Rand at the Beginning of September, 2007

August was a busy month for both of us. Rand got a new recliner (blue of course) that is better in so many ways. It is electric and the back and foot rest operate independently of each other. That eliminates the foot stool and another piece of furniture he has to navigate around as well as gives him more independence and control of a part of his life. You have seen pictures of Rand in the "Saving Strokes" program. That has been so good for him even though he is very hard on himself. The final golf lesson is next Tuesday and is followed by a lunch. His PT and OT sessions continue every other week and the music therapist will begin again as soon as the golf program is ended. Thuan continues to work with Rand six days a week.

We also had company in August in the form of good, old friends from Southern Calif. We haven't seen each other in too long a time and had such fun together.

Rand also had a sprained foot from some near falls in PT, twisting his foot as he began to go down. The doctor confirmed that there was nothing broken or fractured, just a bad sprain. All is well now. Rand also got a new brace for his right leg/foot. This one is articulated and allows him to bend his knee and ankle for the first time since his stroke. We can already see a difference in his gait. He is able to "walk" more normally again after having his leg/foot in a rigid brace since his stroke. Nice!!

Last winter I wrote a letter to our City Council person asking how it was possible for the City of San Jose to permit the establishment of an assisted living home on Antigua Dr. for six mobility impaired adults and not provide the handicapped curbs required by Federal law. I got a visit from the City Engineer telling me that I was right and the curbs would be installed in 2007. They are done!! The "Rand Elness Honorary Curbs" are about to be broken in by Rand himself sometime this week and we will celebrate with champagne! Whoopie!

Last week the excitement around here was that a 10-12 inch alligator lizard took up residence in the kitchen, between the cabinets. It stayed for three days and I didn't know how to get rid of it. FInally it came out into the open and I was able to "escort" it out the door with some help from a magazine. Yuck! They are very snake-like in their appearance - way too much for me!! Uff da.

I may be out of my mind, but I have taken on five intern teachers as their coach/mentor for the semester. We are just getting acquainted and I start with observations on Monday. It could be fun and rewarding, it could also be that I am out of my mind!!

Yesterday I started a weekly exercise class based on the Feldenkrais method. Very interesting - unlike any class I have taken in the past. I felt good when I left. I am doing well on my resolve to take a trip once a month, even for a day, just to get out of town. Last week a friend and I went to San Francisco to see "Jersey Boys." Run, do not walk, to get tickets when it comes to your area. I just loved it! We stayed overnight in SF, ate wonderful meals, rode the cable cars hanging on the outside, had Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista, a night cap at the top of Sir Francis Drake, did all the touristy stuff and had a great time. At the end of Sept. I will be going to Minnesota to see family and friends for ten days. I'm really looking forward to that trip. It is getting easier for me to leave Rand and I think it is easier for Rand to see me go. He is always so sad, but I think he understands, probably doesn't miss me much once I leave and always welcomes me home with open arms. I have monthly "get-aways" planned through the end of February.

The speech generating device for Rand continues to be a work in progress. It seems to have dragged on forever. We were supposed to have the big meeting last week but it was canceled at the last minute. I hope, hope, hope, that it is rescheduled ASAP. Interestingly enough, the SLP that I had a run in with last winter is the one who makes the decision about recommending the device for Rand!! Uff da. Her comments still rankle my hide but I hope they don't color her judgement. I'll keep you posted.


Keep Rand close in your hearts and prayers.

Love,
Connie