The stroke happened one year ago this morning. In some ways that seems like light years ago, and in others just yesterday. Can you believe that some of you have been reading what I have been writing in this epistle for 365 days now? Look how far Rand has come in 365 days. When you consider that he spent 210 of those days in various hospitals, I think he has made miraculous progress. The doctors, nurses and therapists were not very optimistic a year ago, but they didn't know Rand. He has beaten the odds on every prediction and come through like a champ. He is still making progress despite what they said. One of the lowest points in the past year was when a doctor told me on March 15, 2006:
"Rand is no longer making progress, find a nursing home placement for him by Friday."
Ha! Fat Chance!!
Rand's qualities of tenaciousness, patience, determination and his good nature have paid off time and time again. He has defied the odds, the predictions, and come out on top. Don't misunderstand me - I am not so Pollyanna-ish that I'm not dealing with reality. Rand has some deficits that are so huge that they are insurmountable. Others are so massive that they impede progress. We deal with them daily, we try to work around them, they slow us down but we adapt as we go.
Rand is in a home where he is happy, safe, healthy and content. He is not longing for what used to be, he is not cursing his fate. He is as sweet and lovable as ever. He can walk a ways and does so every day. He can stand up independently and give me a big hug and a kiss. He can play catch and Blackjack. He finds enjoyment in friends, puzzles, newspapers, cards, TV, music, ice cream, walks and rides in the car. He always notices every American flag and if it needs to be straightened or replaced. His needs are simple. He can get himself into and out of his wheelchair and around the house, into and out of a car, into and out of trouble! He laughs at things that make him happy, he gets frustrated with his inability to communicate but he has never given up. He is one remarkable man. In some ways he is a different person than he was just over a year ago, in others he is exactly the same. But then, I am probably a different person too in some ways, yet still the same. We are continuously adapting, adjusting and learning to live with and without each other. That will probably never change.
Thank you for being with us on this journey. We have come a long way and have a long road ahead of us. Your faith, support and belief in Rand have made an incredible difference. We are so blessed to have you as friends.
And on we march into Year Two - I'm anxious to know what I will be writing about a year from now!
Love,
Connie
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