A Year of Thanks!

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Dear Friends and Family,
Like so many of you, Bob and I are getting into the holiday season. We've started decorating the yard (can someone help me with lights?) and the house although the tree isn't up yet. Bob is happy that I'm home with him and I'm happy to hang out with him so that I not worrying about him as much. Every day is a miracle and I feel blessed that he's with me and we're adjusting to our new normal. Recovery will be a life-long process and I'm thankful every day for the little miracles that we see happening every day. He can blow kisses to me now (think about how many muscles and neurons that takes to sequence in your brain) and hand signal for me to come to him (full fingers or just the "come here" signal. He put a 300 piece puzzle together in an hour. Bob:

• Starts his day by walking downstairs (and upstairs) without my assistance
• Makes hot chocolate, pours a glass of juice, and gets the LA Times by himself so that I get to sleep in
• Reads the paper-sports section first (he says he's able to understand about 75-85% now-a HUGE improvement)
• Tells me my breakfasts and dinners are "delicious (but my lunches "need some work", to which I respond, "at least you get lunch")
• Stacks his dirty dirty dishes and helps me fold laundry
• Works so hard in his speech therapy. Last night he told me that "it's tough not to be able to talk". His speech therapists, Britney and Breeanne, are just wonderful with him. He actually has full-on conversations with them! I love the University of Redlands Truesdail Center! 
• Talks to me as best he can - and somehow, we have wonderful conversations. (Maybe it's a lifetime of speaking broken English with my mother.)
• Never complains or gripes about his situation - he just does what he needs to do and is so sweet and kind. 
• Still works at walking--although the cold weather is hard on him.
• Tries not to complain about my driving. I really have been working on improving, too.

Our fall has been taken up with speech therapy and exercising at the Drayson Center, but in October, we saw a number of friends, Roger, Sandra, Ann, Chris, Russ, Kathy and Hank, Bryan and Denis. In early November, we spent a week in Palm Desert visiting Bob's sister and brother (they're in the photos). We're so thankful for all of our family and friends who have made life oh so bearable over the past year. Thank you for loving us! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Warmest regards,

Sharon - just Sharon . . . (The Love of Bob's Life)

Happy Fall!

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Bob and Sharon's Summer So Far!

Our First Out of State Trip!

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Dear Friends,
I know! It's been forever since I've updated the Bob blog so I have lots to tell. First, my retirement from 30 years in public education became official on July 2, whoo-hoo, and I've enjoyed every minute home. Bob and I are together now so that I don't worry as much.
     So what's happened since our last post? Well, here goes:

Living the Dream!

• Bob was discharged from 1 year and 3 months of therapy at Loma Linda and Shadi went home after spending the school year to work with Bob at home. He'll return for "tune-ups" but the name of the game now is home therapy. 
• Bob started his personalized workout circuit designed by PT Summer. We go to the LLUMC Drayson Center several times a week where Bob uses the recumbent bikes and machines to strengthen his leg and arm, walks laps in the pool (without his cane), and we walk the hills and dales of our neighborhood (when it isn't scorchingly hot). 
• Cathy, Bob's daughter, came home for Father's Day and we went to the Kimberly-Crest Mansion for brunch and a garden walk.
• We've started taking weekly field trips. So far, we've gone to the movies, to the Music Center to see South Pacific, San Clemente, Dos Lagos Mall, and San Manuel Casino to test Bob's gambling skills (after tutoring from ex-student Kirk and Terri Taco). Bob won $152 playing 21. Whew! It's quite a show with my three senior citizens in tow. HA!
• We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. The years have flown! 
• Last week, we flew to Oregon to visit the "out-laws". Our first "big trip" was a success--no mishaps. There, we hiked Lithia Park, went to The Lake of Woods resort where we "camped" and communed with nature and Terri Taco and Buck. Bob said the highlight was "driving the boat". 

Bob & Cathy - Happy Father's Day!



Happy Landing!

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• We recognize that Bob's recovery is our life's and we're grateful for every day. We celebrate every little miracle and I'm learning to live for the moment--in the now. I continue to be in awe of Bob and his commitment to recovery. I marvel at his patience, goodwill, positive attitude, and kindness in spite of his injuries. Walking requires major energy and effort and talking is still hard but somehow we communicate. I just love, love, love him!

Well, I think that's enough for today. I'll try to do better in keeping you posted of Bob's progress. Take care and keep those prayers and good thoughts coming our way. We need and appreciate them.

Love,
Sharon

Bob's Relay for Life!

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Support Bob in the Relay for Life!

Dear Friends and Family,  

     On Saturday, May 1, 2010, Bob and I are taking part in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®, to celebrate the one-year milestone of Bob’s stroke recovery. We are also walking in honor of our brother in-law, Jeff Hinkley, a cancer survivor whose passion for life, unconditional love, and daily support has been a huge force in Bob’s recovery.

     We’re walking with Team ESS (my work team) and we’re hoping you will help us raise $1000 (or at least $500 each). Bob has been training at the Loma Linda Rehab Center and we plan to beat his personal best of 18 minutes. Whew!  We’d love to have you watch and cheer Bob on if you have time, but if you don’t, just donate money! Here’s the link to Bob’s personal donation page:   http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY10CA?px=15524387&pg=personal&fr_id=20534

Every step is one more step towards Bob’s full recovery and we’re helping others as well. We’re so grateful for all of your love and support. Please visit Bob’s personal web page to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation. Every dollar matters! 

Thank you in advance for your donation and we will keep you updated on our progress. We love you!

Warmly,

Sharon and Bob

Bob and Sharon's Spring Break!

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Dear Friends and Family,
Boo-hoo! Spring break is over! Although we didn't go anywhere exotic, I took the week off and had a wonderful time just being with the Bob. I got to witness Bob's miraculous recovery in progress at Loma Linda Outpatient Rehab and my, oh, my, he and this angel therapists are truly something to watch in action. Here are Bob's latest miracles:

• Treadmill walking 17 minutes @ 2.3-2.5 mph
• Relearning how to do Sudoku (which he used to do everyday B.S.)
• Bench pressing his cane @ 2 sets of 20 with minimal assistance barely touching his right elbow)
• Shaking hands with everyone - lots of practice with activating his right arm and hand
• Missing only 4 on the Boston Naming Test (he had to name items with minimal cueing and Cynthia said that she was supposed to stop when he missed 6 but he never got past 4) and they were uncommon things. He was a man on fire in speech and Cynthia said he did "impressively very well". 
• Getting his weekly Friday massage from newest angel, massage therapist, Irene 

It was so beautiful so we got to have sun time at the park where we ate frozen yogurt and read his novel aloud together. I go back to work and will miss him but it's almost June! Retirement is scary - I can't imagine not going to work every day but I am so looking forward to focusing on Bob's recovery. 


That's it for now! Take care and much love,


Sharon   (Bob's biggest fan) 

Happy Easter, Bob, and Other Miracles!

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Dear Family and Friends,

Can you believe that we've been in the trenches for over eleven months? And we're still here! Whoo-hoo! We wish you the best this Easter!

We spent the day with family at Sonia and Jeff's just kicking back, eating a lot of food, and watching The Blind Side. The big excitement came when the 7.2 Mexicali earthquake shook the earth but we kept right on eating and saying, "We're having an earthquake."

Jeanie was our Bobwatcher while Shadi's in Korea with Bill. Although we LOVE Shadi's support, Bob is enjoying Jeanie's attention immensely. Jeanie is the quietest and calmest of the four sisters and Bob is a quiet man so it's a good combination. Besides, she's a super cook (like Shadi, who makes Bob "dang good" meals).  Jeanie is also a "Healing Touch" certified and gives him massages so life with Jeanie is pretty good.

Jeanie said that she's amazed at Bob's progress and determination in therapy. His miracles during her watch were: (1) flexing his hand back and up and (2) walking 10 minutes at 2.5 mph on the treadmill, singing "Margaritaville"! The Walk-Aide is jolting Bob to lift his knee, foot, and toes so that his gait will continue to improve. If only there was a similar device that could help him with his speech. We just work patiently at it and pray for lots of improvements every day.


Well, I'd better get to bed. Happy Easter, all!

Warmly,

Sharon

Happy Spring! Sharon & Bob Sing! And March Miracle #727!

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Dear Friends and Family,
Can you believe that it's the last weekend in March? Bob is enjoying March Madness and I'm trying to avoid working on taxes (which used to be Bob's job). I used to go garden and find projects while he worked on them and now I can't wait until he can help me with this tedious task.

Bob is getting stronger and more engaged every day. Shadi has him folding clothes, clearing the table, and picking up after himself. Next, he'll be unloading and loading the dishwasher and washing machine like he used to. I like it! I really like when Toddi wants to kiss him, and kiss him, and kiss him, and kiss him. He's getting better at saying, "No Toddi" but his voice is very soft so I don't think she takes him seriously. She loves her some Bob!

In the last blog, I told you that Shadi and Bill donated the very expensive computerized Walk Aide that sends electric stimuli to his leg muscles so that he picks up his knee and foot when he walks. Well, the Loma Linda business office went to bat for us and guess what? They got our insurance to pay for it after all! YEAH! Miracle after miracle happens! So I asked Bill and Shadi if they'd like to donate to my retirement wardrobe foundation and they said NOT! By the way, Bill arrived from Brazil a few days ago and will take Shadi back to Korea with him for a few weeks, but she'll return in mid-April ! My middle sister, Jeanie, will "Bobwatch" next week and I'll take my spring break the following week, and then Shadi will be back (or Bob and I will be heading to Korea after her. HA!) Time is flying.

Well, I'd better get back on task. Take care, dear friends. Thanks for keeping us in prayer. Pray for Bob's full recovery and especially for the return of his speech and language! He needs practice so please call him or visit!

Much love,

Sharon

See Bob Walk! See Bob Be Extraordinary!

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Dear Friends,
I wanted you to see the extraordinary progress Bob has made over the last few months. Bob's angels, Lisa, Rachelle, Cynthia, and Shadi help his neurons click, fire, and find new pathways every day, and because of them and Bob's commitment to recover, he's made big gains over the year. Click on the smilebox to start and wait for it to load. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We need EVERY single one of them. Take care!

Warmly,

Sharon

The January - March Miracles of Bob and Sharon

Dear Friends and Family,

January and February weren't total busts and Bob is quickly on the rebound. Let's recount Bob's  miracles:

1. In January, Cathy and Josh came home. Bob really enjoyed visiting with Cath and I loved Josh taking care of me and the house while I stayed at the hospital.
2. Bob was so ON during his admission to the hospital. He answered all of the doctors questions himself. I was in awe of his alertness and his passion to make sure he understood and they understood him. It was amazing to watch him engage again. He followed their directions and seemed to be able to do all of the neuro tests. As challenging as it was, he communicated with the hospital staff. Whoo-hoo!
3. Bob seemed to regress (speech, language, motor) but thank goodness, it was short-lived!
4. Bob is back to his daily exercise routine of walking and range of motion (which he does not love, let me assure you but is a way of life).
5. Bob is reading a novel with Shadi (she reads aloud everyday) but guess what? Now they are doing paired reading and he reads a page aloud to her and then she reads a few pages. It's wonderful to see and he's pretty proud of himself (although he said "I'm still not conversational." Pretty good, huh? His speech therapist, Cynthia, continues to be amazed by his progress.
6. Bob will be fitted with his Walk-aide tomorrow (an computerized electronic device that sends electrical impulses  to his leg and foot so that he will walk without drop foot). Our insurance denied this device saying that it is too "experimental" although it's what the Olympic and professional athletes use for rehab. So we say a special thank you to the Shadi and Bill Letson Foundation for donating this lovely tool to Bob.
7. Bob is walking on the treadmill at therapy. His new, wonderful PT, Lisa Z., puts him in special  harness hooked to the ceiling, and he walks at 3 mph for three minute intervals. Pretty amazing.
8. Bob attended Gaby C.s (one of his doctoral student's) dissertation defense in March. Bob was so happy to see his friends Mary T. (in the photo) and Dr. Tom Harvey. We scripted a few questions and Bob practiced and practiced and practiced and asked questions. We were so proud and when I asked him how he felt, he told us, and I quote, "I was hot!" And he was, too!
9. Bob is able to go up and down the stairs pretty efficiently now, but when Shadi first arrived, I asked him to stay upstairs until she got up (because he was still on that medication that made him wibbly-wobbly). One morning, she yelled to me as I was heading out the door to work and when I got to her room, Bob was in her bed (with his shoes on) and he had told her that he would wait there with her until she got up to go downstairs. So that's the photo you see. It's not me.
10. Bob is graciously dealing with the reality that his recovery will be, in his words, "a long time coming and therapy is laborious". He has good days, great days, and hard days but he handles them with grace. He wants two things desperately: to be able to speak fluently again and to be able to drive. So we are working on speech and language - Shadi makes all of us insist that he must speak and that he must do so in complete sentences.
Well, enough for now. I'll try to stay more current. Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers, cards, and words of encouragement. They mean a lot to us!

From the depths of our hearts, we remain yours,
Sharon

We're Back!

Dear Friends,

So sorry that I haven’t written since Bob’s surgery but January and February were very difficult months for us. As y’all know, Bob’s surgery went well and he seemed to be recovering without hitch when  he had a localized seizure. The ER docs put Bob on an anti-convulsant which had the side effect of depressing his brain’s cognitive, language, and motor functionality. So for the past month, Bob had extreme difficulty generating any kind of responses outside of “yes or no”, he couldn’t get out of the “thick fog” the meds put around his brain, and he wasn’t able to generate phrases or sentences. His spirit was so sad and he was terribly depressed (another side effect). Everyday, he would shake his head, as if he was trying to clear it, and ask me, “What’s wrong with me?” All of this ALMOST sent me over the edge and I, too, was sad and frantic.

But we have good news! The angels do look after us. After a few phone Skype conversations, my twin hopped on the next jet out of Seoul (yes, Korea) and moved back into our lives and my, oh, my, changes have occurred! We’re doing much better now.

First, Shadi insisted that we take Bob to Dr. B. (his original stroke/rehab doc) and Dr. B seemed to think that Bob’s seizure was the result of medications (anesthesia) and not the stroke or surgery. So, the good news is that Bob is now OFF the anti-convulsant  and WHOO-HOO! My old Bob is back! He’s talking more and generating sentences and phrases again AND we’re having little conversations again. (He even called me a “pain in the b--- “ the other night.)

Shadi will live with us until June 30 when I’ll have finished my 30 years in public education and will be able to focus my life on Bob. (THANK YOU, Dr. Bill Letson for sharing your wife and Shadi for sharing your life! We love you and owe you! There’s nothing like family!) I'm not sure that I know how to retire fully so our hope is that I will be able to work part-time to cover insurance and yet spend most of my time helping Bob fully recover. We may be asking for a little help from our friends. HA! 

Bob is on a tight schedule of OT, PT, and speech at rehab and home and he’s showing incremental improvements especially in PT and OT daily. Speech is still a challenge but he amazes us every day!. Lisa, his PT, has Bob on a treadmill (yes, treadmill) and Rachelle is working hard to activate his arm. One of his daily exercises is to put his arm around me daily. I like that!

More later. Much love to all!

Warmly,

Sharon

The Bob Speaks! Yes, He Does!

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Dear Friends and Family,
Click on the play button, turn on your speakers, and hear Bob's voice. 

  Bob continues to make tremendous progress over time - - just what we want to hear! He truly is my hero because of his never ending efforts to recover, and believe me, it is hard, hard work. Who knew that  a stroke could be so devastating to one's body but never to his spirit. Although Bob struggles to walk, talk, and move his body, he never complains or even hints at giving up. And he is still kind, sweet, and appreciative. That we could all be so brave.

  We wanted to SAY thank all of you for your continuous prayers and words of encouragement.  It means so much to know that you still hold a special place in your hearts for us . . . and believe me, we need ALL of your positive thoughts. So, please keep them coming.

  And now, a special thanks to Bob's "A-TEAM" for helping Bob reactivate his brain, believing that Bob could improve, inspiring hope in us, and for helping our hearts through this very difficult time. We love you Therapists Summer, Rachelle, Cynthia, Rick, et.al.

  And then to Bob's Incredible Cadre of Caregivers: Shadi, Bill, Josh, Terri Taco, Jeanie, Robin, Sonia, Jeff, Sandy & Frank, Mom & Dad:  We can't say thank you enough for giving up your time and changing your lives to help me and Bob. Folks don't know that you've literally given up days/weeks/months of your lives to help us so that I'm able to return to work. Because of all of you, Bob and I have been able to resume a new normal to our lives. Caregiving is very demanding including helping Bob dress, fixing his (and my meals), doing our laundry, walking/exercising/massaging him, reading aloud, practicing speech activities, driving him to/from therapy and then being his personal cheerleader through his treatments. And you do all this without expecting a thing from us. So know that we say thank you, thank you, we love you and we appreciate you!

Happy New Year!

With our deepest thanks,

Sharon & Bob  

Bob Hates Sharon's Driving! WAHHHH! And a New Miracle!

Hi there,

Okay, so we all know that Bob does NOT like my driving and that he used to say that he drove better than me under ANY condition.  Well, now that he can't drive,he's dependent on me (poor guy) and his dislike of my driving is VERY open. Now, I don't think it's THAT bad but Bob REALLY hates it to the point that he manifests his feelings by gripping the upholstery, sputtering at me, and gives me directions (YES, YES, NO, NO). 

OMG, it was getting on my one good nerve and really hurt my feelings so for a while I told him to close his eyes or cover his face with his pillow or jacket and plug his ear. He resorted to burying his head in his pillow or pulling a bag (what bag, any bag) over his head but that just doesn't look good when we're tooling down the freeway. So, yesterday, I gave him my sleeping mask, and by george, I think we're on to something. I kid you not, he put the mask on on IMMEDIATELY when he got into the car with me to and from Nancy's for New Year's Dinner (and he didn't care if it was on right either). Then, he quietly white knuckles it where ever we go and yes, no sputtering at me. It's not beautiful but it does save our relationship and we get where we need to be.   

Here's Bob's newest miracle: He can do math! When Bob was in the hospital, Michele Douglas gave Bob a math game with all of the operations. Well, he couldn't do them then or even last month when I'd try. On New Year's Eve, I brought the cards and asked Bob if he wanted to try. So I put the first problem up (a multi-operation word problem) and he solved it mentally AND gave the correct answer. So, we tried 12 more! OMG-he read them aloud, then did them mentally and selected the correct answer (and I needed paper and pencil to do them). It was the best! Thanks, Michele. We're doing about 10 per day, now. Keep those prayers for a million small miracle coming!


Happy New Year, Y'all!

Warmly,

Sharon