Three Short Hours

Man, that flew by. We got to Spaulding around 5:15 and left by 8:30 so we could get a good night sleep and be rested for Sunday. Lots happened. First, Tim is test driving a demo unit of the power chair he is leaning towards - the Quantum. It's a fine machine, no doubt. And check out that console.

We cruised down to the cafeteria where Tim enjoyed a nice meal We went through the cards and packages that had come in to Spaulding and that we had brought from home. Nice cards from Aunt Donna and a prayer group from St. Andrews Church in Madison, CT (can someone help us out with this one?). Tom, a board member from Berkshire South who doesn't (yet) know Tim (who's a lifeguard there) sent a thoughtful note and gift. Pastor (and friend) Belle sent two wicked cool tees - one Audi and one Mini (that's her ride), along with a beautiful cross that he can keep close and a nice message. We enjoyed the Eagle column on the Zucchini Festival and an email from the Good Samaritan (he'll miss you tomorrow, too).

About that time, John arrived with JP and yet more goodies for Tim from Patagonia. Tim's going out in style the next time. John was anxious to show us Tim's new trick! He can play fetch with Noir, so out to the patio we went. Because he has strength in his biceps, he can throw the ball over his head, backward. Fetch, Noir, Fetch!

Then it was upstairs for a shave, which took quite a bit of patience on my part - like hacking through the weeds in Shaker Mill Pond:

Afer that, we took a look at the new manual chair, learned how to break it down and enjoyed a game together of family trivia. Then off to bed for all of us. See you at noon!

slow but steady

Hey Tim, I think I finally made it onto the blog...won't know for sure until I close out of here. We have however been reading about your progess every day.Its really exciting that you will be home tomorrow. We look forward to seeing you. What is your favorite food? That's what we'll bring! LOL. Barbara and family

Audi Inspiration - #2

Advanced Technology: freedom to pursue the impossible.
In every field of human endeavor, there are leaders and there are followers. Audi is, and always has been, a leader. With an abiding belief that if it can be made by man, it can always be made better by man. And therefore better for all mankind.

** This is a direct quote taken from Tim's new book on the history and philosophy of Audi.

Freewheelin' Friday

Tim spent most of the day in a manual chair, but by 6PM had to give it up due to a sore neck. I'd say that's pretty good, though. We spoke to Tim while he was enjoying a late summer evening outside with John & JP and Noir, of course. Thirty minutes on the Locomat was the highlight of the day, and Tim feels like everything is starting to pay off - more muscle control in his left leg and his right thumb feels stronger. The newest bit of news (to me, anyway) was that he can now roll his left ankle inside and out.

He had a nice visit this morning from Matt and Tyler, on their way home from Maine. Several cards and notes from friends and family came in, including some scratch tickets from the Stevens, and cards from the Baldwin catering crew and the O'Malley's. He says there's more, but couldn't remember. We'll check it out tomorrow. I let him know about a couple of phone calls he got. Last night I had a nice chat with Nicholas, an old pal from Boy Scouts and Butternut. Today, Dr. Kantrowitz gave a ring to check in on Tim and was pleased to hear of the progress and let us know about an interesting new wheelchair technology he had heard of.

We said good night, looking forward to this weekend's big road trip. He sounds great, very positive - thanks to everyone for keeping in touch with Tim.

Manual Transmission

Thursday evening wrap up was three conversations - first with Grandma and Grandpa and then with the man, himself (and he is a man), and finally with Uncle John. Tim and Grandpa enjoyed lunch together today on that good ol' patio. I often reflect that another small blessing in all of this, is that Tim is able to do his rehab at a time of year when he can go outdoors and get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Doing something like this in January would require another level of committment and toughness for sure. Tim was in a manual wheelchair all day today, which was very tiring and required learning some new techniques. There's also no way to nap in one of these, so he was beat! He feels better about it, though, because it is more flexible - easier access to the elevator for instance. It's what he'll be using when we come home, and that was another reason they had him doing it. John noted that Tim was energetic and seemed pretty comfortable getting around that way by the end of the day. My dad noted that Tim's manual dexterity had improved greatly (this is the benefit of a once-a-week observation - all the little things add up to one big change) and he was able to hold and drink from his Gatorade bottle. They had a nice conversation about the new community service project Grandpa's involved in down in Orleans. Spinal Cord Injury Education class today was about driving cars. Tim said he got several new resources to learn more, and that he will need to be re-licensed.

The folks from ATEC came by with an Apple MacBook with voice recognition software and he was able to work with that for awhile. The first thing that Tim wanted to purchase with the funds raised for him is a new laptop with technologies that will enable him to be connected through the Internet. So, that's on order and soon he'll be able to read and send emails and IM's and make his own posts to this blog. We'll of course let you know when that is live. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to the Butters Fund. He ended our conversation with "I'm pretty tuckered out. Did I just say 'tuckered out?' I wonder where that came from? I really must be tired."

A little side note - The Zucchini Festival was nicely reviewed in today's Eagle, catching at least one hipster off guard! Read on about a town with "a sense of community and hospitality" and "a population of high-quality neighbors who really know how to pull together a party." http://www.berkshireeagle.com/the413/ci_6629639

Mystery Revealed; Another Extremity Heard From

Another comment on things provided here on the homefront. For four weeks now, our lawn has been getting mowed and the edges trimmed. I love mowing the lawn, 45 mindless minutes of back and forth walking with the world shut out by the drone of the Briggs & Stratton. And, it's a little bit o' fitness, as well. But I tell you, at this stage in my life, it would be "One More Thing" to do. So, I've been grateful but not sure who to thank! It was finally revealed to me that Kelly, a wonderful woman from WS (who used to work with me at The RLI) brings her three children- Matthew, Nathan and Heather over here once a week with a mower and a weed whacker and they get the job done. Kelly says they do this willingly as part of their community service. She happened to be helping out at the Inn today, so I was able to thank her in person, and let her know how that gesture frees up time for me to spend with Tim or take care of business around the house. And then I come home and find Gail dead-heading and otherwise grooming our garden - and that's why it doesn't look like we're not around. Thanks!

So for those of you keeping track, you will recall that Wednesdays are Amy's return day. She was treated to a ride home by Phoebe who drove out to spend a few mintes with Tim and turn around. That was a nice alternate to her usual bus ride and saved almost two hours of travel time.

But that also means that my info comes in spurts. Tim had a bit of a rough night, getting sweats and then chills. that kept him a bit down today. Amy observed that he can move his left leg while lying down, so that's a sign of increased strength and control. He worked out on the Locomat and did some arm work. During OT, however he showed movement in his right thumb! Amy was doing her little jig thing, but Tim was just not himself, so it was not as jubilant a moment as some of the other significant events.

We checked in with Tim tonight after a delicious meal at Peter & Sarah's and he was in a much better mood. The Sox lost in an afternoon game, but so did the Yanks, and the lead is still 5. Someone's helping us put together "Recreational Therapy Session" at Fenway, and Tim is very pumped up about that. Will he let me join him? Not sure if Yankee fans are allowed on that road trip. We talked about some random things like the development of the Fox River Paper mill, and his car (is it ready to pick him up this weekend?). He reported a nice card and letter from former BCD teacher Mrs. Baer, and seemed pleased to hear that old friend Silvia had stopped by my office to let me know that she had heard about Tim and wanted to say goodbye to him before she moves to Chicago. He also had an interesting visit from Uncle John, who figured out that he could walk up the stairs with Noir and no one would give him a hard time. So, another session of NT tonight, on the 9th floor landing! Tim's looking forward to his weekly visit from Grandma and Grandpa tomorrow. He sounded good, but was definitely tired, so we said good night.

West meets East

Tim,
It was so great to see you yesterday at Spaulding. First of all it is a fabulous facility, right on the Charles, and secondly to see you navigate it and interact with the various people there was inspiring. In fact just seeing you was inspiring. Hearing you explain the high tech equipment (the Nimbus 2000 has nothing over the wheelchairs that you are testdriving), and also hearing you talk about the present and the future with such confidence and ease was incredibly uplifting. It is no wonder that you have such an immense fan club. Speaking of which, it was also nice to be able to spend some time with some of the headliners of your fan club. Bridgette in particular is such a lovely friend, as are Nadia and Maddie, and casts of others who I don't even know. It was fun to see you with them as we chowed down on Upper crust pizza (I highly reccomend the pesto) on the huge deck over looking the water and the Tobin bridge. You couldn't ask for a better address (and if you did it would be where your parents are staying).

Lou and I came away with such a positive, optimistic view of what and how you are doing. Thank you for sharing it with us. Can't wait to see you on Sunday!

Much love, Molly

PS. Sorry about hitting the joy stick and sending us careening down the hall.

Love from the Southwestern Cousins

Hey, Tim. Just wanted to give you a shout out and a little love from the blazing hot state of Arizona. We've been encouraged by your progress and are pulling for you everyday. You seem to be rocking your OT (we were especially fond of the post describing the progress and focus on your opposable left thumb :) We're also awed and humbled by the fantastic community of friends and family you have around you. Though we've only met a few times since you were old enough to even know what a second cousin was, we have to say it's pretty cool to get this window into your life. We have always been impressed by you and Jancy in the brief visits we've had with you (I think most recently at your aunt Carolann's wedding) and through reading your friends, family, and colleagues' encouragement, updates, joking, support, and general all around love (especially as they are in everyone's own words), it is clear that you have made quite an impression on the world already. One of our favorite posts was your dad's "One Month Ago." He ends it by saying that he and your Mom have learned a lot about you and are looking forward to learning more. We feel a bit the same though we have a lot more learning to do. Thanks to you and your family for opening yourselves up to us and others. It has been a real gift. Keep up the hard work - you are amazing.

Danny and Heather

Kickin' some tires

Just got off the phone with Tim. A busy day - again. Another day on the FES Bike. The results show that his muscles are strengthening and working more efficiently, but he cautions me that this does not mean that his legs are actually doing any work. It's more of a conditioning thing. Later, he took a group Cooking Class, where they made tacos. It was a "little discouraging, but it will come." I think he was referring to his technique, not the meal itself. He also had his first session with the Bioness for his hand. I didn't get too many details on that. The big event, though was a meeting with his Assistive Technologies Supplier, who began the work of choosing a mechanical wheelchair for Tim. As you might imagine, Tim had most of the specs for each option memorized and was evaluating the pros and cons. At this time, he has narrowed his selection to a Quantum http://www.quantumrehab.com/ or an InvaCare http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat.jsp?s=0&catOID=-536885238 Vrrroooom. Tomorrow he starts to think about a manual chair as well.

Pizza Party on the patio, courtesy of Lou and Molly and supplied by the Upper Crust. Guest list included Brigette, Nadia, Maddie, Charlie and Uncle John, who was able to see Tim styling in the Hawaiian shirt he gave him. No junk food for me tonight. Phoebe brought over a meal almost totally from her garden, and not a piece o' meat in sight. Loved it. The tastes of summer.

Mail Bag: I never mention the cards that come to our house, and I don't want to neglect that. Amy and I are so appreciative of the short simple notes that come addressed to us. They truly help to keep us going.

Good Lord, I'm out of shape!

This morning was focused on training for taking Tim home next weekend. For that, Amy and I participated in Tim's 2 hour PT session with Kevin. First, in the gym, we transferred Tim from a manual chair on to a bed, and then back to the chair. We did that twice. Tim was an offensive lineman. The lifting positions are awkward. Our first glimpse of life in a few months. Then we moved outside and did the same thing, but into and out of the car. This was trickier, as I had to fit into the small area where the open door attaches to the vehicle. I am not all that small, and that is a small space. But through both procedures, Amy and I worked together (with Tim letting us know if we were doing something that wasn't exactly right) and made it work out. After the second transfer, we took Tim on a little ride around the block. Then we worked on bumping Tim up steps in his chair. There's a real good chance that I'll feel that in the morning.

Later in the day, the O'Meara's came up from Bourne to spend some time with Tim before he headed off to his afternoon sessions - an hour of "arm work" where Tim lifted light weights (very light) to strengthen his upper arm muscles, and then an OT session in a "practice apartment" where he started to learn how to use adaptive techologies to do every day things like opening the fridge and drawers. I think I'd like the second work out better. As a matter of fact, that does sound like my work out - a few 12 oz. curls and then a look through the kitchen for a reward for all that hard work. At 3:00, we joined together in the first class of a three week edcuation program on spinal injuries. Then Tim had some stretching. The day was capped with a visit from cousin Melanie of West Hartford, her husband Bob and children Cameron and Sophie. Melanie hooked up Tim with decals, fuzzy dice, air freshener and other things necessary to pimp his ride. She'd also just purchased an iPhone, and Tim had mentioned how that technology might be a useful replacement to his cell phone. Now, he's had a chance to check it out first hand. Amy and I caught up with Dr. O'Connor who described the movement in Tim's middle finger, left hand as a "subtle, but significant improvement." He finds Tim to be an "exceptional young man," and enjoys working with him. Hey, it's his blog and I'm his dad.

Mail Bag: From home,. we brought a couple of IM's that I printed out from Amanda and Brooke, a prayer card from Pat on the Cape, some words of wisdom from one of the Yarmos at Camp (I'm sorry - I wrote this at home and can't remember!) and a big card from many staffers at The Red Lion Inn http://www.redlioninn.com/ (sorry, couldn't resist). The mail man was complaining about the weight of Tim's delivery today - nine cards, Dave & Marianne and family of Pittsfield, West Stockbridge Congregational Church UCC, O'Malley's, Tim's 4th grade teacher Kathleen, Lisa & Chris of Scarsdale and West Stockbridge, Aunt Merrilyn (again!), Tim's old music teacher Deborah, George & Shirley from LA, and second cousin (my cousin - I think that makes her a second cousin of Tim's) Joanne from Denver. Whew. He loves this part of the day. So do we.

Well, Jancy and I got on the road by 7, home at 9. Drove Tim's car over to Troys to have a few things attended to, and found John, John Victor and Anthony all hard at work, so I was able to get them caught up on all things Tim. On the walk home, ran into Brigette, who was off to a going away party for Jake. I know that Tim would have loved to have been been home for that one.

West Stockbridge - the village that never sleeps, the Big Zucchini.

Just a note of thanks

Hi Tim,

Just writing to let your folks know how much I appreciate their time updating the blog...I read the blog upon awaking every morning and before sleeping at night. It helps so much to "hear" how you are doing everyday...the TGIFridays "family" of your parents' cares so much for them and "their boy". It broke our hearts to hear the news of your injury and the blog helps us all to know that you, and therefore they, are in good hands. Your progress is remarkable and reading of the outpouring of love and support around you is a true reflection of the lives you Butterworth's have lived out there in the Bershires...good people get goodness back when it's needed. Keep up the good work...being a PT, I know just how hard you are working!!! Glad your outing to the MOS went well!
pattyo

Your ever-expanding fan club!

Hey Tim! Just wanted to drop a line. Not sure if you received our card yet, but we've been thinking about you a lot and have been keeping up with you via this VERY COOl blog. Though we haven't met you yet, we have a very clear idea of just how special a man you are. Your folks have spoken so proudly of you (of course) these past few years while we've come to know them, and my goodness YOU HAVE A LOT OF FANS! We are only in W.S. on the weekends, working on our house there that we're renovating, and during our short visits of late, your presence has really been felt all over town.

Also, we have a handful of family & friends who have spent some time with your folks and we've been keeping them up to speed on your progress too. So like most celebrity superstars, you have a fan base that goes well beyond the people you know personally!

We look forward to meeting you soon (maybe even this weekend when you come home for a bit, if we're in the area)! Until then, keep the faith and know that there's a tremendous amount of positive energy being sent your way by people you don't even know yet!

Oh and we'll be picking up our T.B. bracelets this weekend too, as we were unable to make the Zuch festival on Saturday (don't suppose they're selling T.B. collars for the Chewie & Otis)???

Love & Laughs,

Chris & Lisa Paul (and our canine "kids" Oatie & Chewie)

Best Part of My Day

Hi Tim!

I have to say that I have been keeping up with your every "move" on this blog and cannot even begin to describe how incredibly impressed I am with everything that you have accomplished, although I have to say, I am not surprised. You are an amazing person and such a hard worker and I know that with every passing month, you will be closer and closer to your goal. My favorite part of the day is the moment I open this blog and read all about your progress! There are no words to describe how proud I am to have had the chance to meet you and your family. Even though I am no longer at RLI being able to give your dad a hard time every day, please know that you all are always in my thoughts and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Oh and I didnt have a chance to make it to the Zucchini Festival(stupid new job) but I made my mother go down and get me my I love Tim Butterworth bracelet. Keep up the amazing work!!!

Sounds of Science

We got off to an early start today. After reading a bit with Tim, early Berkshire risers Tyler and Matt showed up to spend some time alone with Tim. A little while later Phoebe and Chris arrived from West Stockbridge. We talked for awhile to give Tim some time with his buds down on the patio. When we went down to join them, Chris looked the view over and exclaimed - "that's a lot of concrete out there (looking a the Big Dig)."

We had a great time, sitting around and talking. Phoebe gave me an incredible back rub (yes I know that has nothing to do with Tim) and we got ready to take off on our adventure to The Museum of Science. You can see the museum from Spaulding, but you do need to use public sidewalks and streets to get there. Surprisingly, Tim led the way. During the visit, both Chris and Phoebe shared with us that Tim was very mature and realistic with his vision of his future. He is taking time to learn about and undestand his injury and his options. He has a positive attitude and is not looking back.

We enjoyed ourselves at the museum (passes courtesy of Jim and Patty - thanks), focusing mostly on the mechanical, mathematical, engineering oriented sections. Then we oohed and ahhed at the Dinosaurs movie in the Omni Imax theater. This was Tim's first actual challenge in the "real world" vs. the 9th floor and common areas of Spaulding, where everyone's on the same sheet of music. He handled it well, but at times got a few glimpses of folks not making way for him, little kids staring and poorly designed access. But, as usual he took it in, thought a bit about it and didn't waste a lot of time on it.

Then back to the hospital for some socializing with the Ryders of Milton who arrived in Boston by boat, and Uncle John and Noir. The weather was delicious, but soon we broke up - Amy and I back to the Hill, John and the Ryders back to their homes and Jancy and Tim back upstairs to watch Rescue Me and wait for cousin Lily to arrive and escort her back to her college apartment for a sleepover. It was a good first month, can't wait to see what happens in the second!

Audi Inspirations

Tim and I had some alone time this morning, and I asked him if he'd like to read the Audi book that Max had dropped off yesterday. Of course.

The book is a corporate piece, very nicely done, about 60 pages of text, photos and illustrations. As we started it, it seemed that we would walk through the various technological developments pioneered and implemented by the founder, August Horch and his company. But, it quickly turned out to be more - the philosophies of this man and this company are admirable, and I think they will be inspirational to Tim. I am more pleased than ever that Tim has decided to align himself and his aspirations with Audi. I'll be sharing some quotes with you from time to time. Here is how the book starts.

For the determined visionary, life is never a smooth road. How could it be for those rare souls willing to risk all to fulfill dreams most of us never imagine? August Horch was such a man. When he dreamed, he dreamed big. When he worked, he worked hard. And, when he raced, he raced hard. He did so to win.

One Month Ago

July 12, 2007 - 31 days ago. So much has happened since. I've been fond of saying that "ever since the actual accident, when everything went wrong, everything has been going right." We have been so blessed throughout this time in our lives - we have not run into one roadblock as far as getting care for Tim; the caregivers have been top-notch, compassionate, professional, concerned and connected to him, from the local police and emergency response to BMC emergency room to CCU to recovery to transport to Spaulding; we have had constant, enthusiastic support from our families, community and employers; Tim has felt the support through visits, card, gifts, emails, blog posts, prayers, thoughts, FaceBook posts and phone calls. Amy and I have learned a lot about our son and we're looking forward to learning more.