Hello Everyone,
I just received a reminder from one of my dear friends, and Mother-Mentors to update the blog. She was always there for me during those trying and tumultuous teen-age years. I am so happy to have her in my life. Well, after reviewing the last entry on February 13, here are the updates.....
Valentines Day was quite special. We went out for a bite to eat at one of our neighborhood restaurants, the Olive Leaf. One of the original owners was there and chatted with us for about an hour. His name is Stuart, and he is in his 80's. Sharp as can be and full of interesting anectdotes and views on life. We laughed and enjoyed our time with him, immensely. He owns the house that he and his father were born in. I just love old homes, so I was very intrigued to hear about the old home, and how his father had provided inside plumbing, long before there was such a thing. There is a stream on their property and his father mechanically made a wheel to bring water up to the house, through the attic and then it was available to the kitchen and bathrooms. We enjoyed ourselves very much, and Stuart and John have struck up a friendship that is obvious. John tells me Stuart reminds him of my dad. I sure do love to hear that. My dad has been gone for 16 years, and you seem to forget those special qualities until you see them right in front of your face.
John has finally been sleeping without his collar. He did exactly what Marcus told him to do, which was nap on the couch without the collar. He did that for almost a week, before he finally decided to try it at night. I had gone to sleep before him, and woke up during the night and noticed the collar was off. I did not say a word and went back to sleep. In the morning when we woke up, I noted that he had reached another milestone. He was quite proud, and a bit humble to see how easy it was for him, once he believed in himself. I believe it also helped that I had told him that Dr. Catavenis, (my former intensivist and friend) said he did not have anything to worry about, because he was fused very well. It just is easier said than done, when it is your body and not someone else's. He showers my himself, now, and has been doing so for about 3 weeks. He is becoming very independent, and I believe a bit bored. His brain is raring to go, and he is not one of those people that just likes to sit around. He did go in and see his co-workers at Goddard. Marcus came by on Valentine's Day and they went to shop and then to Goddard. His co-workers were so happy to see him, as he was to see them. Chris works at Goddard, too, so Marcus passed Dad off to Chris, because he had to get back to class, and Chris went out to lunch with John, and then he came to my office. All of my co-workers were so amazed and happy to see him, as well. There is just something about seeing the "Miracle Man", that makes everyone happy. That's the statement of my co-workers. It is nice to win one for the good guys!
John has requested that his physical therapy be intensified. He is working very hard on his left shoulder and bicep. His therapists are working him, but of course, not fast enough for John. He is a, get it done now, kind of guy. I can really see some progress. His left tricep is definitely getting stronger. He can also lift his left arm to his hair. It doesn't stay there, and kind of swings down if he lets it go. I try to warn him about that, because he almost swung it into me one day.
He goes to therapy 3 times/ week. He enjoys going, and wants to start doing some other exercise. His next visit to the U of M Clinic is Tuesday, March 4, @ 1000. He will have a follow up CT scan and check up. We have several questions. He wants to start walking on the treadmill. He wants to start driving, if possible. He wants to know at what capacity he must be, before returning to work. We both have planned a 5 day vacation to Florida, and are looking forward to just resting. It has been a whirlwind 6 weeks, and I really need some rest. I know I am trying to rest, but I just want to sit back and read a book. You know we have all of these concerns, now, with the insurance information, and John's part-time disability, and the medical costs. It is overwhelming, however, we have been able to receive some very good legal advice on how to move forward in the process.
Oh, Marcus did get a new, used car. It is a 2004 G35 Infiniti. I have a 2002 I35 Infiniti, and he likes all of the safety features. He said he is much more conscious of safety features, now. Of course, Chris wanted him to get an Acura. Chris researches everything to the max, but Marcus could not afford an Acura, at this time. Chris was okay with the Infiniti, though. As long as Marcus has Chris' approval he feels he has done a good job. Those two are quite the wonderful young men. We could not be more proud. They are our angels.
Well, take care and I will try to not let so much time pass before updating, again. Thanks, Theresa. You are my hero!
Love, Sheri
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Good Evening,
Well, yesterday was John's birthday. We were so happy to celebrate his birthday! A few weeks ago, we did not know if we would be able to share this together. Oh, what a difference a few weeks make..........John spent his birthday with his brother, Don. They enjoyed their day running a few errands, but, sharing some quality time together was really the best part of the day, according to John.
When John went to his first follow-up appointment at University of Maryland, on February5, he was told that he could take his collar off at night to sleep, around the 4- week mark. This is something that he initially was not in favor of doing. The collar has certainly given him a feeling of security. Marcus suggested that he take the collar off when he took a nap on the couch, and maybe that would be an opportunity to attempt to feel a bit more comfortable before he tried to sleep the entire night without the collar. It will be interesting to see how he approaches this next step in his recovery. Just like anything else, it is a slow and steady progression toward getting back to a life of normalcy. John has never had surgery before, so he is having to adjust to healing of incisions, bone repair with fusion, and the fact that his left shoulder and bicep are requiring intense physical therapy. Quite a bit to go through on your first experience with surgery, wouldn't you say? Couple that with the fact that this was a traumatic experience, and you have quite a few obstacles to overcome. I believe he is doing quite well, all things considered.
He received a birthday cake today, from his co-workers, and they sent a baseball magazine, some well wishes on cards, and a "work authorization" to track the repair of his neck. It was done just like his staff or he would prepare a work authorization in his line of work. It is priceless, and he wants to have it framed. It caused John to chuckle and really appreciate his staffs and co-workers sense of humor. They also included a reminder for their timecards to be filled out, which is a frequent request of him, at the end of each week, on Friday. He and I feel how lucky he is to have the opportunity to work with such talented and caring individuals. Allison dropped off the gifts, because she lives close by. Again, thanks to all of you who so kindly shared in this delightful birthday treat. It is one of the most unique gifts he has ever received.
Take care and have a wonderful Valentines Day. I know we will, just being blessed to be together.
Love,
John and Sheri
Well, yesterday was John's birthday. We were so happy to celebrate his birthday! A few weeks ago, we did not know if we would be able to share this together. Oh, what a difference a few weeks make..........John spent his birthday with his brother, Don. They enjoyed their day running a few errands, but, sharing some quality time together was really the best part of the day, according to John.
When John went to his first follow-up appointment at University of Maryland, on February5, he was told that he could take his collar off at night to sleep, around the 4- week mark. This is something that he initially was not in favor of doing. The collar has certainly given him a feeling of security. Marcus suggested that he take the collar off when he took a nap on the couch, and maybe that would be an opportunity to attempt to feel a bit more comfortable before he tried to sleep the entire night without the collar. It will be interesting to see how he approaches this next step in his recovery. Just like anything else, it is a slow and steady progression toward getting back to a life of normalcy. John has never had surgery before, so he is having to adjust to healing of incisions, bone repair with fusion, and the fact that his left shoulder and bicep are requiring intense physical therapy. Quite a bit to go through on your first experience with surgery, wouldn't you say? Couple that with the fact that this was a traumatic experience, and you have quite a few obstacles to overcome. I believe he is doing quite well, all things considered.
He received a birthday cake today, from his co-workers, and they sent a baseball magazine, some well wishes on cards, and a "work authorization" to track the repair of his neck. It was done just like his staff or he would prepare a work authorization in his line of work. It is priceless, and he wants to have it framed. It caused John to chuckle and really appreciate his staffs and co-workers sense of humor. They also included a reminder for their timecards to be filled out, which is a frequent request of him, at the end of each week, on Friday. He and I feel how lucky he is to have the opportunity to work with such talented and caring individuals. Allison dropped off the gifts, because she lives close by. Again, thanks to all of you who so kindly shared in this delightful birthday treat. It is one of the most unique gifts he has ever received.
Take care and have a wonderful Valentines Day. I know we will, just being blessed to be together.
Love,
John and Sheri
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Good Morning, Everyone,
Well, it has been a full week. John is very determined in his physical therapy. He goes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 60-90 minutes. He is a bit disappointed in his progress, but I see his left arm getting stronger, because he uses it more in his day to day activities. He has been able to shower and get dressed, alone. I do like to be there for him, when I am home. He is striving for his independence. He is pretty bored during the day, because, as we all know, daytime TV is mind numbing. He does try to do some reading, but it is a bit taxing. He has been having headaches in the evening, which he has never had. I believe his head is just healing from the concussion, but we will mention it to his doctors, for good measure. We were able to do a bit more daytime activities, yesterday, i.e., shopping for groceries, and going to our favorite Wal-mart. He enjoys staying with me for a bit, and then walking over to our restaurant/pub, Memories, getting a drink, a bite, and playing keno. I know he is feeling better, when he can fill his time with a bit of the normal life.
We went out for a bite to eat last night, with Brenda and Nick Vitucci. Oh, my God, we laughed so hard our bellies were hurting. Brenda and I met at PGHC, in 1983 and have been friends ever since. What is so great, is that John and Nick have been so very close, as well. Again, Nick was supposed to go with John, Marcus, and Jonathan, on their trip to Montana, but was unable to go.
What I want to leave all of you with is that your love, cards, and prayers have definitely kept all of us going. We received cards from a class that Cathy Stouffer works with at a middle school in Montgomery County. Their cards were words of encouragement, get well wishes, and a picture of the kids. These wonderful children don't even know us, but their kind words and well wishes for John were so heart warming. John has received so many cards from his co-workers. We have received cards from my co-workers who don't even know my husband, but are praying for his recovery. My wonderful staff, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and co-workers have provided us with a weekly meal, shipped by Harry and David's, for an entire month. The first meal arrived on Thursday, evening, and I was so excited. Dessert, TOO.
We are all blessed by your generosity, love, prayers and support. Take care of each other, as well.
Love, John and Sheri
Well, it has been a full week. John is very determined in his physical therapy. He goes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 60-90 minutes. He is a bit disappointed in his progress, but I see his left arm getting stronger, because he uses it more in his day to day activities. He has been able to shower and get dressed, alone. I do like to be there for him, when I am home. He is striving for his independence. He is pretty bored during the day, because, as we all know, daytime TV is mind numbing. He does try to do some reading, but it is a bit taxing. He has been having headaches in the evening, which he has never had. I believe his head is just healing from the concussion, but we will mention it to his doctors, for good measure. We were able to do a bit more daytime activities, yesterday, i.e., shopping for groceries, and going to our favorite Wal-mart. He enjoys staying with me for a bit, and then walking over to our restaurant/pub, Memories, getting a drink, a bite, and playing keno. I know he is feeling better, when he can fill his time with a bit of the normal life.
We went out for a bite to eat last night, with Brenda and Nick Vitucci. Oh, my God, we laughed so hard our bellies were hurting. Brenda and I met at PGHC, in 1983 and have been friends ever since. What is so great, is that John and Nick have been so very close, as well. Again, Nick was supposed to go with John, Marcus, and Jonathan, on their trip to Montana, but was unable to go.
What I want to leave all of you with is that your love, cards, and prayers have definitely kept all of us going. We received cards from a class that Cathy Stouffer works with at a middle school in Montgomery County. Their cards were words of encouragement, get well wishes, and a picture of the kids. These wonderful children don't even know us, but their kind words and well wishes for John were so heart warming. John has received so many cards from his co-workers. We have received cards from my co-workers who don't even know my husband, but are praying for his recovery. My wonderful staff, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and co-workers have provided us with a weekly meal, shipped by Harry and David's, for an entire month. The first meal arrived on Thursday, evening, and I was so excited. Dessert, TOO.
We are all blessed by your generosity, love, prayers and support. Take care of each other, as well.
Love, John and Sheri
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Hello Everybody,
Thank you for all of your words of support and comfort. I know my last posting was a little bit down, but I just felt like I had to purge my emotions. My friend Jackie told me to try to compartmentalize. We did this when we worked in the emergency room, at PGHC. When you walked in the ER at the beginning of your shift, it was absolutely overwhelming. There were so many patients in there who were injured, ill, experiencing symptoms of heart attack, strokes, MVA, traumatic injury, not to mention their family members who were also in a state of shock. What she reminded me, was that we would simply start to do our jobs, focusing on one task at a time, and somehow we would make it through the day. Truly, that was what I needed to be reminded to do. You know I can get overwhelmed when I think of all of the hurdles we have to jump, but once again, we will jump one at a time. Jackie, you are my role model. Thank you again for being my "big sister". (I have probably said this to her, more than I can remember) Jackie is an absolutely beautiful, EXCELLENT nurse, who is my absolute role model, as far being an accomplished successful loving wife, mother, and nurse.
Now, let me tell you some great news. John went to the University of Maryland neuro-spinal unit today for his first two week check-up. He had a follow-up CT and CT angiogram. Everything looked great and in fact, his one vertebral artery that was "clotted", is now receiving "some blood flow". Isn't that amazing!! We are so excited. John feels like he has reached such a milestone. He really feels like he is moving toward his recovery. What a blessing. We are humbled, once again.
Now, I must speak about our friends, Brenda and Nick, and Bernie and Clyde. They are just our absolute "bestest" friends. We all have experienced raising our children, working through the days when we were all so poor, but we were always happy. We had a great time together, laughing and loving our little babies, and then they all grew into our precious adult children. We have had some of the best memories of our lifetime. I just wanted to say thank you to the four of you. We are so lucky to have you in our life.
Thank you for all of your words of support and comfort. I know my last posting was a little bit down, but I just felt like I had to purge my emotions. My friend Jackie told me to try to compartmentalize. We did this when we worked in the emergency room, at PGHC. When you walked in the ER at the beginning of your shift, it was absolutely overwhelming. There were so many patients in there who were injured, ill, experiencing symptoms of heart attack, strokes, MVA, traumatic injury, not to mention their family members who were also in a state of shock. What she reminded me, was that we would simply start to do our jobs, focusing on one task at a time, and somehow we would make it through the day. Truly, that was what I needed to be reminded to do. You know I can get overwhelmed when I think of all of the hurdles we have to jump, but once again, we will jump one at a time. Jackie, you are my role model. Thank you again for being my "big sister". (I have probably said this to her, more than I can remember) Jackie is an absolutely beautiful, EXCELLENT nurse, who is my absolute role model, as far being an accomplished successful loving wife, mother, and nurse.
Now, let me tell you some great news. John went to the University of Maryland neuro-spinal unit today for his first two week check-up. He had a follow-up CT and CT angiogram. Everything looked great and in fact, his one vertebral artery that was "clotted", is now receiving "some blood flow". Isn't that amazing!! We are so excited. John feels like he has reached such a milestone. He really feels like he is moving toward his recovery. What a blessing. We are humbled, once again.
Now, I must speak about our friends, Brenda and Nick, and Bernie and Clyde. They are just our absolute "bestest" friends. We all have experienced raising our children, working through the days when we were all so poor, but we were always happy. We had a great time together, laughing and loving our little babies, and then they all grew into our precious adult children. We have had some of the best memories of our lifetime. I just wanted to say thank you to the four of you. We are so lucky to have you in our life.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, February1, 2008
It is two weeks, today that John was in surgery. In fact, at 1915, that is when we finally got to see John. It is so amazing to comprehend that 2 weeks ago, was so incredibly different. It has been hard to go to work everyday and leave John at home. He has had 3 sessions of physical therapy this week, and it is obviously going to take some time for John to regain his movement and strength in his left bicep.
Now, I am going to talk a little bit about me. It is so true, that you don't know how strong you are until you have to go through some of lives hardest lessons. John and I have always relied on one another to get through hard days. From the beginning of our marriage, we moved from St. Louis to New Jersey, then to Maryland, after we had Christopher. We did not have family near to help us with childcare, so we just worked opposite schedules and took care of our little boys. Along the way we had some wonderful friends who were more like family than friends. Over the years, a lot of Chris and Marcus' friends parents, became our friends, as well. We found that we became friends with those that had similar values, and beliefs as we did. A lot of those friends helped to mold who we are today. What I am noticing about myself right now, is that I want so badly to get back to the life we had before the accident, and I truly don't know if that will occur. I understand it is normal to try to get back to our life as much as possible, but I am afraid that my husband will not be able to achieve the things that he has loved to do. He loves playing softball, and playing golf. I believe he has really enjoyed just being able to still be out there on the softball field, especially when Chris and Marcus are both playing in the same league. He enjoys golf, not because he is a great golfer, but because he enjoys the fun and comaraderie with his buddies. I know he will figure this out, but I am scared for him. He has always been the one to tell me things will be all right. I am trying to do that for him, but I am scared that I may not be correct. Why am I scared? I think because this has been such an incredible miraculous recovery, I am afraid to hope for a complete recovery. I am just still shaken to my core. I feel helpless. I cannot control this, and I have to just be patient and move forward the best I can.
Now, I am going to talk a little bit about me. It is so true, that you don't know how strong you are until you have to go through some of lives hardest lessons. John and I have always relied on one another to get through hard days. From the beginning of our marriage, we moved from St. Louis to New Jersey, then to Maryland, after we had Christopher. We did not have family near to help us with childcare, so we just worked opposite schedules and took care of our little boys. Along the way we had some wonderful friends who were more like family than friends. Over the years, a lot of Chris and Marcus' friends parents, became our friends, as well. We found that we became friends with those that had similar values, and beliefs as we did. A lot of those friends helped to mold who we are today. What I am noticing about myself right now, is that I want so badly to get back to the life we had before the accident, and I truly don't know if that will occur. I understand it is normal to try to get back to our life as much as possible, but I am afraid that my husband will not be able to achieve the things that he has loved to do. He loves playing softball, and playing golf. I believe he has really enjoyed just being able to still be out there on the softball field, especially when Chris and Marcus are both playing in the same league. He enjoys golf, not because he is a great golfer, but because he enjoys the fun and comaraderie with his buddies. I know he will figure this out, but I am scared for him. He has always been the one to tell me things will be all right. I am trying to do that for him, but I am scared that I may not be correct. Why am I scared? I think because this has been such an incredible miraculous recovery, I am afraid to hope for a complete recovery. I am just still shaken to my core. I feel helpless. I cannot control this, and I have to just be patient and move forward the best I can.
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