Another Good Day

Dear Friends,

Just wanted to let everyone know that Randy and I had a great night last night.  We got 3 of the 5 unedited DVD's of the Benefit Concert from Matthew, and Randy got to watch them for the first time.  He really lit up like a Christmas Tree when he watched them.  He understood that all of the musicians were there playing for him, and that everyone involved is wishing him a speedy recovery.  I can't explain how emotionally touched he was, or how excited he was.  He seemed spellbound and fascinated.  These DVD's will be something that Randy and I will treasure always.  Matthew is in the process of editing, and condensing them.  He will try and get it down to two DVD's, and when he is finished, I will let you know.  This may take a little while, so please be patient.

For MORE GOOD NEWS...Randy had a terrific day today! The wind may have been a bother to the rest of the world, but it didn't seem to bother Randy! I am not sure if this is the result of watching the DVD's or not, but he had a super good day.  They have now bumped his diet up to pureed foods, which means that it stays in the spoon well enough that he was able to feed HIMSELF!  (And he really shoveled it in!)  He drank his milk without help from an uncovered glass, without any spills!  He did the same at supper time, eating everything on his plate!  Mom and Diane and Denise have told him that we can bring in some "real food" for him, because he is not fond of pureed hot dogs, or beets, or some of the other stuff they call "food!"  I know he is anxiously awaiting some home-cooked food.  

He went to physical therapy, and his therapist reported that he did a good job, and verbally said "Ouch" when it hurt.  In Occupational therapy, he was able to correctly choose the appropriately colored peg, and put it in the hole.  He successfully completed all of his tasks in that area.  By the time that the Speech therapist came in, he was full from supper, and was really fading fast, but he was able to identify pictures and words with about 75% accuracy.  I am pretty sure that he would have done much better if he wasn't so tired!  His speech therapist reports that she thinks that we will soon be able to up him "soft foods."  Diane told Randy that "Felisha says you're having a good day!" and Randy replied "So far, so good!"  It is so good to hear him talking more.  It is still slow with the vocals, but he is getting there!

By the time we got him back in his bed, he was exhausted, and fell fast asleep.  He didn't even flinch when they gave him his evening shots. (He is still on a blood thinner and insulin.)  Overall, today was a good, productive day.  He seemed to be more like the Randy we all know.  His level of comprehension was very high today.  Earlier today, I showed him some pictures of aneurysms and the coiling process, and explained further about his injuries and surgeries and procedures.  He listened intently, and nodded his head as though he was totally understanding the whole thing.  I explained that we know that some of the therapy may seem childish to him, but we have to reconnect some of the paths that may have been damaged, and that we needed these childish things to help him build coordination skills.  He seems to understand this.  

Randy is an amazing person, and I love him so, and am so very, very proud of him and his progress.  I hope you all continue to pray, and to cherish each and every moment with your loved ones.  I think this is what life is all about.  

Until next time,

Felisha

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the delay in writing, but I've had so much to do lately.  Randy's recovery is coming along fine, but it has taken some time for us to learn the ropes at the new facility.  He is meeting with physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy on a regular basis now.  We are seeing some improvements, but as we know, this is a slow process.  He is able to use his right hand pretty good now, and can sometimes feed himself.  He drinks well with his right hand.  He is still gaining on his left hand, but doesn't seem to have as much control and strength on the left side.  He is able to move his toes on the left side, and sometimes the ankle.  He can move his right foot pretty good, but it is pretty painful for him.  He seems to have pain in both knees, and in his neck/shoulders.  I am pretty sure this is both from arthritis, and therapy, not to mention the lack of use over the last couple of months.  He enjoys looking at books, though I am not quite sure he is reading yet.  He can identify colors pretty good, and we are working on shapes and other motor skills.  His long term memory is great.  He seems to know almost everything that was going on in our lives before he got sick.  His short term memory is improving.  Last week, he couldn't seem to remember what happened the day before, or even what happened earlier in the day, but I have noticed this week, that he remembers some of the things I tell him for several days now.  I think this is remarkable improvement, considering that they still give him Adavan for anxiety, and that seems to really knock him out for a few hours.  I know this is going to be a long journey, but I know Randy is strong-willed, and will pull through this in time.  

I want to thank all of you that come by and visit with Randy.  I can certainly tell that having visitors helps to keep his spirits high, which in turn helps to keep him motivated.  It really makes a huge difference when there are people coming in and out.  (It also keeps the nurses on their toes!)  

I spoke with Debbie tonight regarding the Benefit Garage Sale.  She reports that we are gathering quite a bit, but we still need more.  If you have items to donate, please let her know, and she will arrange for FREE pick-up of items. Debbie can be reached at work, at 218-3292, or on her cell at 799-0453, or you can e-mail her at debbiemcbride@hotmail.com   We still aren't sure of the date yet, but as soon as I know, I will post it here.    Thank you, Debbie, for all your hard work on this project!  

AND...While I am thanking people, I know that there were MANY of you that helped out during the concert, and just in case we didn't thank you personally, please know that Randy and I appreciate everything that you all have done for us.  Words just CANNOT express how much that day meant to us, and we are greatful to have such good friends and family.

AND...While I am thanking, I won't forget now to thank God, for our many blessings.

Sweet Dreams,

Felisha