January 28, 2009
It was three years ago this morning that Rand’s and my lives changed forever. Rand shakes his head in wonder and I still get knots in my stomach when we talk about that day. An ambulance siren sends shivers down my spine as I think of the next family who may never be the same again.
Yesterday Rand’s doctor also shook his head in wonder as we talked about his amazing progress – the predictions about Rand’s quality of life three years ago are so antiquated as to be unbelievable. Unbeknownst to us, the doctor watches Rand walk around the medical buildings with the therapist and is stunned by what he can do. Last week, I told Rand some of the stories about the first weeks, then months and now years following his devastating stroke. He does not remember most of it, but interestingly enough, he does remember some of the lowest points.
As well as he is doing, Rand has been sidelined by an upper respiratory infection for the last few weeks. The violent coughing has caused some bruising and pulled muscles around his ribs but he is well on the road to recovery now. In fact, we went out for dinner last night because he felt so good. He was getting cabin fever from being cooped up in his room all this time. The infection has sapped his strength and taken all of his energy. His physical stamina is weakened and it will take time to build back up to where he was. As usual, his attitude is great; he works hard and is his usual cheerful self.
My trip to Antarctica was stunning, powerful, arduous, fabulous, wonderful, funny – words and pictures cannot do it justice, although I have over 600 photographs if you want to see them! I can’t recommend the trip put together by Abercrombie and Kent highly enough.
We have settled back into our normal routine. Some relatives will visit us during February and we are looking forward to that.
This update contains a recent picture of Captain America – he’s as handsome as ever! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Stop by for a visit when you can – he loves company. Send an email or card to me and I will pass it on to Rand.
Keep Rand close.
Love,
Connie
