Tidbits

Neely reminded me to tell you that Christmas Day the little kids all loved jumping up into their Papaw's lap and giving him kisses and hugs...they are oblivious of the wheelchair! They also don't seem to be affected by Papaw's inability to vocally respond to them. He always says out loud his, "Ha ha ha," has a big smile and reaches out for them with loving hugs. It was a special treat having Neely and Carl's 15 month old twins there to give sweet twincess kisses to their Papaw and Mamaw (aka Grandma and Grandpa), as well as all their great-grandkids, Randy-14, Bradley-12, Kelly-9, Austin-3 and Mia-2-1/2! Yes, there are 7 great-grandchildren (so far!!!).

Neely also caught Papaw trying to sneak Ollie's wallet out of his back pocket! It's great to see that Dad still has his sense of humor!!! It's the greatest thing is to hear him laugh out loud!

Blessed Holidays!

I'm back!!! I am happy to report that all the Smith clan gathered Christmas Day at Glenda's fabulous house! Our day was filled with so much love and togetherness! We all pitched in on the food and had a tasty feast which began with a family prayer of thankfulness. Not one gift was opened until we sang Christmas carols, both hymns and fun songs for the little kids, all accompanied by our talented sister-in-law Lisa! The afternoon sun was gorgeous, despite the cold, so some of us spent time outdoors taking walks and exploring Glenda's scenic property!

Mom was pretty as a picture in her Christmas sweater-vest and hip in her boots and slacks! She and Dad were relishing spending the day with all their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids...including them, 28 of us, plus Clint's girlfriend Ahou and Mollie's boyfriend PJ!!! What a joy it must be to look over a crowd like that and know that it was all started with the miracle of love! No doubt it's a God-thing! Dad might call it something else!!! LOL!!!

Many times I caught Mom or Dad smiling lovingly at their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are so blessed to have the music of laughter and happy voices at our family functions!

Dad is pretty-much status-quo. We are all prayerfully faithful that his brain is continuing to heal and that he will make more noticeable progress. The 3 therapist are still coming 3 days a week, so Mom and Dad's schedule stays pretty full. Dad was having pain in his right hip recently so Mom took him to have it x-rayed. There were no signs of fracture and it was diagnosed as being something typical of a man Dad's age.

Mom is still taking on way too much and we are lovingly attempting to get her to let loose of more tasks, but she doesn't let go easily! It's difficult to change habits that started 63 years ago!!!

Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth. ~Martin Luther

Heartfully from ALL the Mildred and Harvey Smith family to you and your loved ones, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

What a gorgeous day!

Ollie, Austin and I went to Mom and Dad's this afternoon for a couple of hours. When we arrived, Dad was outside on the sidewalk in the wheelchair. Austin got out of the car and ran right to his Papaw! Dad laughed out loud (that good ol' Harvey-laugh) and said "I!" It was wonderful to hear!!! The way he laughed and spoke, I just thought he was going to go right on and say something more to Austin! "I" was as far as he could get, but that's progress! I just know that one of these days his brain will be healed and he will be able to talk to us! It's so exciting and makes us all continue to feel so optimistic!!!

Cousin Troy Smith came to visit while we were there. He'd been fishing at Johnson Park in Marble Falls and came by. Mom and Dad loved seeing him! We all sat out on the back porch to appease Austin who wanted to use Mamaw's shovel and bucket and dig! He didn't want to be out there without someone to play with!!! Mom and Dad really enjoyed his cute antics! Troy also kept us entertained! He's a character, to say the least!!!

Dad is going to have his hip x-rayed next week. Now that the therapists have been focusing on Dad getting in and out of his wheelchair and trying to get him to use his walker, he has been having pain in his right hip. It has kept him from making much physical progress. The therapist recommended having it x-rayed...the night of the stroke, Dad apparently fell out of the bed and landed on his right side. It's a good idea to be sure that there isn't an issue there causing the pain. It hadn't bothered him until he has been putting his weight on it when trying to walk. Once we know there is no fracture, the therapist can progressively work on building Dad's strength. We pray there is no fracture so that he doesn't have to endure any surgery or any more pain.

Dad also has pain in his right shoulder, but the therapist believes that is because of the lack of muscle tone to hold the rotator cuff in place. It is not an uncommon thing to happen when a stroke affects an arm like it has Dad's. Dad wears a sling to support the shoulder or a pillow under his arm when he doesn't have on the sling.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I will be out of town Dec 15 - 20. Once I have the results of the x-ray, I'll try to get it posted as soon as possible. Meanwhile, thank you for your continued prayers and outpouring of love! God's blessings to all of you, especially during this blessed season!

Holiday Season!

Ho Ho Ho everyone! 'Tis the season to be jolly and thankful for all our blessings! We are especially thankful that Dad is home and making progress! His spirit is good and he still has that mischievous sparkle in his eyes!

I haven't been to see Mom and Dad this week but hope to go tomorrow. I spoke to Kimberly, Dad's caretaker, Friday and she said that it was a good week. The speech therapist is working with vowel sounds. Kimberly reported that Dad can say A, E, O, but not I and U just yet. Practice, practice, practice! The physical therapist is now working Dad's leg strength. He will gain so much independence when he can get up out of the bed or recliner and into the wheel chair on his own.

I will be out of town Dec 15 through 20, but I will try to make another posting if I get to go to see Mom and Dad tomorrow!

Meanwhile, peace and joy to all of you! Christ is the reason for the season!!! Love, Sandi Claus!!!

Good Week!

This week sure went by quickly! Seems like they all do lately! I went to Mom and Dad's Monday to welcome the new caretaker, Kimberly. She has a very calm, polite personality and a gentle aura. I spent a little time setting up a daily schedule for her in caring for Dad and a list of daily and weekly duties. I think that will help both her and Mom.

Dad was in great spirits! He was able to easily get up and down out of his recliner and to the wheelchair with Brian's help. Thanksgiving Day he wasn't moving around as easily, so he still has days where he is less strong than others. Come to mention it, so do I!!!

Mom and Kimberly have been adjusting to each other all week. It's been a comfortable adjustment. Kimberly called me Friday and said that she believed that she and Dad were bonding and that she loved working with him and Mom. That was nice! Of course, I can't imagine a nicer place to have to work...a beautiful home and property and wonderful people!

Danny visited Mom and Dad on Thursday before he headed to the deer camp. He balanced Dad standing next to him and had Dad walk back and forth across the living room! Danny left a note for the therapists to FOCUS on getting Dad strong enough to get in and out of bed to the wheelchair, up and down out of his recliner and in and out of the restroom on his own, as well as walk with his walker. They have been exercising him faithfully, but not really focusing on making him more independent. That is our ultimate goal.

Mom's been able to go to Church the last few Sundays, and we are so grateful that Brian is there to enable that. Someone has also been kind enough to bring Dad communion about once a week which means so much to him and Mom. We appreciate that so much!

If you would like to do something to help Mom, I have an idea! If you have a tasty casserole that is easy for you to make and freeze, Mom's biggest task is still planning and cooking meals. I plan to make a few things that I can label, freeze and take to her. That way all she or the caretakers have to do is to thaw it and have a meal ready! Now, Mom may not think I should ask this of you, but I don't think she'll complain about the food! The last thing Mom would EVER want to do is to sound needy!!! Just about the only thing Dad doesn't like is broccoli!

The Smith family Christmas tradition will change this year. In years past we have always gone to Mom and Dad's house. This year it will be too much for Mom to handle, so we'll celebrate Christmas Day at Glenda's house. Some of the older grandkids were struggling with the change. We'll have to hold past traditions in our hearts and be open to making new traditions. I read that "Tradition simply means that we need to end what began well and continue what is worth continuing." That supports how I feel about the Smith Christmas...Mom and Dad started our tradition well and we will continue it, even though it will be in a different house, because it is worth continuing! What is important is to be together and share our love with each other. Websters says that tradition is, " the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice." So, it doesn't matter where it happens, just so that it does happen! I look so forward to being with my family on Christmas Day! After all...I am Sandi Claus!!!

Love to all! SC

Finally a new post!

Hi dear friends and family! We hope all of you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for all of your prayers and well wishes for Dad and Mom!

As you know, Dad has been home since November 2nd. He and Mom are SO HAPPY he is there!!! There is truly no place like home! We are making a caretaker change effective Monday. Sarah will be moving to another assignment and a new person, Kimberly, will start tomorrow at 3:00. Brina will continue to be the weekend caretaker. I pray the transition will be a smooth one. Kimberly's personality is described to be more like Brian's, calm, quiet and caring. That works well for Mom and Dad!

I will be at the house tomorrow when Kimberly arrives to meet her and help her get settled in. My plan is to sit down with Mom and Kimberly and set up a daily schedule of chores to help Mom and activities with Dad. Mom is still adjusting to letting go of some of the house duties, after all, she's been doing it her way the 63 years that she and Dad have been married!!! A schedule will help Kimberly be independent of asking Mom what she wants done, she justs needs to allow Mom to show her how she likes it done! We're all pretty set in our ways!!!

Dad continues to work very hard to get his right leg strong and to regain the use of his right arm and hand. Physical, occupational and speech therapists are still coming three times a week. He does make sounds with his voice, so we are optimistic that one of these days he's going to spontaneously start talking!

It's amazing how much we all miss his words and the sound of his voice. At our family get-togethers Dad always said a prayer and then we all said the blessing before our meal. We were so blessed and grateful that Mom and Dad were with us at Jean and Jimmie's house for Thanksgiving, but it was different not having Dad lead us in prayer. He did enjoy being amidst all the activities of the day and watching all of their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids!

Mom, Dad, Danny and I were out on Jean's front porch talking about Kimberly starting on Monday. Dad pointed to me and wanted me to tell Mom something. I quickly figured out that he wanted me to tell her that she is working too hard and that she must allow the caretakers to take on more of the load. Danny and I did gently talk a lot to Mom about that! And, that is precisely why I will be there Monday when Kimberly arrives!

Later in the day on Thanksgiving, some of the boys took Dad for a ride around the ranch in Jimmie's Kabota. Dad thrives on being outside and feeling independent.

I'll write more soon! My love to all! Sandi

Great Day!

My best friends of over 30 years, Kim and Cindy, went with me to go visit Mom and Dad today! Kim and I have been friends since we were juniors in high school (1972) and Cindy and I worked in the same building in 1975 and have been friends ever since! Mom and Dad have always been kind of like second parents to them! They were thrilled to see them and we laughed and reminisced and told old stories! We girls cooked lunch and that was a treat too!

Dad said another spontaneous "no" this week and, with her coaching, mouthed the word "bye" to the speech therapist before she left just before lunch today! More positive progress! The occupational therapist was there when we left and continues working with Dad's right arm and hand. Dad's strength in his left leg is now strong enough to stand up with very little and sometimes no help and he can finagle his way to the wheel chair from the bed or chair with just a little bit of help. That is very encouraging! Soon Dad will be able to get from the bed or chair into the wheel chair only needing someone there just to ensure he doesn't get off balance.

Kim Stephens popped in after we had left. Dad was watching television and didn't hear her come in. When he saw her, he clearly said "Hi" to her!!! WOW!!! What a gift to her!!! His brain is healing and we are convinced that some day he will be able to speak to us!

Thanks so much to all of you who are visiting Mom and Dad! It sure does brighten their days!

With love, Sandi

2 Weeks!

Good morning! Dad has now been home for two weeks! Actually, I thought it had been 3, but I was wrong...he went home on the 2nd. When I was there last, it just felt like he'd been there longer! I got a call from Mom yesterday which was a treat for me! I used to talk to her almost every day, but it's been a little tough getting her to sit still and talk to me! She is very busy with Dad or cooking most of the time these days! She's going to wear out if we don't get her to change the current routine. It's been tough to get her to let go and allow Sarah to do the laundry, etc. I gently talked to her about that!!!

I am going to visit them tomorrow and take some low-sodium recipes for Sarah to cook for them. I want to encourage Mom and Dad to give her another chance with her cooking. It will also help with making a grocery list directly from the recipes. I want to show them that low-sodium doesn't have to mean low flavor!!! My plan is to make them a tasty lunch...grilled pork tenderloin with lots of seasonings (but no salt), spinach casserole with low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms and artichoke hearts in it and some steamed red potatoes. It may not be 100% healthy, but they're not that bad either! All three things are incredibly easy to make and I think they'll see that they also have a lot of flavor! It is important to me to get Mom and Dad to give Sarah another chance to plan the menus and cook for them That will take a LOT of weight off Mom's shoulders!

Mom said Dad and his weekend care taker, Brian, spent a lot of time playing gin. She said Dad beats him a lot, which makes Dad happy!!! It's calmer when Brian is there. I believe a lot of that is because Brian isn't as much of a talker as is Sarah and because it's the weekend. Things just naturally seem calmer on the weekends for Mom and Dad!

Dad had both physical and occupational therapy on Monday. The speech therapist came but Mom sent her home because she told Mom she was nauseated. Mom didn't want to take any chances with getting Dad sick! Way to go Mom!

I'll update after my visit on Wednesday!

Our most gracious and attentive Lord, help us to remember that you move in your time, knowing as only you know the perfect time and the perfect way to answer our prayers. Amen

Things are going well!

I made a quick trip out to see Mom and Dad today! Danny and Ollie came from the deer camp for a little while and visited too! Dad was very happy to see all of us! Dad looked great when I got there...he doesn't look "sick" any more. His color is good and his mood seemed happy and positive.

One thing Dad really likes to do is sit in his wheelchair out on the porches. He loves being home and looking out over their property. Danny and Ollie took Dad out for a ride in the golf cart again. They sat on either side of Dad and he drove them out to the "cow palace" and around the place a bit.

Mom and Sarah seem to have settled into somewhat of a routine, and their days are pretty busy with 3 different therapists there 3 times a week. I tried to call Mom 3 different times during the week and each time she was too busy to talk. I spent a little time today reminding her to let Sarah do as much as possible and encouraged her to set up a schedule of daily chores so Sarah doesn't have to always ask her if there's something she can be doing for her. I plan to go out there again early next week and spend more time with Mom on that. I also want to work with Mom on easy, tasty things that they can fix for lunch and supper. Before Dad's stroke, Mom wasn't cooking very much any more, and now she is having to plan 3 meals a day. It's a pretty big chore for any of us, but especially someone who had kind of given up on cooking and is back in the throws of it full-time! Dad's blood pressure has been a little on the high side, so Mom also has to consider his salt intake, just to make cooking a little tougher!!!

The physical therapist had been at the house earlier this morning (for his 3rd and last visit this week) and is working on Dad's legs...strengthening the left leg in getting up and down, using the walker, etc., and with the right leg rehabilitating those muscles. After lunch, Bill, the occupational therapist came, so I was able to meet him and watch him work with Dad. He explained to me that he does Dad's arm and the physical therapist is in charge of the legs. Bill spent an hour exercising Dad's right arm, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. He used a rectangular board, laid a piece of 8 x 10 paper on the board and then laid Dad's forearm and hand on it. The paper is to assist his hand in moving so it doesn't get stuck on the board. He would then have Dad move his arm and hand laterally, forward, backward, etc. There is now some movement in the arm from the shoulder and Dad can very, very slightly slide his hand forward and sideways on the board. Like I keep saying, it's going to be one hurdle at a time, but at least there is positive progress!

Dad's left leg is so much stronger and he sits and stands with much greater ease. HE can lift his right leg about 6 inches. In transporting, Dad is always in the wheelchair. The physical therapist works with the use of the walker, but until Dad gains more control of his right leg, he can't really get around with the walker just yet.

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win but think you can’t it’s almost certain you won’t. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

My love to all of you! Sandi

Thank you, Leslie and Joaquin!

This from Leslie...Joaquin and I put a deer feeder behind the house so Harvey could see some deer hopefully. Thursday I asked Harv if he was working his leg enough so that he could start walking again soon and he made a face like he was trying really hard and lifted his right foot six inches off the ground!!

What a day!

Mom and Dad had a house-full of family today! Glenda, Clint and Mollie and Austin and I were there from about 10:15 until 3:30. Dad got very amused and laughed out loud because Clint had a few days' growth of beard on his face! Mom had shaved Dad this morning and teased Clint about giving him a shave! About an hour before we left, Dad's cousins Mary and Don Vollette from San Marcos and Barbara and Jim Haley from Lufkin came! Dad loved their company and it was so great seeing all of them! Visitors make his days pass by much more quickly!

Dad was a little quiet this morning but, after a good nap, he perked up a lot! He and Clint watched the UT football game (Hook 'Em!!!) and the rest of the time Dad was out on the porch visiting with all of us and watching Austin! A 3-year old can be pretty entertaining!!! Dad smiled a lot at Austin's antics! Every once in a while Austin would decide to run over and give his Papaw a big hug! Of course, Dad just hated that!!! Right!

Sarah seems to have adjusted well to her position and Brian, who arrived just before Austin and I headed back to town, will just as well I'm sure! Mother is very pleased! Friends of Mom and Dad's, Dorothy and Conway Taylor, gave Dad a big bell to ring when he needs something. For instance, when he woke up from his nap, that bell started ringing! It has really come in handy! Who'd have thought?! I can sure tell you that when Dad rings that bell, Sarah comes running!

Dad is working hard on trying to communicate with us! It's kind of like a game of charrades trying to figure out what he wants to tell us...sometimes we get it and sometimes we don't. We're getting pretty good though! I had forgotten to tell you that Danny and Ollie put Dad in front of his computer Friday and he was able to type his full name! If we can get Dad using the computer it sure will be a huge step in progress and it will give him something to do! He used to love to sit in his office and play Free Cell and Solitaire-type games. He'll get there!!!

Dad does read the newspaper and can read a card or something like that. The speech therapist is very, very pleased and amazed that Dad can read! That is a very good sign! Regarding his speech, she explained to Mom and Sarah that the part of the brain that was affected by the stroke also controls his mouth. When the therapist asks Dad to say a word, he may stick his tongue out instead. She said that Dad may think he's saying the word but his mouth isn't getting the command correctly from his brain. All in due time. It's like a bruise healing...it's just going to take time, patience and prayer!

I hope the rest of your weekend is happy and blessed!

Albert Einstein: Good Life Quotes
There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

It was a good Friday!

Dad finally had a visit from the speech and occupational therapists today! Hooray! The physical therapist evaluated Dad yesterday and will being working with him next week. He is supposed to see each therapist 3 times per week for at least an hour.

This is opening weekend of deer season and Danny and Ollie's hunting lease is near Marble Falls. After meeting at their deer camp this morning, Danny and Ollie paid Mom and Dad a visit this afternoon! They got to meet the speech therapist and watch her (?) work with Dad. Afterward, the guys helped Dad get into the golf cart and Dad drove it all over their property! Yes, I said DAD DROVE!!! Danny sat on one side of Dad and Ollie on the other and had him steer with his left hand and use his left foot for the gas pedal!!! They said that Dad really loved that! Can you imagine his feeling of independence?! That's the best kind of therapy Dad can get!!!

Dad also tried three different times to say something to Ollie and Danny! He actually tried to use his voice, which is a huge step in progress!!! We have faith that he will regain the use of his right side and his speech!

"...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

First few days...

Dad seems totally contented to be home! Mother says Sarah is working out great!

We are disappointed in the home health company, Hill Country Health, who is supposed to be providing Dad his therapy. They were supposed to show up Tuesday to evaluate Dad and start therapy on Wednesday. Well...they showed up finally Thursday and are starting therapy today. Grrr...very frustrating. We're keeping a close eye on them and are prepared to move to another company if they don't shape up quickly!

If any readers of the blog live in the Marble Falls area and have had good care from home health therapists, please contact Sandi or Jean. There are several good private therapists in that area, but Mom and Sarah would have to transport Dad there. We are looking for therapists who can go to Dad at the house and who are covered under Medicare.

Have a safe, blessed weekend!

Oh Happy Day!!!

Dad is now home! He, Mother and Danny arrived about noon Monday and Jean, Jimmie and I were there to greet him! As they drove through the gate, Mom said Dad held his fist up in the air in triumph! After we greeted him and went into the house, he wanted to see what the remodeling looked like in the master bathroom. He seemed very pleased. We are all so very grateful to Leslie Stephens and Jimmie for getting the wall removed and finishing the remodeling in record time! We ate lunch and then Dad was ready to test out the new adjustable bed. Apparently, it worked well for him!!! Dad slept about an hour, then we all went outside and soaked up some lovely Vitamin D! It looked to me like he was "absorbing" being home...just soaking it in!

The care team, Sarah and Brian, arrived at 3:00 with Kathleen and her husband Ronnie, their supervisors. We all sat in the living room and went over the care plan, schedule, house rules, etc. Sarah will be at the house from 2 p.m. on Mondays through 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Brian will be there on the opposite shift. Sarah and Brian are both competent care-givers and will be an immense amount of help to Mom and Dad. I'm sure it'll take a few days for them all to adjust to each other. Sarah and Brian have very pleasant, positive attitudes, so they're going to do just fine!

Sarah is a very smiley 27 years old. She has a sociology degree and has worked for a couple of years in elder care. She has lived in every state except Delaware and Alaska!!! She is single and loves to read, sew and bake!

Brian Costello is from Seattle and has only lived in Texas 3 weeks! He and his brand new wife decided they wanted to get away from the rain and overcast skies of Seattle and find some sunshine! I would guess he is about the same age as Sarah, very nice looking and had a quiet, pleasant personality.

So many people ask me if there is something they can do for Mom and Dad. The best thing you can do for them is to visit! Dad is going to get VERY bored very quickly! Knowing him like all of you do, he just doesn't sit around well! The television and computer are good diversions, but he's going to need lots of positive stimulation! It's probably a good idea to call Mom and sort of pre-schedule your visit, if you can!

"A cheerful friend is like a sunny day spreading brightness all around." John Lubcock ( English Astronomer )

What A Beautiful Day!!!

How was this for a "Chamber of Commerce Day" in Austin?! Danny took advantage of it and took Dad outside for about 45 minutes this afternoon! That's a great way to get some good Vitamin D!!!

Danny and Daddy had a great day together! They played two games of two-handed Texas Hold 'Em poker and Danny admitted that Dad beat him handily!!! I keep ribbing Dad about beating him at gin and had Danny tell him that, if he'll practice, I'll play him again some time! That got a big grin out of him! During the late afternoon, Dad caught Danny sleeping in the chair! Danny said that when he woke up Dad pointed at him and laughed out loud! The speech therapist says that laughing out loud is GREAT therapy to wake up his voice!

A father should be so lucky to have a son like Danny! He has been diligent with supporting what the therapists are doing and pushing Dad to work hard so they can go fishing! Dad takes pressure from Danny better than he does any of us! Today Danny was working with Dad's right leg and Dad lifted it up about 3 inches! That's the first time he has been able to do that! We are convinced that Dad will regain enough strength to walk! Lifting that leg on his own is the first step (no pun in tended!)!

Dad pointed to the clock today and Danny deciphered that he wanted Danny say out loud the days between now and Monday. Then Dad had Danny name the days again and made him stop on Saturday. He was telling Danny he wanted to go home tomorrow. Danny explained to him that we were getting his personal assistant and home health care lined up and Monday was the soonest that could happen. Patience is not Dad's best virtue, but he has sure learned to have more of it since his stroke! Hopefully he will remain patient until Monday!!!

Mom will be back at Reliant some time Saturday late morning and will stay with Dad during the day Saturday and Sunday and then drive him home Monday. Dad will not have any therapy Saturday or Sunday, so both days are good for visiting!

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Down to the wire!!!

Dad's therapists are all pouting because they know he's going home Monday! It's such a blessing that he is being treated by people who really care for him! The bed, wheel chair, walker, etc are due to be delivered to Mom and Dad's house Monday morning, so everything should be ready for him when he gets there! I'll be the first place he heads to is "his chair!!!" Mother will drive Dad home with Danny following. Jean will be at the house for the deliveries and several of the rest of the "kids" will be there when Mom and Dad arrive! Should be quite a homecoming! Dad will probably be exhausted!!! The personal assistant, Sarah Smith (really!), should be there before they get home. It has been determined that she will be on a 5-2 rotation. She'll work 5 days and be off 2 days. There will be another assistance for the other 2 days. I don't know that person's name yet!

Please keep those prayers going for things to continue going well once Dad gets home and settles in with Mom, Sarah and Home Health Care!!!

Happy Thursday!

I spent the day with Dad at Reliant. When I arrived at 9:15 he was already in the gym working with the occupational therapist. He was sitting in the wheel chair and she was sitting in front of him. The exercise was to have him stand up then sit back down about six times, then rest for a few minutes. She did that with him for about 5 rotations. After lunch she took him back to the gym and had him pull himself up out of the wheel chair into a standing position. He can do that if she supports his right leg. Next he spent time with the physical therapist who worked with him using the walker. Again, the therapist fully supports Dad's right leg and helps him to move it forward a step then has him move the left foot up a step. It's a slow process, but very good for building strength in his legs. Dad tires pretty easily because his left leg is supporting all his weight until the right leg becomes functional.

Dad's stay in Reliant has been very positive and progressive. However, he really wants to go home! We are honoring his wish to go home and Mom's wish to have him there! If all goes according to plan, Dad will go home this Monday, Nov 2. We have Home Health Care lined up to continue his therapies next week and the personal assistance aid will be at Mom and Dad's Monday to meet Dad get him settled back home! He will be so happy to get in his chair at home!

More to tell but I'll have to continue tomorrow because I'm going to bed!!! Love to all of you! Sandi

This from Leslie Stephens...

I took Harvey's Stone Mountain plat with me when I went to see him a few days ago. Danny and I showed it to him and he knew who owned the lots and the numbers of them. He didn't the first time I showed it to him two weeks ago. Also I wrote several things on the chalk board and he recognized all of them. I wrote "how many cows do we have" and ask him to write the answer on the board and he wrote 19 with the 9 backwards. He new it was so he erased it and wrote it again the same way but looking at it he knew it was not correct. I acted like I didn't notice it and started talking about other things. Later I told him about a friend that came to the house asking about him and he didn't know who I was talking about until I told him a funny thing that happened one day with this guy while building their new house and all the sudden his eyes lit up and a big thumbs up!

Thank you, Leslie, for all the loving, caring things you do for Mom and Dad and all of us! "A faithful friend is the medicine of life." You and Kim are the best!

Workin' Hard!

Forgot to tell y'all that Danny and Lisa brought Dad Elgin hot guts for lunch on Sunday! That's Dad's favorite food!!! I'll bet he had a great big grin on his face when he saw what they'd brought! Good thinking you guys!!!

Dad is making good progress every day! He is gaining strength in his right leg...about a week ago Danny would sit in front of him and have him push as hard as he could against his hand and Dad could barely push. Now, just a week later, he can almost push Danny over!!! The physical therapist used a blow-up brace on his right leg and had Dad "walking" this week! We are so blessed with the advancements in therapeutic tools!

Dad is also making positive progress with his speech therapist. She challenges him daily in connecting pictures with words, phrases, etc. as well as working with him exercise his mouth and lips to form words. She also encourages us to use humor to make him laugh and say "Ha Ha!" That is a very good tool in "waking up" his voice! The voice and words are not there yet, but they're coming! It's just going to take time, continued therapy and prayers!

Dad enjoys playing a few hands of gin, especially if he wins!!! He never was a very good loser, although age has mellowed him in that department!!! He played gin with Jean Monday and beat her 2 out of 3 games! Jennifer, David and their kids visited Dad Monday night and Kelly played tic-tac-toe with her Great-Grandpa! Good job, Kelly!

In the very near future we will transfer Dad from Reliant to his home! He has been wanting to go home for a long time, but it was vital for him to get as much intense therapy as possible! He is at the point now that being home will be good therapy! Through Home Health Care he will have continued speech, physical and occupational therapies about 3 times a week each. We are also lining up a Personal Care Assistant through a private company so Dad and Mom will both have full-time support. The company we chose operates on a "Balanced Care System," focusing not only on personal care, but also on nutrition, physical activity, social ties, etc. They'll provide care to Dad as well as light housekeeping, menu planning and meal preparation. I think I need one of those too!!! Currently, we are getting all our ducks in a row...getting the house ready, setting up personal care and following Medicare's protocol in setting up Home Health Care in getting Dad discharged for home. I will let everyone know when Dad leaves Reliant. Once he's home and we see how his schedule is set up for therapy, we will let you know the best times for visits!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Monday, Monday!

Good morning one and all! It's a lovely rainey morning in Austin Texas! Mom says Dad had a good weekend. The speech therapist worked with him Saturday and Sunday, but no physical or occupational therapy. Hope they'll work double time today! No news flashes for the weekend, but Dad is well and working hard! His right leg gets stronger every day. The physical therapist said that the leg will get stronger first because it has the largest muscle, then the arm will follow. We pray for that!

Thank you to those who were able to pay Mom and Dad a visit! That breaks up their day! Thank you, too, for the cards, well wishes and prayers! We appreciate you so much!

God's blessings! Sandi

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Drum roll please!!! Today Dad said the word "No!" It may not sound like much, but it's really HUGE!!! Glenda had taken him outside in the wheel chair and they had gone around the building once. As they got near the front door, Dad pointed to the door indicating he was ready to go in! Glenda encouraged him to let her take him around again. As they neared the front door for the second time, she asked Dad if he wanted to go around another time and he actually said, "No!" We are all so excited that he used his voice!!!! Thank you God for that!

The week has flown by! It had actually been a week Wednesday since I had been up to the Center. We had been out of town, etc. I was amazed when I walked into Dad's room Wednesday as to how much better he looked! He didn't look "sick!" When I walked in his room at 9 a.m., he was dressed and sitting by the window in the wheel chair. He looked so perky and healthy! He had been wheeling himself around in the chair with his feet on the floor and was so much more energetic and lively! Before he left for therapy I asked him if he'd like to play gin and he gave me the thumbs up (meaning "yes"). We played three games and I won all three, but only beating him by one or two cards each game! Well, you know how competitive Dad is...after I won the third game he pushed the table away and gave me the signal that he was DONE!!! Tee hee! I was loving it!!! He tried to act like he wasn't amused, but he was!!!

Observing Dad do physical and speech therapy is so interesting. He is making so much progress between each time I get to watch. The therapists (who happen to both be women) are so fond of Dad and it is so obvious in the way they work with him. They instill a lot of humor in their care and he responds well to it! We are so blessed to have such skilled, dedicated individuals who are working with him!

God is great! Love to all, Sandi

Monday, October 19, 2009

Happy Monday one and all! Dad has had consistently good days at Reliant. Nothing earth-shattering, but continued positive progress in finding ways to communicate his wants, needs and desires to us! Mom said the weekend was busy with visitors...thank you to all of you who were able to go see him! Since Dad is now on the third floor, Danny took Dad a pair of binoculars Sunday so he can try to spot deer in a pasture across the road, but Dad "told" Danny that he forgot to use them at dusk yesterday and will try to remember today! Jean is at the Center with Dad today and I will check in with her later for updates! Danny went by and played a few hands of gin with Dad today! Dad really enjoys that! I don't mean to sound redundant, but we are so grateful for your visits, comments on the blog and prayers!

Thursday, Oct 15, 2009

Since Dad was discharged from the first floor and readmitted to the third floor of Reliant on Wednesday, he had to be re-evauated by the therapists (speech, physical, and occupational) and the doctor today. Apparently that is a requirement for Medicare. Each evaluation took about and hour, so it was a pretty busy morning. Now the each therapist will continue their intense focus on getting Harvey well! We are so very grateful to them!

The speech therapist works daily on porgressing Dad's ability to communicate. She uses melodic cues, pictures of everyday objects and needs, singing and other things to stimulate his voice and ability to communicate. The physical therapist works on strengthening Dad's legs so that he will be able to stand on his own and walk. She exercises Dad's right arm and leg so the muscles stay functional and his left side to balance his weight etc. Occupational therapy is for the every-day tasks, dressing and undressing with the use of only his left hand (for now), brushing his teeth, combing his hair, etc. Part of the reason one of us is with Dad during the day is to encourage him to work with the therapists. He gets frustrated with therapy because he thinks a lot of it is elementary or senseless. We know that by the facial expressions he makes and because he often just won't participate! Keep in mind that we are dealing with Harvey...he can be downright ornery!!! Fortunately, the therapists have good senses of humor and lots of patience!!!

Jean said the afternoon was busy with wonderful visitors, so the whole day went by pretty quickly!

Loving your comments!

Thank you so much for your comments and for following the blog! We are reading your comments to Dad and he is enjoying that! It helps us a lot for you to sign your comments with your full name! God's blessings!

Sandi's Day with Dad//Moving Day

This didn't start out being a happy day for Dad. His physical therapist came in this morning to explain to him that there would be no therapy today or tomorrow since he was being moved to the 3rd floor. He was visibly surprised and disappointed to find out that he wasn't going home. I had some explaining to do, and he ended up conceding to remaining there. The first floor is acute care and the third floor is a skilled nursing center. The skilled nursing center is the next step in his recuperation/care. Even though Dad isn't thrilled to be there, he is getting consistent intensive therapy. Continuity of care is invaluable at this point in his recuperation.

So, Dad is now in room 310 at Reliant. On this floor and with his new schedule, the best visiting times will be between 3:00 and 7:00on on weekdays. I don't know yet what the weekend schedule will be like because he will have therapy on weekends too. We'll put that info in the blog as soon as we know. If you intend on visiting on Saturday or Sunday, you may want to call the room (512-244-4610) and ask Mom or whomever answers the phone the best time to visit that day.

Dad is the same man he was before the stroke, he just can't speak to us. When I am with him, I talk to him and treat him exactly like I would if he was at home in his recliner. He absolutely understands everything we say and is getting really good at finding ways to communicate with us. Stroke victims' brains get tired of "processing" and it is not unusual for them to avert their attention to take a break. What they are doing is allowing their brains to rest a little bit. Dad is very attentive when we're talking and then will look at the television for a while or simply close his eyes. So we have learned to tell him things in short spurts.

More about today...Danny and I got Dad moved and settled in his new digs. He has a nice view of a field across the street that has woods at its edge. Danny told Dad he would have to bring up some binoculars so that Dad could try to spot some deer. You should have seen the great big grin on Dad's face!!! He loved that idea!

This evening Robert (my son-in-law) brought my grandson Austin up to visit his Papaw! That brought a great big smile to Dad's face! Austin climbed right up in bed with Dad and said, "Papaw!! I love you Papaw!" Well, that made my Dad's day! Austin had brought a small bucket of toys and proceeded to show Papaw his trucks and trains! He would tell his Papaw off and on "I love you Papaw" and Dad would smile every time! Austin found a blue rubber ball that is for Dad to squeeze and exercise his hands. Without any warning Austin threw the ball pretty hard to Dad and at the same time said, "Here Papaw!" Dad reached up quickly with his left hand and caught the ball!!! Robert and I both had to pick our jaws up off the floor!!! There's nothing wrong with Dad's reflexes!!! Austin discovered his Papaw's wheel chair and said, "Grammaw, I need go for a ride in this!" He had great fun with me wheeling him around the hallway and then it was my turn for him to take me for a ride! That was interesting!!! It was wonderful having Austin there to entertain us!

After the little "energizer bunny" left, Dad and I watched NCIS together (one of his and Mom's favorite shows), he "talked" to Mom on the phone, and then I left about 8:30.

Thank you all for the cards and blog comments you have sent! Dad really enjoys hearing from you! And, again, thank you for all your prayers!

Tuesday with Harvey

Tuesday was fairly uneventful. Harvey did blow out a candle, which had to be done before he can talk. He got electrical stimulation on his face, which seemed to help the right side quite a bit. However, he did not like it a bit! He stood up for several minutes with the assistance of the therapist. When I was leaving, I got a big laugh from him when I insisted he keep working hard so we can go fishing again!

Ollie

Welcome to Harvey's Blog!

Hello dear friends and family of Harvey (aka Dad)! We have created this blog for easy access to updates on our Dad's progress! Please feel free to leave messages here for Dad and we'll see that he gets them!

Let me give you the basic history...Harvey suffered a stroke on Monday, September 14, 2009, some time around 9:20. He had taken his shower, hung up his towel, brushed his teeth and gotten in bed. Minutes later Mildred went in to kiss him good night and she found him unable to respond to her and called 911. Harvey was flown to Austin's Seton Hospital by Life-Flight and arrived there within an hour of the stroke. Sadly, he was unable to receive any of the drugs you hear so much about because he was taking Coumadin, which is a blood thinner, and all the stroke meds are also blood thinners. Administering them to him would have most likely caused him to bleed more in his brain and would have proven fatal if that occurred. There was nothing they could do for him except monitor him. Harvey remained in the hospital about a week and was then moved to the Rehab Center. He is making remarkable progress there!

Currently Harvey is in the Reliant Rehab Center at 1400 Hester's Crossing in Round Rock, Room 111. The room number is subject to change so, when visiting, be sure to ask at the front desk when you check in! Yes, Harvey can have visitors! During the week he is pretty busy with Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy until after lunch. He does have therapy from time to time after lunch, but not on a regular basis. So, during the week, good visiting hours are between 2:00 and 7:00. He usually has his dinner about 5:00, but visitors don't keep him from eating!!! There is no therapy usually on the weekends. We do ask that you keep your visits to a reasonable length of time but come as often as you'd like!

We are so grateful for the therapists that are working with Harvey. His speech therapist goes above and beyond the call of duty in finding creative ways to try to stimulate his vocal chords and "remind" him to try to use his voice. The same goes for his physical therapist! They are both great blessings!

When you go visit Harvey, we are using thumbs up for "yes" and thumbs down for "no" and that works well. It is also easy to read the looks on Harvey's face and he has gotten really good at figuring out ways to communicate with us!

I will apologize for this first blog being long, but I want to get everyone caught up with all the progress Harvey has made! From the onset, he has been unable to speak, unable to use his right arm, hand or leg, and unable to read or write. It has been one month since the stroke and he now has some movement in his right leg foot and toes. His son-in-law, Ollie, was with him today and observed Harvey's toes wiggling while he was napping! He has also made progress in all realms. He can make some sounds and is pretty good at communicating his needs by pointing and making faces!

Yesterday was Danny's day to be with Dad. Danny is Mildred and Harvey's only son. Danny laid out a hand of Solitaire and Dad started playing it correctly!!!! That's HUGE! He was reading the numbers and the suits! After Dad finished one game, Danny shuffled the cards and handed them back to Dad. Lo and behold he laid out the hand by himself that time and then played!!! Later on, Ollie (my wonderful husband) went to the Center and started playing gin with Danny. Dad took over Danny's hand and played! Danny ran and got the speech therapist so she could see what was happening and she found a card holder to help Dad with his cards. Danny is making a sturdier one.

It's been an amazing to see the progress that is being made on a daily basis. Some days are more remarkable than others, but every day Dad seems to be stronger and making more progress than the previous day.

Everyone, of course, is also concerned about Mildred (aka Mom). She has been so strong and stoic. She and some of each of the siblings had been spending night and day with Dad until we worked out a system taking turns being with Dad during the day. Once he could push the nurse's button during the night, we decided no one had to be there at night. Mom goes to their home outside Marble Falls after she has been with Dad a day or so, stays a few days and then goes back to the Center. When she stays in town, she has been spending the nights at the home of their dear friends, Dorothy and Conway Taylor, who live in North Central Austin. She has also found it easy to stay at the Marriott which is directly across the street from the Center. That way she only has to drive across the street when she is tired.

Each one of us will try to update the blog after we have spent the day with Dad/Harvey. I will close today's blog by asking each and every one of you to continue praying for Harvey and Mildred. We fervently believe in the power of prayer! It's working and we are so grateful to God for his many blessings! All my love, Sandi (Mildred and Harvey's 3rd - and youngest - daughter!)