A new post just one day later...what on earth is going on?

Yes, I know that I don't get to post as often as I would like. But, good ole' Tiff saved the day and now I actually get to post twice in less than 24 hours.....if you have not read the post from April 26, the one entitled "If you are going through hell, keep going", scroll down and read that one from yesterday as well.

I hope this email finds everyone doing well and happy. We just got back from our trip to Denver today. It was so good to see my mom and dad and so wonderful for the boys to see their Bubbe and Ziz (Zayde - Max calls him "Ziz") :)

I think I didn't really understand all that my parents were going through until we went. Despite their entire lives being turned upside down, they are handling things amazingly well. My mom said that they both go through all of the emotions one would expect - anger, sadness, grief, etc. but with that said, she still feels lucky because she gets to kiss him good morning and good night every day. They are truly each other's "person".

We also met Devin who is my little brother Andrew's doppleganger in every way. He was injured snowboarding but Marty thinks he will walk again. When I asked him though if Devin will be able to snowboard again, Marty said "only if he's crazy". See, still the same Marty that we all love! :) It was so nice to hang out with Devin and kind of feel like wonderful Andrew was there too - I think my parents like hanging out with Devin too for that same reason. And, Max thought he was so supercool because he was able to play Beastie Boys on his phone! Just like Uncle Andrew can! :)

I also asked my dad if I should worry that George wasn't walking yet and he said "He doesn't need to walk if you pick him up and take him everywhere he wants to go" Duh! So, at Zayde's urging, we let George try out his legs and he had so much fun pushing the wheely stools around the therapy gym and walking around. It is quite nice to have an orthopaedist as your dad to remind you of the things that are right in front of your nose! :)

My mom has also found her calling in the medical field and is learning something new everyday. One of the nurses even said that she would have made an amazing nurse or doctor! I have no doubt!

In meeting all of the patients and staff at Craig, I was reminded that life can turn on a dime. Each day is such a gift that we need to be thankful for - even just being able to brush your teeth is an amazing thing if you are suddenly unable to do it anymore. I was also struck by the overall feeling of positivity at the hospital too. The patients and staff seem to overcome things that we have no idea how they do it. If a certain treatment doesnt work, they try something different until they have exhausted every possible idea to help the patient. As you all know, I am a huge worrier but knowing that my parents have such a strong support system there truly helps me sleep at night (even if George doesn't - ha!) When I go back to school to get my master's in Positive Psychology, I am definitely writing my thesis on the patients and staff at Craig!

“If you are going through hell, keep going.” –Winston Churchill

Tiffany picked out today’s quote but I am unsure if she is making reference to what Dad and Mom are going through or if she finally admitting what it is like having two toddlers at home.

The Deal’s made the trek out to Denver, their old stomping grounds, last weekend. They said it was great to finally meet the new friends and family that have come into our lives since Craig became a temporary home. Below are some pictures...

Max and his new friend...her Daddy is at Craig

On April 22 we had Dad’s third care conference. All the key players (Dr. Hsu, nursing, OT, PT, etc.) were there to go over the progress they, as individual departments, are making with Dad…or, the progress Dad is making with them. Here are the highlights…

Dad is neurologically stable. His deltoids and biceps are strong (they have been since the beginning) and although it is weak at this time, he does have some wrist movement and

strength. He still has his trach tube in; Dr. Hsu called it the “safety valve.” He will most likely keep it for a while, perhaps even going home with it. Even though it is not regularly used, it does make it more comfortable for Dad to do suctioning.

Both OT and PT are working on addressing the pain in Dad’s shoulders. PT is getting the prescriptions in order for the equipment they will need at home and Mom is doing more of the transferring. OT is helping to finalize the placement of the gadgets on his chair to best utilize the movement and strength Dad has.

From a nursing standpoint, things are going great. Although Dad’s skin care will be an ongoingissue, everything is healing very nicely now. His nutrition is great and they are only using the feeding tube for protein powder supplements and some meds. Once all medication is converted to oral, they can get rid of the tube.

The nurses also say that there is no longer the look of “shear panic” on the faces of both Mom and Dad when Mom helps with suctioning, transferring, or other routine care type of issues. They have attacked the educational goals together and are now working to “chew the elephant one bite at a time.”

Dr. Houston, the psychologist, made several references to the fact that Dad’s “head is in a good spot and helping him move along instead of hindering things.” He also said that both Dad andMom are “very engaged and involved and it can’t be overstated how important that is.”

It seems the biggest hurdle now is the position of Dad’s arms. His arms are in a supinated (palm up) position. This makes it very difficult to use his arms and hands to their fullest extent. He also has some spasticity in his biceps, making elbow extension difficult. Later this week he will have phenol injections in his biceps and then begin a series of castings to help with the elbow extension and pronation. This will be a long process, perhaps six to eight weeks. Again, chewing that elephant one bite at a time.

Dad did get to enjoy perhaps one of his favorite pastimes, car shopping, in the last week. After all the research and (and I am guessing a few issues of Consumer Reports and Car and Driver), they bought a modified Honda Odyssey. It will now take time to be built with the goal to haveit finished by the time they drive home.

Speaking of pastimes, Dad did go bowling last week and also resumed the giving of Zayde advice. He said it was time for George to start walking and, by George, he did learn that weekend the Deal’s were in town. I guess the therapy room is not just for patients anymore…Jake got his workout a few weeks ago and George is now walking.

and a couple pics from a few weeks ago...

Craig and Jackie...no more poncho envy!

Jackson and Zayde working on his new phone...i don't know what is so funny

I think everyone is now updated (at least to the best of my ability.) Go take some time to relax and "just be"...hug and kiss your loves....

xxxoooetc.

Suz

Tuesday, April 13

On this day in 1863, the first orthopedic hospital, The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled, opened in New York. Dad was NOT on staff there but it was the best segue I could make to this post this early in the morning.

Things in Denver are really going well. As I said before, Dad has been off the ventilator completely for about 10 days now....yippee! He is still getting oxygen through a trach but it is primarily to help him through the new allergies he is developing in Colorado. He did have his trach changed out for a much smaller and sleeker model...little steps!

Each Friday afternoon, his schedule is hung for the next week. This was his schedule for last week...

As you can see, his days are pretty busy and now that he is able to be in his chair for longer and longer time periods, this schedule will continue to get more full with OT, PT, Tetra classes, rec activities, tech lab (he got a new phone and bluetooth), transportation lab, and a little something called "Chase Theresa" which we aren't really too sure about. Mom is doing a lot of the driving (again, because of the stuffy nose) and I noticed they are usually late. I think she is having problems with the fact that there are not passing periods like in high school!

Dad, as usual, is working his way into the hearts of all the staff. Below is a picture of Megan as she is helping him transfer back into bed. Yes, he is biting her and yes, she is laughing. The two of them take turns singing to each other "M-m-m my M-m-m-Megan" and "M-m-m my M-m-m Marty" to the tune of My Sharona! It's great to see both Dad and Mom smiling as this process continues on.

Below is a picture of Dad's old roommate Erik and his "husband" (they have promised to come to Iowa to get married! :) Ty. Ty took it upon himself one day to demonstrate how the lift works and allowed Mom to practice. This is a great picture!

Since it has a weight limit of 300 pounds, Alison decided she would try it out...Ringling Brothers has already contacted her.

Mom and Dad were invited by Craig's board of directors to come to their next meeting and share their experiences and thoughts with them...what clout! :) On Friday, they are looking at two modified vans and deciding which to order (we all know Dad loves shopping for cars!) They have also decided what type of puppy to get when they come home, but are still debating about her name.

Sheldon and Beth Ohringer, friends from Des Moines, stopped by for a visit last week. Sheldon was on the board at Tifereth Israel with Dad and Mom said it was "a beautiful and warm visit."

Below are some more pictures from our trip. Dad's cousins (Tom, Donna, and Lauren) also visited while we were there.

Here are some more pictures of Jake, Jeremy and Chrissy's little man, as he worked out in the therapy room a few weeks ago.I know it is getting hard for them as new friends are getting ready to go home, Craig and Jackie are leaving tomorrow and Erik and Ty leave later this month. But, I also know they have formed lasting friendships with people who can honestly say, "I know how you feel." I am sure the wine (in coffee cups) and conversations will last long after they have gone home...on Dad's new phone!

Blessings to all. Spring has sprung and it is honestly a time for renewal......

Lots of love,

Suz

Maudy Saturday

I know that our Catholic friends honor Maundy Thursday, but we felt it more fitting here in Colorado to honor Maudy Saturday. When Alison was younger and was first learning that her Bubbe and Zayde had "real" people names, somehow she developed a Bostonian accent when saying Marty and it came out "Maudy." It continues to this day so it seemed fitting that, on this day when she was finally able to spend most of it with him, we officially dubbed it Maudy Saturday.

The Yoder's arrived in Denver last night and it was wonderful to see Dad, not just Marty, but the real smiling, joking, Harry Potter glasses wearing, fashion conscious, loving, sincere Dad. We all had dinner in our apartment and I got the biggest smile I remember in a long time when I was able to give them the surprise I have had since March 18...

See, many years ago, we were on our way, ironically, to Colorado for a family vacation. The green bagel played a crucial role in one of the now infamous family vacation stories...I could not help but "throw" it in our suitcase and bring it "back up" again.

So, what's the latest...Dad is off the ventilator and it was even taken out of his room two days ago (although we don't talk about it so as not to jinx things.) He is working on a pretty good cold so they kicked up the oxygen for few days to help him through the stuffy nose days. His shoulders are very sore and this is more apparent when he is getting into or out of bed. He is off tube feedings and is eating anything he wants. I'll give you one guess...yep, Smashburger for dinner. He also requested the bagel for breakfast! :)

As so many of the medical issues are resolving, he is able to do more and more therapy and rehab. But, on another level, so much of the therapy is social. We finally have been able to meet so many of the people (patients, families, and staff here at Craig) that Mom talks to (and about) on a daily basis. Mom said it best yesterday..."It is hard to believe we have not known these people all our lives." But, yes, there is still a little competition here...apparently Dad's friend Craig had "poncho envy" and had to do a little retail therapy as well.

It is late and I wanted to make sure I got this posted today. I will talk with Dad tomorrow and see what else he wants put in this blog...but in the meantime, below are some pics of the Jones' from their visit last week.

after the long ride to Denver...

the little princess loved Zayde's bed!

Avery isn't too sure about this whole big brother thing...

I'll leave you with one more thought spoken by Christopher Reeve...

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

Well, folks, we clearly have a hero on our hands and in our lives.

Love,

suz

P.S. Remember, if you want an e-mail letting you know when the blog has been updated, send me a quick message at syoder@mid-prairie.k12.ia.us