Merry Christmas, Bob!

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Dear Friends, When you click on the "play" link, wait a few minutes for it to start up. Be sure your speakers are on AND if you hold your cursor over each photo, you'll be able to click to enlarge. Thank you for loving us . . . We LOVE YOU!

December 25, 2009

Dearest Bob,

Thank you for sharing 26 wonderful Christmases with me. Each one has been special because we've been together but this one is extra special because you've worked SO hard to be here. Thank you, thank you, thank you for hanging in and persisting in your recovery. If I were the real queen of the world, you would be fully recovered from your stroke. You would be walking and talking and using your arm and hand with such automaticity. But, since I'm only a queen in training (much to my disappointment), your recovery is slower than instant but faster than never. AND . . . you ARE getting stronger and better every day! Let me tell you a few of the changes we've noticed in the past month:

1. You're reading short paragraphs with greater accuracy
2. You smile with ease and laugh generously
3. You're understanding so much, much, more
4. You're walking longer distances (3 laps around our cul-de-sac) and with smoother form (still with your cane)
5. Your right shoulder and arm are getting stronger. Oh yes, Bob, the pathways are slowing filling in. You're able to raise your right arm without assistance enough for me to spray on deodorant
6. You sit with your right leg crossed over your left now--I like seeing that.
7. You're able to help me fold the clothes (you do the small pieces, I do the large ones).
8. You're able to follow multi-step directions with greater accuracy. You go, apraxia override!
9. Expressive language is still your biggest challenge. It must be so hard to understand and not be able to tell what you are thinking freely. We continue to work and pray for big miracles. You recognize voices on the phone and say names with greater accuracy. You're beginning to recognize and say numbers. You are recognizing and recalling objects with greater accuracy. You are learning to generate sentences given two words. Whoo-hoo!
10. You call my name with 100% accuracy! No more Olivia Newton John for me

Bob, while some might think of these tasks as small, we know that they are major accomplishments for you! EVERYTHING you do requires concentration, planning, and sequencing and while my heart hurts for your body and for you, I am so proud of you, Bob for NEVER EVER giving up or whining or complaining, no matter how difficult or challenging the task. I also appreciate that you do these things for me as much as for you, and I am so very grateful for your sweet spirit and gentle heart.

Well, Bob, I thought and thought about the perfect Christmas gift for you but as we both know, Christmas really isn't about things and it isn't like you need things. (Although I love and needed my panini press-thank you very much!) So, please accept my five gifts of Christmas to you and know they are from my heart:

• My first gift of Christmas: My heart and love forever and ever!
• My second gift of Christmas: A lifetime of laughs and joy and love and places to see (like Yosemite, Cincinnati, Nova Scotia, Minnesota, Ashland, Connecticutt, Chicago, Boston, and maybe Italy . . . to name a few.)
• My third gift of Christmas: My arms and legs to support yours while you get stronger
• My fourth gift of Christmas: A kick in the butt when you need one
• My last gift of Christmas: 1 massage a week to soothe your aching body. (Oh yeah!)

Lastly, Bob, let's be sure to say thank you to all of our family and dear friends who support and encourage us and continue to pray for your recovery.

Merry Christmas, Robert! I love you! Your Best Friend in the Whole World,

Sharon xoxoxoxoxoxox