Caring On

It was interesting to see the look on people's face when they saw Bill back at church and our adult Sunday school class. Bill did really well maneuvering around.

Bill spent time in our pool over the weekend enjoying the weightlessness.

Before Bill had a stroke we used to dance in the kitchen. We were able to trip the light fantastic once again without the use of Bill's walker. The little things in life mean a lot.

Bill and I continue to acknowlege the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive attitudes of family and friends that are near and far please don't cease in praying.

Thursday

Bill is patiently teaching me how to take care of our pool. Its a lot of work for something we use for three months out of the year.

Bill is finding the balance of going to an outpatient rehab all day and instead of having three hours of therapy a day. Our day starts at 5:30 a.m. and we have had plans of retiring at 9:30 p.m. but it hasn't happened yet.


I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get sick. The kids at school were dropping left and right. One teacher had the lovely experience of being vomited on. After she got the child taken care of she jumped into the shower at school and put on non-soiled clothes.

I spent my afternoon sanitizing toys hoping to kill the germs. There's never a boring moment in our personal lives or at school.

Thursday

Freaky

Bill and I made our way to Anna, TX. to find the out patient rehab. Bill had been told to check in at the third building. Well that didn't work out too well. We went into the building and a gentleman approached us. He came across as if he was a doctor or therapist. But no he was a patient who wants to bond with Bill and be in the same groups with him! I felt freaked out leaving Bill in the country not knowing who were the doctors and who were the patients.

Bill is going on a field trip with his new friends tomorrow. I'm so sorry I can't attend.


I'm sure these next six weeks will be interesting and helpful.

Freaky

Yeah its Tuesday

During my lunch break I ran over to rehab and picked up Bill. I got Bill settled in at home, ran to the pharmacy to get perscritptions filled and returned to work. We went out to dinner at our favorite place we skipped the margaritas not a good thing to try this close after having a stroke. We ran to Home Depot and bought a leather tool belt that is now attached to Bill's walker. He needs a handy way to carry things.

The cats are some what hesitant now that Bill is using a walker. Once Bill wasn't pushing it around the decided to welcome him home.

I am looking forward to driving to the country tomorrow morning and meeting the staff at Pate out patient rehab. I have a feeling by the time Bill gets home tomorrow night he will be exhausted from a full day of therapy. The inpatient rehab could only give him three hours a day.

Please keep Bill in your prayers.

Is it Tuesday yet?

Bill is being released tomorrow. It doesn't seem real, he hasn't been home for 25 days. I've been running around cleaning the house and grocery shopping.


On Wednesday I am escorting Bill to out patient rehab. He will be picked up every morning and brought home every evening after having more therapy.

I feel like a giddy school girl waiting to have Bill back home and trying to get back to a normal life whatever normal is. Our two cats won't have to be moody any more.

Thank you for all of your prayers, support and concerns for Bill and our entire family.

Easter Eve

Today was a interesting day at the rehab. Some of the paitence were hesitant to dye easter eggs as part of their therapy. Once they got involved I could see the inner child coming out and they really enjoyed themselves.


I am counting the days until Bill is home and we can try to get back to somewhat of a normal life.
Bill is being released from the local rehab on Tuesday afternoon and will be attending occupational rehab at a outpatient facility on Wednesday morning.

Happy Easter.

Praise God

I can hardly believe that Bill is coming home next week. I don't know if the cats will be happy. Once Bill is home they will loose their spot in bed with me. Bill isn't too fond of snuggling with them.

This Friday I am meeting with the therapists who have been working with Bill to understand how to help Bill once he is home and safety precausions. Bill is looking forward to his field trip to the parking lot at the rehab to practice getting in and out of my Volkswagen.


Thank you for all of your prayers.

Tuesday

Today is assesment day. Bill is anxiously waiting for a glimpse of what the future holds for him. Bill, Patricia and the rest of the world will know what is in store for the patient in room 276 hours before me. I will have to drive across town after work to see what color the star on Bill's door is and by chance look to see if there is a release date on his white board.

I don't want to get on a roller coaster of emotions because its not a perferred place to be. Everyone I've spoken to tells me to keep it "NORMAL" I don't know if I remember what the definition of the word is.

Trust

I don't know why dad isn't sharing with everyone that he caught me off balance while showing me how to use the safety belt and I fell on the floor of his hospital room. I laid on the floor laughing. Dad thought I was injured. Our favorite nurse went by and asked me if I had fallen and I said no.

I kept getting strange looks from the nurse when she was making her rounds.

If we can't have some fun during all this than forgot it.

When dad comes home I show him who is in charge with the belt.

Having fun

My mother told me tonight that some people are born and die and they never know their purpose on earth. My mom said its evident to her that I know my purpose.

One of the OT's and social worker are allowing me to help plans activites at the rehab and share the joy of having to be at rehab.



Since the John Wayne movie marathon wasn't a hit the social worker and I decided on showing Nemo this week. Maybe there will be more than Bill and I watching the movie. I'm not complaining about our date night.



Next Friday or Saturday Patricia, Tripp and I are going to help the patients at the rehab dye eggs for Easter. It is going to be utilized at the patients therapy session.



When the day comes that Bill is allowed to escape the rehab I want to leave a lasting memory.

An update

Where do I begin?

This has been a week part of me never wants to relive and part of me is extremely thank you for what we have made it through. I know we've all been told to never take a loved one for granted. I strongly agree.

Every day since Bill's stroke has brought something new to our lives. We never know what God's plans are you us this has caused us to focus on what is really important and how we can do God's work. We know that God is always there for us, its become very apparent that Bill was being held in God's hands.

Tuesday Bill is having an assesment done. Everyone that has worked with Bill in rehab will be gathering to figure out what awaits Bill in the future and when he will be able to escape rehab.


It was odd to be at church on Sunday without Bill. I had Patricia to lean on. I yearned to be in my Father's house.