Daily Progress

     Bruce is making progress every day.

   In OT they have him sitting on a mat and leaning on his right elbow and he is able to do the lean and then push himself back up. 

     They are teaching him how to roll over. (He can already do some fetching on his own thanks to a grabber we have) he was excited to show us what he learned. He has someone bring both knees up, then he turns to his right. 

    They also stand him up on a stander. He did one minute the first time and then 

     In PT he has pool time once a week. He is able to move his abdomen up and down. She called it water crunches. That will help him be strong enough to do transfers. He can push off with both feet from the side of the pool. He does this on his own without help. 

     They put hm on a machine that he can move his feet. He is able to push down with both feet. He did it for ten minutes. He said he was able to feel the blood flow through his legs. He said he hasn't felt that in four months.

   The other day his left foot was turned funny on the wheelchair foot pedal. He was able to straighten it himself. Ta dah! 

  We got our dog back! She was excited to be here. She is a little nervous around the wheelchair but is adjusting. Andrew feeds and waters her twice a day. I told him he would have to take care of her because I am overwhelmed with caring for Bruce. Andrew agreed. Sonnet comes after school and takes her for a walk. That is very helpful! 

   Bruce has the pulleys he does at home, the elastic cords and the wax for his left hand. 

His exercise hand bike machine arrived and he uses it for ten minutes every day. Bruce is still napping during the day. I figure that is good for him. It is part of the healing process. 

  I haven't written in a while. Sorry, I'm exhausted. The night turnings are getting to me. I get grumpy, angry and resentful. Yes, I try to take naps. It is something I will have to work through. Please be patient with me. 

  We have help coming in two hours in the morning and one hour at night. The change has been over whelming and we couldn't do it without this help. Duncan is here during the day and helps with changes, the lift, and driving to OT and PT so I can have a break, clean the house and take naps. He even did a night shift for me and in the morning said "Now I know how you feel mom." He said he would help me every other night. 

    We got Duncan some new glasses, he hadn't had a new pair in nine years. I got a new pair for me, too. I hadn't had new glasses in four years. Time gets away from us.

    I also got my teeth cleaned. Boo rah. Duncan is scheduled for next week. I got a cap on my tooth. I love it. The kind dentist gave us a water pick that attaches to the shower head so you can clean your teeth in the shower. Yeah!  Who invented that? 

    Thank you for the meals. They are indeed heaven sent. 

Thank you for the treats! The boys and Bruce love them. And maybe I have eaten one or two. 

    Thank you for your prayers, it is what is getting us through this.

Thank you for your love and concern. This is a life changing event and we are all adjusting. 

 I told Bruce I didn't like this and how much longer. He said a little while longer.

    Valentine Fun! Thank you Rosala for the delicious beautiful cake.  Love the 'china' you sent and we are using it.  Thank you Heather for the botanical sunshine.  Thank you Bertha for the napkins. They make the month fun.

Sweet Sabbath

     Bishop stole my husband! They are going to do a temple interview to a LOL (little old lady) as my husband described her. She is about 100 years old and wants her temple recommend. It takes two interviews, two levels to go to the temple. The first part is done by the Bishop and the second by a member of the Stake Presidency. 

     While they are gone I will recap our adventures for the week.

On Monday Carpet 1 came to reclaim the bed frame. Apparently they gave us the wrong frame. It had lights and a stereo system in the bed frame. Who knew? We didn't even notice. We just wanted a queen size bed that the headboard could be elevated to make getting Bruce out of the bed easier. 

     Bruce did not want a hospital bed so we got the nice queen size. We added a very stylish bed rail so when we turn Bruce he has a rail to grab to help turn and to keep hm from falling out of the bed. We need a foot board because when the head of the bed is raised he tends to prove the law of gravity and his feet slip over the bottom of the bed. When that happens at 3 am I wake our son Duncan and we use a layer of sheets to lift him so his head is back on the pillows and his feet are on the bed.

    Tuesday we had OT and had a nice visit. She did some measuring to see where Bruce is and we signed up for OT twice a week at the hospital. Tuesday night was SR night at the high school for the six Sr's on the bb team. Andrew got to start and played well. He dedicated the game to his dad and the hope that he would walk again. Bruce got a standing ovation! It was a tear jerker. Thank you to the Sr moms who got everything organized. I was hoping to help but alas, my energy is somewhat lacking. Those ladies got pictures taken, posters made and a bag full of fun for each boy and two Sr girls. Well done! 

   Bruce had pool time on Wednesday. He was able to move both ankles and push down with each leg, albeit only an inch or two. The PT people say when he gets stronger they will put him on an exercise bike. Bruce could also do a scissors move by spreading his legs apart. He comes home tired, and chilled and is ready for a nap.

   We found a third person to help care for Bruce! Silly caretakers don't want to work seven days a week. (Me neither) I was overwhelmed trying to do the work alone and get up at night. I am grateful we found someone else to help. We are greatly blessed that all three caretakers have experience and are very good at their work! I am very pleased our son Duncan helps in the afternoon and at nights. I couldn't do this without them. I had one major melt down last week and after sobbing for awhile I was able to get it together and face reality. Hopefully they tell, me once a routine is established this will happen less often. It is a major adjustment.

   A sweet friend delivered some botanical Sunshine in the form of some gorgeous flowers. Thank you! We also got a cookie gram from one of the local churches form my son Alan and Juanita. Hmm yes, there was a slight mixup. We got it straightened out. They cookies were not from my son but some good friends, Kari and Tina. Thank you for thinking of us. We also received a plate full of pink valentine cookies from our neighbors. What a delightful trio. They bring sunshine just to see them smile. The girls were adorable in their pink outfits! And Bruce didn't scare them too bad in his wheelchair with his feet reclined. 

    People are still bringing in meals and it is indeed a blessing. Thank you for your kindness, we couldn't do this without our family, church, neighbor and community support.  

    Hope you had a sweet Sabbath.

       

    

We're Home

     Bruce did pool therapy today. He said he moved muscles he had not moved before. He was quite pleased. He also got chilled and was worn out.

     Tomorrow we will rest at home. No running around. I need to organize the house and get things where we can use them.

     I am tired. This getting up three times a night wears me out.

That was last week. 

   My sistah says she is tired of reading about the bathroom renovations...

     This week.

    Bruce had pool time today. He could move his feet from side to side. He could pull his feet in from sagging side to side. He can move, it is very small, he just needs to practice. He can pick his left foot up. He says he practices in bed before we get him moving in the morning. They tell him to work hard and see what he can do. Once he has a beginning connection, they build on it. Helping him move teaches his muscle and brain to talk to each other. The pool room is like a sauna. Duncan and I both sweat. Am I losing weight? 

     Ofter pool time, we wrap Bruce in towels, put a hat and coat and a blanket over him and follow him to the van. I heat the van up and we have an electric blankie that plugs into the lighter. 

   He comes home very chilled and exhausted. He slept for two and half hours this afternoon. 

     I lay down for a rest and must have dozed off. I answer the phone then can't sleep anymore. My mind is whirling with things that need to be done. It is like having an infant at home again. More laundry, towels, clothes, dishes and no sleep. Did I mention the lack of sleep. People tell me my body will adjust. Three times a night. Bruce says he figures he will be strong enough to roll himself in a month. 

    Bruce awoke from his nap and his clothes are soaked. We redress him and have more laundry to do. Thank goodness for Duncan to help me.

    A friend drops a plate of cookies by, another friend drops off some fresh fruit. I like nibbling on the grapes, they are healthy. 

   Two friends said they were going to bring us a meal every Wednesday. Such kindness brings tears to my eyes. Normally I don't tear up, must be the sleep deprivation. 

    Another friend brought over these huge blocks of wax. We will use them tomorrow for his left hand wax treatment. 

    We are grateful for the meals people are bringing us. They must spend all afternoon cooking. It is great not to have to think what to cook. I cook Papa Murphy style. There is enough food for two nights, maybe I will clean the frig tomorrow.  Maybe

      Must head to bed. Midnight turning comes quickly.

     

   

    

Bathroom Makeover

        I did it! I did my first bowel care and didn't throw up and only gagged once. The bathroom was finished today and we love it! It is a marvelous 'man cave' bathroom. That should make bowel care easier because he will use a shower chair and roll over the toilet.

     So here are pictures of the new renovation:

      The medicine cabinet is plastic so we won't have to worry about splashing it with water.

 I put the sensor motion soap dispenser on the back of the toilet as opening the cabinet door would knock it over if I left it on the sink.

  We love the shelf they put in. I think they had fun making it too!

        I love the small tile for an accent.

    Here is the small tile on the floor so regular standing people won't slip.

I think I will purchase a tension rod to use with a shower curtain. Now I just like looking at the tile. It is almost as much fun as playing with fabric, almost. 

Little Things

     Look at this big sign someone made for us! Very nice! Thank- you!!

     

    Bruce had PT today and they asked him some questions and I filled out five pages of information. I would read the questions to Bruce and he would answer them. We saw Mr. Ebel and Heidie Halsey, small world. 

     Tomorrow Bruce will do pool threaphy. 

    They want to work his legs and talked about putting him in traction on a treadmill in the gym. I might have lost something in the translation. Will have to take photos of that. If I don't understand what someone is telling me I nod my head and smile knowingly. 

   Bruce did an hour of temple recommend interviews tonight at the Stake center. People were pleased to see him. No autographs at this time. 

   We have two pies in the frig, an apple crisp and a chocolate cream with cool whip. Thank you dear friends for the meals and desserts. Bruce's favorite dessert is pie and he really likes berry. I'll eat anything with cool whip on it. The boys devour anything too. Bruce does't particularly like cool whip. He says it is all chemicals. My kind of chemicals, baby!

      I am slowly getting things put away. We had a linen closet taken out and a bookshelf. The living room is full of boxen (plural of oxen) a veritable plethora of lines, medicine cabinet and knick knacks. 

     The workers built the ramp outside and are going to put some gravel and tamp it in down for the back side exit. 

    The tile is finished. It is gorgeous. I will take a picture of it tomorrow. It is a nice man cave, the contractors even like it. Okay, I had help picking out the tile and help matching the paint. 'We' did an excellent job.

     Good night Neverland!

Home, Sweet Home

   We made it home just fine. Our departure time was 11, we made it outta there by 11:45. Bruce wanted to say good bye to all the people that helped him. 

Our lift arrived at 10:15 and we got to see how it worked. 

So we left with a mini van full of equipment, a shower chair, lift, motorized wheelchair, and several bags of this and that. 

    We stopped in Ontario at Mc D's for a burger and smoothie.

It rained almost all the way home.

     We couldn't see Mt Emily when we cleared Ladd canyon. Maybe tomorrow she will welcome us home.

    Loved the sign on our new ramp. Will take a picture tomorrow. 

Duncan greeted us and helped us unload the van. I left Bruce and Duncan watching Ghostbusters.

    I ventured out in the czar again to find the meds Bruce will need and after three trips to the pharmacy I got the correct pills. 

   Our friends Donna and Hershel Quebbeman brought us a yummy dinner of shepherds pie and a real apple pie for dessert. Thank you!

    Kevin Rogers came over to help us raise the lift and install the side rail on the bed.

Andrew is away at the Baker basketball game. 

  I am tired. I think I will skip writing for awhile and try to get organized around here.

   

Last Full Day at Rehab

   I am sick. My shoulders ache, my throat hurts, my nose is stuffed up. 

    Bruce and I have been drinking hot apple cider. That seems to help.

Our last full day here. Bruce had PT which was ranging and stretching. They let me do some of the ranging and Bruce's leg did a spasm and bought knocked me over. 

   I didn't go to OT. I called my mom and talked to her. Funny when I am sick I need my mom and she is a comfort to me.

     OT was doing the fingers up the wall and learning to put his own shirt own. It was a struggle but he did it himself. He did 16 min on the hand peddle bike. She tested his strength with the hand squeeze and the finger pinch squeeze. He improved with his right hand and the left was the same. 

    After lunch we took a short nap. 

Bruce went off to PT for weight lifting. I stayed in the room and rested.

We had a nice 40 min nap after lunch. 

Bruce didn't want to get out of his cocoon nap. He gets warm and doesn't want to leave his nest.

     I took all the cards down and loaded some stuff into our new minivan. Workers comp will pay a rental fee until the papers are ready.

    I left early. My head is stuffed up and I can't breathe.

My friend called and they will have meals for us. I am worn out now and can't even think about meals. Thank you dear friends.

 Am going to sleep now so will be able to drive home.

Find Joy By Choosing Joy

    I slept in. I arrived in time to see Bruce finish his breakfast. He had a breakfast sandwich, English muffin, egg, bacon and cheese, with a small bowl of oatmeal.

   We waited around for church, the nurses helped us get ready. 

Church was fast and testimony meeting. Did I already explain fasting?  And testimony is when you bear record that you believe in Christ and are living his standards to the best of your ability. A little girl walked by at one point in the meeting and smiled and waved at Bruce. What a cutie! Neither of us knew her. She had a bow in her hair and was just being friendly. I counted two times Bruce fell asleep. He said I missed a couple more. We returned to the hospital.

     We at lunch, potsticker,sugar snap peas and a small bowl of blueberries.

After lunch Bruce took a one hour nap.

    Our friends the Cassity's stopped by, Jack and Sharon. We had a nice visit. 

    PT came in and did some ranging and stretching.

   I texted Duncan, he said Tina Sudbrock had made a batch of lasagna for them. Duncan went and picked it up. Andrew was at a super bowl party...

    Had more visitors, the Rasmussen's, Todd and his wife, Dree. They gave us a saying on a piece of wood, (I thought it was a box of chocolates) " Find joy by choosing joy." On the back it says, " Joy is a choice we make everyday! Choose joy and see how your need and love for the Savior will increase. Choosing joy confirms that the Savior's atonement is real and for each of us. Elder Quentin L Cook in October 1996 conference talk said "Joy comes when we have the Spirit in our lives. When we have the Spirit, we rejoice in what the Savior has done for us. May we actively choose to Find joy in our life and draw closer to Jesus Christ." There that is your sermon for the day. Dree told me not to chew on the wood...

     There, that is your Sunday sermon.

    

  

    Our son Dan and his wife Heidi called. He is working long hours in his new job. They are looking at houses to purchase. 

     Rob called and we face timed him. It is good to see the grandchildren. Luke was there sleeping on the couch, we talked to him by osmosis. Zach wanted to know if grandpa was still in the Hospital. We told him we have two more days then we will be heading to home sweet home.

   Bruce and I read scriptures. We had some warm apple cider.

    Ben called. He has taken to checking up on us at least once a month. Family trauma tends to bring families closer together. They have sick children and his wife, Lindsy. He said he made tacos and hamburgers to help out.