Remembering Who They Were and Learning Who We Are: Part 1 7/23/06

This has been a summer of remembering family. With funerals, family reunions and the celebration tomorrow, July 24th (Pioneer Day in Utah, the anniversary of the Saints first entry into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847), our thoughts are extended to our pioneer ancestors. We thought we might talk about family roots the next couple of days, in different blog enteries. FIRST THE UPDATE ON THE KID AND THE HOUSE:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT
Joseph's physical progress is very slow but it continues steadily forward. As his right arm begins to awaken it is getting more attention with physical therapy, electrical stimulation etc. It is all positive. . . and painful, but he "enjoys all he can stand". He continues to extend his skills and interests as he makes plans for the future. His adventures continue even as we write.

RAMP IT UP
Mark Maxfield finished the ramp construction on Friday, it looks and works great. Joseph is so pleased, especially with the opportunity to easily go outside and just chill in the back yard shade from time to time. The ramp surface is made out of Trex, a recycled plastic product that will never need maintenance, that makes Dad happy too.

MAKING THE BED
On Friday the crew delivered Joseph's new hospital bed. While similar to the loaner, it has better sideboards and a mattress that will help alleviate bed sores.




Gathering of the Clan part 1: THE SHAFFER REUNION

Summer, for our family, has always meant getting together with the extended family. Yesterday was the Dick and Dora Shaffer Family Reunion in Logan. This is Gloria's Dad's family. It's always so good to renew family ties and personal friendships. Tim's project has been to collect, scan and distribute the visual history of the original family. He delivered the second CD yesterday. As we discover who they were we begin to discover who we are. More tomorrow on Joseph's pioneer ancestors.