February 27, 2007

This afternoon Rand walked some around the house as it was raining and cold outside. He did well, no leg brace, no cane, no walker, but heavy assistance from Thuan and support from Manny. (see photo below).

This was followed by a small gathering to celebrate Rand's birthday last Saturday. He celebrated his birthday more times than anyone I know! He had three birthday cakes and more champagne that you can shake a stick at! Now he has even more candy and goodies in his room.

All is well. Rand denies that his speech, mental and physical abilities are improving, but they are - slowly, slowly, slowly, but he is making progress every day.

Keep him close in your thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Connie


The Birthday Boy and The Wife

Outside his door with his name and patriotic decorations

Blowing out the last of the birthday candles.

Walking this afternoon with assistance from Thuan and Manny. Notice that he is not wearing his brace so his foot has to be held in place with Ace bandages and duct tape. He did so well, correcting the automatic outward turn of his right foot/leg after each step.

February 26, 2007

Aloha! I arrived home last night from a relaxing, fun week in Kauai, Hawaii, with my cousin and his wife. We had a grand time. I traveled from 80 degree balmy weather, light trade winds, blue sky and ocean, white sand, umbrella drinks, wonderful food, tanned and refreshed to cold, rain and wind. Uff da.

Rand was glad to see me today but I don't think he was as lonely as he was at Christmas. He said, "I had a wonderful baby -" then tried to correct himself but couldn't find the word birthday. He had lots and lots of visitors, tons of cards, there is candy everywhere! There is a beautiful bunch of tulips growing in a huge glass vase/tub/container from friends, plus balloons and cookies galore! I understand that he also had two birthday cakes and champagne on his big day! Thank you for taking such good care of him while I was gone. He marveled at every card and note, shook his head in amazement that so many people would take the time to send him birthday greetings! I called him on his birthday and he had some trouble understanding who I was. When he figured it out, he was surprised and talkative. Tomorrow we'll have another little birthday celebration.

All is well. I left Rand with Jennie, the speech therapist. She and I are going to meet next Monday to talk about Rand's progress and potential. Rand will not be in on the conversation, nor is he aware of it.

Thank you again and again for being there for Rand. He is happy as a clam!

Love,
Connie

February 9,2007

Over a year and a half ago, Rand and I decided to celebrate his birthday in 2007 at our timeshare condo in Kauai. We invited my cousin and his wife to join us. A lot has happened since then and I have decided to keep the commitment to my cousin and the three of us will meet there in another week.

Below are two pictures that describe beyond words, what progress there has been in the last 12 months. The first photo was taken of Rand on his birthday in 2006. The second was taken about two weeks ago - near his birthday in 2007. He birthday is February 24, and if you feel so inclined, he would love to hear from you via a birthday card. Send them to the house and I will take them to him.


Last year Rand had to have a high backed wheel chair because his neck and shoulder muscles were not strong enough to hold his head up.

This is how Randbo looks now! He's healthy, strong, and loving life!

Keep Randbo close to your hearts and in your prayers.

Love,
Connie

February 1, 2007

This started out as a normal day with a trip to the hospital for therapy. On the way back I asked Rand if he would like to come home for dinner. He would, so at 5:00 I picked him up and brought him home for a chicken dinner with all the trimmings. We were having a glass of red wine in the family room when I went into the kitchen to get dinner moving. After about a minute I called out and asked if he was OK. Hearing nothing, I went into the family room and there he was - covered in red wine! His shoes, the wheelchair, the floor, magazines, books, the carpet, table, even the nut bowl was full! I have no idea what happened - the wine glass was sitting on the table right where it belonged, empty. You can imagine what Rand's reaction would have been under normal circumstances! Once again, I was amazed and clunked upside the head by his lack of any reaction or emotion. He didn't answer me when I called to him, he not only can't ask for help but he doesn't recognize situations where he needs it. He sat there and smiled, content to wait until his situation was discovered and corrected. He wasn't upset or concerned in the least. I then brought him into the kitchen where he sat at the table and watched while I finished making dinner. I watched him like a hawk and he sat and smiled happily and then ate a hearty meal. His table manners are still impeccable.

After dinner we "talked" for a while about his being home. He loves it. It feels good to him. It looks the same. Then I ventured into the unknown territory of his coming home to live. I know, I know - but I can't shake the notion that this is where he belongs and where I want him to be. He shook his head and said, "No." I said that if we could get to the point where he could do some things for himself, we might be able to make it work. Again, he said no. I asked if he believed he would ever live here again and he said no. We spent some more time together and he indicated that he was ready to leave and I took him to his house about 7:30. He wasn't sad to leave, although I think he loved his time here. We'll do it again soon.

I think of this house as being the same as it was a year ago. I forget that I have made changes and have started making it more comfortable just for me. Tonight when I wheeled Rand around, I was amazed to realize what I have done. Nothing major, just subtile changes that he noticed and I had forgotten. He loves this house. No matter what, he loves this house. I guess that it is now almost unanimous - including Rand, that he will not live here again. I'm the only hold out. I can talk the talk but I can't walk the walk of him never coming home to live. I don't know what it is going to take to get that through my skull and into my heart. Tonight's wine incident was another reminder of how helpless and dependent he is and how nonchalant and carefree his world is.

Tomorrow we are off to Santa Cruz for the beginning of another session of super-duper PT and OT.

Keep Rand close.

Love,
Connie