Friday was a day of introductions and orientation. Nothing formal, but we met Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the Medical Director of the Spinal Injury section. He had a nice long talk with Tim and we are impressed with his manner. During the course of the day, we also met and talked with his Physical Therapist (PT) and Occupational Therapist (OT), a resident and several nurses. These folks are entirely devoted to injuries such as the one Tim has suffered and all have a great, "can do" attitude. Very upbeat.
A couple of hours after we checked in, Tim's room mate arrived. His name is Brian, he's 46 and also very nice. He has been paralyzed for 21 years, and is in to rehabilitate his arm, which has been weakened due to an infection. He is also a very positive person, and pleasant to talk to. I think he'll be a good room mate for Tim.
Another man named Jerry stopped by to say hello. He is a volunteer, also a paraplegic and share some inspirational stories with Tim about leading an active life including driving and playing golf.
Grandma and Grandpa stayed with us til around 5:00 and then went home through the parking lot known as the Southeast Expressway.
Saturday was a big day for Tim. After devouring a big breakfast, Tim had lengthy PT and OT sessions which left him pretty worn out. He got some tools to help him eat on his own and do some other "ADL's" (Acts of Daily Living). Most importantly, Tim is NOW MOBILE! He has a new motorized wheel chair, which he can drive around with a joystick control. As you might guess, he had no problem mastering that control and after a few spins around the 9th floor, we headed down to the outdoor park area, along with Uncle John and JP who were visiting with Noir. Tim handled the various ramps and curb cuts and we had a delightful hour or so in the sunshine (his first since the day of the accident) and enjoying the view of the Charles River and the very cool and distinctive Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge - http://www.massturnpike.com/bigdig/background/crb.html .
Tim was pretty tired out after all that. We went up to his room an hung out for a while until Tim fell asleep.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Old dog NEW Tricks
He Tim I'm trying to disprove the idea that you can't teach an old dog a new trick -- never done this before - Hope it works - It may be the easiest way I have to give you a hard time.
Well 3 days since I started tying to get a message out to you and I think I got it.
Let the herassing begin. If this doesn't work this time I'm going to go get a couple of tin cans and a real big ball of string.
Lets see if this gets through - then!!!!!
Steve Foose
I'm in trouble - no spell checker!!!
Well 3 days since I started tying to get a message out to you and I think I got it.
Let the herassing begin. If this doesn't work this time I'm going to go get a couple of tin cans and a real big ball of string.
Lets see if this gets through - then!!!!!
Steve Foose
I'm in trouble - no spell checker!!!
Hi Tim (and Family)!!
Hope you've arrived in Boston and are somewhat settled in. I had hoped to see you before you left BMC but obviously that didn't happen. I'm glad to hear that you are keeping a positive attitude....that will help you just as much if not more than any medical care you can receive.
So what do you think of Spaulding? I've heard incredible things about their program..you're very fortunate to be able to go there. I took care of a 23 yr. old man at BMC while I was in nursing school who had been mentally and physically disabled due to a motor vehicle accident. Although he would have tremendously benefitted from going to Spaulding, his insurance company refused to pay for it. Hard to believe isn't it?
I wish you all the best while you're there and when you get back home. If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask. For now, please know that you are in our DAILY thoughts as you face a lot of hard work and process emotions that can be extremely difficult to handle. Hang in there, though. Keep in touch.
-Joanne
Hope you've arrived in Boston and are somewhat settled in. I had hoped to see you before you left BMC but obviously that didn't happen. I'm glad to hear that you are keeping a positive attitude....that will help you just as much if not more than any medical care you can receive.
So what do you think of Spaulding? I've heard incredible things about their program..you're very fortunate to be able to go there. I took care of a 23 yr. old man at BMC while I was in nursing school who had been mentally and physically disabled due to a motor vehicle accident. Although he would have tremendously benefitted from going to Spaulding, his insurance company refused to pay for it. Hard to believe isn't it?
I wish you all the best while you're there and when you get back home. If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask. For now, please know that you are in our DAILY thoughts as you face a lot of hard work and process emotions that can be extremely difficult to handle. Hang in there, though. Keep in touch.
-Joanne
Aloha
Hey Tim,
I miss you already! It was amazing to visit you and see your smile, especially after you cracked a wry joke or two. I guess I'll just have to get myself to Boston to visit!
I have been so impressed by you, your stamina, your wit, your understanding, insight and compassion. I have complete faith that you will get through this in flying colors. You are blessed with an amazing brain and it will serve you well as you face the challenges ahead. Your heart and ability to touch people will also help you and the rest of us as we look to you to show us the way. You have enormous strength of character Tim, and along with your determination and spirit you will be able to face whatever comes your way. Keep up the good work. Know that we are all thinking about you and looking forward to seeing your progress.
much love, Molly
I miss you already! It was amazing to visit you and see your smile, especially after you cracked a wry joke or two. I guess I'll just have to get myself to Boston to visit!
I have been so impressed by you, your stamina, your wit, your understanding, insight and compassion. I have complete faith that you will get through this in flying colors. You are blessed with an amazing brain and it will serve you well as you face the challenges ahead. Your heart and ability to touch people will also help you and the rest of us as we look to you to show us the way. You have enormous strength of character Tim, and along with your determination and spirit you will be able to face whatever comes your way. Keep up the good work. Know that we are all thinking about you and looking forward to seeing your progress.
much love, Molly
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Eagle has landed
Posted by Tim's dad, for now.
We all arrived today (Friday) at around noon after a very smooth ride down the Mass Pike. Thanks to County Ambulance. Grandma and Grandpa came up from the Cape and were waiting to greet us. We got the last parking spot in the lot and checked right in. The facility is obviously state of the art http://www.spauldingrehab.org/ and everyone is nice. Tim has a window side bed with a view of Boston Harbor, including the masts of the USS Constitution. He has his BioLife pendant around his neck warding off bad energy and attracting the good. Joel's mobile has been hung overhead and Katie's & Jordan's poster with all those signatures has been hung (your's too, Shurika). Tim is wearing his Monument football jersey with his teammates signatures (thanks Coach Huggins) and his Audi Cap and UTI logo are hanging on the wall. He's settled in. The only thing missing is a ton of loving aunts and uncles and Conor and Blake (they visited every day at BMC). The Dr. should be by shortly for a physical and we'll start to learn where this is all headed.
We all arrived today (Friday) at around noon after a very smooth ride down the Mass Pike. Thanks to County Ambulance. Grandma and Grandpa came up from the Cape and were waiting to greet us. We got the last parking spot in the lot and checked right in. The facility is obviously state of the art http://www.spauldingrehab.org/ and everyone is nice. Tim has a window side bed with a view of Boston Harbor, including the masts of the USS Constitution. He has his BioLife pendant around his neck warding off bad energy and attracting the good. Joel's mobile has been hung overhead and Katie's & Jordan's poster with all those signatures has been hung (your's too, Shurika). Tim is wearing his Monument football jersey with his teammates signatures (thanks Coach Huggins) and his Audi Cap and UTI logo are hanging on the wall. He's settled in. The only thing missing is a ton of loving aunts and uncles and Conor and Blake (they visited every day at BMC). The Dr. should be by shortly for a physical and we'll start to learn where this is all headed.
It's really hard for me to express how appreciative and moved my family has felt through this whole process. Our Berkshires community has held us up and supported us, sharing news with their friends around the world. We know that prayers have been offered in Oklahoma, New Jersey, Florida, California, France, and my favorite - by a nun at the Vatican. I'm sure there are more out there, and we are strengthened by all of them. Our Boston community is about to kick in, offering help with free parking, hotel rooms, meals and visits. We are in a very fortunate position to deal with a very unfortunate situation
Tim is beginning to woo the staff with his insightful and clear comments. Good things are ahead. More later.
Tim's mailing address
Tim Butterworth
Room 920W
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
125 Nashua Street
Boston (the Hub of the Universe), MA 02114-1198
Easy access via the Green Line,Orange line or Commuter Rail atNorth Station.
Tim is beginning to woo the staff with his insightful and clear comments. Good things are ahead. More later.
Tim's mailing address
Tim Butterworth
Room 920W
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
125 Nashua Street
Boston (the Hub of the Universe), MA 02114-1198
Easy access via the Green Line,Orange line or Commuter Rail atNorth Station.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
From (West) Stockbridge to Boston
Given the steady stream of people that came to see Tim when I was at the hospital on Wednesday (7/18), it’s hard to imagine that there is anyone who has not been through those doors. Despite everything, Tim’s eyes are bright and his complexion healthy; he is clean-shaven, at least as far at the mutton chops go, with a full head of Summertime hair. It’s hard to believe that he has had all that surgery. He ordered up a big hospital dinner – mashed potatoes and all –his humor is there, his smile is broad, and he has not forgotten how to launch a wise-crack to friends or retort to his sister. He is incredibly polite, responsive, and thankful to the caregivers that attend him – not even a hint of a cranky attitude. Equally incredible, Amy, Brian, Jancy look strong and bright and are full of the right kind of energy to take this forward. Who needs sleep anyway?
Brian managed to track down the two woman responsible for pulling Tim out of the water, and one of these came to see Tim and to tell her story. The women already knew Tim as the lifeguard, and were used to seeing him come on his moped each day with all his gear. She reflected on the First Aid class she took years ago at BCC, and the instructor, who seemed a drill sergeant at the time, making her learn to act immediately in response to the situation rather than stopping to question.
All this and more – and then it was dinner time – Katie, Art, Sarah, Nigel and Tessa arrived with a fantastic amount of delicious food – with special packages of favorites for Tim – so much for ordering up that big plate of hospital food.
So as Tim head’s up to Spaulding in Boston (where I live), please let me know if there is anything I can do to accommodate overnights, parking, directions, whatever, I will do my best …Onwards! JSB
Brian managed to track down the two woman responsible for pulling Tim out of the water, and one of these came to see Tim and to tell her story. The women already knew Tim as the lifeguard, and were used to seeing him come on his moped each day with all his gear. She reflected on the First Aid class she took years ago at BCC, and the instructor, who seemed a drill sergeant at the time, making her learn to act immediately in response to the situation rather than stopping to question.
All this and more – and then it was dinner time – Katie, Art, Sarah, Nigel and Tessa arrived with a fantastic amount of delicious food – with special packages of favorites for Tim – so much for ordering up that big plate of hospital food.
So as Tim head’s up to Spaulding in Boston (where I live), please let me know if there is anything I can do to accommodate overnights, parking, directions, whatever, I will do my best …Onwards! JSB
I figured it out!
Hey guys,
I figured out how to post stuff, i think. I will be sending this to everyone in the next couple days, once i figure out how exactly to do that. But no worries, it'll work. I hope Timmy's feeling good, and I know he's definitely excited about beginning the rehab process, which he will kick ass at. I'm coming in today timmy with jack and possibly jess, and i hope that pendant is treating you well. Alrite buddy, keep going like only Timothy Butterworth knows how. Haha, I'll be in later dude.
Conor
I figured out how to post stuff, i think. I will be sending this to everyone in the next couple days, once i figure out how exactly to do that. But no worries, it'll work. I hope Timmy's feeling good, and I know he's definitely excited about beginning the rehab process, which he will kick ass at. I'm coming in today timmy with jack and possibly jess, and i hope that pendant is treating you well. Alrite buddy, keep going like only Timothy Butterworth knows how. Haha, I'll be in later dude.
Conor
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tim's next step
Actually from Brian, Tim's dad. It looks like Tim will be released Friday morning, July 20 and will be heading directly to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. This is a top facility for the type of spinal cord injury that Tim has suffered. We are very encouraged.
Tim, Amy, Brian and Jancy are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, prayer, visits, food and offers of help that have been extended to us from the wonderful Berkshires community and way beyond. It has sustained us.
We've never been bloggers, but let's see what happens. Thank you to Steve Albert for setting up this site for us. We'll try to keep anyone interested in the loop, and hope that this will be another tool to keep Tim in contact with all those who love and support him, now from many miles away. If you are not a gmail user, I will need to send you an invitation. Please send me an email at bbutter101@msn.com and I'll sign you right up!
Blog away!
Tim, Amy, Brian and Jancy are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, prayer, visits, food and offers of help that have been extended to us from the wonderful Berkshires community and way beyond. It has sustained us.
We've never been bloggers, but let's see what happens. Thank you to Steve Albert for setting up this site for us. We'll try to keep anyone interested in the loop, and hope that this will be another tool to keep Tim in contact with all those who love and support him, now from many miles away. If you are not a gmail user, I will need to send you an invitation. Please send me an email at bbutter101@msn.com and I'll sign you right up!
Blog away!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Welcome Message
Welcome to Tim's blog - the place to read updates on me and the place to post updates about you.