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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October Update
Today Rand came home for Sunday brunch and we had the best time together! It was as close to a normal day as we have had since his stroke. We had some champagne with brunch, read the paper, took a nap, watched a football game – just like we used to. Rand has made such wonderful physical progress that now I can transfer him from his wheelchair alone without fear, he is stable and balanced, can walk with his cane, humming and singing during the process! I left him alone in the familyroom while I cooked, set the table, cleaned up, and had no concern about his safety or the safety of things around him. I talked to him from the kitchen and he responded as best as he could. What a change from several months ago! What a relief to be relaxed with him at home and what a joy it is to have him here. He was ready to “go home” after about four hours and gave no indication that he wanted to stay here. So many times today I wondered if I should move him home permanently, but deep down I know that would not be a good idea for either one of us. Now that being here is so much easier, relaxed and manageable, we will do it more often.
Last week Rand and I filled out our vote by mail ballots for the upcoming election. I was concerned about the process because the California ballot is four pages long and filled with propositions and candidates we’d never heard of. While thinking ahead, I was hard pressed to explain some of the issues to Rand so he would understand and could make an informed decision. As usual, he knocked my socks off! He knew more about some of the propositions/candidates than I did and he understood my explanations of the others perfectly! He also knew who he wanted to vote for, which incumbents he wanted in and which he wanted out of office. We went through the ballot much faster than I expected. There was one glitch – to make a selection on the ballot you have to draw a line between the front and back of an arrow next to the candidate’s name or the Yes/No box. One line is all that is accepted – not coloring in the space to complete the arrow – just one thin line. Rand insisted on making a coloring project out of the exercise and would not comply with the instructions. We solved the problem by having him color in the arrows on the trial ballot and then I copied it to the official document with his blessing. I think part of the problem is his impaired vision – coloring in the arrow was easier for him to see. Of course, there’s always the stubborn Norwegian factor!
Rand is doing so well, his problem solving skills are improving along with his physical abilities. He is beginning to see possibilities in Solitare, to look ahead and see two or three moves coming up. He notices details more often and I would guess that his receptive language is about 95% accurate. His expressive language remains severely impaired but I am getting better at understanding his wants and needs.
Last week Rand had his regular blood draw to check on viscosity (almost perfect) and he had the full blood panel at the same time. His cholesterol, LDL, postasium, etc, are wonderful – cholesterol is 153. He’s healthy as a horse and has lost four pounds on top of it all! The best part is that he is content, in great spirits, his “Can Do” attitude never fails him, and he continues to be the Sweetheart of the Western World!
Rand’s sister, Karen, and our niece Kiki, will be arriving in two weeks for a whirlwind visit. It will be so wonderful to have them here and we are eagerly awaiting their time with us. We had more company from Minnesota in the last month and I made a fast trip to Moorhead/Fargo for my college class reunion in early October. It was great to see old friends and to wonder/guess who some of them were! The feeling was mutual. I also had the pleasure of spending some time at my sister’s school in Fertile, MN, reading to the first and second grade classes. I got my “kid fix” and had a wonderful time doing it.
Keep Rand close to your hearts. It has worked wonders so far! He loves company, cards and letters, so drop him a line or email him at my address and I will read it to him.
Love,
Connie
Last week Rand and I filled out our vote by mail ballots for the upcoming election. I was concerned about the process because the California ballot is four pages long and filled with propositions and candidates we’d never heard of. While thinking ahead, I was hard pressed to explain some of the issues to Rand so he would understand and could make an informed decision. As usual, he knocked my socks off! He knew more about some of the propositions/candidates than I did and he understood my explanations of the others perfectly! He also knew who he wanted to vote for, which incumbents he wanted in and which he wanted out of office. We went through the ballot much faster than I expected. There was one glitch – to make a selection on the ballot you have to draw a line between the front and back of an arrow next to the candidate’s name or the Yes/No box. One line is all that is accepted – not coloring in the space to complete the arrow – just one thin line. Rand insisted on making a coloring project out of the exercise and would not comply with the instructions. We solved the problem by having him color in the arrows on the trial ballot and then I copied it to the official document with his blessing. I think part of the problem is his impaired vision – coloring in the arrow was easier for him to see. Of course, there’s always the stubborn Norwegian factor!
Rand is doing so well, his problem solving skills are improving along with his physical abilities. He is beginning to see possibilities in Solitare, to look ahead and see two or three moves coming up. He notices details more often and I would guess that his receptive language is about 95% accurate. His expressive language remains severely impaired but I am getting better at understanding his wants and needs.
Last week Rand had his regular blood draw to check on viscosity (almost perfect) and he had the full blood panel at the same time. His cholesterol, LDL, postasium, etc, are wonderful – cholesterol is 153. He’s healthy as a horse and has lost four pounds on top of it all! The best part is that he is content, in great spirits, his “Can Do” attitude never fails him, and he continues to be the Sweetheart of the Western World!
Rand’s sister, Karen, and our niece Kiki, will be arriving in two weeks for a whirlwind visit. It will be so wonderful to have them here and we are eagerly awaiting their time with us. We had more company from Minnesota in the last month and I made a fast trip to Moorhead/Fargo for my college class reunion in early October. It was great to see old friends and to wonder/guess who some of them were! The feeling was mutual. I also had the pleasure of spending some time at my sister’s school in Fertile, MN, reading to the first and second grade classes. I got my “kid fix” and had a wonderful time doing it.
Keep Rand close to your hearts. It has worked wonders so far! He loves company, cards and letters, so drop him a line or email him at my address and I will read it to him.
Love,
Connie
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