Tuesday, February 26, 2008

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