Well, we did it, we pulled off a total surprise for Jeremy last night. Thanks to the Horseheads American Legion, Jer now has a new "tool" to use around the farm. The Legions across the State of NY donated to help buy a JD Gator for Jer. He was invited to the Legion for a "small sign of appreciation" for something he had done in the past, and when he walked in, he realized that everyone knew something that he didn't know! He was "blown away" when the gator was driven into the legion! The wells wishes and hugs were overwhelming. His smile was hugh! Now he has no excuse to not help chase cows :)) Today, Monday, He will be in the Horseheads Memorial Day Parade with his Grandpa (who couldn't be prouder).
Other than that, his spirits still remain very high, and his detemination level higher than ever. He has been helping out with some welding around the farm, and doing some planting. He finds that a couple of hours in the tractor is about all he can muster at a time though as it's kind of rough on the back. Last week he told his dad that his next goal is to be back driving bus in September--now that is a goal for someone who was told they'd never walk again!
We'll continue to update as new things happen--or at least once a month! We'd like to take this to the point of him walking on his own--and we will see that day-- maybe sooner than later!! Again, as we have said in the past, none of this could have been possible without all the prayers and thoughts from people like you! Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts.
One other note, Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement--they tell us he has 3 stages of remission to go through before they will declare him in total remission, and we are hoping to reach stage one before the end of the year--maybe he will progress faster like his son!! Love to you all!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Benefit Ride postponed
HI ALL: Just a note to let you know that the ride scheduled for May 17, has been postponed to May 24th at the Odessa Fire House--registration is 8-10, ride will begin promptly after registration. For those of you coming from the North country (Syracuse, Rochester, etc) there will be a stop for lunch at the Petro (just down from the Outlet Mall in Waterloo), so if you wanted to join the ride there, you could do that and then ride the west side of the lake with the group. Of course, you are invited to come to Odessa first, and if you chose to leave at the petro, that's possible too. The plan is to arrive at the petro between 11:30 and 12 and leave from there at 1:10. If you need any information next week, please feel free to contact me at 607-857-5726 and if I don't have the answer, I will make sure I get it and get back to you!
Now for Jeremy's update--he is doing so many things that the doctors NEVER thought he'd do again! We are so proud of his drive and determination that it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how far he's come in just 7 short months. Yes, it's been 7 months tomorrow. For us the time has flown, but I'm sure for him it's been the longest 7 months in his life. One of the things he's found he can do is ride motorcycle (very cautiously though). He is riding his sister's honda low-rider and can balance that pretty good. What a shock on Mother's day to see him ride up the driveway on it. The only problem is getting off and carrying his crutches--but he will overcome that obstacle too!
This past week has been a busy one on the farm--Jer and Ron planted corn all week, while Zach, Chris, Val and Niki helped load planters and run supplies hither and yond. It was nice to have all the help as we are now all planted and just waiting for the 25th to start cutting the first crop of hay. That process is changing too as without Jeremy's ability to climb silos, we have to change how we put up haylage, so we are using the big white bags that look like sausages in the fields, so we have had dozers and rollers in getting that site ready.
Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement. We have another doctor's appointment in June and hopefully we will continue to get good news.
Well, that's it for now--thanks for continuing to check in. God Bless
Now for Jeremy's update--he is doing so many things that the doctors NEVER thought he'd do again! We are so proud of his drive and determination that it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how far he's come in just 7 short months. Yes, it's been 7 months tomorrow. For us the time has flown, but I'm sure for him it's been the longest 7 months in his life. One of the things he's found he can do is ride motorcycle (very cautiously though). He is riding his sister's honda low-rider and can balance that pretty good. What a shock on Mother's day to see him ride up the driveway on it. The only problem is getting off and carrying his crutches--but he will overcome that obstacle too!
This past week has been a busy one on the farm--Jer and Ron planted corn all week, while Zach, Chris, Val and Niki helped load planters and run supplies hither and yond. It was nice to have all the help as we are now all planted and just waiting for the 25th to start cutting the first crop of hay. That process is changing too as without Jeremy's ability to climb silos, we have to change how we put up haylage, so we are using the big white bags that look like sausages in the fields, so we have had dozers and rollers in getting that site ready.
Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement. We have another doctor's appointment in June and hopefully we will continue to get good news.
Well, that's it for now--thanks for continuing to check in. God Bless
Saturday, May 3, 2008
May, 2008
Hi all: Sorry it's been a while since we've updated--everyone has been busy with the "spring things" around the farm, Jeremy included. Yes, Jer is able to help out on the farm on occasion. He can drive most of the tractors, so he can spread manure and do some plowing, discing and hopefully some planting very soon. Jer's progress still amazes all of us. He is able to take a few steps without using the crutches, which is a very big step for him. He still has the wheelchair around "just in case", but doesn't use it much now. With just 6 months past, we have come a very long way! I'm sure there wasn't a doctor out there that thought Jer would come along this quickly, but then maybe they never met a Hoffman before! Driving is coming along pretty good--he still uses the hand controls most of the time, but tries his luck with the feet once in a while too. It is surely nothing he could do for an extended period, but for very short distances he can use the feet. In my mind, I can't help but think that it helps to retrain those muscles/tendons to do things they haven't done in a while.
Sorry for the short post, but I think I've covered all of the important things. We'll continue to post as things come up that we think everyone will be interested in. Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts during these last long 6 months. I for one know I would never had made it through without the friendships, thoughts, and prayers!! Love you one and all. Carm
Sorry for the short post, but I think I've covered all of the important things. We'll continue to post as things come up that we think everyone will be interested in. Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts during these last long 6 months. I for one know I would never had made it through without the friendships, thoughts, and prayers!! Love you one and all. Carm
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