Ahhhhh! Where did the summer go? Mom and Pops made the long trek back to Wisconsin in mid June and even stopped for a few nights in Denver to see P.J. and Kersta on the way. It's a pretty exhausting trip, for mom especially as she has to haul all of dad's paraphernalia into a new hotel every night...and this trip included Lulu and her paraphernalia as well. But they arrived safe and sound and we are all excited to have them home for the summer.
Their big news is that they bought a house in Arizona and will close in a week. As much as they love their current condo and their friends there, they realized that their place was just a little too cramped for Pops. They found a unique neighborhood in Gilbert, just about 10 minutes from where they are now, and fell in love with a house there. High ceilings, wide hallways, and tiled floors make it ideal for Pops and easier on mom. They are very excited to get back at the end of the summer to move in. Luckily they will be close enough to still see their friends from the old neighborhood. The neat thing is they have decided to rent out their condo to Moses, their nurse in Arizona. So it all worked out pretty well.
Pops saw a pain specialist a few times in Arizona and they tried numerous things to alleviate his nerve pain. Unfortunately, they haven't quite found a cure but have given him some stronger meds that seem to help. He only takes them when he has a big day planned since they are addicting and therefore reserved for special occasions. So he continues to deal with the nerve pain.
They have enjoyed being back at Mike and Becky's and seeing the grand kids every day...it certainly is different than living with the fellow retirees back in Arizona! A little more action and a lot more noise...but they are having fun. Mikey, who was only 8 months when they left last fall, has gotten to know his Bapa and gives him plenty of high fives. He's also known to hide toys in his wheelchair or on his shoes when Bapa's not looking. Paige and Cole are great helpers and are always up for a race...sometimes Bapa lets them win.
Last week was a momentous one as Pops was once again on his fire truck. For those who don't know, Pops has a 1920 fire truck that he would get out once or twice a summer for the July 4th parade and a trip to the Kiltie now and then. It was something he loved to do, and over the years many people have enjoyed a ride on the fire truck, especially the neighborhood kids. So one night last week, Mike brought the fire truck home and he and the kids washed it as Bapa looked on. When it was clean and shiny Mike looked at dad and said, "Well, what do you say? Want to ride the fire truck again?" Dad was hesitant at first and said, "Maybe another time." But it's hard to say no to a red, shiny fire truck and moments later, after a practice run lifting Becky into the front seat, Mike had dad in his arms and was climbing up to the top. We put a strap around his chest and he was ready to go. We of course did all this without mom's permission, so we sent Cole in the house to retrieve her. The look on her face as she walked outside to see her husband strapped into the front seat of the fire truck was priceless. It was mostly a look of fear mixed with a tiny bit of joy and disbelief. Pops was already tearing up he was so excited. The real tears came when he heard the sound of Mike starting the engine. So we loaded up and headed to the Kilite.
I know I'll never forget the look on his face as we pulled out. This was the first time he had ever been anywhere but his wheelchair or his bed since his accident. He was once again on his firetruck, one of the many simple, silly things that had brought him so much joy. With siren wailing and bell dinging, we headed down the road, with Pops sitting between Mike who was driving and I on the other side making sure he didn't slip out of his seat and onto the road. You can understand why mom was nervous...here's the man she's taken such good care of since day one, bouncing around on an old fire truck, strapped in with a clothesline and a car-top carrier strap. Yes, it was risky. And yes, it was totally worth it. Pops was smiling the entire time, with tears streaming down his face for most of the ride. Mike and I just kept looking at each other in disbelief and laughing...I haven't seen Pops that happy in a long time. We picked up some friends along the way and enjoyed a night at the Kiltie. Pops looked at me at one point and asked, "Do I look like a quad up here?" I said, "Nope, you can't even tell you're a quad up there." He thought that was pretty awesome. It was a great night. And I think it gave Pops a feeling that he just may be able to do some of the things he thought he would never do again. Two weeks ago the fire truck was for sale as Pops didn't see a need to own it anymore. As of last Tuesday, the fire truck is off the market.
To top that, mom, dad, Cole, Paige, and myself spent the last four days in northern Wisconsin at Camp Forest Springs, a family camp we have been going to annually since 1984. Since us kids are all grown, mom and dad had started a new tradition of taking the grand kids every summer. That obviously didn't happen last summer, but mom made the reservations this year on the off chance that it would work. The camp was incredibly accommodating and got us two accessible rooms right in the middle of camp. It was great for Mom and Pops to be there, surrounded by old friends they have known for many years, many of whom have prayed for Pops fervently since his accident. Camp Forest Springs is holy ground for our family, and as kids we looked forward to it more than Disney World. It was surreal to be back there again, and to watch the grand kids enjoying it like we did when we were little. Mom and Dad loved it so much they plan to go back for two weeks next summer. Just another thing they weren't sure they would ever get to do again. God is good.
When in town, Pops has been busy working at Genesis getting things lined up for the sale of his company. It should be an easy transition as his right hand man, Rudy, is taking over the business. Rudy has been in charge since the day of the accident and done a great job, it's neat that Dad gets to hand it over to the man that literally saved his life as Rudy is the one that gave him CPR. When the deal is done in a month or so, Pops will officially be retired.
Summer has gone by quickly and soon enough they will be heading back to Arizona. But we praise God for how dad continues to heal, maybe not physically but seemingly in every other way. Mom decided that we need to start making new memories every December 8th, so this winter the whole family will be taking a cruise to Mexico! A cruise is a perfect vacation for Pops as he gets to be on the ocean...in a boat, but gets to skip the hassle of sand in his wheels. We are all very excited for our trip, as it will be the first time the entire family has been together on vacation since his accident.
It will be just one of hopefully a long list of firsts for Pops as his eyes are opened to new possibilites...from fire trucks to family camp to Mexican fiestas. There was a time when none of it seemed possible...thankfully we serve a God of infinite possibility.
Happy summer.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
You Can Lead a Quad to the Computer but You Can't Make Him Blog
Amy here. I've poked and I've prodded but I can't seem to get Pops hooked on blogging. Even though he's able to get on the computer to check his email, anything that involves typing seems to get him frustrated. His dictation software helps, but it's not ideal for blogging. Besides...he's retired! So I guess I'll stop nagging and let him relax already...
I'm not sure anybody even checks this site anymore, but I'd thought I'd give an update on Pops and fill you in on his life since he last wrote. He and mom continue to LOVE their life in Arizona, and have quickly acclimated to the almost perfect weather. Nothing better for the both of them then to wake up each morning to blue skies and sunshine. It's been a crazy winter in Wisconsin with record amounts of snow, so their decision to spend winters down there was certainly a good one. And as I look outside at the grey sky which today perfectly matches the grey grass, the grey pavement, and the grey trees, I'm so thankful they are there.
They live in a 55+ adult community/condo neighborhood and have really made some good friends there. And at 57 years of age, they certainly are the young ones in the neighborhood! But everybody moves at the same speed...retired...so it's perfect for them. Their best buds are their next door neighbors Pat and Steve who are snowbirds from Minnesota. Pat is a retired nurse who has been a great comfort for both mom and dad, and Steve is a very handy guy who helps mom with all sorts of projects. Although I must mention that she is certainly holding her own as the new 'Bob Vila' of the family, even purchasing her own chainsaw a few months back. Pops called one day and said, "You'll never believe where your mother is right now." "Shopping?" I asked. "Nope. She's climbed a ladder up into the tangelo tree and is trimming the branches with her new chain saw." What else could I say but, "What the crap?" She continues to master one craft after another as her latest project is laying new bricks in the front patio. I know, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. Caretaker, bowel team captain, lumberjack, stone mason...is there anything she can't do? Oh yeah...cook. So there are some things that never change...
Lulu, their Havanese puppy, has been a great addition and keeps them laughing (and sometimes yelling). Amazingly enough, mom happened to find a dog that shares her personality...small but tough, cute but bossy, playful but fiercely independent. It's uncanny. Every morning like clockwork, Lulu will sit at the foot of dad's bed waiting for mom to get Pops in his chair. As soon as he's in, Lulu jumps on his feet until mom lifts her onto dad's lap. She then licks the heck out of his face, including both ears, and then hops down (Lulu, not mom). It's pretty cute how she has to say good morning to him as soon as he's up. Mom also started a puppy play group that meets at the pool twice a week. Almost everyone in the neighborhood who has a dog comes to hang out and chat while the dogs go nuts. Lulu, the smallest dog of the bunch has befriended Sheena, a german shepherd and the biggest dog of the bunch. It's pretty funny to see them chase each other around. Lulu is tiny but she's one tough beast. Hmmm...sound familiar?
All of us kids have been there at various times this winter to stay with them, and they've enjoyed some other visits from friends and family. Fans and I were just there last week for Spring Break and had a great time. It was wonderful to see them settled into their routine and to be able to meet their friends that we have been hearing about. They are truly very happy there and it shows. Their life is peaceful, unhurried, and relaxing...but I guess that's what retirement is all about. No schedule to keep, no demands, no reason to stress. And after being there I can officially say they are retired. How do I know this? Well, we went out for dinner a few times and never once was it later than 4:30pm. Yes, that's right, dinner at 4:30...that is the final confirmation that they are old fogies. I mean seniors.
Pops spends a lot of time reading and goes through books amazingly fast. He loves sitting out in the sun with a good book and saying hi to the neighbors as they walk by. He also loves his Thursday morning 'men's coffee in the clubhouse' with the other guys in the neighborhood. Unfortunately he still suffers from the nerve pain in his left arm, but they are hoping to see some specialists once they are back in Wisconsin at the end of May. He did have some trouble with his catheter earlier in March which put him in the hospital for a few nights. But everything turned out okay and health wise he's been doing pretty well. No new movement or anything but it's not really expected at this point. His kidneys are working well so there's still no need for dialysis...thank God.
Mom and Pops had the privilege of speaking at Kersta's dad's church on Easter Sunday which was so neat. Many people in the congregation have read the blog from the beginning and have been praying for Pops ever since, so it was a blessing to be able to meet some of those people face to face. Mom and Pops shared a little about how the accident has changed them, their marriage, and their future and how God has shown Himself to be absolutely faithful. Through tears my dad spoke about how mom would show up every single day to the hospital for almost six months, even when he said she didn't have to, and how that spoke so much to him of how much she loved him, and in turn how much he loved her. I'm not sure I've ever seen him look at her the way he does now...so much love and appreciation. It's very precious. To see their marriage so strong in the midst of a situation that just as easily could have destroyed them, it just makes you realize that with Christ all things are possible. I think that's how, among other ways, God is using them to reach others. People see them and expect sorrow, pain, and bitterness. But instead they are joyful, peaceful, laughing...a living example of faith and having trust that God will see them through. It's truly an amazing thing to watch as God's plan unfolds before us. The Easter quote of the day came after an amazing dinner at the Johnson's, when dad leaned back in his chair and said, "Whew. I'm so full I can barely walk."
They still have the occasional 'quad drama'...like the blocked Supra Pubic catheter (really not as exciting as the name implies) that sent him to the hospital, or the time his electronic inflatable mattress that usually turns him all night long went on the fritz and unknowingly deflated in the middle of the night and in the morning mom woke to find dad enveloped in the deflated mattress like some sort of 'man-taco', or like when they're late for a doctor appointment because mom is a half mile down the road chasing after the ever-submissive Lulu who refuses to get in the car (did I mention that she responds to approximately zero verbal commands, including "heel", "come", and "get your ass in the car"?) But they get through it, usually with a good amount of laughter and occasionally a few tears.
There's a sign that hangs in their condo that says, "Forever for always, no matter what". How perfect. They are an amazing example of a Godly marriage, that no matter what happens, you choose joy, you move forward, and you trust God...together. Forever, for always, no matter what.
They amaze me. They simply amaze me. Mom, cheerfully tackling the many demands of being a caretaker/wife, and Pops, sweeter than ever, pushing past the nerve pain and the inevitable quad drama...and both continuing to choose joy. I am so proud of them. And so thankful that in every trial they have yet to encounter, Christ promises to see them through.
Forever, for always, no matter what.
I'm not sure anybody even checks this site anymore, but I'd thought I'd give an update on Pops and fill you in on his life since he last wrote. He and mom continue to LOVE their life in Arizona, and have quickly acclimated to the almost perfect weather. Nothing better for the both of them then to wake up each morning to blue skies and sunshine. It's been a crazy winter in Wisconsin with record amounts of snow, so their decision to spend winters down there was certainly a good one. And as I look outside at the grey sky which today perfectly matches the grey grass, the grey pavement, and the grey trees, I'm so thankful they are there.
They live in a 55+ adult community/condo neighborhood and have really made some good friends there. And at 57 years of age, they certainly are the young ones in the neighborhood! But everybody moves at the same speed...retired...so it's perfect for them. Their best buds are their next door neighbors Pat and Steve who are snowbirds from Minnesota. Pat is a retired nurse who has been a great comfort for both mom and dad, and Steve is a very handy guy who helps mom with all sorts of projects. Although I must mention that she is certainly holding her own as the new 'Bob Vila' of the family, even purchasing her own chainsaw a few months back. Pops called one day and said, "You'll never believe where your mother is right now." "Shopping?" I asked. "Nope. She's climbed a ladder up into the tangelo tree and is trimming the branches with her new chain saw." What else could I say but, "What the crap?" She continues to master one craft after another as her latest project is laying new bricks in the front patio. I know, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. Caretaker, bowel team captain, lumberjack, stone mason...is there anything she can't do? Oh yeah...cook. So there are some things that never change...
Lulu, their Havanese puppy, has been a great addition and keeps them laughing (and sometimes yelling). Amazingly enough, mom happened to find a dog that shares her personality...small but tough, cute but bossy, playful but fiercely independent. It's uncanny. Every morning like clockwork, Lulu will sit at the foot of dad's bed waiting for mom to get Pops in his chair. As soon as he's in, Lulu jumps on his feet until mom lifts her onto dad's lap. She then licks the heck out of his face, including both ears, and then hops down (Lulu, not mom). It's pretty cute how she has to say good morning to him as soon as he's up. Mom also started a puppy play group that meets at the pool twice a week. Almost everyone in the neighborhood who has a dog comes to hang out and chat while the dogs go nuts. Lulu, the smallest dog of the bunch has befriended Sheena, a german shepherd and the biggest dog of the bunch. It's pretty funny to see them chase each other around. Lulu is tiny but she's one tough beast. Hmmm...sound familiar?
All of us kids have been there at various times this winter to stay with them, and they've enjoyed some other visits from friends and family. Fans and I were just there last week for Spring Break and had a great time. It was wonderful to see them settled into their routine and to be able to meet their friends that we have been hearing about. They are truly very happy there and it shows. Their life is peaceful, unhurried, and relaxing...but I guess that's what retirement is all about. No schedule to keep, no demands, no reason to stress. And after being there I can officially say they are retired. How do I know this? Well, we went out for dinner a few times and never once was it later than 4:30pm. Yes, that's right, dinner at 4:30...that is the final confirmation that they are old fogies. I mean seniors.
Pops spends a lot of time reading and goes through books amazingly fast. He loves sitting out in the sun with a good book and saying hi to the neighbors as they walk by. He also loves his Thursday morning 'men's coffee in the clubhouse' with the other guys in the neighborhood. Unfortunately he still suffers from the nerve pain in his left arm, but they are hoping to see some specialists once they are back in Wisconsin at the end of May. He did have some trouble with his catheter earlier in March which put him in the hospital for a few nights. But everything turned out okay and health wise he's been doing pretty well. No new movement or anything but it's not really expected at this point. His kidneys are working well so there's still no need for dialysis...thank God.
Mom and Pops had the privilege of speaking at Kersta's dad's church on Easter Sunday which was so neat. Many people in the congregation have read the blog from the beginning and have been praying for Pops ever since, so it was a blessing to be able to meet some of those people face to face. Mom and Pops shared a little about how the accident has changed them, their marriage, and their future and how God has shown Himself to be absolutely faithful. Through tears my dad spoke about how mom would show up every single day to the hospital for almost six months, even when he said she didn't have to, and how that spoke so much to him of how much she loved him, and in turn how much he loved her. I'm not sure I've ever seen him look at her the way he does now...so much love and appreciation. It's very precious. To see their marriage so strong in the midst of a situation that just as easily could have destroyed them, it just makes you realize that with Christ all things are possible. I think that's how, among other ways, God is using them to reach others. People see them and expect sorrow, pain, and bitterness. But instead they are joyful, peaceful, laughing...a living example of faith and having trust that God will see them through. It's truly an amazing thing to watch as God's plan unfolds before us. The Easter quote of the day came after an amazing dinner at the Johnson's, when dad leaned back in his chair and said, "Whew. I'm so full I can barely walk."
They still have the occasional 'quad drama'...like the blocked Supra Pubic catheter (really not as exciting as the name implies) that sent him to the hospital, or the time his electronic inflatable mattress that usually turns him all night long went on the fritz and unknowingly deflated in the middle of the night and in the morning mom woke to find dad enveloped in the deflated mattress like some sort of 'man-taco', or like when they're late for a doctor appointment because mom is a half mile down the road chasing after the ever-submissive Lulu who refuses to get in the car (did I mention that she responds to approximately zero verbal commands, including "heel", "come", and "get your ass in the car"?) But they get through it, usually with a good amount of laughter and occasionally a few tears.
There's a sign that hangs in their condo that says, "Forever for always, no matter what". How perfect. They are an amazing example of a Godly marriage, that no matter what happens, you choose joy, you move forward, and you trust God...together. Forever, for always, no matter what.
They amaze me. They simply amaze me. Mom, cheerfully tackling the many demands of being a caretaker/wife, and Pops, sweeter than ever, pushing past the nerve pain and the inevitable quad drama...and both continuing to choose joy. I am so proud of them. And so thankful that in every trial they have yet to encounter, Christ promises to see them through.
Forever, for always, no matter what.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy new year to everyone. I hope you all enjoyed this Christmas season and had a blessed time with your families and friends. Our youngest son PJ and his beautiful wife Kersta flew in from Denver for Christmas. We drove to Tucson to spend Christmas Day with Kersta's parents and had a wonderful time. Thank you to Dan and Susan for having us. They are great hosts and we feel so comfortable with them.
I want to apologize to those of you who have e-mailed me. I'm sorry I have not replied. It's because my voice recognition software doesn't want to work with my e-mail. I'll keep trying, and hopefully will reply soon.
Well we made it through the one year anniversary of my accident without a hitch. My daughter Amy sent me a box of goodies on December 8th containing treats and letters from friends. Thanks very much to those of you who sent those heartfelt cards and letters. They made the anniversary a fun day rather than the dreaded day I had thought it might be. Jeanne also brought home a 2 pound bundle of joy in the form of a Havanese puppy. We named her Queen Liliokalani but we call her Lulu. She is playful and funny and a great distraction.
Since my accident, we have had a CNA come for two hours each morning to help get me up and dressed, cleaned and shaved and then we do what they call a range of motion. That means they manipulate my arms and legs so they don't freeze up from lack of use. On our drive down from Wisconsin, Jean told me that she had prayed that our CNA would be a Christian. Since we spend time daily with them doing some intimate things together it is great to have that common bond. Well, before we arrived the agency called to tell us that our CNA was named Moses and that he would be showing up the first Monday we were here in Arizona. It turns out Moses is an awesome Christian man who knows his Bible as well as anyone I have known. He also is gifted musically and has written a song called "Jesus, All I want to do". He wrote the music and lyrics and made his own CD. It moved me to tears the first time I heard it. We play it all the time and thank God for answered prayer. Moses is also a Dallas cowboys fan so we talk football quite a bit. He's also a Republican! So we have many political and religious conversations while we do my range of motion. We have become good friends and now have started a weekly Bible study with Moses and his friend Paula. So once again, we asked God for something and he gave us more than we asked for. We don't hold the Dallas fan part against Him.
I want to apologize to those of you who have e-mailed me. I'm sorry I have not replied. It's because my voice recognition software doesn't want to work with my e-mail. I'll keep trying, and hopefully will reply soon.
Well we made it through the one year anniversary of my accident without a hitch. My daughter Amy sent me a box of goodies on December 8th containing treats and letters from friends. Thanks very much to those of you who sent those heartfelt cards and letters. They made the anniversary a fun day rather than the dreaded day I had thought it might be. Jeanne also brought home a 2 pound bundle of joy in the form of a Havanese puppy. We named her Queen Liliokalani but we call her Lulu. She is playful and funny and a great distraction.
Since my accident, we have had a CNA come for two hours each morning to help get me up and dressed, cleaned and shaved and then we do what they call a range of motion. That means they manipulate my arms and legs so they don't freeze up from lack of use. On our drive down from Wisconsin, Jean told me that she had prayed that our CNA would be a Christian. Since we spend time daily with them doing some intimate things together it is great to have that common bond. Well, before we arrived the agency called to tell us that our CNA was named Moses and that he would be showing up the first Monday we were here in Arizona. It turns out Moses is an awesome Christian man who knows his Bible as well as anyone I have known. He also is gifted musically and has written a song called "Jesus, All I want to do". He wrote the music and lyrics and made his own CD. It moved me to tears the first time I heard it. We play it all the time and thank God for answered prayer. Moses is also a Dallas cowboys fan so we talk football quite a bit. He's also a Republican! So we have many political and religious conversations while we do my range of motion. We have become good friends and now have started a weekly Bible study with Moses and his friend Paula. So once again, we asked God for something and he gave us more than we asked for. We don't hold the Dallas fan part against Him.
Thanks for listening. God is good.
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