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.