Wheel Life with Leo Hodson

I walked for 17 minutes today on machine called the lokomat. It has the ability to detect input that comes from the individual hips and knees. It registered activity from both my knees and hips. I could also feel my foot pressure differentiate from heel to sole as I walked. It was awesome.

I had a chest muscle examination today. My OT’s (Occupational Therapist) felt the muscles and graded them on a scale 1-5 (five being the strongest). Several of my muscles were marked as fives and others were marked as ones. Even if muscles are classified as ones, it means neurons are indeed connecting and have the potential to become much more active. It is always hopeful when it is not a zero. I learned a new way to push myself from surface to surface using a sliding board. I was able to almost completely push myself from a workout mat to my chair. It was pretty difficult but for the first attempt, I  think this way is promising. Both my PT/OT feel confident I can achieve most of the goals I came to accomplish. I am giving it everything I have. God is Good.

It was Jenny’s last day today in Day Program. Jenny, she’s in her mid forties, beautiful smile, great sense of humor, and unfortunately had a spinal cord injury. We worked on our punches (a shoulder workout) together. When she got tired, she said, “I don’t want to hurt the guy too bad.” (her way of copping out on the exercise). I wish I could of told her bye. She also thought it was quite funny to call me cleo.

Another friendly guy I have met here wore a really cool cowboy hat today. When I said to him “cool hat”, he informed me of something called “cowboy friday.” I’ve never heard of it, but I’ll be prepared for next week.

Many of you have written me since I got here to Atlanta. Don’t think because I haven’t written you back or responded to you individually that your words don’t mean very, very much to me. It’s the contrary. I plan to write each one of you back, and soon. I started this blog to inform loved ones about my progress and it has turned into an amazing support board. Thank you so much. I love everyone of you for your kindness. I am not writing over the weekend but I will continue to exercise. Much love, peace and goodwill. Goodnight and have a wonderful weekend.

I got into a manual chair today. I was able to push myself around the gym but it was a lot harder than I remembered. Both of my therapist want me to start working my shoulders out daily, a work out referred to as “the terrible threes.” I have a full day tomorrow and desperately need to grab some rest. Thank you all for your support and kindness. I am trying my best and will continue to. Pushing a manual chair the correct way is painfully difficult. I get to walk tomorrow via lokomat and treadmill, propel myself in a manual chair and get one wheel closer to independence. Much love, peace, and goodwill. Goodnight.

Geesh, heavy thoughts float in my mind like big fluffy clouds. Theres a thick, monsoon like rain currently falling from the Georgia sky. Good news, Bogey ate lunch today.

When I awoke this morning, I was greeted by my dad and two occupational therapist at the foot of my bed. They taught me how to put on my own shorts and shoes. I completely underestimated my potential to accomplish these task. I truly thought that doing such a thing was out of my reach. Not only did it not seem hard, but it seemed completely attainable. My occupational therapist said ‘she thought for a first attempt, I showed promise and that I could get it with more practice.’ After OT (occupational therapy) I had literally five minutes to roll to exercise therapy. I chugged a boost-plus energy drink and zoomed. When I got there, they strapped 4 lb weights to my wrist. For an hour, I did five different exercises, 3 sets of each consisting of 25 reps. My exercise trainer holds a special place in my heart. Two years ago she beat me in a game of rummy cube (I think she cheated) and she will not let me live it down. A rematch is already planned to settle our on going fued. After that, I stood for an hour.

My doctor thinks it’s very possible for me to self transfer and operate a manual wheel chair. Another doctor told me today, ‘I’m glad you are not satisfied. That is healthy. You have achieved a lot Leo, and you want more.’ I do want more, for myself, for others, for the sad and for the hopeful.

I weigh a whopping 109 lbs. Lost Weight = Lack of dense muscle mass. I’m currently sitting on the top of the parking deck writing. I love it up here. Up Here – drinking coffee, talking to my sister Erin, dancing alone, wondering, thinking, hoping, sharing, resting, praying, reading, living. My dads dog Bogey is dying. He will have to make an important decision regarding Bogey in the morning unless something miraculous happens. All things are possible through God. I have made fun of my dads dog a lot but that dog sure has a sweet, loving, gentleness to him. Its hard for me to cry over animals, after all the tragedy I have been through and have seen. But I can honestly say, I will miss him if I do not get to hug his neck, attempt to breath louder than him, stare into his deep brown eyes, make chewbakah noises with him. I need to shower, I need to sleep. Two hours of occupational therapy starts at 8 am. Thank you all for your support. It really means a lot. Please pray for Garret, Joshua and that Benjamen’s stay here at Shepherd, gets extended. Goodnight. I moved fingers in my left hand earlier today. Love, Peace, and Good Will.

So today was my first official day of “Boot Camp” here at the Shepherd Center. Once I arrived here Saturday, I picked up a package containing rules, apartment keys, ect. The first words that came out of my mouth was, “it feels good to be back.” The security guard had no idea who I was but there was no denying, he could feel my over abundant gratitude. I am now at one of the most amazing places in the world. The drive to get here was rich, full of geo political conversations concerning Russia, China and even a little bit of Vietnam. My father and I listened to pandora on my iphone, the Lisa Loeb radio station. It is sad, I know, I am a part of a limited few who actually have a Lisa Loeb radio station. I do not suggest it, nor will I knock it. I am a fan of the 90’s one hit wonder bands, again I know, this is sad.

I had been away from the Shepherd Experience for two years…….until today. Its amazing how faces, smiles, how impressions never leave you even if you forget about them. There is so many beautiful people here. I am grateful to spend three more weeks of my life with this organization.

Today was Evaluation day, pretty much I am evaluated out. A few of the goals I will be trying to accomplish the next few weeks are: driving a vehicle, using a manual chair, rotating in bed, pillow positioning in bed, self transfers and many others. If your really, really curious, you can email me (leo.m.hodson@gmail.com)   I’ll fill you in on many others. I took my first shower today in almost a full year. The water hit my face, I had to focus on breathing as water would fill my mouth that rushed down from my head. It is the start of an amazing venture. Tomorrow I will undergo the first sessions of physical and occupational task training.  I feel fresh, mentally, physically, spiritually, this is it.

Thank you all for your support. Peace, love and good will.

Just recently I was reading over emails that were sent to me following my accident on March 15th, 2009. I wept on my front porch, sitting there, I could not control the gratitude that flowed from my eyes. I could not contain the awkward cry, as the words I read, became arms that encompassed me. I immediately started responding to the emails. I am so grateful for every person who has taken time out of their life to share with me. These last two years of my life have been difficult but they would have been a lot harder without the support of others. I am truly so thankful to be alive, to be rolling, smiling, laughing, crying, to be breathing, eating, dancing, hurting, to be me. I am currently doing my best to respond to those who emailed me during the days of coma dreaming and tube feeding.

I have been prayed for, visited, called, hugged, read to, kissed, danced with, fundraised for, hit by a dodgeball, deathly sick, laughed with, stared at, cried over, water skied, stood up, beaten in chess, pulled all nighters, broken hearted, embarrassed, infatuated, invented for, lost races, suffered pain, performed, dropped twice, fallen once, yelled at, screamed for help, written journal entrees, cooked for, acted foolishly, prayed continuously and all of this has been with people who have supported me.

Thank you

Atlanta bound – Shepherd Center – 7/16-8/5 -

Yesterday,  I felt the muscles in my left and right leg, my calve muscles, activate while focusing on various leg workouts.  I got really excited. It’s not everyday that a new sensation or motor function skill returns. This is proof that neuro pathways are still trying to connect.

I have received a three week, full scholarship into the Day Program at Shepherd starting July 18th, 2011.

I will do my absolute best to accomplish the goals that I have presented to them. I will not shy away from any oppurtunity that they present to me that will help me physically and mentally grow. I will log my goals/ my progress / and my experience once I start. I will do it with a good and focused determination. Please pray for me. I truly believe that I can gain my independence back and walk if it is in Gods will. believe. Your emails are welcomed too. You can encourage me with words,  I am grateful for your support.

Much love,

Leo

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My heart is and feels so ready to see everyone. My words will and can not capture my gratitude for the support shown by everyone. I look forward to dancing, smiling, laughing, loving, rolling, and being surrounded by an atmosphere of pure, genuine support and care. Three hours does not seem like it will be enough time for me to express my thanks so I will do my best to stay up and do so. My heart is full of a deep thankfulness and I wish and I hope that I can display it to its fullness. Much love and peace. I should go to sleep now. It feels like a 6 year old awaiting Christmas morning in my spirit. Praise be to God.