9th July 2008

Hello everybody,

Here is another update in English as I doubt that all the foreigners among our friends/readers have the intention to study “Flemish” in the near future : – )))  Never say never – right?!

A lot has happened over the past month. Tommy was operated on his elbow and pinkie and after that they started working on his feet. The doctors have tried to set his left foot by putting it in plaster. This was extremely painful for Tommy as his foot was constantly in cramps. After a few days and loads of painkillers they decided to take the plaster off and to inject botox. Botox has a relaxing effect and this is much more comfortable for Tommy. He can work out again as he should and he has far less painful cramps.  

This afternoon I went to see Tommy with my parents and our children and he was extremely proud that he could walk all by himself, stand up without losing his balance, turn from one direction to the other, … With tears in his eyes he asked us (mainly my parents because they do not see him as often as I do)  whether we could notice the difference. Of cource we did see the difference!!  He had been practising every single evening – all by himself in his room – after rehab. Sitting down on his bed, getting up and trying to find his balance. Sitting down again, getting up and so on. We still have a long way to go but he will get there at the end.

During the week Tommy works out a lot. He starts at nine and his day finishes at four. The weekends are mainly to relax and to catch up with friends and family. Last weekend we had Flore’s birthdayparty (= my twinbrother’s eldest girl who became 5) and Sunday we had a great day with my sister, Petra and Filip at a very nice park where the kids could play and climb and where we even made a boat trip. Next weekend my brother Stijn his little girl Jana will be baptised so there is another nice event to look forward to!

I would like to end this mail by thanking all of you for your support and friendship. So many people have been so nice to us and this really keeps us going eventhough it can be very hard at times. All the nice emails, the nice cards, beautiful flowers, even books I received make my heart smile … and give Tommy the courage to keep on fighting.

Thanks to all of you,

   Vicky, Tommy, Simon & Robyn 

Ps: Vaden, I am very happy that I could reach you via post … Still the best way if you have no email nor phone number. Know that you are always welcome here.