For those who haven't known us for so long, Boston is the town where Amy and I met and fell in love (it was the trips back home with Amy that caused me to fall in love with The Bershires) back in the 80's. We always love visiting this city, which remains comfortable to us. Last week, though, we weren't really able to enjoy the trip. Today is a different story. We arrived late afternoon and were pleased to find cousin Lily and her boyfriend Byron visiting with Tim. Lily had just returned from a trip across the US of A and was eager to catch up with Tim. A great visit. We are again fortunate to have a family member nearby to fill in the gaps when we can't be out here. Lily is a student at Mass College of Art in town, and she'll be here from now on. John and JP stopped by as well to put a nice finish on another good day at Spaulding. We got a chance to meet Tim's roommate Brandon, from Needham. He's 27 and was in a car accident on July 19 - he's about a week behind Tim. He was with his sister Karen and her husband Paul. All very nice, and gave us a chance to return some of the assistance we have received by offering guidance, etc.
The first thing we did was confirm the news we heard about movement, and it was something special to see Tim move that thigh - just a little now, but enough that the therapists can "work it" and develop it. Tims legs were wrapped (to keep his blood pressure up), so we couldn't see that toe wiggle - Tim confirms that it's the big toe on his left foot. He is pumped and is now envisioning other parts of his body moving at his direction.
PT today was back on the board that stands Tim up straight and allows the PT's to put weight on his legs and feet, to get them back in use. While in that position, Tim repeatedly fired his thigh muscles. OT was an activity to build dexterity - moving and stacking cones on a table surface. He also held and did some exercises with 2 pound weights to build strength in all parts of his arms.
A highlight of the day was a shower for Tim - he is wheeled into a shower in a special chair and really enjoyed it. Hair washed, he looks great - I'll shave him tomorrow. His scar from surgery is almost healed and practically invisible.
We wound down the day with a glass of wine at the Beacon Hill Bistro on Charles Street, just two blocks from the beautiful and comfortable apartment that has been made available to us by a wonderful friend (thank you :-) ) while Jancy enjoyed some sort of tofu concoction purchased at Whole Foods Market. Sunday is rest day at Spaulding, so we're looking forward to nothing much at all with Tim.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
WOW!!
Tim - Just checked in - What great news - And so much of it!!
I just love hearing about you terrorizing people in your wheel chair. Well it hasn't been put quite that way but then - I'm reading between the lines. If it doesn't have an Audi emblem on the front it should.
Keep up the good work - the great attitude and keep surprising us. ( Of course - anyone that knows you - knows that when you put your mind to something - you get it done - so "surprise" may be the wrong word.)
We will keep checking in.
Steve Foose
I just love hearing about you terrorizing people in your wheel chair. Well it hasn't been put quite that way but then - I'm reading between the lines. If it doesn't have an Audi emblem on the front it should.
Keep up the good work - the great attitude and keep surprising us. ( Of course - anyone that knows you - knows that when you put your mind to something - you get it done - so "surprise" may be the wrong word.)
We will keep checking in.
Steve Foose
OMG
Tim, Wow, that is the best news we have heard. It is a positive step and you are an inspiration to us all. Yarmo girls are all away, but periodically will be checking this blog and writing....thanks for allowing us to share the good news.....Mary and Steve
Toe the line, young man
Just a quick note - Tim called Amy this morning on Dr. O'Connor's cell to let us know that he can move a toe!
We're heading out there soon and can't wait to see all of this stuff for ourselves.
We're heading out there soon and can't wait to see all of this stuff for ourselves.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Good Friday
Today Amy had a long talk on the phone with Dr. O'Connor, and learned more details about Tim's movement in his left leg. On Thursday afternoon, and again on Friday morning, Tim was again able to move his left thigh about two inches to the right. The doctor said that this was fantastic and "changes everything" about Tim's discharge date (which had been tentatively set for September 14 - but not set in stone), implying that there would be a change in his program. Obviously we were very excited to get that clarification, but again we are cautiously optimistic and aware that this latest development is no guarantee of full recovery. Still very much one day at a time, but this was indeed a BIG day for us and for Tim.
Tim called in again this evening, courtesy of John's cell phone from the outside patio, where he enjoyed a nice supplement to his hospital diet, which John had brought down from the local Whole Food Market. Couple of bits of info - Tim has a new room mate - a boy closer in age to him, who arrived today. His name is Brendan, and that's about all we know. Tim did lose his window view and is now in room 925 C. Since he is now more mobile, that is no longer as important. In fact, he was in his chair when John arrived and was able to get himself down the elevator and out to the front porch.
In PT he learned that his movement involved three different muscles in his left leg, and worked on that a bit. OT was more strength training for his arms. His shoulder feels much better. He worked a bit more on his computer skills, but still needs some work before he feels real comfortable with it.
Brian's cousin Paul works in Boston and came by to visit on Thursday night and brought a box of Cannoli's from the North End. That delicious treat was balanced by a wonderful fruit basket that arrived courtesy of some good friends from Richmond. Thanks everyone!
Italian pastry and fresh fruit are wonderful, but Tim's big treat today was a large dose of Berkshire hospitality in the form of Bridget Redel (fresh back from Germany), Dr. Conor O'Malley, Blake Davis and Katie Grenoble, who all came down the pike for a nice long visit with Tim. When we talked with him tonight, you could hear the energy in his voice from that experience.
Well, we head back tomorrow and can't wait to get caught up in person.
Tim called in again this evening, courtesy of John's cell phone from the outside patio, where he enjoyed a nice supplement to his hospital diet, which John had brought down from the local Whole Food Market. Couple of bits of info - Tim has a new room mate - a boy closer in age to him, who arrived today. His name is Brendan, and that's about all we know. Tim did lose his window view and is now in room 925 C. Since he is now more mobile, that is no longer as important. In fact, he was in his chair when John arrived and was able to get himself down the elevator and out to the front porch.
In PT he learned that his movement involved three different muscles in his left leg, and worked on that a bit. OT was more strength training for his arms. His shoulder feels much better. He worked a bit more on his computer skills, but still needs some work before he feels real comfortable with it.
Brian's cousin Paul works in Boston and came by to visit on Thursday night and brought a box of Cannoli's from the North End. That delicious treat was balanced by a wonderful fruit basket that arrived courtesy of some good friends from Richmond. Thanks everyone!
Italian pastry and fresh fruit are wonderful, but Tim's big treat today was a large dose of Berkshire hospitality in the form of Bridget Redel (fresh back from Germany), Dr. Conor O'Malley, Blake Davis and Katie Grenoble, who all came down the pike for a nice long visit with Tim. When we talked with him tonight, you could hear the energy in his voice from that experience.
Well, we head back tomorrow and can't wait to get caught up in person.
hi Tim
We're so thrilled at your new big news. I too cried tears of joy for you and for everyone rooting for you both with you and far away. You've got what it takes Tim and we'll be sending you the strength and the love to get through the tough moments. We love you Tim and can't wait to see you again. Love, Regina
Keep on Truckin'
Hi Tim,
I am a friend of Brian's in the tourism industry and have heard a lot about you on various trips we have been on together. I know you are a kind soul from a wonderful family. And you are strong and a fighter. From reading your blog, you are making incredible headway and have confronted your challenge head on. You are amazing. Keep the strength and know that there are people pulling for you that you don't even know. You have your whole life ahead of you and this is just a test of will. Keep your eye on the prize when things aren't going your way. You are in such good hands at Spaulding - but you already know that.
Keep on keepin' on and we'll stay updated through your blog.
Take good care,
Lee
I am a friend of Brian's in the tourism industry and have heard a lot about you on various trips we have been on together. I know you are a kind soul from a wonderful family. And you are strong and a fighter. From reading your blog, you are making incredible headway and have confronted your challenge head on. You are amazing. Keep the strength and know that there are people pulling for you that you don't even know. You have your whole life ahead of you and this is just a test of will. Keep your eye on the prize when things aren't going your way. You are in such good hands at Spaulding - but you already know that.
Keep on keepin' on and we'll stay updated through your blog.
Take good care,
Lee
Best Coffee Eva' !!!!
Hoorah!!! Such fantastic news, Tim!! Crying tears of joy over your recent accomplishment. This is wonderful wonderful wonderful. I can just imagine your parents and Jancy doing a jig in the kitchen when they learned of it. Thank goodness John and Noir were there to spread the word. Keep at it, Tim!! You are doing so well. All love, Aunt Carolann
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch
Leaving Wednesday was tough for us, but Tim had a pretty good day, and that helped. He was a little sore from Tuesday's work out, and that cut into his PT. He has another OTherapist named Maggie, who will be doing some stretching with Tim each morning to make sure he is ready to go. He tried out a group luncheon to meet some of the other folks on the floor. Unfortunately, it was pretty sparsely attended - but now it will be part of his routine. He got a new wheelchair which handles much better, and now he is angling to attend the Police concert on Sunday at the Garden. Some fresh flowers in a snappy Ford Truck vase are now decorating his room. Grandma and Grandpa came up from the Cape for the afternoon to check in and figure out where they will fit in to the coverage while Amy and I are at home. He slept a lot in the afternoon, but was wide awake in the evening and had some time with Uncle John before settling in with My Cousin Vinnie and saying good bye and good night to mom & dad.
Thursday started out a bit unsettling for us. For some reason, Tim's phone wasn't working properly, so we were out of touch with him the whole day. We did get lots of good news in the form of multiple voice messages and a ton of mail that we'll deliver on Saturday. But all of our concerns were laid to rest when we got a call from Uncle John's cell phone at 6:30 - Tim was outdoors again in his chair and had lots to tell us. Then, the BIG NEWS: Tim felt movement in his left leg this morning while doing some exercises and it seems that he can control it - John confirms that you can see some actual, slight movement on his left thigh. At that moment, there was much shouting and carrying on at One Stockbridge Road. Tim's mood was noticeably better and he in fact, had been able to stay awake all day, in his chair, and then be available to go outside. From 135 miles away, we're being cautiously optimistic and chomping at the bit to get back down the road to sort this latest development out with the doctors and therapists.
Also of significance was his PT session, where he was strapped to a board and stood up, in order to keep his blood pressure and circulation working properly. In OT, he was putting the final touches on readying the voice recognition software for the computer there. I can't wait to see that this weekend. There were a couple of more social activities, and Tim met James and George - his first contacts on the floor . We have met James before, he's very nice and we look forward to meeting George.
It looks like Amy, Jancy and I will head out to Boston on Saturdays and spend time with Tim until Monday afternoon. J & I will head back and Amy will stick around til Wednesday afternoon. G & G will come up on Thursdays, and in addition to his regular evening visits, John will be with Tim after work on Fridays and back on Saturday morning - and so the cycle will continue
Thanks again to all who are offering prayer, thoughts, good intentions, best wishes, white energy and more - they are supporting us and keeping Tim company when he's alone. We have also lerned that Tim will be getting a few more VIP visitors tomorrow. "Things" really seem to be coming together. So, we'll go to bed tonight and sleep soundly!
Thursday started out a bit unsettling for us. For some reason, Tim's phone wasn't working properly, so we were out of touch with him the whole day. We did get lots of good news in the form of multiple voice messages and a ton of mail that we'll deliver on Saturday. But all of our concerns were laid to rest when we got a call from Uncle John's cell phone at 6:30 - Tim was outdoors again in his chair and had lots to tell us. Then, the BIG NEWS: Tim felt movement in his left leg this morning while doing some exercises and it seems that he can control it - John confirms that you can see some actual, slight movement on his left thigh. At that moment, there was much shouting and carrying on at One Stockbridge Road. Tim's mood was noticeably better and he in fact, had been able to stay awake all day, in his chair, and then be available to go outside. From 135 miles away, we're being cautiously optimistic and chomping at the bit to get back down the road to sort this latest development out with the doctors and therapists.
Also of significance was his PT session, where he was strapped to a board and stood up, in order to keep his blood pressure and circulation working properly. In OT, he was putting the final touches on readying the voice recognition software for the computer there. I can't wait to see that this weekend. There were a couple of more social activities, and Tim met James and George - his first contacts on the floor . We have met James before, he's very nice and we look forward to meeting George.
It looks like Amy, Jancy and I will head out to Boston on Saturdays and spend time with Tim until Monday afternoon. J & I will head back and Amy will stick around til Wednesday afternoon. G & G will come up on Thursdays, and in addition to his regular evening visits, John will be with Tim after work on Fridays and back on Saturday morning - and so the cycle will continue
Thanks again to all who are offering prayer, thoughts, good intentions, best wishes, white energy and more - they are supporting us and keeping Tim company when he's alone. We have also lerned that Tim will be getting a few more VIP visitors tomorrow. "Things" really seem to be coming together. So, we'll go to bed tonight and sleep soundly!
Hey Tim,
The invitation to this blog got trapped in my anti-spam folder! Glad I found it today! Wow, I'm reading and catching up on the reports of your progress and I'm so impressed! You're working your tail off, aren't you!! You must sleep well at night! Hope it's air conditioned :)
Sitting up on a mat? Riding , excuse me, driving yourself around outside in the motorized unit one of the first days there? All the self care stuff your Dad listed..... I am so happy to hear of these achievments. They are such good signs! Can you see me smiling?! You just keep making the most of all they've got to offer.....you're doing it!! Make sure they give you a break once in a while though, eh.
The word on the street in the big city here is that your folks are home. Hopefully that means your Mom can cook up some good food to bring out to you next trip east. (I heard through the grapevine that's kind of where Spaulding falls short?)
Stay the course, Tim! Keep putting that energy where it matters!
Pat
The invitation to this blog got trapped in my anti-spam folder! Glad I found it today! Wow, I'm reading and catching up on the reports of your progress and I'm so impressed! You're working your tail off, aren't you!! You must sleep well at night! Hope it's air conditioned :)
Sitting up on a mat? Riding , excuse me, driving yourself around outside in the motorized unit one of the first days there? All the self care stuff your Dad listed..... I am so happy to hear of these achievments. They are such good signs! Can you see me smiling?! You just keep making the most of all they've got to offer.....you're doing it!! Make sure they give you a break once in a while though, eh.
The word on the street in the big city here is that your folks are home. Hopefully that means your Mom can cook up some good food to bring out to you next trip east. (I heard through the grapevine that's kind of where Spaulding falls short?)
Stay the course, Tim! Keep putting that energy where it matters!
Pat
On pilgrimages and blogs
Hi Tim
As you know I am just back from France. I should be working and catching up on the time away, but I'd rather spend a morning coffee with you. I mentioned that I did a pilgrimage for you while in France, but I haven't told you anything about it. Our little village in France, named Cotignac, is surrounded by rock cliffs, which for centuries were the hiding place of the persecuted. Along the perimeter of the cliffs runs a track, which has been a powerful destination for pilgrims for many centuries. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Notre Dame, the chapel on the mountain above the village, and when the royal parents could not conveive they visited the site, et voila! Louis XIV was conceived. You might recall that both Congo and I fell pregnant not long after a walk along this trail. It is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful journey with only the sound of a gentle breeze and your own breathing, coupled with the clean dry smells of South of France - fennel, pine, grass and herbs. The trail runs from Notre Dame de Grace which sits at one end of the village, along the top rim of the village 4km to le monastaire de St Joseph, which is in the hills above the village on the opposite side, and then back down 3km to the village. The track is steep with a sandy, rock base - not the easiest surface to walk on, but that just makes it more appropriate: a pilgrimage isn't a stroll. As I laboured on with the mediterranean sun beating down, I thought of you every step of the way, praying for your progress. At this point it gets slightly metaphysical, the idea being that through pure thoughts and pure action completely devoted to you, a positive energy is then passed on to you. The blog works in a similar fashion as it allows all of us to communicate positive reassurance and support to you and then goes full circle as your blogs communicate an incredibly positive and informative message to us all. So... whether it's a centuries old pilgrimage or a high-tech blog, both types of messages come out from the ether as we find quiet moments to think about you and to let you know how very much we care about you. Can't wait for the next installment! All love, Aunt Carolann
As you know I am just back from France. I should be working and catching up on the time away, but I'd rather spend a morning coffee with you. I mentioned that I did a pilgrimage for you while in France, but I haven't told you anything about it. Our little village in France, named Cotignac, is surrounded by rock cliffs, which for centuries were the hiding place of the persecuted. Along the perimeter of the cliffs runs a track, which has been a powerful destination for pilgrims for many centuries. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Notre Dame, the chapel on the mountain above the village, and when the royal parents could not conveive they visited the site, et voila! Louis XIV was conceived. You might recall that both Congo and I fell pregnant not long after a walk along this trail. It is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful journey with only the sound of a gentle breeze and your own breathing, coupled with the clean dry smells of South of France - fennel, pine, grass and herbs. The trail runs from Notre Dame de Grace which sits at one end of the village, along the top rim of the village 4km to le monastaire de St Joseph, which is in the hills above the village on the opposite side, and then back down 3km to the village. The track is steep with a sandy, rock base - not the easiest surface to walk on, but that just makes it more appropriate: a pilgrimage isn't a stroll. As I laboured on with the mediterranean sun beating down, I thought of you every step of the way, praying for your progress. At this point it gets slightly metaphysical, the idea being that through pure thoughts and pure action completely devoted to you, a positive energy is then passed on to you. The blog works in a similar fashion as it allows all of us to communicate positive reassurance and support to you and then goes full circle as your blogs communicate an incredibly positive and informative message to us all. So... whether it's a centuries old pilgrimage or a high-tech blog, both types of messages come out from the ether as we find quiet moments to think about you and to let you know how very much we care about you. Can't wait for the next installment! All love, Aunt Carolann
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Dear Tim and family (Brian, Amy, Jancy),
I’ve never posted on a blog before and this morning I wrote you a long message that I lost. I had not signed in properly and while trying to do that my message disappeared. I’m trying again, and hope it works this time (a learning experience!).
Because of events going on in Seneca Falls, I’ve been preoccupied and mostly offline for about a week. This morning I went to Tim’s blog and have now read all the entries and comments, bringing me up-to-date with happenings and progress. I am grateful for the communication tools that make it possible for me to be well informed even though I am so far away.
Brian, I am especially grateful for your detailed messages that have helped me visualize Tim’s circumstances—at BMC, the move, and now Spaulding—the visitors, the gifts, the activities, etc. I have a vivid picture in mind of what’s been happening, and that makes me feel more connected.
Tim, the best news of all is your positive attitude. How you are responding to the dramatic and unexpected change in your life is truly remarkable. In adversity, the awesome person you are is shining through. You are a light and inspiration to us all. Surrounded as you are by the love and caring of family and friends, it’s clear that you appreciate this blessing, and in turn your courageous spirit is a blessing.
Next week my Mom and I will be driving to Charlottesville to visit family there, but later in August I plan to come to Boston. (I have a sister who lives in Natick whom I will stay with.) Tim, I am very anxious to visit you. Your Boston harbor view room sounds great, and all the folks at Spaulding whom you are working with in your healing process do, too. In the meanwhile, I am glad to have your mailing address, so that I can communicate that way when I don’t have access to a computer.
I am glad that I came to your blogspot today, a transition time as family members prepare to return to the Berkshires. It will be another challenge for you, another step along the way. You’ve shown that you are up to meeting the challenge life has presented—showing others that they can, too.
Please know that I thinking of you, Tim, with very much love.
Allison
I’ve never posted on a blog before and this morning I wrote you a long message that I lost. I had not signed in properly and while trying to do that my message disappeared. I’m trying again, and hope it works this time (a learning experience!).
Because of events going on in Seneca Falls, I’ve been preoccupied and mostly offline for about a week. This morning I went to Tim’s blog and have now read all the entries and comments, bringing me up-to-date with happenings and progress. I am grateful for the communication tools that make it possible for me to be well informed even though I am so far away.
Brian, I am especially grateful for your detailed messages that have helped me visualize Tim’s circumstances—at BMC, the move, and now Spaulding—the visitors, the gifts, the activities, etc. I have a vivid picture in mind of what’s been happening, and that makes me feel more connected.
Tim, the best news of all is your positive attitude. How you are responding to the dramatic and unexpected change in your life is truly remarkable. In adversity, the awesome person you are is shining through. You are a light and inspiration to us all. Surrounded as you are by the love and caring of family and friends, it’s clear that you appreciate this blessing, and in turn your courageous spirit is a blessing.
Next week my Mom and I will be driving to Charlottesville to visit family there, but later in August I plan to come to Boston. (I have a sister who lives in Natick whom I will stay with.) Tim, I am very anxious to visit you. Your Boston harbor view room sounds great, and all the folks at Spaulding whom you are working with in your healing process do, too. In the meanwhile, I am glad to have your mailing address, so that I can communicate that way when I don’t have access to a computer.
I am glad that I came to your blogspot today, a transition time as family members prepare to return to the Berkshires. It will be another challenge for you, another step along the way. You’ve shown that you are up to meeting the challenge life has presented—showing others that they can, too.
Please know that I thinking of you, Tim, with very much love.
Allison
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Hi Tim
I've been keeping up with your progress via my West Stockbridge connections and now this blog. Sounds like you are in a great place - I know from my short time in rehab how close and important your therapists become. It's great that you have been able to get right to work, it makes the time go by faster. I'll be checking in from time to time.... maybe even get to Boston to visit, so don't leave without letting me know.
Later
Bob G
I've been keeping up with your progress via my West Stockbridge connections and now this blog. Sounds like you are in a great place - I know from my short time in rehab how close and important your therapists become. It's great that you have been able to get right to work, it makes the time go by faster. I'll be checking in from time to time.... maybe even get to Boston to visit, so don't leave without letting me know.
Later
Bob G
Two for Tuesday
Another beautiful day overlooking the Boston Garden. Yes. The Boston Garden. Tim had a pretty decent day. As I write, he and Amy are winding down watching some sort of intellectual film I'm not familiar with. It's called "Something About Mary" and has apparently won several awards.
Anyway, the day started off pretty well. Dr. O'Connor noted that Tim's coughs are much stronger, indicating that his abs are strengthening. Good news.
I shaved Tim today - two weeks of beard. No blood, but we won't be waiting that long again before the next one. His face feels much better under the brace now.
In PT, Tim worked today on transferring from bed to chair, again requiring a lot of arm strenghth. OT was also about preparing for transfers with some specific arm strength exercises. He also worked on preparing his voice for voice recognition software. Our case manager stopped by and had meetings with both Amy and Tim. The whole therapy team will meet weekly to discuss and evaluate Tim's progress.
Tim received several greetings from friends today, and they were spread out over the course of the day. A bouquet of flowers from a cuz, a letter from a fan in Housatonic, and two packages from West Stockbridge and Deerfield (wow!). He is feeling the love. Thank you!!
Visitors continue to brighten the room - Sam Schrager stopped in for almost a half hour, along with Cathy and Harold after his Northeastern University Orientation. Uncle John came by this evening as well.
Tonight is our last night in town. We'll leave Wednesday after putting Tim to bed and head back to West Stockbridge. Amy and I will then figure out what our routine will be. While we're out of town, Uncle John will stop by daily, and of course we'll call a few times a day for updates. This will be hard, but we are very confident in the staff to look after Tim, and he is comfortable to be on his own now. He'll probably handle it better than us!
Anyway, the day started off pretty well. Dr. O'Connor noted that Tim's coughs are much stronger, indicating that his abs are strengthening. Good news.
I shaved Tim today - two weeks of beard. No blood, but we won't be waiting that long again before the next one. His face feels much better under the brace now.
In PT, Tim worked today on transferring from bed to chair, again requiring a lot of arm strenghth. OT was also about preparing for transfers with some specific arm strength exercises. He also worked on preparing his voice for voice recognition software. Our case manager stopped by and had meetings with both Amy and Tim. The whole therapy team will meet weekly to discuss and evaluate Tim's progress.
Tim received several greetings from friends today, and they were spread out over the course of the day. A bouquet of flowers from a cuz, a letter from a fan in Housatonic, and two packages from West Stockbridge and Deerfield (wow!). He is feeling the love. Thank you!!
Visitors continue to brighten the room - Sam Schrager stopped in for almost a half hour, along with Cathy and Harold after his Northeastern University Orientation. Uncle John came by this evening as well.
Tonight is our last night in town. We'll leave Wednesday after putting Tim to bed and head back to West Stockbridge. Amy and I will then figure out what our routine will be. While we're out of town, Uncle John will stop by daily, and of course we'll call a few times a day for updates. This will be hard, but we are very confident in the staff to look after Tim, and he is comfortable to be on his own now. He'll probably handle it better than us!
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Hard Work Begins
Tim had a bit of a down day on Sunday, he was in bed all day with a fever. The staff kept him cool with damp face cloths and fans, and ran tests to rule out any infections. Fevers are somewhat common due to normal circumstances associated with how the respiratory and circulation systems are affected.
By Monday morning, Tim had a good night sleep and the fever was down. After breakfast, he had a PT session with Kevin that he drove himself to in his chair. This session was about balance. Tim spent the whole hour learning how to sit on a mat and hold himself up. He feels stronger about this then he has earlier. He was able to hold the position for a fairly long time - 10 to 15 minutes. That simple activity was exhausting, and that illustrates what Tim's world is like now.
His OT session was a bit of a preview of things to come, as he was too tired to try anything new. Tomorrow, they will space the sessions out a bit to make sure he's ready to go. But for today, Rachel set him up with some Adaptive Technology tools that will allow him to turn on the TV and Radio and operate a speaker phone. He also got a look at some tools and techniques to wash his face and torso and to brush his teeth. Two weeks ago, I probably would have made some wise ass comment about that, but no longer!
Just after lunch, Kathy and Brianna Davis of West Stockbridge stopped by to visit while they were out at this end of the state. Tim was asleep and wasn't able to see them, but Kathy had worked with us to pick up and deliver our mail, and we were able to share a lot of cards and notes of support from even more of our friends and neighbors. Then, I showed Tim Conor's post and he was a happy guy. Tomorrow we look forward to a visit from Sam Schrager after he finishes he orientation at Northeastern.
After watching one of the Scream movies, Tim is pretty whipped and is heading off to dream land. But before that went there, we discovered that one of his nurses, Kristin, has relatives in Housatonic. Her mom is a Sakowski - she has had dinner at Jacks Grill and loves the Prime Outlets at Lee. So, the Berkshires spirit is carried over to Spaulding, too.
On the parents front - Brian is working his way back into the workplace, exhibiting at a trade show in Boston in the afternoon after spending time with Tim in the morning.
By Monday morning, Tim had a good night sleep and the fever was down. After breakfast, he had a PT session with Kevin that he drove himself to in his chair. This session was about balance. Tim spent the whole hour learning how to sit on a mat and hold himself up. He feels stronger about this then he has earlier. He was able to hold the position for a fairly long time - 10 to 15 minutes. That simple activity was exhausting, and that illustrates what Tim's world is like now.
His OT session was a bit of a preview of things to come, as he was too tired to try anything new. Tomorrow, they will space the sessions out a bit to make sure he's ready to go. But for today, Rachel set him up with some Adaptive Technology tools that will allow him to turn on the TV and Radio and operate a speaker phone. He also got a look at some tools and techniques to wash his face and torso and to brush his teeth. Two weeks ago, I probably would have made some wise ass comment about that, but no longer!
Just after lunch, Kathy and Brianna Davis of West Stockbridge stopped by to visit while they were out at this end of the state. Tim was asleep and wasn't able to see them, but Kathy had worked with us to pick up and deliver our mail, and we were able to share a lot of cards and notes of support from even more of our friends and neighbors. Then, I showed Tim Conor's post and he was a happy guy. Tomorrow we look forward to a visit from Sam Schrager after he finishes he orientation at Northeastern.
After watching one of the Scream movies, Tim is pretty whipped and is heading off to dream land. But before that went there, we discovered that one of his nurses, Kristin, has relatives in Housatonic. Her mom is a Sakowski - she has had dinner at Jacks Grill and loves the Prime Outlets at Lee. So, the Berkshires spirit is carried over to Spaulding, too.
On the parents front - Brian is working his way back into the workplace, exhibiting at a trade show in Boston in the afternoon after spending time with Tim in the morning.
Timmy
Hey guys,
From what I've read it seems Tim is making progress! That is awesome. It's also good to hear, or at least get the vibe, that he is in a comfortable and healthy environment. With good docs, good roomies, and an incredibly family, the energy surrounding Tim will help him and strengthen his rehabilitation. But TIM! there is no pressure in this rehab - however far you go I will be more proud of you than anyone I can think off; I already am! I have the utmost faith in you and all of your strengths, to the point where I truly believe this is simply a bump in the road for you man. You know what you're capable of and you also know the skies the limit. I love you man, keep up the good work and I'll hopefully be down sometime soon.
Conor
From what I've read it seems Tim is making progress! That is awesome. It's also good to hear, or at least get the vibe, that he is in a comfortable and healthy environment. With good docs, good roomies, and an incredibly family, the energy surrounding Tim will help him and strengthen his rehabilitation. But TIM! there is no pressure in this rehab - however far you go I will be more proud of you than anyone I can think off; I already am! I have the utmost faith in you and all of your strengths, to the point where I truly believe this is simply a bump in the road for you man. You know what you're capable of and you also know the skies the limit. I love you man, keep up the good work and I'll hopefully be down sometime soon.
Conor
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