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It's kinda wierd, I haven't really had much to say lately. I guess cuz not a lot is going on. The kids are finally out of school and the weather's been beautiful, so we've been hanging out outside a lot this week. It's supposed to hit the 80s this weekend which I know some people hate, but I can't wait! These are my last few days of unemployment, so I am thrilled that the weather has been great.

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Sneaky Joe

I found out Joe has been sneaking rides on his sister's motorcycle. Nothing crazy, just hopping on and riding around a bit while they're out in the field. So yesterday I figured I'd let him get on the bike and really feel it out, with my approval and my very watchful presence.

My reasoning is this... The bones are healed as much as they're going to be. Now the big task is to rebuild muscle, strengthen ligaments, and continue rehabilitating the hands. In my opinion, riding a motorcycle is great for the hands. The actions of holding onto the grips and reaching and pulling in the clutch and brake levers are using every muscle that needs work. The particular muscles/nerves that are damaged happen to be very difficult to isolate using traditional therapies, but the work of riding used them to their full extent. The proof is the fact that after 1/2 hour yesterday his left hand was tired and sore.

I had been nervous that he'd hop on a bike and think that he was going to be as good as he was on February 18th. After watching him yesterday I realized a couple of things. He is as good as he was on February 18th. What I saw is that Joe is such a good rider that even after 5 months off the bike, doing a couple of laps on a very tame trail bike is about as dangerous as walking down a set of stairs. More importantly he knows his limitations and he is fearful of pushing them. Kind of like when I was pregnant; I didn't stop riding horses, I just stopped riding crazy horses... I made him stop several times and tell me how it felt. He said it felt great, but he knew he wasn't yet strong enough to ride his race bike.

Maybe I'm the worst mom in the world, but I can't tell you how good it felt to see him in all his gear out there looking like he'd never had a day off the track. Knowing that every little molecule in his body has been longing to be back on a bike every minute of the last few months. It's hurt me so much to see him lose his vibrance and vitality. Yesterday for just a little while, it was all back. He was happy and confident and doing what he loves for the first time since 1:30pm on February 19th.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not about to give him free rein and tell him to get out there and rail. I have just decided that it's time to start including motorcycle riding into his rehabilitation routine. 30 minutes a day on the pokey bike with a parent supervising and no jumping!!! I am positive we will see huge improvements much faster now. As far as the doctors go, they said return to normal activities "as tolerated". What exactly does that mean??? He'll only be able to tolerate the slow bike for a few more weeks, then it will be endless badgering until we let him get on the YZ. Don't worry, that won't happen any time soon.

I'd love to hear what you all think. Am I insane? Or is this good rehab...