandpa was having some fun ❤️🎈
We enjoyed conference so much ...also two wonderful outings. Saturday for the priesthood session and a delicious salmon dinner (including gyoza) at Rod and Terry's...And a delectable roast beef traditional dinner at Donna and John's home. They all spoiled us and we enjoyed every bit and the company so much. Sunday as we were talking about the power of priesthood blessings and how powerfully we have felt the power of united prayers, Kevin interjected with no effort...'it's the atonement '. ❤️And it surely is ....the heavenly gift of the atonement that is blessing Kevin with healing and strength and lifting him to do things he could not do on his own. Many many thank yous for your continued faith and prayers as we continue on this journey of recovery. Love, Cindy and Kevin

Mega-Marathon Man...

Kevin has become known as the Mega-Marathon Man.

"Do you want to rest?" No.

"Ready to go again?" Yes.

"Can you do more?" Yes.

The resistance is up to 10, this is to build endurance and cardio.

Strengthening those walking muscles. 

A Real President Miyasaki Handshake...

A real President Miyasaki handshake❤️

His homework is to shake hands only with the right now.