Monday, May 28, 2007

Outings

On Sunday we had a family outing to go to the movie theater to see Shrek III . It was 6 blocks away, a 20-minute walk with his power chair, bumpy at times on rough sidewalks and ramps. It was the first time Dan was in another indoor setting with his ventilator. There are a few things that must accompany Dan on such outings: ventilator, extra battery, "Ambu bag", trach kit, deep suction tube, portable suction machine, wash cloths, water, and other personal care items. We fit these into 2 backpacks. No
alarms went off or other mishaps, so we claimed success.
PS-- the movie was funny like the other 2.


After the movie we went to a park and talked - a lot about how the wedding will be for Dan - and just enjoyed the beautiful lake-front setting. We then went back to RIC for pizza. (Chicago deep dish pizza !!!) To prepare for getting to the wedding, we decided to plan an event for each of the next 2 weeks where Dan would have to be in a vehicle.



Since we woke up to such a gorgeous day, we quickly planned to take advantage of the day by making arrangements to go to Lincoln Park Zoo, about 2 miles away. We called for a handicap -accessible taxi where Dan barely fit, but after taking the leg rests off his chair, we made it in. (We now know we'll need to get a drop-floor type vehicle.) Dan said it was pretty neat to be in a car once again. The zoo was packed because of Memorial Day, but the weather, sights and sounds AND the soft pretzel were worth it!! It amazes us that Dan is so willing to be in public when he knows people stare, and we are getting okay with that too. His sweet countenance continues to be a blessing.

So we already met our goal of getting out this week. Hmmm -- where to go next??

PS Continue to pray for sleepless nights. We don't know how he operates on 4-5 hours of sleep.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go Dan!! Way to go Knudsens!! I say claim not only sucess but a victory. It is such a blessing to pray specifically and then read how God specifically worked in your lives.
Congratulations on 29 years of marriage, what a legacy for your family.
One more thing, thanks Deb for sharing your heart about a house. Remembering that "every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights", I am praying for the gift of an ideal house, specifically suited to your family's needs, and encouraging to Dan. It is coming cause we know the Gift-giver of James 1:17!
Continuing to watch as God works on your behalf.

beth b.

Anonymous said...

Dan! I was at Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday! I decided that llamas are my favorite animal. Also, since I had to leave early the other day, you are going to have to let me know how Lost ended. I missed the most crucial part! Praying for you and so excited to see how God is working!
~kim~

Amanda Martin said...

Wow. Looks like ya'll had a wonderful day today! Praying often and really enjoying reading about all this progress! Yay for Jesus and yay for Dan!

All for Jesus,
Amanda

elj377 said...

Dan,

Our kids would have to agree that the Zoo is a great place for an outing! I am so please to hear that you are embracing getting out of the house or RIC! Sounds like some fun for the whole family!

The Jonathan's

Jane said...

Dan... you have been out more than me this weekend!!! Way to go Dude! And to the K-clan too!

I am smiling from ear to ear with excitement for you guys!

Next time you go to the zoo, tell the monkeys I said hello.... i LOVE monkeys!

Prayin' for your sleep (and mine too for that matter!)
Jane

Papá to the best 2 said...

Dan, so sorry I missed it all. Really glad to hear everything went good. Praying for you to get sleep. Find your "rest" in God and he'll calm your mind and give you rest.

Anonymous said...

Where to go next? A real church service, with lots of singing! Shopping! At a mall with a good food court! Water Tower Place, for a ride in the glass elevator! Wheeee! A sporting event! The beach!
Praying that your new house will have lots of windows with great views,
A mom in Cedarville.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm.....4-5 hours of sleep a night? Well that sounds like ANY typicaly Cedarville University student! So I am not surprised. Sounds like things are going well, Scratch. I am encouraged by what you have been able to do.....when are you planning a trip to Cedarville?

Honestly, I look forward to the time you CAN make it back to campus - hopefully the Bestes will make it up to Chicago some time this summer to say hello. We are just beginning to look at summer plans.

I love you, Dan!

Anonymous said...

He's smiling!! That is wonderful.

Amber said...

Praying for you always, Dan!