"O, Say But I'm Glad"

7:30pm

Suzie and I came to see Taylor first thing this morning, so we could see what we've been missing. It was great. Taylor walked another 150' or so, then sat in the wheelchair to rest for a few minutes. When he sat down, he looked at Suzie and said "Happy Mother's Day". From now forward, Taylor will be our Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday and Christmas present. There is nothing greater he could give to us than what he already has, and will continue to give - him.

We also watched Taylor do leg exercises, and do some fine motor skill work. Watching him get stronger is just the coolest thing. He does things today he just couldn't do 2 weeks ago. This morning he dressed himself. That's a first since the accident. He can't quite master the socks and shoes, but that will come. He also brushed his own teeth this morning. Another first.

He visited his Neurosurgeon today and will return on the 30th to get a CAT scan of his neck and see about losing the collar. When he saw Dr. Campanelli and his Nurse Practitioner, Melissa Bryant, at the end of the hall, Taylor said "I'm going to get emotional". I told him I probably would too, so not worry about it. We both held it together, but it was great to see them and show Taylor off. He shook their hands and told both of them how good it was too see them. We all five just sat around and smiled for a while.

Dr. Campanelli reminded Taylor that he operated on him 5 times, and told him that one was "the hardest I've ever done". He also told Taylor how lucky he was, and how terribly close to death he was on March 6th. We've told him that before, and he knows it, but it was good for him to hear it from the Doctor. He also told him of a couple of patients about his age that have come in since Taylor left - not quite 2 weeks ago. One is a 19 year old with a spinal fracture like Taylor's, but was much worse and he's paralyzed from the neck down. The other is a 22 year old who lost a portion of his brain.

Taylor's trip today took about 4 hours total, including travel. He had a Respiratory Therapist, Nurse and driver with him. Tonight he said, with a smile, the ride in the transport van wasn't as bad as having to listen to three women talk the whole way.

Tonight I told him that Jack Horner left a message on the Blog. Jack is the Music Director at Suzie's week long annual family reunion in west Tennessee. It's attended each year by 500-600 people (LONG story that I really couldn't explain in under 1,000 words). I told him Jack said that Taylor "might not remember me from "Adam". Taylor looked at me with his "do you think I'm stupid?" look he said "He's the music dude from Camp Meeting...Little Jack Horner" (sorry, Jack) then broke into a chorus of "O, Say But I'm Glad" a Camp Meeting standard that Taylor has heard every year that he has attended. He's only missed a couple in his lifetime. It was so funny to suddenly hear Taylor break into song. This year will be one family reunion he misses, but next year he'll be there and we'll show him off to everyone like some kind of trophy. One thing is certain - I'll always request Jack lead the congregation in "O, Say but I'm Glad" in Taylor's honor each year from now on.

O, Say But I'm Glad

There is a song in my heart today
Something I never had;
Jesus has taken my sins away
O, say that I'm glad

CHORUS:

O, say that I'm glad, I'm glad
O, say that I'm glad, I'm glad
Jesus has come and my cup's over run
O, say but I'm glad

Wonderful, marvelous love He brings
Into a heart that's sad;
Thro' darkest tunnels the soul just sings
O, say but I'm glad