All is still, all is bright...

Wishing the Butterworth family a still and bright holiday season and a fine 2008!
from Nancy & Lincoln

Merry Christmas

Tim,

     We wanted to drop you a note and let you know how inspiring it has been to watch your recovery.  You've really worked hard, and we wish you lots of luck and determination as you move forward.

Have a great Christmas, and best of luck, health and happiness in the New Year.

Tim & Andres

The outpatient comes in from the cold

We're enjoying a nice evening in front of Oceans Thirteen with a couple of VO pizzas. Amy made the trek to Boston today to pick Tim up and bring him home for a long weekend. Before returning they did some Christmas shopping at the Galleria Cambridge Side, at Tim's request. It's been a long week with minimum communication between us, but I'm sure we'll get caught up tomorrow and I can make a progress report later this weekend..

I had a lot of opportunities to be out and about in the community this week, and was continuously amazed by how many people asked "how's Tim?" I'll never get tired of answering that question and am humbled by how many people are keeping tabs on Tim and his progress and praying and rooting for his recovery. Following is one great example.

On Tuesday, I had some of our neighbors from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy http://www.marian.org/ join me for a Christmas season lunch at the Inn. It was a business lunch, to thank them for their contribution to the unique character of Stockbridge and, of course, in appreciation of the visitors - "pilgrims" - they draw to town. Carol, Fr. Michael and Fr. Victor showed up, and during the meal presented me with two gifts for Tim - an olive wood "comfort cross" and a copper magnetic bracelet, both blessed by Fr. Victor - and the news that they, and many others in a world wide prayer chain, had been praying for Tim since hearing about the accident this summer. Tonight, Tim opened both gifts, putting on the bracelet and declaring that he liked the feel of the cross, clearly appreciative of the thought. Also in the mail bag from this week were nice cards from the O'Malleys and Aunt Merrilyn, both of whom have been steady communicators, with just the right words.

These types of gestures and stories come to us in many forms and from people with a variety of beliefs and faith backgrounds, and I can't help but feel that we've ended up in the middle of something quite powerful - a community of people around the world pulling in unison for one young man, whom most have never met. I am energized by it, and although it might sound hokey, I guess I'm having one of those experiences where my faith in humanity is fortified. I hope that you all can feel that, too.

hey tim!! i know we just talked but i haven't looked at your site in awhile and i wanted to see what was up..your hotel looks sick. it was so good seeing you at katie's party and talking to you so candidly and openly about everything. you are so positive and strong, etc., and that is so good to see. anyway i can't wait to come home and i hope to see you at some point...remember when you picked me up when you got your permit? why did that not surprise me, hahah. anyway have you seen into the wild? if not DONT GO SEE IT wait till i get home because i want to see it again. alright more studying to do ... but see you soon!

jess

Happy 19th!

As I watch the Pats dismantle another otherwise worthy opponent, I'll get you all caught up on what's been going on with not-as-young-as-yesterday Tim. He's on the way back to Boston with Amy after quietly celebrating his 19th birthday with us here in the Berkshires.

I met Tim on Thursday night as he was sitting down for a late dinner, munching on a Chicken Caesar Wrap. His day had included a short lunchtime visit from Grandma and Grandpa in between his therapy sessions and a late afternoon nap! He seems to be very comfortable in his surroundings on Tudor Wharf. For three days, he had been managing quite well on his own. "Managing" away from the hospital staff and family means making sure he takes his medications on time (a complicated schedule involving 6 or 7 meds to be taken half a dozen times each day), getting himself ready for the Spaulding van, being responsible for his personal hygiene (including taking showers on his own - transferring to a bench for that purpose) and meals. Beyond that, he is scheduling his outpatient therapy sessions into January, tracking his wheelchair shipment and making plans to take driving lessons. A personal FES unit is part of his home-therapy program, and he uses it to stimulate muscle activity in his triceps.

He has a goal in mind - he wants to be able to walk around the house, with a walker, when he comes home for Christmas. That means that his therapists need to give him permission to walk independently - without a "spotter" walking alongside. I don't see any reason why that won't happen as Tim has been setting and meeting goals since July 13th. We're looking forward to it.

I joined him for breakfast on Friday and then picked him up at the end of the day for a ride home. I learned that he sleeps a lot, as his therapy sessions still tire him out. He's enjoying the pace of his life right now, reading and watching shows that he finds on Discovery and the Science channels (not to mention Comedy Central). I think he's also looking forward to the end of finals, so that he can spend some time with his hard working college friends in Boston. We had a pleasant ride down the Pike, just talking. Amy had delicious pulled pork sandwiches waiting upon our arrival. Tim thanked her by standing up with his walker and taking a lap around the first floor - a beautiful thing.

It was a pretty uneventful weekend, lots of simply "hanging around" while Amy, Jancy and I went about our jobs, chores, etc. On Saturday night, we invited the Berkshire's newest residents - Aunt Carolann and cousin Allott - to join us for a birthday dinner celebration at Koi. Few will be surprised to learn that Tim ordered and enjoyed boneless spare ribs and General Tso's chicken!

We're feeling comfortable enough to leave Tim home alone for short periods of time (please note I said "we" - Tim has no problem with it) and we all seem to be settling in to an easy home life. His departure today was delayed a bit by a surprise visit from cousin Sam, who was home for Christmas from UTI in Sacramento. He brought along John and Tim and a good time was had by all.

Out of the loop?

Life has a way of filling up days, doesn't it? We had a nice family getaway to our favorite destination - Boston - this week. Amy and I attended a milestone birthday celebration for long time friend, regular blogger and physical therapist PattyO. It was a lovely evening, that left us a bit, errr, tired on Sunday morning. Tim and Jancy enjoyed a nice evening dining at the hotel and then taking advantage of the superior cable TV lineup offered there.

We headed home ahead of the storm that never fully materialized, BUT it has been steady snow ever since and we are in winter wonderland. Work continues on the interior of the house and life is a bit off kilter - everything is a little out of sync. Those of you who drive by the house will notice Tim's new wheels parked in the drive - they're hard to miss. After some lessons in Boston on the use of hand controls, he'll get a special drivers license and will take a huge step towards further independence. The Dodge van is large - designed to accommodate a wheel chair while Tim drives and to house a mechanical lift for access. Waiting to see it in action.

Business brings me to Boston for a Friday morning meeting, and I hope to spend some time with Tim and hopefully bring him home for the weekend and a possible birthday celebration (19 on 12/9).

As to what's going on out in the Hub, I can't really say - no news from Tim since he headed back on Tuesday!

Survivor: Charlestown

Well, Tim's first shot as an outpatient has ended successfully and next week, he'll put in a full-time schedule. Yesterday he worked on sitting balance and arm/hand strength and agility.

Grandpa came up for a visit and they had lunch together at Half Time.

Amy came in to town and picked him up. On the way, they did some shopping for bathroom fixtures and furniture to suit his abilities. While on that mission, Tim showed Amy how he can ride an escalator, a very harrowing experience for Amy.

Going Mobile

Had a few quick conversations with Tim yesterday. Tuesday's therapy was fine, Spaulding van service worked well. He's beginning to use the power chair a little more - weather and distance are affecting that decision. Dinners at the hotel are nice, and the fireplace provides a pleasant spot to sit and watch TV - last night the CNN / YouTube debate (that was happening down here in St. Pete). Says he wants to be an informed voter in 2008.

Tim hit the road independently, riding the T to visit Ray, a former Spaulding floor mate, who is currently at another hospital in town. Later, he wheeled up to Cambridge (with a travelling companion) to visit Sarah at her rehab facility - two former 9th floor pals, both doing outpatient work.

Grandma and Grandpa for lunch today and Amy picking him up for a short visit home. So, that's that for now.

Limbo Land

Not all business travel is bad. After 11 hours of airport terminals, planes and a shuttle I arrived yesterday in St. Pete Beach, FL for a conference. I'll be in climate controlled rooms all day, but I must admit it was nice to have a cold beer outside last night when I arrived and to start my day with a walk on the beach today.

It's hard enough keeping up with Tim when I'm home, but now I feel doubly removed. On the home front, work continues on the bathroom renovations and we are living among re-located possessions and plastic sheeting to protect against dust. Word has arrived that Tim's vehicle should be arriving soon - driving lessons and a special license to follow.

Yesterday was Tim's first on his own, with one PT session at Spaulding. Next week, his therapy schedule will ramp up. Today he has a day off, and I believe he'll be spending it with a friend. I'll report it as I find out!

Moving Day

Tim is settled in to his one bedroom accessible efficiency, complete with a queen sized bed, a pull out sofa, kitchenette and view of the harbor. Jancy spent Sunday night with Tim and on Monday everyone had breakfast at the hotel's buffet. A day of shopping followed - for Christmas at the Galleria Cambridgeside and later at Ikea for bathroom fixtures. Here's a look at Tim's new digs.

Just as Tim was getting settled in, Jancy got the news she's been waiting for - AFS left a message letting her know that they had settled on a Ghanain host family, so she's good to go to Africa in January. Things are moving fast around here!

Another fine day in a great community

Tim has completed his first four days as an outpatient, and they were a collective success. After doing the family thing for the first two days, he hung out with friends on Saturday. The "Fun Raiser," organized by Henry Baldwin was absolutely wonderful for all of us. We've been laying kind of low for the last four months, and this was a great opportunity for Amy and me to catch up with many of our friends. Tim and Jancy had a great time hanging with Monument grads and current students enjoying the end of the long weekend, as well as the adults in the community that have been such an important part of their lives.

I reserve the right to amend this post, because Henry needs to get me a full list of the folks who helped to put this all together and bolster the "Butters Fund." Here are a few things I know, and please forgive any omissions. Pam, Ron and Nick greeted us when we arrived and said goodbye as we left, and they weren't just hanging out. Of course, Lisa claimed that Henry did all the work, but I'm guessing she did a few things to assist. The images that follow, by the way, are courtesy of Lisa. Lakota Barbecue - Amy and I were just in Kansas City, and Mark's ribs and chicken were better than what we enjoyed in that capital of BBQ - hire him for your next event. Joe and his staff had everything running smoothly at the (East) Stockbridge Sportsmen's Club.

Tim had an absolutely great time, we could see it in his eyes and smile. He has been waiting to be out of the hospital and get back to living the life of a 19 year old. We're grateful to all of our friends and neighbors who came out to welcome him back to the "real world." For those who stuck around 'til late, Tim broke out his walker and gave a demonstration of his current abilities (camera was already packed away). Things are looking up.

After the community gig, Tim went to his first party since July (yesterday's outing never materialized after I posted his plans). Brigitte picked up T & J and took them over to the Yarmos, where he had another great time (and that's all I know).

After sleeping in today, Tim headed off to his new studio apartment near Spaulding. Amy and Jancy took him out to Boston, and they'll help him get settled in - shopping for some groceries and other things, tying up some loose ends. As of Monday afternoon, Tim will be on his own - responsible for making (or otherwise procuring) meals, taking his medications on schedule and getting to his outpatient therapy sessions on time. He'll also be managing his free time and finances, and I think he's really looking forward to it.

So, enjoy these images from last night (sorry I couldn't use all of them), and look forward to reports on the next phase of Tim's recovery.

Thank-full

Day two of the Thanksgiving weekend is drawing to a close, the tryptophan is kicking in and .... Tim is going out for the first time. Brigitte is on her way over to take Tim to local get together of West Stockbridge youth.

We've all enjoyed two great family meals - Thursday night at the Boxers and this evening at the Thornes. Both homes proved welcoming as ramps were installed so that Tim could get inside easily. Once there, it was like old times with cousins swarming, food and wine aplenty and interesting conversation. Many thanks for signature hospitality to Molly, Lou, Sara and Peter.

Thank Goodness for Amy

Please join us in wishing Amy a Happy Birthday today. Although her special day is overshadowed a bit by Thanksgiving (which happens every few years) and homecoming preparations - it appears that she has received the best gift possible withTim's return home.