We had such a pleasant evening on Friday that I didn’t even think of the blog. Life is starting to feel normal. We went out to supper together for the first time since July 18th. In fact, it’s the first time we went out together anywhere except to see a hospital. Bill is able to handle doing his medicines and treatments himself this time. I am disciplining myself to let him be and take care of himself. Since he is not taking so much Dilantin, he is not confused and forgetful like before. He is also more physically able to handle things. He is careful with his back, but not having any pain as far as I can tell. We will be careful to get enought rest, etc.
There seem to be appointments most every day. He will be going to occupational therapy 3 Xs a week for a while. They want him to continue working on eye exercises to keep the muscles in his eye strong and possibly improve the length of time he can use his left eye.
I can’t say enough good things about the rehab unit at GRMC. We were so lucky to have it close to home. There are many people there from long distances. It was one of the few lucky breaks we had all summer. This morning I am also feeling so indebted to our children and friends and who did countless things for us since July. I am hopeful we are on the mend. Perhaps I can get Bill to start doing this blog again and let our friends hear from him directly. He makes more work of it than I do. His literary side insists he make it a work of art, I just start blabbing how I feel. It takes all kinds.
I know there are lots of readers who have never posted a remark. Consider just a hello so we know who is out there. It is a little intimidating at first, I know. But we are constantly amazed when someone says I’ve been following progress and we had no idea!! What sweet friends.
john ONeill said,
September 9, 2006 at 10:32 am
Good Morning:
Glad to hear that things are looking almost normal again. Must be nice to know that you can step out together once in awhile. Bill does look good and pretty strong for a person whos gone through the kind of operation he has experienced. Well just wanted to say hi and will call sometime this weekend.
Bro. Tom Mahoney said,
September 9, 2006 at 10:53 am
Bill and Thelma–
Best wishes for all things “rehab.” Hope everything is back to normal soon (as much as possible anyway). Sounds like the worst is definitely over. Each of you is really lucky to have such a wonderful partner. God bless you both. You con’t. to be in my prayers. Chuck McKenna sends his best. May God watch and protect your family always.
Tom
Jan Strom said,
September 9, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Thelma,
I’m so happy to hear you sounding so relaxed and unstressed. It makes my heart feel happy to imagine that you are smiling and laughing again. Sounds like there is still much running around to appointments each day. Tough on the schedule, but I’m sure it also makes the day pass more quickly for Bill. Everything sounds so much better this time around!! Just being able to go out to dinner is such a “normal” thing. It’s gotta feel great!!
Love, Jan
Ralph said,
September 10, 2006 at 10:50 am
Were you able to get a vodka and tonic before your meatloaf dinner served with smashed potatos (ever since Dan Quayle I can’t remember if it is with an ‘e’ or without) and green beans? I guess that also comes with lime jello. Glad you were able to see the outside world once again. Pax
Ciindy said,
September 10, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Greetings from East Texas!
Your last note sounds like you are more relaxed and things are going well. That is so great to hear. I hope that now school will calm down for you now also. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take care and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you both. Off to youth group, I am in charge of the food this year. Yikes.
Love C
Michael Philipsen said,
September 10, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Bill and Thel,
It is so good to read that things are going so much better, and I’m sure it’s great to be able to get out of the house, too. When I was over for that visit between the hospital stays, I thought Bill was doing okay, but just a bit tired when he woul nod off a bit during our conversation — either that or I’m reallllly borrrrrinnng! After all, brain surgery is a big thing in my book. But I had no idea that it might be a medication thing. I’m so glad that was resolved quickly. So be sure to do your therapy and Marva and I will have to plan a trip to see you both soon. On a different note, we’ve been redoing our bedroom – I tore out old carpet two Friday afternoons ago, we’ve been painting, put up new shades and hardware for new curtains, etc., new things for the walls, and if the stuff comes in this Thursday, we should have a new floor installed on Friday, so we have really aching muscles and bones, but the end is in sight. Well, we’ll keep checking the blog and still keep you in our prayers. Be good, and if you can’t be good, be careful.