The Circle Grows

Kansas City, MO - Amy and I arrived yesterday in this relatively large city and immediately sought out a BBQ joint for dinner. We were very satisfied with our combo plates at Winslow's and a cold Boulevard Beer served up by a friendly bartender.
www.kc-bbq.com/openingpage.htm
However, what stood out about this city was that the downtown district was clean, well lit and ....... empty. I guess cities of all sizes have an issue in attracting folks to come downtown.

I got down to business today at the NTA convention and began to get caught up with industry colleagues that I see only occasionally. I shared Tim's story with select folks who I knew pretty well, including old friend Christine who has known Tim since our days at Quechee, VT and Seven Hills. Bottom line is that there are now fresh sets of prayers and positive thoughts headed Tim's way.

Amy explored the city a bit, and I'll get the update over a dry aged Kansas City Strip and some live Jazz at The Majestic - located fittingly enough in the Historic Fitzpatrick Saloon Building. www.kansascitymenus.com/majesticsteakhouse

We did speak with Tim both yesterday and today and he continues to plan for his discharge and go through his usual routines - standing frame, Locomat and walking with the walker. Today, he had a nice phone conversation with cousin Nigel and headed out to the new Liberty Hotel with uncle John and JP, where they spent some time in the lobby over tea and mineral water. John thinks that would be a good place to stay when Tim comes in to Spaulding for outpatient therapy.

One last note from the Governor's office - according to Betsy - "Tim also met the Lt. Governor, who reported back, “he’s a nice kid." He must have recognized Tim's deep Worcester roots (Tim Murray is from that fair city).

Too Long - My Bad

Hey Tim! It has been way "Too Long" since I last posted - I don't log on with out going to your Blog and finding out about All Your Great Accomplishments!!!

Well - so you don't have to bring it up, 'Yeh I prommissed you a picture / mini vidio of Jake and us out with him in Colorado - well first the batteries died just when I went to take the vidio and of course I waited till the last minute so => no batteries - 20 minutes from town and - no time left before we were to leave. In new math that ends up equaling = NO MINI VIDEO. I guess even though you can teach old dogs new tricks - maybe - not a lot of them.

Witness the picture I was able to upload. Most people are going to look at it and say It's sideways -- I look at and say Wow !! I got a picture in my post! It is all. In the perspective on chooses to take.

You have an amazing Perspective!!!!

Jake will be back for T-Day. I'm going to attempt the technologically illusive video again then.

We'll try not to let it be so long between posts. The Foose's

Big Time!

First, the medical & miscellaneous news:

Tim spent a good amount of time in the walker today, and in wheelchair group - held at nearby North Station - he learned a groovy new move that allows him to ride escalators. Looking forward to seeing that, even though it will be of no value out here in the Berkshires! He wrapped up the day with a nice visit from Uncle John and Noir, who will stop by to see Tim while Amy accompanies me to Kansas City for a few days. I'm attending a week long convention, but Amy will return on Sunday. And for those keeping track, Tim as moved to yet another room.

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On the local front, HUGE thanks to the Bradbury family of WS, who went above and beyond their regular lawn cutting by blowing and piling our leaves for us. Another huge load off our minds. Thank you.

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Now, the big news:

Amy got the call around 8:20 - my colleague Ken from the state tourism office with news that the Governor was going to make a public proclamation honoring the Red Sox and that Betsy had arranged for Tim to be invited. Since Amy was already home, a couple of quick calls were made and Brigitte zipped down to escort him. They got on the T and met Ken at Park Street. He escorted them up to the State House and right in to the Governor's office, where they patiently waited. While they were there, Doug Mirabelli and Jason Varitek came in and when they heard someone say "Hi Tim," they both said "Hi Tim!" They were then escorted out onto the Governor's balcony to watch the goings on:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/10/statehouse_cere.htmlAfter the festivities, they mingled with the crowd, and met up with Beth from the Sox, who had helped us get to a game earlier this year. She recognized Tim and after chatting a bit, arranged

for some special photos with Tim.

Finally, Tim and Brigitte had a chance to meet their host, who is also a neighbor of ours out in West Stockbridge, living just over the line in Richmond. Brigitte relates that when Governor Patrick met Tim, he said "I know just who you are - every time I go into the Video Store I see those bracelets. Tim - I think everyone in Western Mass is pulling for you." We know that support comes from way beyond Western Mass, but that is the epicenter. According to Betsy, "Tim was very poised with the Governor. Bridgette was also lovely (as she) chatted with the Governor" Not a bad follow up to yesterday's disappointment in missing the parade. Thank you Betsy, Ken and Governor Patrick.

thinking of you

Hey Tim,
I fell into the black hole of Fall soccer but am starting to see the light at the end. It's nice to know it will slow down soon. I think of you every day as I drive kids all over the Berkshires and keep sending lots of love your way. You news is so wonderful. Your blog brings me to tears every time I read it. You are amazing. And to think you will be back in the Berkshires in under a month!!
Stefan had his meniscus sewn back together and still has a few more weeks on crutches but he's moving fast on them now. He's hoping to be off them by his 18th birthday on November 2nd but I'm guessing that will be too soon. Sending lots of love, Regina

Two fer Tuesday

Monday provided a bonus day with Jancy for Tim. She had the pleasure of seeing Tim walk with the aid of his walker - something Amy & I have not been privileged to see! Amy spent a lot of time with caregivers as we begin to help Tim make his plans to come home. One of the things they did was travel to Belmont to look at "Stair Glides." We're happy to report that his condition has improved enough that he won't need an elevator. They were able to take a normal cab, which was nice, transferring from the chair, and then folding it and stowing it in the trunk. That's a lot easier than the Cabulance rides we've taken in the past. Meanwhile, Tim will be organizing the other things he needs to do in order to be home by Thanksgiving, which is very exciting. We'll be doing everything we can to make that happen - but much remains to be done.




We (and you) have all been encouraged by the progress Tim is making, giving us hope that he will eventually heal fully from this injury. It has been great to report to you through this blog and in person. I think that we're all focused on "walking," as that was the goal. One thing I don't talk about though, is Tim's arms and hands. A reality check for us, is that the strength and coordination in those limbs is not coming along as quickly as his legs. However, just like his legs, one day the rehab work could just kick in and everything will improve - seemingly overnight.


Today, Amy was with Tim while he was in the standing frame, in which he is able to shuffle his feet back and forth. She also remembered to get a shot of the leg frame for your viewing pleasure.Tim had a chance to go out with Amy to watch the Sox World Championship parade, but was feeling a little under the weather so he did not. Amy headed back to the apartment to finish laundry, and happened upon that very same parade. She got a bunch of photos to share with Tim. Very exciting. Later in the day, he was feeling well enough to take another ride on the Esplanade on the tandem bike, so not a bad day.

An hour on the phone to Bombay and we're back in business

For you older readers out there, it's pretty amazing to think that it's more profitable to have me spend an hour with an out-sourced tech support person based half way around the world then it is to handle it locally. It wasn't so long ago that "long distance" was an expense to be watched carefully. I'm not sure why I actually put that thought in writing, but OK, I'm getting old. Anyway, she was efficient and effective and now father and daughter are co-existing in the household, each able to access the net as they wish.



I'm kicking back in the kitchen, listening to Deb Jo's collection "Tunes for Cruisin' the Charles," the CD she put together for Tim, He finally let me take it home for a listen. Currently, Van Halen is playing, and I believe that fans will be enjoying their fine brand of rock n roll tomorrow evening at the Garden.



So, I've got some catching up to do with y'all, because I know you've been wondering "what's up with the Butterworths?" First, let me thank Carolann and one of the Yarmos (I know it's not Elyse) for breaking up the monotony of me, me, me. Pattyo says she can't post - the blog won't let her. Anyone else having that problem? Let me know, I can't figure out why she can't get on.



Back to Saturday, Tim had a very nice evening at the Symphony. He went with another Monument friend, Erin, who is a student at Simmons. Put on a suit, took the T to Prudential and they ended up at Pizzeria Uno for dinner. They both enjoyed the concert, and I'd like to thank my friends at BSO for setting this up - especially Jason, who took the time to write Tim a letter with a little description of what he might expect from each performance. A couple of tasty licks from Shostakovich and Bruckner featuring old favorite Truls Mørk on cello. Jason described it a little differently, and we've kept the note for the scrap book. At any rate, another memorable night on the town, and on his own (a bit).



As mentioned, Amy & I took advantage and had a great meal at the Galeria restaurant on Salem Street in the North End - happy 21st to us! It was a wonderful warm evening, and the French doors were swung open. Amy kept chuckling at the costumed revelers on their way to Halloween parties. We walked back up to the Hill and enjoyed most of game three.

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Sunday brought me face to face with Tim for the first time in a week. On my way down to Spaulding I realized what a country boy I had become. I was strolling down in a short sleeved shirt - a beautiful day. Eventually, I began to notice sweaters, wool caps, and even parkas. Good lord, it wasn't that cold, was it? When I got down to Spaulding, Tim was still asleep. He was really tired, so we didn't wake him up until 11AM, and spent the next couple of hours talking with him in bed, getting caught up on news from home and around Spaulding. While we were talking, Amy straightened out his belongings, packing up some of the two Halloween care packages he had received and setting aside certain costume components and decorations that Tim will use this week. She also cut off a nice slice of banana chocolate cake from Sandra at Perks in the Berks. Mmmm. The clean up also revealed cards from the O'Malley's, Aunt Phoebe and Jaquay & Earl - who also included a Red Sox Cookie. Propped up in the corner was the high-tech leg brace, which I meant to take a picture of, but forgot. Next week, or Amy will get one tomorrow.


Then we got into the fun stuff. After he got dressed and into his chair, he took me into the bathroom, and as he did with his mom, he stood up an looked me in the eye. We shook hands and hugged. Then he had to sit down. Quickly. Wow. He's still not ready to be photographed, so you'll have to wait a bit for that.


Today's outing was another visit to Sara up in Cambridge. This time, we took the Jeep. It was a beautiful thing - Tim was able to smoothly transfer himself from the chair UP into the passenger seat and the same thing coming down. For all who may have observed the first time we transferred him, you know how incredible this is. He had a nice visit while Amy and I explored around Inman Square a bit. We got back to Spaulding and enjoyed watching Tim push himself up the long ramp using his arms on the wheels and his foot on the ground.

Jancy arrived with Conor via Peter Pan around 3:00, bearing brownies from Mary. Amy and I left them alone and prepared for my departure. I got home in time to watch seven innings of the last game of the year. Thought they had it all sewed up when Timlin struck out two to close up the inning. Tim called me at midnight - obviously very excited - and let me know that my instinct was right, but it turned out a little differently than I had anticipated. So there we are. I picked up Jance tonight in Lee. Amy is home tomorrow, with some new pictures. We'll do a two day summary for you then.

Crossing the Pond

Hi Tim!
Sorry to have gone quiet on you, but moving house is no fun...I've got the packing blues but then I am comforted by the gentle reminder that we will soon be in The Berkshires and closer to you and everyone else!! How exciting!!! The Ultimate Goal is to be home for Christmas and possibly in time for your birthday??? We're doing our best to make that happen. Signing off for a week or so as the computer gets packed away and travels to France, only to be unpacked and launched in dial-up mode. DIAL UP!!??? Egads, but you will hear from me just as soon as we can make contact. Keep up all the good work. Everyone in Mickleham asks after you and is so pleased to hear of your remarkable progress each week. A bientot! and love Aunt Carolann

Wireless-less

Got home with plans to do tonight's entry in front of the Sox game, but discovered that our wireless isn't working with the laptop. Will try to fix that tomorrow evening so I can get caught up on all the news from Boston, and there's a bunch.

Meanwhile, back to the game.

SOX!

hey timmy!

it's great to hear about your progress, i want to come and visit soon! i'll be rooting for the sox tonight, as i'm sure you will be!

i miss you, man!
as do all of my sisters. i get updates from elyse every once in a while through facebook. she's having such a great time in bolivia. in fact, she's traveling down the amazon this week, so we're all a little jealous.

good luck with everything and i hope to see you soon!