"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. --- Isaiah 40:31
February 14, about 10:00 pm the man who I loved dearly and who was part of me passed away. He was a father, a friend, my buddy and my hero. To others he was a husband, a patriot, a brother, a friend and most importantly a brother in Christ. When he had his heart attack in the 1970's, it seemed he would miss most of his children's lives. His children at that time were 27, 25, 21, and 19. But as we all know so well, he saw us all grow up, get married and become successful in our daily lives and increase his legacy by 13 grandchildren.
As Dad walked the path before him filled with pain and sickness, he relied on Christ. I can't ever recall hearing him say "it isn't fair" or "why me" even when we were gathered at Baptist Hospital to be with him. Even when the pain racked his body and he visited deaths doorstep, he just bore the pain and focused on his assurance .. Eternal life with Christ Jesus and then he would look about for someone to help. To see Dad grow in the spirit has given me untold strength. As I recalled Dad's life during the early years of my life, it brought many smiles and thoughts of amazement. His transformation to a man of God, his love and service has spoken to me of God's love .. God's love changes everyone. But just as Jesus walked his path up Calvary's hill to serve, Dad walked his. He loved us, counseled us, prayed for us, guided us when we stumbled and encouraged us when we were down. Yes, he even pointed out our mistakes. Each church he was involved with he gave it his all. Whether as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Men's Group leader or just a member of the congregation, he energetically served the Lord though many times his pain and sickness slowed him. For any Christian to be spoken of as "They Served" is a true calling. Unselfishly serving those around you is a great example of Christ's love. I can without doubt and in many cases from firsthand knowledge say "He served." On that night I, we, lost one of those rare friends who placed no bounds or price on his service to you in the name of Christ. I will forever miss walking in his shadow and trying to walk in his footsteps. We can't replace him but we can serve Jesus with the same love and determination Dad had. Find your path and serve Jesus, experience God's love and together we will see my Dad again. My Father will be greatly missed by all those he served and the lives he touched. And I will miss him .. I love you Dad and I am honored to be your son.
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Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages, below the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm; it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us ... and all of us will experience them ... we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us; we can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them. ~ Author Unknown ~
Billy Joseph Davis, You served and we will sorely miss you.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/16/06
Dear Friends:
Well ... it looks like we are moving again ... this time to Mount Vernon Rehab Center. This is what we've been praying for and I understand they have a great record of success with head injury patients. Today started off slow. Paul wasn't feeling well again today. Dad asked him a series of questions to see if we could pin down what was bothering him. He seems to have a stomach ache which the nurse was trying to take care of today. But when Grandma Johnson came in he was awake and when she asked him if he knew who she was he nodded YES!! What a blessing for Grandma! The x-ray tech came in and did the foot x-ray this afternoon around 1:30. The woman from Mount Vernon showed up about the same time. Tabby had just gotten there as well. The lady from Mount Vernon got to witness Paul kissing Tabby!! She was amazed that he did that! It really says a LOT!! She went down and talked to the staff therapists and they told her all the things that Paul has done for them. We don't really know how the conversation went but she came back up and told Tabby that as soon as they have a bed ... maybe Monday ... they would move Paul. We were also told today that as soon as the nursing home gets the new trach in (downsized from a size 6 to a 4) they will be putting that in. That is the last step before they take out the trach completely. This trach will allow him to breath through his mouth and nose more but still leaves the option of suctioning him. He is still struggling with swallowing and the rehab center will work with him more on that. The results of the CT came today and Dr. Azzam said everything is working well and he was pleased with what he saw!! Thank God! So PT wasn't great today ... but we had a pretty good day! Praise God for our many blessings!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Well ... it looks like we are moving again ... this time to Mount Vernon Rehab Center. This is what we've been praying for and I understand they have a great record of success with head injury patients. Today started off slow. Paul wasn't feeling well again today. Dad asked him a series of questions to see if we could pin down what was bothering him. He seems to have a stomach ache which the nurse was trying to take care of today. But when Grandma Johnson came in he was awake and when she asked him if he knew who she was he nodded YES!! What a blessing for Grandma! The x-ray tech came in and did the foot x-ray this afternoon around 1:30. The woman from Mount Vernon showed up about the same time. Tabby had just gotten there as well. The lady from Mount Vernon got to witness Paul kissing Tabby!! She was amazed that he did that! It really says a LOT!! She went down and talked to the staff therapists and they told her all the things that Paul has done for them. We don't really know how the conversation went but she came back up and told Tabby that as soon as they have a bed ... maybe Monday ... they would move Paul. We were also told today that as soon as the nursing home gets the new trach in (downsized from a size 6 to a 4) they will be putting that in. That is the last step before they take out the trach completely. This trach will allow him to breath through his mouth and nose more but still leaves the option of suctioning him. He is still struggling with swallowing and the rehab center will work with him more on that. The results of the CT came today and Dr. Azzam said everything is working well and he was pleased with what he saw!! Thank God! So PT wasn't great today ... but we had a pretty good day! Praise God for our many blessings!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 02/15/06
Dear Friends:
Paul had a great day ... the best so far according to Dad. It started off slow...he was sleeping when Dad got there. The speech therapist came in and wanted him to have the cap on the trach. They had him suctioned before starting. She was concerned that Paul may have heard us talking about taking him home and that this may be making him not want to work the last few days thinking he may be able to go home. Dad "talked" with Paul to impress the importance of him working on the things we are asking him to do. He impressed to Paul that him coming home and having only us to work with him is like taking his bike to an amateur to do work on it ... the therapists are the professionals that he needs to help him get well. He really needs to cooperate even if it seems stupid or silly. When it came time to do therapy he didn't really want to get out of bed. When they moved his legs to get him up he pulled his legs back into the bed ... but the therapists were persistant and he finally got up. They got downstairs to the therapy room and started working on things that they thought he might like doing. First they tried to work with a spring loaded hand grip. That was too difficult for him so they got another type of hand exerciser that had rubber bands to squeeze that gives resistance. They told him to squeeze like he was gripping the clutch of his motorcycle. He did that really good...he did that about 5 or 6 times pretty rapidly. The therapist was so thrilled ... she had never seen him respond so well. He did about 6 more so they asked him to do 4 more and he did that too. Then they asked him to do even more ... he did about 40 repetitions of this exercise in groups of about 10. He really CAN do it!!! Then they got a foot exerciser that is two pedals (like organ pedals) for him to work his legs. They took his boots off while they worked on it. Keith told him to think of it like a Porsche and put the pedal to the metal ... Dad told Keith he already had his right foot down ... now he needed to push in the clutch with his left foot. He pushed with his left foot which raised his right foot. Keith told him to push his right foot andthen alternate his feet .. he did this about 20 times!! Then they gave him a ring about the size of a steering wheel that they put between his knees and he was to squeeze it and release ... he did that about 10 times. Then Keith told him to drop it to the floor. Keith wanted him to use his hand to push it ... he just lifted his left leg to drop it. Keith was OK with that ... It worked!! Then they gave him an large elastic band that they wanted him to hold while they pulled it away from him. They stretched it pretty far until it would finally pull out of his hand. He seemed to smile when they got "popped" with it!! LOL By then he was pretty tired and it was time to go to the hospital for his CT scan. He left about 4:50 and got back to the nursing home around 5:30. We should here something within the next few days on that. Tomorrow he will have an x-ray of the left foot. Friday is the last day of zero weight bearing on that foot. We believe he will be ready to start standing and exercising his legs. Keith left a message for Mount Vernon today so maybe we will have a visit from them soon!
God Bless, Lynne & Carl
Paul had a great day ... the best so far according to Dad. It started off slow...he was sleeping when Dad got there. The speech therapist came in and wanted him to have the cap on the trach. They had him suctioned before starting. She was concerned that Paul may have heard us talking about taking him home and that this may be making him not want to work the last few days thinking he may be able to go home. Dad "talked" with Paul to impress the importance of him working on the things we are asking him to do. He impressed to Paul that him coming home and having only us to work with him is like taking his bike to an amateur to do work on it ... the therapists are the professionals that he needs to help him get well. He really needs to cooperate even if it seems stupid or silly. When it came time to do therapy he didn't really want to get out of bed. When they moved his legs to get him up he pulled his legs back into the bed ... but the therapists were persistant and he finally got up. They got downstairs to the therapy room and started working on things that they thought he might like doing. First they tried to work with a spring loaded hand grip. That was too difficult for him so they got another type of hand exerciser that had rubber bands to squeeze that gives resistance. They told him to squeeze like he was gripping the clutch of his motorcycle. He did that really good...he did that about 5 or 6 times pretty rapidly. The therapist was so thrilled ... she had never seen him respond so well. He did about 6 more so they asked him to do 4 more and he did that too. Then they asked him to do even more ... he did about 40 repetitions of this exercise in groups of about 10. He really CAN do it!!! Then they got a foot exerciser that is two pedals (like organ pedals) for him to work his legs. They took his boots off while they worked on it. Keith told him to think of it like a Porsche and put the pedal to the metal ... Dad told Keith he already had his right foot down ... now he needed to push in the clutch with his left foot. He pushed with his left foot which raised his right foot. Keith told him to push his right foot andthen alternate his feet .. he did this about 20 times!! Then they gave him a ring about the size of a steering wheel that they put between his knees and he was to squeeze it and release ... he did that about 10 times. Then Keith told him to drop it to the floor. Keith wanted him to use his hand to push it ... he just lifted his left leg to drop it. Keith was OK with that ... It worked!! Then they gave him an large elastic band that they wanted him to hold while they pulled it away from him. They stretched it pretty far until it would finally pull out of his hand. He seemed to smile when they got "popped" with it!! LOL By then he was pretty tired and it was time to go to the hospital for his CT scan. He left about 4:50 and got back to the nursing home around 5:30. We should here something within the next few days on that. Tomorrow he will have an x-ray of the left foot. Friday is the last day of zero weight bearing on that foot. We believe he will be ready to start standing and exercising his legs. Keith left a message for Mount Vernon today so maybe we will have a visit from them soon!
God Bless, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
A Voice Goes Silent
This evening about 11:00 pm the man who I loved dearly and who was part of me passed away. I will forever miss walking in his shadow and trying to match his footsteps. My Father will be greatly missed by all. I will return in time but for now the tears cloud my eyes and my voice grows silent.
I will be leaving for Florida shortly.
I will be leaving for Florida shortly.
Paul's Update - 02/14/06
Dear Friends:
Paul had a semi good day. He started off awake and responding to Dad and a friend that came by. They were talking about his boy scouting days of going camping. They asked Paul if he'd like to go camping this summer with Tabby & the baby and he nodded "yes". Dad & Paul's friend were joking about some things that have happened over the years and one particular story .. a very funny and private story to them all ... Paul got a really big grin on his face!! The particular event happened about four years ago but he evidently remembers it well!!! We also had a very dear friend from the hospital come by today. A family member of one of the other patients that also had a head injury came by to visit. What a blessing for us! He was awake a lot today. By the time PT came he was tired and didn't really want to work out much. Pt starts in the hallway with the speech therapist. She worked with the cones that he is suppose to drop when she bangs a pot; he did that but was reluctant to be cooperative. She tried to get him to chew on a plastic stick with a weight on the end. The idea is to have him hold it in his mouth and move it around. If he lets loose of it in his mouth it will fall out. This is suppose to help strengthen his jaw muscles. They got some cinnamon & garlic powder for him so smell, he didn't like the garlic at all, he got very mad at them. When they asked him if his name is Paul, he nodded "yes", but when they asked him to look at Dad he turned a bit but really didn't look at him. Once they moved into the therapy room they worked with the sandbag weight on a pulley. He was able to do it a couple of times but he wasn't cooperative with that either. He really just didn't WANT to do work today. When they sat him on bench to work with cones, he did it a couple times but again didn't really want to do it. The speech therapist agreed to downsize the trach from 6 to 4 in effort to wean him off. This becomes really important if we need to start thinking about taking him home. The sooner he can get rid of the trach the better it will be. We've had lots of problems with nurses knowing the proper way to suction the trach. The head nurse worked with other nurses today to make sure they all knew how to do suctioning. I hope that helps since the last thing we need is to have bacteria introduced into his lungs! Tomorrow is the CT at Fair Oaks. He has an appointment at 3:30. An interesting thing happened today .. we had a catholic priest from nearby church come in who had been there once before. He knew Paul's story and how he used to work on Fairfax County Police motorcycles. He did ALL the setups on new police bikes for the entire fleet of Fairfax County Motorcycles. He suggested that county police officers could come by to see Paul hoping that it may be great stimulus for him. We agreed!!! How cool is that?? Tomorrow Keith will attempt to call Mount Vernon. He was busy with new patients today and didn't have time to do that. They (the therapists) looked at the Ranchos Los Amigos coma scale and agreed that Paul is somewhere between 3 and 6. He does parts of each of the categories up to 6 but not all in any one category. We aren't sure what Mount Vernon considers when they look at him, but we think he is doing well enough most of the time to consider going to rehab! Pray that they will see that!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Paul had a semi good day. He started off awake and responding to Dad and a friend that came by. They were talking about his boy scouting days of going camping. They asked Paul if he'd like to go camping this summer with Tabby & the baby and he nodded "yes". Dad & Paul's friend were joking about some things that have happened over the years and one particular story .. a very funny and private story to them all ... Paul got a really big grin on his face!! The particular event happened about four years ago but he evidently remembers it well!!! We also had a very dear friend from the hospital come by today. A family member of one of the other patients that also had a head injury came by to visit. What a blessing for us! He was awake a lot today. By the time PT came he was tired and didn't really want to work out much. Pt starts in the hallway with the speech therapist. She worked with the cones that he is suppose to drop when she bangs a pot; he did that but was reluctant to be cooperative. She tried to get him to chew on a plastic stick with a weight on the end. The idea is to have him hold it in his mouth and move it around. If he lets loose of it in his mouth it will fall out. This is suppose to help strengthen his jaw muscles. They got some cinnamon & garlic powder for him so smell, he didn't like the garlic at all, he got very mad at them. When they asked him if his name is Paul, he nodded "yes", but when they asked him to look at Dad he turned a bit but really didn't look at him. Once they moved into the therapy room they worked with the sandbag weight on a pulley. He was able to do it a couple of times but he wasn't cooperative with that either. He really just didn't WANT to do work today. When they sat him on bench to work with cones, he did it a couple times but again didn't really want to do it. The speech therapist agreed to downsize the trach from 6 to 4 in effort to wean him off. This becomes really important if we need to start thinking about taking him home. The sooner he can get rid of the trach the better it will be. We've had lots of problems with nurses knowing the proper way to suction the trach. The head nurse worked with other nurses today to make sure they all knew how to do suctioning. I hope that helps since the last thing we need is to have bacteria introduced into his lungs! Tomorrow is the CT at Fair Oaks. He has an appointment at 3:30. An interesting thing happened today .. we had a catholic priest from nearby church come in who had been there once before. He knew Paul's story and how he used to work on Fairfax County Police motorcycles. He did ALL the setups on new police bikes for the entire fleet of Fairfax County Motorcycles. He suggested that county police officers could come by to see Paul hoping that it may be great stimulus for him. We agreed!!! How cool is that?? Tomorrow Keith will attempt to call Mount Vernon. He was busy with new patients today and didn't have time to do that. They (the therapists) looked at the Ranchos Los Amigos coma scale and agreed that Paul is somewhere between 3 and 6. He does parts of each of the categories up to 6 but not all in any one category. We aren't sure what Mount Vernon considers when they look at him, but we think he is doing well enough most of the time to consider going to rehab! Pray that they will see that!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/13/06
Dear Friends:
Today seemed to be a tough day for Paul. He worked with Dad this morning to open & close his hand. When the therapist tried to get him out of bed he didn't want to go. He wouldn't try to get out of bed. Once they got him up they went down for PT. Paul didn't want to do anything for the therapists. They asked him if his name was Paul ... he said yes. They asked him if he had a cat and he said "no" but when they asked if Tabby had a cat he grinned (not his cat?? LOL) Keith (PT) asked Paul if he was feeling bad today and he nodded "yes". Then he asked if he was hurting and he nodded "yes". Keith asked if it was his head "no", arms "no", foot "no" but when he asked if his stomach hurt he nodded "yes". When they went to the hallway to work with the pulley he did that a few times and then he was done. They tried to sit him up on the bench for a little bit. Keith was able to get him to kick the ball a little but he tired of that quickly also. They ended a little early since he wasn't feeling well and took him back to the room. Tomorrow Keith will call Mount Vernon to see if someone can come to evaluate him. Keith thinks he is ready to go to rehab. He answers questions about 80% of the time. It wasn't that he couldn't workout today….he didn't WANT to! He may check with other centers that work with Brain Injury patients and see if there are other places Paul can go if Mount Vernon won't take him. Paul's result from the x-ray came back and his lungs are clear but he still has lots of fluid. Dad asked him before we left if he was feeling any better and he nodded "yes". Maybe tomorrow will be better. Have a great day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Today seemed to be a tough day for Paul. He worked with Dad this morning to open & close his hand. When the therapist tried to get him out of bed he didn't want to go. He wouldn't try to get out of bed. Once they got him up they went down for PT. Paul didn't want to do anything for the therapists. They asked him if his name was Paul ... he said yes. They asked him if he had a cat and he said "no" but when they asked if Tabby had a cat he grinned (not his cat?? LOL) Keith (PT) asked Paul if he was feeling bad today and he nodded "yes". Then he asked if he was hurting and he nodded "yes". Keith asked if it was his head "no", arms "no", foot "no" but when he asked if his stomach hurt he nodded "yes". When they went to the hallway to work with the pulley he did that a few times and then he was done. They tried to sit him up on the bench for a little bit. Keith was able to get him to kick the ball a little but he tired of that quickly also. They ended a little early since he wasn't feeling well and took him back to the room. Tomorrow Keith will call Mount Vernon to see if someone can come to evaluate him. Keith thinks he is ready to go to rehab. He answers questions about 80% of the time. It wasn't that he couldn't workout today….he didn't WANT to! He may check with other centers that work with Brain Injury patients and see if there are other places Paul can go if Mount Vernon won't take him. Paul's result from the x-ray came back and his lungs are clear but he still has lots of fluid. Dad asked him before we left if he was feeling any better and he nodded "yes". Maybe tomorrow will be better. Have a great day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Monday, February 13, 2006
Snow For Sale - Almost Like new.
Well, the weekend is over and a new week begins. We brought our new Broadcast Operations Center on-line however it took from about 6 pm Saturday till 3:30 am Sunday. Too top if off, we got to drive home during the snow storm this weekend. That was an adventure as I averaged about 30 mph and only once start fish tailing when the wind and snow buildup joined forces to give me a ride as good as any "B" ticket ride. All together we only got 8 - 10" inches but the whole thing started as steady rainfall only later to become ice under the snow. Oh, shoveling snow with a 2 year old helping is one for the book. I love it when you are shoveling and making a small walkway with barely room to walk and the voice behind you kicking you in the heels, is saying, "go papaw, go." Or every 10 seconds you are asked, "What are you doing?" Followed closely by "why?"
Needless to say Sunday was spent hibernating in the morning, shoveling snow from the driveway and ending with bowling. Both teams did well and improved our positions. With 6 weeks left in this season every win counts as we try and inch closer to the top. The youth team is in 4th and the evening adult team is in 3rd. With Nationals looming on the horizon, the competition is well appreciated.
This weekend will be spent in Florida doing what I usually do when Hurricanes don't have me cleaning up the yard and that is fixing mom's computer. She needs a full time IT Department to support her. I will leave very early Saturday (18) morning and return the following Tuesday (21). The best part is the seafood. The worst part is the 15.5 hour drive, no matter how many times I drive it the drive doesn't get shorter or any easier. Someone say "Dinner at Old Mill in the Smokies?"
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After the last fiasco with the DC Council and the Stadium lease, I wish MLB would tell them to stuff the papers up their rear and move the Nationals to somewhere that wants them. They made an agreement last year and now what to change it to something that suits them better. They are concerned about the budget. These are the same ones that can't meet any budget. The Mayor has more frequent flyer miles than a Senior Airline Pilot and all of them at taxpayer’s expense. A Council that can't get the roads fixed can't manage an Emergency Service so that it takes so long for an ambulance to respond a man dies and pays a fired manager a 6 figure retirement after he only worked one year. Let's fire the Council and keep the original contract. We would be better off.
I love how Mr. Brown (ex-FEMA) is going about blasting everyone for the Katrina disaster screw-up. Excuse me but it was him that led that fiasco. Love how someone who doesn't have a clue about what he is doing and lied to get the job points his finger at other's incompetence.
Needless to say Sunday was spent hibernating in the morning, shoveling snow from the driveway and ending with bowling. Both teams did well and improved our positions. With 6 weeks left in this season every win counts as we try and inch closer to the top. The youth team is in 4th and the evening adult team is in 3rd. With Nationals looming on the horizon, the competition is well appreciated.
This weekend will be spent in Florida doing what I usually do when Hurricanes don't have me cleaning up the yard and that is fixing mom's computer. She needs a full time IT Department to support her. I will leave very early Saturday (18) morning and return the following Tuesday (21). The best part is the seafood. The worst part is the 15.5 hour drive, no matter how many times I drive it the drive doesn't get shorter or any easier. Someone say "Dinner at Old Mill in the Smokies?"
#######
After the last fiasco with the DC Council and the Stadium lease, I wish MLB would tell them to stuff the papers up their rear and move the Nationals to somewhere that wants them. They made an agreement last year and now what to change it to something that suits them better. They are concerned about the budget. These are the same ones that can't meet any budget. The Mayor has more frequent flyer miles than a Senior Airline Pilot and all of them at taxpayer’s expense. A Council that can't get the roads fixed can't manage an Emergency Service so that it takes so long for an ambulance to respond a man dies and pays a fired manager a 6 figure retirement after he only worked one year. Let's fire the Council and keep the original contract. We would be better off.
I love how Mr. Brown (ex-FEMA) is going about blasting everyone for the Katrina disaster screw-up. Excuse me but it was him that led that fiasco. Love how someone who doesn't have a clue about what he is doing and lied to get the job points his finger at other's incompetence.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/12/06
Dear Friends:
Dad headed to the nursing home a little late. We woke to about 8 inches of snow. Tabby had spent the night at the nursing home. Paul seemed to have a lot of congestion today and slept quite a bit. When he woke up Dad asked him if he wanted to sit in the wheelchair and he nodded his head and it sounded like he SAID yes!! He sat up in the wheelchair for almost 2 hours! Dad kept asking him if he wanted to get back in bed and he said shook his head "no" several times until he was tired and he nodded "yes". He is getting better at responding to questions and commands. When Dad worked with him to exercise his hand he was able to open and close his fingers on command. When he was asked if he knew who Dad was or where he was he didn't seem to answer but Dad asked him if he wanted to tell him he shook his head "no". We aren't sure if that means he doesn't know us or know where he is. The therapists want him to start looking at pictures to see if he can identify people or things he sees. Maybe now that he seems to be able to respond he will be able to tell us if he knows what or who he is looking at. Tabby asked the nurse to order another chest x-ray because Paul said "yes" when he was asked if he was having trouble breathing. This week he will also have another CT and an x-ray on his left foot. After Friday he will be able to bear weight on his left foot!! That should make getting around a bit easier and he can resume this walking exercises. It's possible that Mount Vernon will send someone out again this week. I think they should be able to see quite a bit of improvement!! I pray they do since WE DO!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Dad headed to the nursing home a little late. We woke to about 8 inches of snow. Tabby had spent the night at the nursing home. Paul seemed to have a lot of congestion today and slept quite a bit. When he woke up Dad asked him if he wanted to sit in the wheelchair and he nodded his head and it sounded like he SAID yes!! He sat up in the wheelchair for almost 2 hours! Dad kept asking him if he wanted to get back in bed and he said shook his head "no" several times until he was tired and he nodded "yes". He is getting better at responding to questions and commands. When Dad worked with him to exercise his hand he was able to open and close his fingers on command. When he was asked if he knew who Dad was or where he was he didn't seem to answer but Dad asked him if he wanted to tell him he shook his head "no". We aren't sure if that means he doesn't know us or know where he is. The therapists want him to start looking at pictures to see if he can identify people or things he sees. Maybe now that he seems to be able to respond he will be able to tell us if he knows what or who he is looking at. Tabby asked the nurse to order another chest x-ray because Paul said "yes" when he was asked if he was having trouble breathing. This week he will also have another CT and an x-ray on his left foot. After Friday he will be able to bear weight on his left foot!! That should make getting around a bit easier and he can resume this walking exercises. It's possible that Mount Vernon will send someone out again this week. I think they should be able to see quite a bit of improvement!! I pray they do since WE DO!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 02/11/06
Dear Friends:
It seems that every day now we have more improvements. Saturday & Sunday Paul doesn't have therapy but that doesn't mean he doesn't have to work hard! We try to work with him everyday. Dad & I got there around 11 am today and Bobby was still there. Once his ride came he headed home. Tabby spent Friday night with friends and wasn't there yet. Carolyn came after Bobby left. It has become regular that Paul can answer yes and no questions by nodding his head. When asked if he wants to do things we can get an answer!! It's wonderful!! Dad asked him twice if he wanted to work with the trach cap ... he said "no" both times. Can't blame him ... I bet it is difficult to breathe with it when you aren't use to it. Today's activity was mostly working with the mouth sponge which is a sponge on a stick about 6 inches long. The speech therapist wants him to be able to take the sponge in his mouth and move it around with his tongue. This will prepare him for foods later. Dad and Carolyn started with water on the sponge. He worked hard with it in his mouth, but when he was done with it he tried to reach it with his left hand and remove it! Then Dad worked with him to get him to take the stick and put the sponge into his mouth by himself. At first he didn't try but after some coaxing from Dad & Carolyn he worked to do it. After a couple of tries that came short of his mouth he finally got it into his mouth all by himself. He worked at it about 6 times, he was only successful by himself one time even though he was trying very hard. After Tabby came we got him into his wheelchair. It was time for a haircut. The staples from the shunt surgery were taken out yesterday so it was time to shave off the excess hair that didn't match the part that had been shaved for surgery. After the haircut Tabby used a washcloth and shampoo to wash his hair & scalp. I'm sure it must feel better. It was snowing outside so we didn't try to go out at all. Dad & I left around 5pm (Carolyn had already left around 4pm). Tabby was staying the night with Paul. Sunday will be the one hundredth day since the accident. Hard to believe isn't it? I praise God for all the miracles we have seen over this time! I know God is answering our prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
It seems that every day now we have more improvements. Saturday & Sunday Paul doesn't have therapy but that doesn't mean he doesn't have to work hard! We try to work with him everyday. Dad & I got there around 11 am today and Bobby was still there. Once his ride came he headed home. Tabby spent Friday night with friends and wasn't there yet. Carolyn came after Bobby left. It has become regular that Paul can answer yes and no questions by nodding his head. When asked if he wants to do things we can get an answer!! It's wonderful!! Dad asked him twice if he wanted to work with the trach cap ... he said "no" both times. Can't blame him ... I bet it is difficult to breathe with it when you aren't use to it. Today's activity was mostly working with the mouth sponge which is a sponge on a stick about 6 inches long. The speech therapist wants him to be able to take the sponge in his mouth and move it around with his tongue. This will prepare him for foods later. Dad and Carolyn started with water on the sponge. He worked hard with it in his mouth, but when he was done with it he tried to reach it with his left hand and remove it! Then Dad worked with him to get him to take the stick and put the sponge into his mouth by himself. At first he didn't try but after some coaxing from Dad & Carolyn he worked to do it. After a couple of tries that came short of his mouth he finally got it into his mouth all by himself. He worked at it about 6 times, he was only successful by himself one time even though he was trying very hard. After Tabby came we got him into his wheelchair. It was time for a haircut. The staples from the shunt surgery were taken out yesterday so it was time to shave off the excess hair that didn't match the part that had been shaved for surgery. After the haircut Tabby used a washcloth and shampoo to wash his hair & scalp. I'm sure it must feel better. It was snowing outside so we didn't try to go out at all. Dad & I left around 5pm (Carolyn had already left around 4pm). Tabby was staying the night with Paul. Sunday will be the one hundredth day since the accident. Hard to believe isn't it? I praise God for all the miracles we have seen over this time! I know God is answering our prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, February 10, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/10/06
Dear Friends:
Another great day ... Paul had a full night sleep and slept in this morning but when the therapists came in around 1pm he was ready for them. He helps them get him out of bed and he sits well on the side of the bed. He can reposition his body to be where he can help or be more comfortable. When he got downstairs the really good stuff started!! He wasn't very interested in working with the dowels (dropping when Sheila hits a pan). He had the cap for the trach on for a total of about an hour. He isn't making much sound with it yet but breathing through his mouth and nose should help improve that. Sheila asked him to blow a Kleenex and he really tried hard. She also had a breathing exercise tool that the patient blows into a tube attached to a bottle. At the bottom of the bottle there is a ping pong ball. If he blows hard enough he should be able to move the ping pong ball. He couldn't move the ball yet but he worked very hard and was able to blow into the tube. He even grabbed the device with his left hand and tried to get it up to his mouth….by himself! He blew into it about 4 times. When they moved on to the cones that he has to pull apart he was ready and was able to pull them apart and reach with his left hand over to Tabby on his right side. He was asked to reach as far as he could to reach her. After a few tries he moved his left arm across his body and then turned his body at the waist to the right side in order to reach further!! WOW…what great reasoning! The best thing today was that they worked with the pulley/sandbag exercise and he was able to grip the handle and pull the sandbag up. He did that about 6 times. He has a lot of strength in his left arm. The right arm didn't go as well but he tried really hard ... he even wanted to use his left hand to help his right hand work!! He is able to nod his head in response to questions more now and can give us an idea when he is too tired to continue. It is really nice to get feedback from him about what he needs. It isn't all the time but at least he is able to do it from time to time. He stayed in the wheelchair for about another hour and a half after he got back to his room but was totally exhausted after that. Bobby was there when we left and is staying overnight. What a miracle this week has been. We are seeing glimpses of our Paul coming back! Praise God!! Have a great & safe weekend!!
Love and Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Another great day ... Paul had a full night sleep and slept in this morning but when the therapists came in around 1pm he was ready for them. He helps them get him out of bed and he sits well on the side of the bed. He can reposition his body to be where he can help or be more comfortable. When he got downstairs the really good stuff started!! He wasn't very interested in working with the dowels (dropping when Sheila hits a pan). He had the cap for the trach on for a total of about an hour. He isn't making much sound with it yet but breathing through his mouth and nose should help improve that. Sheila asked him to blow a Kleenex and he really tried hard. She also had a breathing exercise tool that the patient blows into a tube attached to a bottle. At the bottom of the bottle there is a ping pong ball. If he blows hard enough he should be able to move the ping pong ball. He couldn't move the ball yet but he worked very hard and was able to blow into the tube. He even grabbed the device with his left hand and tried to get it up to his mouth….by himself! He blew into it about 4 times. When they moved on to the cones that he has to pull apart he was ready and was able to pull them apart and reach with his left hand over to Tabby on his right side. He was asked to reach as far as he could to reach her. After a few tries he moved his left arm across his body and then turned his body at the waist to the right side in order to reach further!! WOW…what great reasoning! The best thing today was that they worked with the pulley/sandbag exercise and he was able to grip the handle and pull the sandbag up. He did that about 6 times. He has a lot of strength in his left arm. The right arm didn't go as well but he tried really hard ... he even wanted to use his left hand to help his right hand work!! He is able to nod his head in response to questions more now and can give us an idea when he is too tired to continue. It is really nice to get feedback from him about what he needs. It isn't all the time but at least he is able to do it from time to time. He stayed in the wheelchair for about another hour and a half after he got back to his room but was totally exhausted after that. Bobby was there when we left and is staying overnight. What a miracle this week has been. We are seeing glimpses of our Paul coming back! Praise God!! Have a great & safe weekend!!
Love and Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 02/09/06
Dear Friends:
Today was another great day. Paul was very responsive and did what the therapists asked him to do. He must have just been tired yesterday. This morning he had shifted to side of the bed and was laying sideways, Dad asked if he wanted to be straightened out and he shook his head "no". About 3pm the therapists came into Paul's room. The speech therapist asked him to open his mouth, he did that right away. She also asked him to try to sit up by himself. He was trying to do it but didn't have enough abdominal strength so she put out her hand to help him and he pulled himself up into a sitting position. He was able to sit on the side of the bed for a little by himself. Then it was time to go downstairs to the therapy room. The speech therapist put on the trach cap and he wore that for almost 1/2 hour. He couldn't make any noises with his voice but he seemed to try. She asked him to blow a Kleenex tissue that she had in front of him. He tried to do it a couple of times. He didn't have much breath but he at least tried. She also had him hold some dowel rods while she banged on a pot. She asked him to drop the dowel when she hit the pot. He did really good with that. This is suppose to encourage his brain to respond to noises more quickly. The physical therapist tried to get him to use a pulley with sandbags to work out his arms. He would do it as long as she held his hand on the bar but he wasn't interested doing it by himself. She asked him if he wanted to continue he shook his head "no". He allowed them to stretch and exercise his arms and worked on balancing himself on the side of the bench. We are definitely seeing more and more response to us. He tracks with his eyes better, he responds to our voices, he nods his head "yes" and "no". Kissing has become a regular occurrence now. Tabby really enjoys that. Carolyn was the recipient of a "blown kiss" today. He is still coughing a lot of fluids up but he seems to feel pretty good. He really doesn't like it when we say we are leaving. He keeps trying to sit up and get out of bed. This is also a really good thing ... it will motivate him to work hard!! Tabby will spend the night tonight then Friday night will be Bobby's turn to spend the night with Paul. I think he is really looking forward to time alone with his little brother!! Have a great Friday!! TGIF
Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was another great day. Paul was very responsive and did what the therapists asked him to do. He must have just been tired yesterday. This morning he had shifted to side of the bed and was laying sideways, Dad asked if he wanted to be straightened out and he shook his head "no". About 3pm the therapists came into Paul's room. The speech therapist asked him to open his mouth, he did that right away. She also asked him to try to sit up by himself. He was trying to do it but didn't have enough abdominal strength so she put out her hand to help him and he pulled himself up into a sitting position. He was able to sit on the side of the bed for a little by himself. Then it was time to go downstairs to the therapy room. The speech therapist put on the trach cap and he wore that for almost 1/2 hour. He couldn't make any noises with his voice but he seemed to try. She asked him to blow a Kleenex tissue that she had in front of him. He tried to do it a couple of times. He didn't have much breath but he at least tried. She also had him hold some dowel rods while she banged on a pot. She asked him to drop the dowel when she hit the pot. He did really good with that. This is suppose to encourage his brain to respond to noises more quickly. The physical therapist tried to get him to use a pulley with sandbags to work out his arms. He would do it as long as she held his hand on the bar but he wasn't interested doing it by himself. She asked him if he wanted to continue he shook his head "no". He allowed them to stretch and exercise his arms and worked on balancing himself on the side of the bench. We are definitely seeing more and more response to us. He tracks with his eyes better, he responds to our voices, he nods his head "yes" and "no". Kissing has become a regular occurrence now. Tabby really enjoys that. Carolyn was the recipient of a "blown kiss" today. He is still coughing a lot of fluids up but he seems to feel pretty good. He really doesn't like it when we say we are leaving. He keeps trying to sit up and get out of bed. This is also a really good thing ... it will motivate him to work hard!! Tabby will spend the night tonight then Friday night will be Bobby's turn to spend the night with Paul. I think he is really looking forward to time alone with his little brother!! Have a great Friday!! TGIF
Love, Lynne & Carl
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/08/06
Dear Friends:
Just when you think you have so little … you get the biggest surprises!! Paul had a really quiet day. He wouldn't do anything for Dad. He wouldn't cooperate with the therapists or even sit up straight. He seemed so tired today. It is really hard to know if he is tired or doesn't feel good. Tabby was worried today. She plans to call Dr. Azzam to see when the next CT scan is and because Paul stays up so much during the night she wants to ask him how he feels about something to make him sleep at night. Maybe he wouldn't be so tired during the day! She was so worried she even had the nurse take his temperature to see if he had a fever!Wednesday Part II -- Dr. Alareif (the nursing home staff doctor) came in to check on Paul this evening. He has only examined Paul one other time, just after he came to the nursing home in December. He said he thought Paul looked much more alert. He asked Tabby if Paul appeared to know who she is. Tabby said she thought so since he touches her stomach and responds to her but she doesn't really know. Then came the blessing!! Tabby climbed in the bed with Paul to rest since she had a headache and was tired. While she was laying there, Paul lifted his head and turned to her and KISSED her forehead!!! What a moment!! We were amazed but then he did it again ... and again. Tabby looked up at him and right into his eyes. She puckered to kiss him and he leaned over, puckered up and kissed her on the lips!! That is confirmation to us! He DEFINITELY knows her!! I've said it before … we get something good every day! We praise God for each of these blessings!!
Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Just when you think you have so little … you get the biggest surprises!! Paul had a really quiet day. He wouldn't do anything for Dad. He wouldn't cooperate with the therapists or even sit up straight. He seemed so tired today. It is really hard to know if he is tired or doesn't feel good. Tabby was worried today. She plans to call Dr. Azzam to see when the next CT scan is and because Paul stays up so much during the night she wants to ask him how he feels about something to make him sleep at night. Maybe he wouldn't be so tired during the day! She was so worried she even had the nurse take his temperature to see if he had a fever!Wednesday Part II -- Dr. Alareif (the nursing home staff doctor) came in to check on Paul this evening. He has only examined Paul one other time, just after he came to the nursing home in December. He said he thought Paul looked much more alert. He asked Tabby if Paul appeared to know who she is. Tabby said she thought so since he touches her stomach and responds to her but she doesn't really know. Then came the blessing!! Tabby climbed in the bed with Paul to rest since she had a headache and was tired. While she was laying there, Paul lifted his head and turned to her and KISSED her forehead!!! What a moment!! We were amazed but then he did it again ... and again. Tabby looked up at him and right into his eyes. She puckered to kiss him and he leaned over, puckered up and kissed her on the lips!! That is confirmation to us! He DEFINITELY knows her!! I've said it before … we get something good every day! We praise God for each of these blessings!!
Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/07/06
Dear Friends:
Oh … where to start!! What an exciting day. The day started with Tabby & Carolyn off to the sonogram. Carolyn took a video of the event ... although she couldn't take the video into the actual sonogram procedure she did take video along the way and after it was over. Then they were off to tell Paul the exciting news!!! It's (going to be) a BOY! Tabby could hardly contain herself. She and Carolyn went out and got a balloon that said "It's a boy" and bought some very cute outfits. It is a day she will always remember. This afternoon the therapists came and took Paul to the therapy room downstairs in the nursing home. The speech therapist worked with him to get him to follow commands. She also applied an ice pack to Paul's leg to get him to kick his foot. He did that but he did something they DIDN'T expect. He reached out with his left hand and pulled his pants leg back down over his leg and then sat back with a smile on his face!!! It wasn't a large smile but the fact that it was a smile is great ... and he reasoned out how to cover his leg and prevent the ice pack from touching his skin. He did it twice!! Dad said he actually saw Paul give the therapist "the finger"! Remember ... anger is good!! LOL Then they worked with cones. He wasn't very interested in doing the cones but he cooperated a little. He was repositioning himself in his wheelchair a lot by himself and when they got him up and sat him on the side of a bench he sat completely by himself for several minutes. He seems to have great control and balance. The speech therapist also put the cap on the trach today and that stayed on for about an hour. He did great with it. Tonight when Tabby went to leave Paul actually tried to put his legs to the floor and was attempting to get up from the bed. Bobby and Dad had to stop him from getting himself out of the bed!! It seems he does more and more each day. We are so blessed with good things!
Have a great day!!
Love Lynne & Carl
Oh … where to start!! What an exciting day. The day started with Tabby & Carolyn off to the sonogram. Carolyn took a video of the event ... although she couldn't take the video into the actual sonogram procedure she did take video along the way and after it was over. Then they were off to tell Paul the exciting news!!! It's (going to be) a BOY! Tabby could hardly contain herself. She and Carolyn went out and got a balloon that said "It's a boy" and bought some very cute outfits. It is a day she will always remember. This afternoon the therapists came and took Paul to the therapy room downstairs in the nursing home. The speech therapist worked with him to get him to follow commands. She also applied an ice pack to Paul's leg to get him to kick his foot. He did that but he did something they DIDN'T expect. He reached out with his left hand and pulled his pants leg back down over his leg and then sat back with a smile on his face!!! It wasn't a large smile but the fact that it was a smile is great ... and he reasoned out how to cover his leg and prevent the ice pack from touching his skin. He did it twice!! Dad said he actually saw Paul give the therapist "the finger"! Remember ... anger is good!! LOL Then they worked with cones. He wasn't very interested in doing the cones but he cooperated a little. He was repositioning himself in his wheelchair a lot by himself and when they got him up and sat him on the side of a bench he sat completely by himself for several minutes. He seems to have great control and balance. The speech therapist also put the cap on the trach today and that stayed on for about an hour. He did great with it. Tonight when Tabby went to leave Paul actually tried to put his legs to the floor and was attempting to get up from the bed. Bobby and Dad had to stop him from getting himself out of the bed!! It seems he does more and more each day. We are so blessed with good things!
Have a great day!!
Love Lynne & Carl
Monday, February 06, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/06/05
Dear Friends:
Today was "re-admit" day. Since Paul left the nursing home last week then returned they need to go through the admission process again. The therapists came in to "evaluate" Paul. They were very pleased at how alert he is compared to the last time they saw him (last Monday). The occupational therapist wanted to sit him up, but first she started with "squeeze my hand" then "open your hand", he did that several times which pleased her. When they went to sit him up they asked him to scoot over in the bed, he moved one foot and they moved the other. Then they tried to have him sit up, he tried to pull himself up into position but he couldn't sit up so he held out his hand to have someone help him. Once he was sitting up Keith was trying to get him to track a finger with his eyes. He followed Keith's finger to the left easily but with more work he was able to get him to look to the right also. Keith checked Paul's leg reflexes and said they were normal which was pleasing since some brain injury patients become hypersensitive in their reflexes. They had him try to kick out with his foot, he attempted to do it but he had some trouble with that. Once the exam was done they decided to wait until tomorrow to do more rehab work. They didn't say what level he is at yet, maybe we will get more tomorrow. He stayed awake most of the day and Dad spent lots of time exercising him. Tabby came in around 5pm. He responded to her very well. He was rubbing her stomach a lot. Hopefully that means he is aware of the baby!! Tuesday is the sonogram...maybe Tabby will be able to share whether they have a boy or girl!! Tabby spends a great deal of time making sure he is groomed (face washing, teeth brushing, etc). She also spends a lot of time talking to him, hugging & kissing him and laying in bed with him. I think she is really the best rehab he can get!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Today was "re-admit" day. Since Paul left the nursing home last week then returned they need to go through the admission process again. The therapists came in to "evaluate" Paul. They were very pleased at how alert he is compared to the last time they saw him (last Monday). The occupational therapist wanted to sit him up, but first she started with "squeeze my hand" then "open your hand", he did that several times which pleased her. When they went to sit him up they asked him to scoot over in the bed, he moved one foot and they moved the other. Then they tried to have him sit up, he tried to pull himself up into position but he couldn't sit up so he held out his hand to have someone help him. Once he was sitting up Keith was trying to get him to track a finger with his eyes. He followed Keith's finger to the left easily but with more work he was able to get him to look to the right also. Keith checked Paul's leg reflexes and said they were normal which was pleasing since some brain injury patients become hypersensitive in their reflexes. They had him try to kick out with his foot, he attempted to do it but he had some trouble with that. Once the exam was done they decided to wait until tomorrow to do more rehab work. They didn't say what level he is at yet, maybe we will get more tomorrow. He stayed awake most of the day and Dad spent lots of time exercising him. Tabby came in around 5pm. He responded to her very well. He was rubbing her stomach a lot. Hopefully that means he is aware of the baby!! Tuesday is the sonogram...maybe Tabby will be able to share whether they have a boy or girl!! Tabby spends a great deal of time making sure he is groomed (face washing, teeth brushing, etc). She also spends a lot of time talking to him, hugging & kissing him and laying in bed with him. I think she is really the best rehab he can get!!
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Whoa Nelly
Well, another weekend has come and gone. Friday Night into Saturday was spent riding in a truck, eating the fine cuisine from a truck stop, and trying to drink coffee while bouncing all over the place. Mind you I didn't say the driver couldn't find the least bumpy path but those chuck holes that most cars miss, this truck found with unerring accuracy. All in all, it was a fun trip with a lot of time to talk.
Saturday's Mexican food feast was as good as usual. The funny part was that Lou fell asleep on the way over and slept all through dinner. So, we had to hit the MacDonald’s drive through for a kid’s meal with chicken. I do wish they would hire people that could speak the minimum of English to serve people correctly. I ordered the happy meal, she asked "for a boy or girl," I responded "Boy". Needless to say we got a girl's meal. Does Boy mean Girl in Spanish?
Virginia is considering a surgical castration procedure for violent sex offenders to stop these people. From what I have been reading they are wasting their time but placating their conscious. From what I read, they are slowed down but as one guy said, "When I want to (have sex) I can." Yes the drive is decreased but it does remain. They all said they are weaker, good for the victim but a gun, knife, or other object is a force multiplier. I continue to think these crimes are violent and provide a feeling of control and domination and the sex part is just a minor part used to debase the victim. So what do we gain? I would rather see the "single bullet between the eyes" method applied. We are really doing very little to protect our children, women and other vulnerable people. Let's get serious and stop these predators ... dead in their tracks.
Gee, I am surprised. With the price of oil hitting $70 a barrel, the Oil Companies would be struggling to provide us affordable gasoline. Well, they (Exxon) did struggle last quarter by only being able to post a 10.1 Billion profit. With this paltry profit they are feeling the economic squeeze that warrants the Federal Government support with tax cuts and subsidies. While I doubted the Governments logic, I now understand in the face of Exxon's near economic collapse. To preserve these business that have trouble managing in this volatile environment -- Regulate them -- this would minimize their exposure. Gasoline is an essential item for the survival of the family. We have regulated other industries so let's regulate this one. Regulate the price of fuel back to $1.50 a gallon; also mandate the Auto companies to produce vehicles (cars, vans and trucks) with an EPA rating of 50 miles per gallon (city). This mandate for vehicles would take effect in 2 years and the consumers would have 4 years to acquire a new vehicle meeting this requirement. This way everyone does their part.
How does the Government support this price of fuel? Stop all pork barrel projects (earmarks).
Yes, I know. These will never happen because of the lobbyist have our best interest in their thoughts. But that is the problem; it is in their thoughts and not in their actions.
Saturday's Mexican food feast was as good as usual. The funny part was that Lou fell asleep on the way over and slept all through dinner. So, we had to hit the MacDonald’s drive through for a kid’s meal with chicken. I do wish they would hire people that could speak the minimum of English to serve people correctly. I ordered the happy meal, she asked "for a boy or girl," I responded "Boy". Needless to say we got a girl's meal. Does Boy mean Girl in Spanish?
Virginia is considering a surgical castration procedure for violent sex offenders to stop these people. From what I have been reading they are wasting their time but placating their conscious. From what I read, they are slowed down but as one guy said, "When I want to (have sex) I can." Yes the drive is decreased but it does remain. They all said they are weaker, good for the victim but a gun, knife, or other object is a force multiplier. I continue to think these crimes are violent and provide a feeling of control and domination and the sex part is just a minor part used to debase the victim. So what do we gain? I would rather see the "single bullet between the eyes" method applied. We are really doing very little to protect our children, women and other vulnerable people. Let's get serious and stop these predators ... dead in their tracks.
Gee, I am surprised. With the price of oil hitting $70 a barrel, the Oil Companies would be struggling to provide us affordable gasoline. Well, they (Exxon) did struggle last quarter by only being able to post a 10.1 Billion profit. With this paltry profit they are feeling the economic squeeze that warrants the Federal Government support with tax cuts and subsidies. While I doubted the Governments logic, I now understand in the face of Exxon's near economic collapse. To preserve these business that have trouble managing in this volatile environment -- Regulate them -- this would minimize their exposure. Gasoline is an essential item for the survival of the family. We have regulated other industries so let's regulate this one. Regulate the price of fuel back to $1.50 a gallon; also mandate the Auto companies to produce vehicles (cars, vans and trucks) with an EPA rating of 50 miles per gallon (city). This mandate for vehicles would take effect in 2 years and the consumers would have 4 years to acquire a new vehicle meeting this requirement. This way everyone does their part.
How does the Government support this price of fuel? Stop all pork barrel projects (earmarks).
Yes, I know. These will never happen because of the lobbyist have our best interest in their thoughts. But that is the problem; it is in their thoughts and not in their actions.
Paul's Update - 02/05/05
Dear Friends:
Today was a quiet and mostly uneventful day but Paul was awake much more today. He spent most of the day awake and was awake when we left tonight at 10pm. Dad was able to exercise him quiet a bit. It is very difficult for him to lift his arms but Dad is able to work with him to loosen up the joints. His legs move pretty easily but the arms are stiff and painful for him to move. Dad repeated the work with him to reach for the stuffed kitty and have him hand it back. Dad also told him to pass the kitty to Tabby who was sitting on his right side. He actually reached across his body with his left hand to give it to Tabby!! Wow ... how great is that! He was very active on his own as well, he was moving his covers on and off of himself and kicking his feet a lot. When he has his boot off he seems to like pushing his feet against the end of the bed. He also had the cap on his trach today for about 1/2 hour. The cap actually makes it a talking trach. The goal is to get him to tolerate breathing with it for about 2 hours a day. He didn't do as well with it today ... tomorrow he will try again. Tabby has started introducing a wet sponge into his mouth. He does a chewing action and then swallows the water he gets from the sponge. This will encourage him to be ready for more foods by mouth. Tabby wants to check with the nutritionist on Monday to see if she can start giving him small tastes of popsicles. Monday will be a great day ... we can finally get back to the physical therapy. He hasn't had any real therapy since last Monday. I think he will be ready since he's had four full days to recover from the surgery. Keith (the physical therapist) will be glad to see him back. All of the therapist at the nursing home seem to take a sincere interest in Paul and his recovery. Work, work, work ... no results without hard work!! I'm so thankful for them!! Have a great week. :-)
Love Lynne & Carl
Today was a quiet and mostly uneventful day but Paul was awake much more today. He spent most of the day awake and was awake when we left tonight at 10pm. Dad was able to exercise him quiet a bit. It is very difficult for him to lift his arms but Dad is able to work with him to loosen up the joints. His legs move pretty easily but the arms are stiff and painful for him to move. Dad repeated the work with him to reach for the stuffed kitty and have him hand it back. Dad also told him to pass the kitty to Tabby who was sitting on his right side. He actually reached across his body with his left hand to give it to Tabby!! Wow ... how great is that! He was very active on his own as well, he was moving his covers on and off of himself and kicking his feet a lot. When he has his boot off he seems to like pushing his feet against the end of the bed. He also had the cap on his trach today for about 1/2 hour. The cap actually makes it a talking trach. The goal is to get him to tolerate breathing with it for about 2 hours a day. He didn't do as well with it today ... tomorrow he will try again. Tabby has started introducing a wet sponge into his mouth. He does a chewing action and then swallows the water he gets from the sponge. This will encourage him to be ready for more foods by mouth. Tabby wants to check with the nutritionist on Monday to see if she can start giving him small tastes of popsicles. Monday will be a great day ... we can finally get back to the physical therapy. He hasn't had any real therapy since last Monday. I think he will be ready since he's had four full days to recover from the surgery. Keith (the physical therapist) will be glad to see him back. All of the therapist at the nursing home seem to take a sincere interest in Paul and his recovery. Work, work, work ... no results without hard work!! I'm so thankful for them!! Have a great week. :-)
Love Lynne & Carl
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/04/06
Dear Friends:
Not much to report today. Paul was pretty tired all day. We started off to the nursing home around 10a.m. Tabby had gone out for coffee with Carolyn, Billy & Alysa. They got there soon after we arrived. Paul was awake but not very active. Dad tried to exercise his left arm a bit since it was a little stiff. Once he limbered up some he was able to grab his little stuffed kitty from Dad's hand and hand it back to him. His arms seemed pretty relaxed but they are weak and stiff at the joints. All the staff at the nursing home were noticing that we were back but in a different room today. It doesn't take long to get re-oriented when they already know the patient! Tabby & Carolyn went back out this afternoon to do some registrations for baby items. It won't be long before she will be needing baby things!!! June 8 is the due date. On Tuesday this upcoming week is the sonogram. Maybe the baby will cooperate enough to tell whether we will have a boy or girl!! I think Paul will enjoy knowing! Bobby was gone today…he spent the day with a friend. Tomorrow I suspect all the boys will be watching the Superbowl. We will put it on for Paul…although I don't know who he would be cheering for! We are looking forward to Monday when Paul can get back into the rehab routine. Hopefully we will be able to get a wheelchair to keep in his room again. He lost the other one when we went to the hospital. As always … thanks for your prayers … it was a busy week and God has blessed us well.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Not much to report today. Paul was pretty tired all day. We started off to the nursing home around 10a.m. Tabby had gone out for coffee with Carolyn, Billy & Alysa. They got there soon after we arrived. Paul was awake but not very active. Dad tried to exercise his left arm a bit since it was a little stiff. Once he limbered up some he was able to grab his little stuffed kitty from Dad's hand and hand it back to him. His arms seemed pretty relaxed but they are weak and stiff at the joints. All the staff at the nursing home were noticing that we were back but in a different room today. It doesn't take long to get re-oriented when they already know the patient! Tabby & Carolyn went back out this afternoon to do some registrations for baby items. It won't be long before she will be needing baby things!!! June 8 is the due date. On Tuesday this upcoming week is the sonogram. Maybe the baby will cooperate enough to tell whether we will have a boy or girl!! I think Paul will enjoy knowing! Bobby was gone today…he spent the day with a friend. Tomorrow I suspect all the boys will be watching the Superbowl. We will put it on for Paul…although I don't know who he would be cheering for! We are looking forward to Monday when Paul can get back into the rehab routine. Hopefully we will be able to get a wheelchair to keep in his room again. He lost the other one when we went to the hospital. As always … thanks for your prayers … it was a busy week and God has blessed us well.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 02/03/06
Dear Friends:
God blesses us each day. Today was no different. Another CT was done today and the doctor said it looks good. The trauma team replaced Paul's trach to the speaking trach. When the speech therapist came in to see him she liked the "chewing action" & swallowing he is doing. Once he can tolerate the speaking trach for more than 20 minutes at a time they can start trying to introduce food by mouth. The physical therapist came in this morning and tried to sit him up in the bed. He apparently threw up after he'd wobbled a bit. The nurse said that the orthopedist was pleased with the x-ray of his foot. All looks good there. Once everyone had seen him he was cleared to go back to Manor Care as soon as possible. They ordered a transport for 5pm tonight and he was back in a room at the nursing home by 6pm. He is now in room 126 which is actually a nicer room and he has a view of the woods and the townhouse development behind the nursing home. This room is a little bigger and has a shower (the other one didn't). Tabby decided to stay with Paul through the night. He will start again on Monday with physical therapy. Today was the completion of 13 weeks (91 days) since the accident. It is amazing that so much has happened in that time. Have a great weekend.
Love, Lynne & Carl
God blesses us each day. Today was no different. Another CT was done today and the doctor said it looks good. The trauma team replaced Paul's trach to the speaking trach. When the speech therapist came in to see him she liked the "chewing action" & swallowing he is doing. Once he can tolerate the speaking trach for more than 20 minutes at a time they can start trying to introduce food by mouth. The physical therapist came in this morning and tried to sit him up in the bed. He apparently threw up after he'd wobbled a bit. The nurse said that the orthopedist was pleased with the x-ray of his foot. All looks good there. Once everyone had seen him he was cleared to go back to Manor Care as soon as possible. They ordered a transport for 5pm tonight and he was back in a room at the nursing home by 6pm. He is now in room 126 which is actually a nicer room and he has a view of the woods and the townhouse development behind the nursing home. This room is a little bigger and has a shower (the other one didn't). Tabby decided to stay with Paul through the night. He will start again on Monday with physical therapy. Today was the completion of 13 weeks (91 days) since the accident. It is amazing that so much has happened in that time. Have a great weekend.
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, February 03, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/02/06
Dear Friends:
Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/01/06
Dear Friends:
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
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