Monday, February 11th, 2008

David had an exciting weekend, as Kelli and her mom, Rose Manning, drove up from Riverside to spend the weekend with David. We all went to Monterey on Saturday where we toured the Monterey Bay Aquarium, ate on the pier and had a lot of fun! David walked forever, sometimes without his cane. He pushed Patty and Kelli in the wheelchair that we thought he might need. He commented that Kelli was easier to push, which didn't sit well with Patty. Since David's left arm isn't as strong as his right, the poor people on his left side got ran over. But it was a learning experience. After the aquarium we met Travis Osborn for dinner in the Felton area. He is the best youth pastor ever, and just happend to be David and Kelli's pastor. We had a great time talking and praying with him over Mexican food.

David had a busy day on Monday, with all his therapies and another vision test, (he needs glasses for distance), and we were up late visiting in his room (he has the biggest room in the ward) with several of the other patients, listening to their stories about Iraq. They had been shot at, mortered, RPG'ed, IED'ed, etc., and still they did not regret their time served for their country. They all suffered TBI symptoms like David, and one was also blind. Their lives have been totally turned upside down. It gives me a new definition of dedication and patriotism. I'm proud to have met these young men, and to have heard their stories first hand.

Steve