A nice, strong, spring, Jersey sun is shining!
Paul's tanning in the kitchen...I'm fried red.
The high-speed therapy is kicking in....he is really doing well.
His breakfast order was made in record-breaking time!
eggs?
yes
scrambled
no
medium boiled
yes
english muffin with raisins
no
half a bagel
yes
cream cheese
no
butter
yes
that's goyish...ya sure?
yes
Last week....it took 30 minutes figuring out what he wanted...and I'm not sure he really got what he wanted. His preschool report still holds true....
"he's motivated by food".
We've really seemed to hit our stride...a great rhythm...it's amazing how much easier we can communicate. So many of his therapists are pushing him to look into an augmentative communication device. He's not quite ready. I think he feels it would be giving in to a degree...we'll see. I don't want him to feel as if he has to have me around to get his message across.
He still wants his four newspapers everyday...we settle for 3 to 4 times a week...on our way to therapy.
Paul spends hours going through them.
The running-around-the room and jumping-up-n'-down speech therapy (that's me not him) seems to be working. Let me rephrase that. I think ALL the therapy leading up to now, seems to be working. I notice that he makes more advances verbally etc. when he has tons of Physical Therapy. They seem to go hand in hand.
We're at Kessler three afternoons a week...he really loves the work.
No wheelchair for him...I help him from therapy to therapy....he does love to sneak out the back door at the end of the day...saving 100' of walking!!
There have so many gifts of love and support the last few weeks!
Barbara...Elle...Nancy...Joni..Ann & Joe, the food mavens of northern Jersey....and Edith the queen of borscht from Philly!!
We can't thank you enough...when we come home at the end of therapy days we're beat...it's so nice not having to figure out what to have for dinner!
I've even gotten Nancy to divulge a secret recipe....shhhhh!
I've been saving the biggest news for the last.
Once again Peter King has come to our rescue.
He & our dear friend Barbara Neibart are organizing a fundraiser to help cover the cost of extensive speech/aphasia therapy.
He made the announcement in his Monday Morning Quarterback column in SI.com.
Link to Peter's column.
We plan on going to the University of Michigan for an intensive 6 week aphasia program in August...23 hours a week of therapy!
Link to University of Michigan site.
August is the first opening available...but I figure that will give him more time to get physically stronger. Haven't decided if we'll fly or drive....trying to weigh the pros and cons of both. More flexibility if we drive...pit stops...and we'll have our own car...one less thing for Paul to have to adapt to. He really is fearless...I think he'd go in a space shuttle.
My sister Gail is coming to stay with us for a few weeks...she'll be helping Barbara with the fundraiser...hopefully they won't drown in the details.
Sarah and Natasha, Paul's daughter and grandaughter will also be visiting next week.
My big plan....heading out to dinner...it's time Paul hits the streets and entertains the masses!
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU
Paul's tanning in the kitchen...I'm fried red.
The high-speed therapy is kicking in....he is really doing well.
His breakfast order was made in record-breaking time!
eggs?
yes
scrambled
no
medium boiled
yes
english muffin with raisins
no
half a bagel
yes
cream cheese
no
butter
yes
that's goyish...ya sure?
yes
Last week....it took 30 minutes figuring out what he wanted...and I'm not sure he really got what he wanted. His preschool report still holds true....
"he's motivated by food".
We've really seemed to hit our stride...a great rhythm...it's amazing how much easier we can communicate. So many of his therapists are pushing him to look into an augmentative communication device. He's not quite ready. I think he feels it would be giving in to a degree...we'll see. I don't want him to feel as if he has to have me around to get his message across.
He still wants his four newspapers everyday...we settle for 3 to 4 times a week...on our way to therapy.
Paul spends hours going through them.
The running-around-the room and jumping-up-n'-down speech therapy (that's me not him) seems to be working. Let me rephrase that. I think ALL the therapy leading up to now, seems to be working. I notice that he makes more advances verbally etc. when he has tons of Physical Therapy. They seem to go hand in hand.
We're at Kessler three afternoons a week...he really loves the work.
No wheelchair for him...I help him from therapy to therapy....he does love to sneak out the back door at the end of the day...saving 100' of walking!!
There have so many gifts of love and support the last few weeks!
Barbara...Elle...Nancy...Joni..Ann & Joe, the food mavens of northern Jersey....and Edith the queen of borscht from Philly!!
We can't thank you enough...when we come home at the end of therapy days we're beat...it's so nice not having to figure out what to have for dinner!
I've even gotten Nancy to divulge a secret recipe....shhhhh!
I've been saving the biggest news for the last.
Once again Peter King has come to our rescue.
He & our dear friend Barbara Neibart are organizing a fundraiser to help cover the cost of extensive speech/aphasia therapy.
He made the announcement in his Monday Morning Quarterback column in SI.com.
Link to Peter's column.
We plan on going to the University of Michigan for an intensive 6 week aphasia program in August...23 hours a week of therapy!
Link to University of Michigan site.
August is the first opening available...but I figure that will give him more time to get physically stronger. Haven't decided if we'll fly or drive....trying to weigh the pros and cons of both. More flexibility if we drive...pit stops...and we'll have our own car...one less thing for Paul to have to adapt to. He really is fearless...I think he'd go in a space shuttle.
My sister Gail is coming to stay with us for a few weeks...she'll be helping Barbara with the fundraiser...hopefully they won't drown in the details.
Sarah and Natasha, Paul's daughter and grandaughter will also be visiting next week.
My big plan....heading out to dinner...it's time Paul hits the streets and entertains the masses!
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU
13 comments:
Hi, Linda... I am one of the folks at some distance from Jersey who suggested to Peter King that people should buy seats to the benefit -- even if they cannot actually make it there. I left work early today to get a bank order in American funds so that Barbara would not get stuck with a service charge. The bank was closing, and so there were only about a dozen people around; we got talking about the benefit: so many of them are readers of Paul's work, and they all miss him. The bank manager even converted the currency for free. Such an outpouring of little kindnesses from so many people!
I always appreciated when Paul thanked his readers in his mailbag for their compliments. I am grateful now to have this opportunity to show him my thanks. But it's pure selfishness on my part: we're impoverished so long as he's not writing. -- Craig
Whoo Hoo!! I'll keep praying...for all of it. Love, Carey
Craig....I can't wait for Paul to see your note...it'll make his day...just knowing that he is missed!
Thanks a million for all your support and for 'waiting in one more damn line'!!
Carey...thanks honey....and thanks for continuing to write and keep us in your prayers!
ps Craig where do you live?
Too bad that we live so far away..Cory makes delicious chicken sea food Gumbo and great shrimps corn chowder..
You Both works very hard but eventually you will see the Light.
Love your photos..
Have a great Day..
Another Mom's quote_ Finche c'e Vita, c'e Speranza-( As long there is life there is always Hope.Ciao,
AnnaMaria
I'm so glad to hear how well things are going!!! I SO miss Dr. Z in my daily football news...his knowledge, his sense of humor, his love of the game...everything!
My hat is off to you in your daily role as caretaker. I can only imagine what you are going through. I had a similar (but nowhere near the same) experience several years ago when my husband was undergoing treatment for Stage IV melanoma. Against all odds, he responded to the treatment and is now in full remission. For nearly a year, my sole focus was caring for him, and although his condition was not as severe as Paul's it was stressful and draining. I was amazed at the amount of love and help offered by our friends and family, especially to those who were there for me when I was at my lowest. Be strong, take all the help that comes your way, and know that there are a lot of us thinking of you and pulling for Paul.
--Suzy
Hi, Linda... I am one of Paul's many Canadian fans, transplanted to Alberta from Newfoundland. In 1970s Eastern Canada, almost all the NFL coverage was of the Patriots. I suffered through some awful seasons back then and so if I am able to support Dr. Z and not meet Tom Coughlin, that's okay, too!! (Just kidding: I marvel at the generosity behind the benefit.) -- Craig
Linda, so happy to read a sunny post from you! You go girl! Go Paul!
Anna Maria...what a lovely thought!!
We've had a really good week!
Seeing improvement daily!
xox
Suzy....Yes I've learned to say YES when someone offers help. It really does ease the load...gives me more time to do the important things, help Paul with therapy, read to him.
Thanks for your kind words.
Bet...always happy to see your sunny post!
I've been away for a few days......what a great post to come back to!!!!!!! His world is getting bigger , such great news So happy for the progress!! Hang in there, tough girl!
Hi Bailey,
I lost your blog for a while and just saw your link today on a Slow Travel post. I thought I would catch up on your photos and was saddened to read about your husband's strokes.
My brother was in a bad car accident many years ago resulting in a traumatic brain injury. I understand all of the frustrating ups and downs you are both going through. I am also a former speech therapist (I now teach preschool special ed). I am happy to read that Paul will be getting some intensive therapy at the University of Michigan and that his therapies are making a difference.
I feel for you and how your life has changed and I also feel for Paul and how his life has changed. Take care of yourself. Sending positive thoughts your way to both you and Paul.
Excellent news on Dr. Z's progress. Hang in there. Can't wait for Mr. King to let us know how we can participate long distance!
Take care.
Flaming Redhead - so glad things are getting better - just wish it was Ohio State instead of Michigan that you were headed off to - I would have been able to provide lots of help! Miss Paul, take care of yourself too. SI subscriber since '75. Cindy
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