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.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
One year anniversary
Well, only a few days and it will be one year since my accident. When you are in my position, you have a lot of time to think. And I have spent a lot of time thinking about that day and the last steps that I took. That morning I remember leaving the bathroom and walking down the hallway to the kitchen. Jean was standing at the counter waiting for me which was unusual since normally she was asleep when I went to work. But that morning, she wanted us to pray. She was going to wake me during the night but decided to wait until I was up. She urgently felt the need for us to pray about how our family should glorify Christ over Christmas. She felt so stirred during the night and the feeling would not go away. So we stood together and prayed that Christ would be glorified through our family at Christmas. She didn't know why but she just felt very strongly about it. Little did we know that this very blog would be the answer to that prayer. Little did we know how many people would be touched by my daughter's words. I am still overwhelmed and brought to tears whenever I read your comments and hear of your prayers for me. I am especially humbled by those of you that I don't know that tell me your faith has been strengthened or renewed. God certainly works in mysterious ways. He even uses the Internet to accomplish his purpose.
So off I went to work. It was Friday and the previous Saturday I had towed Santa Claus in the Christmas parade in the sleigh that I had made for the chamber of commerce. The sleigh had been in my driveway all week and I was taking it back to work to store it away until next year. I was always in great spirits when towing the sleigh. How could you not be in the Christmas spirit when you're towing Santa's sleigh? I arrived at work, parked the sleigh and began my day.
I have spent so much time thinking about the next steps that I took that I began to fear the coming of this anniversary. I would get a lump in my stomach when I thought about walking up to the machine that did me in. But now I feel better about that day. I don't get a lump in my stomach and I don't get that fearful feeling anymore. I think talking about it has been therapeutic. God has helped heal my mind and my attitude. It is taking time and will take more time, but He is working. Thanks for listening. You don't know how much you have helped me. Thank you.
Pat
So off I went to work. It was Friday and the previous Saturday I had towed Santa Claus in the Christmas parade in the sleigh that I had made for the chamber of commerce. The sleigh had been in my driveway all week and I was taking it back to work to store it away until next year. I was always in great spirits when towing the sleigh. How could you not be in the Christmas spirit when you're towing Santa's sleigh? I arrived at work, parked the sleigh and began my day.
I have spent so much time thinking about the next steps that I took that I began to fear the coming of this anniversary. I would get a lump in my stomach when I thought about walking up to the machine that did me in. But now I feel better about that day. I don't get a lump in my stomach and I don't get that fearful feeling anymore. I think talking about it has been therapeutic. God has helped heal my mind and my attitude. It is taking time and will take more time, but He is working. Thanks for listening. You don't know how much you have helped me. Thank you.
Pat
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thanksgiving
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.
We are now in Arizona, the Valley of the Sun. The weather is great, and we are adjusting very well. We left Oconomowoc the very end of October. We stopped in Des Moines, North Platte, Denver and Albuquerque along the way. We stayed in Denver two nights with our son PJ, and his wife Kersta. It was an adventure, but we were glad to arrive in Mesa and start our new winter life here.
I meant to write sooner but kept putting it off until I got in the mood. Next thing you know, a month has passed, and to be honest I had a few low points, and just did not feel like writing. By the grace of God I know I will get through these low times, and come out better in the end. Jeanne was a trooper driving six hours a day and hauling all my gear in and out of hotel rooms. She had to set up my special bed each night after driving most of the day. I hated that I could only watch her do all the work and I got quite depressed about that. In fact, she's the one that should be depressed since she is doing all the work! But she is up and positive and I am acting like a baby. I should be happy to get out of the work! Life is funny that way. Jeanne keeps saying, "this is what God has given us, what are we going to do with it?" That phrase always puts things in perspective and reminds me what a strong woman God has given me.I have had a good deal of nerve pain in my left arm. It's my greatest obstacle to a good attitude . We have tried acupuncture, but that does not seem to help. So now I am listening to the power of positive thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No negative thoughts. Jeanne keeps saying, "take your mind off the pain", which ticks me off, but I know there is something to that because when I'm occupied I don't notice the pain as much. There are times that it doesn't work, but there are more times than it does. So my new goal is to overcome the pain with a positive mental attitude and as much as possible disregard the pain.Enough of that! The sun is out, there are books to read and a wife to kiss. I will try not to let so much time pass before I write again.God bless and thanks for listening.God is good.Pat
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Bohr Report
Well, it's been awhile since you heard from me, Pat, but after some nudging from family members, I feel the need to tell you what it's really like to be a quad. I think this will also be therapeutic for me. I'm going to let it all hang out and tell you how I'm really doing. But before I get started, I want to praise God in the highest, because I no longer need dialysis! My kidneys have returned to function, yes, my kidneys are working! I can't tell you how big a deal this is for me. And, I thank all of you that prayed from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.
So now for all the friends that have asked my family members, "How is he doing? No, how is he really doing?" When I meet people on the street and they ask, "How are you doing?" I always say, "I am doing well, thank you". I never say, "Well I cried the other day for an hour because I can't ever rollerblade again." I don't say, "Well I had an accident, I pooped in my pants and was so humiliated that I wished I had died."
Now don't get me wrong, God is good, and I believe He has something in store for me to do. I believe good will come of all this, and in fact much good has all ready come from my accident. So when I tell you about my bad days I am doing so because I think people really want to know and again it will be good therapy for me. So here we go, what you are about to hear may not be appropriate for small children, reader discretion is advised.
After being in the hospital so long it became my home. I was very comfortable there, everything was predictable. The worst part was waking up every morning, opening my eyes and trying to move so I could get out of bed, and then remembering that I was a quad. I'd sometimes get a lump in my gut and think, no, not me, not forever. But then the nurses would come in to get me up and in my chair and I'd forget my plight. I had been using a chair supplied by the hospital for the first months, and then my chair arrived. The nurses were excited and said, "Wow, this is a beauty, Jean picked out a really nice chair for you!" But I thought, "Why, I won't be in a chair for that long, what's going on?" It took an a long time for my brain to catch up with my new condition. And still I will try to kick open a door with my foot and is just doesn't happen. But in the hospital they kept me so busy during the day with therapy that I didn't have much time to think about my new state.
There were no reminders of my old life. Jeanne brought many pictures of our grandkids and posted them on the wall where I could see them. But she was careful not to bring anything that would remind me of what I couldn't do. She made sure there were no pictures of me sailing, standing, driving or anything that would remind me of what I would never do again. She knew it was going to be a huge adjustment and it would have to happen in steps. She's a smart woman who has amazed me.
This is all for today, but I will continue sharing what I experienced when I first came home and the days that followed. This blog will now become my journal, because I feel I am finally ready to go back and remember what has happened. It has been a hard road, but God has never stopped being good and being my source of comfort and strength, but more on that later. Glory to God.
So now for all the friends that have asked my family members, "How is he doing? No, how is he really doing?" When I meet people on the street and they ask, "How are you doing?" I always say, "I am doing well, thank you". I never say, "Well I cried the other day for an hour because I can't ever rollerblade again." I don't say, "Well I had an accident, I pooped in my pants and was so humiliated that I wished I had died."
Now don't get me wrong, God is good, and I believe He has something in store for me to do. I believe good will come of all this, and in fact much good has all ready come from my accident. So when I tell you about my bad days I am doing so because I think people really want to know and again it will be good therapy for me. So here we go, what you are about to hear may not be appropriate for small children, reader discretion is advised.
After being in the hospital so long it became my home. I was very comfortable there, everything was predictable. The worst part was waking up every morning, opening my eyes and trying to move so I could get out of bed, and then remembering that I was a quad. I'd sometimes get a lump in my gut and think, no, not me, not forever. But then the nurses would come in to get me up and in my chair and I'd forget my plight. I had been using a chair supplied by the hospital for the first months, and then my chair arrived. The nurses were excited and said, "Wow, this is a beauty, Jean picked out a really nice chair for you!" But I thought, "Why, I won't be in a chair for that long, what's going on?" It took an a long time for my brain to catch up with my new condition. And still I will try to kick open a door with my foot and is just doesn't happen. But in the hospital they kept me so busy during the day with therapy that I didn't have much time to think about my new state.
There were no reminders of my old life. Jeanne brought many pictures of our grandkids and posted them on the wall where I could see them. But she was careful not to bring anything that would remind me of what I couldn't do. She made sure there were no pictures of me sailing, standing, driving or anything that would remind me of what I would never do again. She knew it was going to be a huge adjustment and it would have to happen in steps. She's a smart woman who has amazed me.
This is all for today, but I will continue sharing what I experienced when I first came home and the days that followed. This blog will now become my journal, because I feel I am finally ready to go back and remember what has happened. It has been a hard road, but God has never stopped being good and being my source of comfort and strength, but more on that later. Glory to God.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August Update
Yikes, another month of summer gone in a flash...time again for a Pops update. It's been a pretty good month for mom and dad, but it started out with a little bit of a scare. Mom and dad were driving one afternoon when suddenly dad couldn't speak. For about five minutes, he was fully alert but he couldn't talk...only garbled mumbling. Mom took him immediately to Froedtert where they kept him overnight for extensive testing. Apparently this mini-stroke was the result of a piece of plaque randomly dislodging itself and causing a minor blockage. A fluke thing but very scary for them nonetheless. His tests showed nothing abnormal and hopefully it will never happen again. It may have been minor, but a stroke is a stroke, even if it is "mini".
Pops got some great news earlier this month when he was able to drop his Wednesday dialysis completely. This is a major 'yahoo' for him because now he's down to just Monday's and Friday's. His kidneys seem to be on the borderline for dialysis, so keep praying that they would improve. Pops is no fan of dialysis.
After visiting the nerve doctor quite a few times, it was determined that dad is not eligible for nerve transplant surgery at this time. There are not enough good nerves in his left arm to provide for a good transplant, so right now all he can do is deal with the nerve pain and hope more nerves regenerate to allow for future surgery. His left arm is still bothering him on a daily basis, so we pray for those nerves to get down to business and do some regenerating.
Pops took his first road trip this month to join the fam in Chicago for Grandma Jinnie's surprise 90th birthday party. (Check out the new pics.) It was a great day and she was very, very surprised. I know what you're thinking...isn't a surprise party a little dangerous for a 90-year-old? Not Grandma Jinnie...heck, she runs faster than I do. P.J. and Kersta even flew in from Denver and Uncle Ward from Hawaii...it was great. A fantastic day thanks to Grandma's sweet friends, and Pops didn't mind the four hours in the car. The next big road trip??? Arizona for the winter...
Slowly things seem to be winding down for Pops as his weekly schedule lightens up. He just finished his last Tuesday occupational therapy session at Froedtert so now his Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are reserved for random doctor appointments, stopping in at Genesis, and hanging out at home. Once in a while he gets stuck shopping with mom but he makes the best of it...like last week while mom was shoe shopping he entertained himself by asking people to direct him to the running shoes. He's funny. My favorite memory of this month was watching him race across a parking lot at 8 miles an hour and then stop abruptly right in the middle to do doughnuts. Well, that and when he told the story about him slipping into the seat hole of his shower chair until he was kissing his knees and then mom had to pull him out, which, as you can imagine, did not go as planned. The most entertaining stories tend to come from shower night...but that's to be expected when you're dealing with mom and a wet, slippery quad.
On the technology front, Pops now has a new laptop and a new dictation program that types whatever he says. He can pretty much run his whole computer just by speaking, which means he's ready for some electronic communication! His new email address is patbohrman@yahoo.com...feel free to say howdy.
Long ago when he was still in the hospital, dad was told by his surgeon that this is a marathon, not a sprint. This new life with his new body takes perseverance, determination, and a steady pace. As he continues to adjust to life as a quad, there are up days, down days, and just plain blah days. But life is good. God is steadfast. Thanks for the love. Keep praying.
And if a quad ever approaches you in a shoe store and asks where the running shoes are, don't fall for it...consider yourself warned.
Pops got some great news earlier this month when he was able to drop his Wednesday dialysis completely. This is a major 'yahoo' for him because now he's down to just Monday's and Friday's. His kidneys seem to be on the borderline for dialysis, so keep praying that they would improve. Pops is no fan of dialysis.
After visiting the nerve doctor quite a few times, it was determined that dad is not eligible for nerve transplant surgery at this time. There are not enough good nerves in his left arm to provide for a good transplant, so right now all he can do is deal with the nerve pain and hope more nerves regenerate to allow for future surgery. His left arm is still bothering him on a daily basis, so we pray for those nerves to get down to business and do some regenerating.
Pops took his first road trip this month to join the fam in Chicago for Grandma Jinnie's surprise 90th birthday party. (Check out the new pics.) It was a great day and she was very, very surprised. I know what you're thinking...isn't a surprise party a little dangerous for a 90-year-old? Not Grandma Jinnie...heck, she runs faster than I do. P.J. and Kersta even flew in from Denver and Uncle Ward from Hawaii...it was great. A fantastic day thanks to Grandma's sweet friends, and Pops didn't mind the four hours in the car. The next big road trip??? Arizona for the winter...
Slowly things seem to be winding down for Pops as his weekly schedule lightens up. He just finished his last Tuesday occupational therapy session at Froedtert so now his Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are reserved for random doctor appointments, stopping in at Genesis, and hanging out at home. Once in a while he gets stuck shopping with mom but he makes the best of it...like last week while mom was shoe shopping he entertained himself by asking people to direct him to the running shoes. He's funny. My favorite memory of this month was watching him race across a parking lot at 8 miles an hour and then stop abruptly right in the middle to do doughnuts. Well, that and when he told the story about him slipping into the seat hole of his shower chair until he was kissing his knees and then mom had to pull him out, which, as you can imagine, did not go as planned. The most entertaining stories tend to come from shower night...but that's to be expected when you're dealing with mom and a wet, slippery quad.
On the technology front, Pops now has a new laptop and a new dictation program that types whatever he says. He can pretty much run his whole computer just by speaking, which means he's ready for some electronic communication! His new email address is patbohrman@yahoo.com...feel free to say howdy.
Long ago when he was still in the hospital, dad was told by his surgeon that this is a marathon, not a sprint. This new life with his new body takes perseverance, determination, and a steady pace. As he continues to adjust to life as a quad, there are up days, down days, and just plain blah days. But life is good. God is steadfast. Thanks for the love. Keep praying.
And if a quad ever approaches you in a shoe store and asks where the running shoes are, don't fall for it...consider yourself warned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
