Journal Entry 3/1 From Kristi

On Friday, Zachary had his second InSCI test done. The InSCI is a measure of his paralysis, rating him from ASIA A (no feeling below injury level) to ASIA E (full function below injury level). In December, when we first arrived at Craig, it was the hardest thing to watch my son lay on his back, eyes closed, as therapists touched regions of his chest, arms, and legs, asking him to comment if he felt anything - and watch him just lay silent, feeling nothing at all.

On Friday, as they re-tested him, I watched again as they touched regions below his C5/ C6 (Cervical) injury level with a QTip and then safety pin. We had praise music playing in the room. And as I heard the lyrics to Good, Good Father being sung, “You are perfect in all of Your ways”, I watched them test him once again. It was thrilling to hear him respond to thoracic regions (T1-12) that were below the injury level. It was also sobering to watch him lay silent when they touched areas he still cannot feel. I find it a constant disciple of faith to remember, “Even when I don't see it, You're working, Lord.”

When Zac was competing In high school track, one of my favorite races to watch him run was the 1500 meter race. Here at Craig in the Peak Center gym, patients work their upper body by pulling 300 meters with the SkiErg, indoor skiing machine. The enthusiasts will push it to 500 meters. This week, Zac skied 1000 meters and then returned Saturday to match his track distance by skiing 1500 meters. It took him 13.01 minutes. I love watching him push himself. He sees his paralysis as just another challenge to set goals and work hard.

Today he had another “walk” with the Locomat robotic walker. The tech said the Locomat picked up trace movements in his left knee flexion. Keep it going, Lord!

God is faithful.