Tuesday, April 14

Hello to all! We tell about Clay's activities throughout a day; although, there is no way to explain the feelings and emotions we experience. I want to take a moment to thank you all for your prayers, concerns, cards, letters, postings, blood donations, donations, t-shirt orders, bracelets purchased, meals, benefits for Clay, gifts, visits, encouragement, etc. My sister called the Carter blood bank to see if we could get a list of all who donated blood and was told that we could not because of privacy. We understand and just want you all to know that we are truly thankful. Friends and family who set up the blood drives in the Graham area told us about all who donated. We also understand that there are those who could not donate for various reasons, and just the intents of your hearts means so much. I (mom) was not even able to give blood because it makes me anemic and weak. There are also some who have sent a donation to Clay's benefit account and we did not receive addresses from this bank. We want to express our thanks to you all for everything and do not want to miss anyone.

Clay had a pretty good day. He seemed to smile when we placed his rubber lizard on the back of his hand. He would raise his right hand and flip the lizard in the air. This too was good therapy. He showed his night nurse (Jennifer) how he could swat his ball with his cast. He walked to Kermit's room today during our 2:00 visit. We had friends & two of our ministers visiting during this time (outside the ICU). While he was walking towards Kermit's room, he was able to lift his head and see the friends outside the ICU doors as they happened to open. We (therapists & I) walked Clay back to his room. He was hot and tired. We propped him in his wagon and fanned him, as his nurse (Patsy) hooked him back up to all his tubes. He was asleep during our 5:00 visit, but awake again during our last visit. Thanks to all!