Since moving into new place, I have a difficult time getting internet access. Becca will vouch for me. Ha, ha. I hope this finds you all healthy and a little wiser.
24 July - Heath picked me up a 10:30 and took me to see Dr Brian Ito. He gave me a test and I scored 29/30.. He said I was making good progress. We had a light lunch and then Heath took me on a hike to Rattlesnake Ledge. About a 2 miles one way with a 1200 foot elevation gain hike. Great fun!!! Heath drops me off at my place at 4:00 pm.
25 July - At 10:00, Heath drops by and takes me out for an hour walk. He is doing sprints while I am walking. He is training for his softball league. Heath drops me home at 12:00 just in time for lunch. Yumm!? Following lunch Phil Smith and John Danell stop by for a nice visit. I told Phil that I am ready to play golf!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
July 18-20, 2012
Now that Becca has given me the responsibility to update the post, it is not current. I will do my best assuming I can remember how to do it? On the 18th, I got to drive my car! Well, I actually backed it out of the driveway so Heath could get the truck out. I then drove it back into the slot vacated by the truck. So that counts! I helped my son Heath spread beauty bark on Becca and Matt's flower beds for about 3 hours. I rested the morning of the 19th. Then Heath came and got me about 1:30 and we went for a 40 minute walk. We then went to Becca's for dinner. Got up late again on the 20th. Had a great breakfast of pancakes and fruit and coffee. Not Starbucks, but still good. Worked out the final details for new kitchen cupboards for my house in Mesa, AZ. Wow, that took some effort. Becca stopped by for a visit during lunch. Then after lunch, Heath came and took me outside for an hour of frisbee throwing. Heath is helping so much in bringing back my physical condition. The mental is still slowly working its way back. Received nice cards today from WWW who went with me on a Rick Steves tour of Italy. I am ready to go back. And a nice card from Karen Rosenberger (she was THE contracting officer for AWACS, her friend Jean, and Karen Holst (Whitmore). I do remember Jean, I think you ran the last 1000 yards in an attempt to beat me in the Port Angeles 1/2 marathon. Ok, the memory is a little unclear here, maybe you did win!? So many wonderful memories from so many people. I do remember you all. My problem is remembering what I did 5 minutes ago. My love to you all.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
July 17th, 2012
July 17, 2012 - Wake up, shower and shave and ready for the day. I had a great breakfast. Heath picked me up about 9:15 to take me to my doctors appointment. Went to see my GP, Dr Jorgenson at Group Health. They took my vitals, weight = 184, blood pressure = 121/60. The doctor gave me a couple of mental tests, I guess. Spell a five letter word backwards and what does don't throw rocks if you live in a glass house mean to me. Heath got me back to the place by 11ish. About 11:30 Bob Merkle and John Andrews picked me up to take me to lunch. Had a great visit and it was good to see Bob and John. Been way too long. Arrived back at the place around 2:45.
Anout 5:00 Forbes and Jordan arrived at my place and took me to Becca and Matt's for dinner. Matt BBQ'd the steak on his BBQ. Matt is the king1 Had a wonderful time visiting and catching up. Forbes and Jordan are wonderful young men. Becca took me back to the place about 8:00. It was a wonderfully full day. Love to all.
Monday, July 16, 2012
July 16, 2012
Met dad at 10am today and we hung out until 2:30pm. 1 hour and 20 minute walk today! He felt great and had no problems keeping up.
Memory is better, he remember everything from yesterday and even from the last time I saw him on Wednesday. The sense of direction is still not there.
I am working on getting him set up for speech therapy, but it may be 3 weeks out until we can get our first appointment; seems counter-intuitive. I guess I may have to get certified.
Shelley and Brad came by at 2:30 to see the place and spend time with Brian. So great of them to spend time visiting on their day off!
After work Becca picked up Brian and took him to her house for a few hours.
Memory is better, he remember everything from yesterday and even from the last time I saw him on Wednesday. The sense of direction is still not there.
I am working on getting him set up for speech therapy, but it may be 3 weeks out until we can get our first appointment; seems counter-intuitive. I guess I may have to get certified.
Shelley and Brad came by at 2:30 to see the place and spend time with Brian. So great of them to spend time visiting on their day off!
After work Becca picked up Brian and took him to her house for a few hours.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
July 15th, 2012
Around 10am Becca and Taylor picked Brian up and drove up to Lowe's in Monroe. Shelley works there and spoke to Catherine who works in cabinets there to help us out to ensure we have the correct cabinets and hardware for Brian's house in Mesa.
Then we all went to Red Robin for lunch, yum!
At 2:30 we got back to the place in Bellevue and Barb & Frank stopped by. They were on their way back up from Tacoma so it was nice to have them see his new place.
Busy but good day! Brian did a good job remembering little details about the cabinets!!
Then we all went to Red Robin for lunch, yum!
At 2:30 we got back to the place in Bellevue and Barb & Frank stopped by. They were on their way back up from Tacoma so it was nice to have them see his new place.
Busy but good day! Brian did a good job remembering little details about the cabinets!!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
July 12th, 2012
Every day continues to just get better and better!
Brian is writing down everything he eats, who he talks to on the phone, who visits him, and his activities. It is really helping him and his memory continues to get better and better!
Phil came to visit him for an hour or so and they had a good chat. I heard it had to do with the new Wine & More store in Bellevue. :)
Becca picked up Brian around 5:30 after dinner bought him over to enjoy Becca's house. Taylor loved having Grandpa over again since the last time was May 26th when we took him into the hospital. We enjoyed the great weather and Grandpa pushed her on the swing, watched her splash in the pool, and they both blew bubbles!
It's so great that he is able to leave now and able to enjoy the summer outside!!
The phone number if you want to chat is 425-572-6923
The address is 6645 116th Ave Se, Bellevue WA 98006
If you go visit him please try calling to texting him first and tell him to put it down on his calendar when you will be there. This will help him with his memory and ensuring he won't be out when you stop by!
Brian is writing down everything he eats, who he talks to on the phone, who visits him, and his activities. It is really helping him and his memory continues to get better and better!
Phil came to visit him for an hour or so and they had a good chat. I heard it had to do with the new Wine & More store in Bellevue. :)
Becca picked up Brian around 5:30 after dinner bought him over to enjoy Becca's house. Taylor loved having Grandpa over again since the last time was May 26th when we took him into the hospital. We enjoyed the great weather and Grandpa pushed her on the swing, watched her splash in the pool, and they both blew bubbles!
It's so great that he is able to leave now and able to enjoy the summer outside!!
The phone number if you want to chat is 425-572-6923
The address is 6645 116th Ave Se, Bellevue WA 98006
If you go visit him please try calling to texting him first and tell him to put it down on his calendar when you will be there. This will help him with his memory and ensuring he won't be out when you stop by!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
June 11th, 2012
Brian is adjusting to his new place. The people who work there are really nice and after talking last night about what he likes to eat for breakfast he mentioned scrambled eggs and pancakes. Guess what! They made that for him this morning for his very first breakfast! How nice is that?? He wasn't expecting that but what a welcome!
Heath picked him up around 10am and took him over to Becca and Matt's house. While Heath was helping paint the guest room and Brian took a nice nap. He also drank 3 grape waters in the fridge and apoligized later! ha
Then they took a trip to REI and looked around. Heath took him out to lunch and brought Brian back around 4pm. A nice long day out and about!
Brandon brought over his laptop so we hope to have Brian updating the blog daily on his own.
While he has been writing stuff down it has really helped his memory. He could tell me just about everything from his day except where they went to lunch. Fantastic progress!
Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come by Becca and Matt's for a BBQ.
Heath picked him up around 10am and took him over to Becca and Matt's house. While Heath was helping paint the guest room and Brian took a nice nap. He also drank 3 grape waters in the fridge and apoligized later! ha
Then they took a trip to REI and looked around. Heath took him out to lunch and brought Brian back around 4pm. A nice long day out and about!
Brandon brought over his laptop so we hope to have Brian updating the blog daily on his own.
While he has been writing stuff down it has really helped his memory. He could tell me just about everything from his day except where they went to lunch. Fantastic progress!
Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come by Becca and Matt's for a BBQ.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
July 10th, 2012
Brian moved!!!!
He is now in Bellevue in an Adult Family Home with 6 residents. It's a beautiful place, it has a small backyard and they grow their own vegetables.
He has his own room, closet, but he no longer has his own phone to answer. We will get you the number once we do. Until then I would suggest texting him and he can call you from his cell phone.
It will take some adjustment but they focus on memory recovery so we have high hopes for this place!
He is now in Bellevue in an Adult Family Home with 6 residents. It's a beautiful place, it has a small backyard and they grow their own vegetables.
He has his own room, closet, but he no longer has his own phone to answer. We will get you the number once we do. Until then I would suggest texting him and he can call you from his cell phone.
It will take some adjustment but they focus on memory recovery so we have high hopes for this place!
Monday, July 9, 2012
July 9th, 2012
To all my family, friends and acqaintences: First of all, I would like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I could not have made it through this difficult time without you. I just wanted to inform you that the blood test results came back negative and I will be released from this facility within the next couple of days. The bad news is I have no home to return to. I just moved out of the houseboat I was renting (or Brandon & Becca did)and my house in Mesa, AZ won't be finished with the remodel job until September. I do want to specifically thank my Children Brandon, Becca and Heath and my sister Nancy who spent countless hours helping me. And to Sharon Suver for getting me to the hospital at the very beginning of this ordeal. I love you all. I will make only a couple of comments, (1) I want to know how David and Susan can look just over 50 years old when I know they have been retired for over 50 years?? Of of course I remember Karen Whitmore-Holst. You were the center of excellence for EVMS for the agency. I was thrilled when an early retirement became available and you took advantage of it in order to take a more important job at home. And to my friend Phil Smith, whose happy outlook carries my through the day. But the note that stirred my memory into action the most was a card from Rnita about buying lunch during out next birthday celebrations. My memory is back.
Thank you all and God bless you
Brian
P.S. If you are ever in Mesa, please stop by.
Picture of the nurse removing Brian's IV (no more antibiotics!!!!)
Thank you all and God bless you
Brian
P.S. If you are ever in Mesa, please stop by.
Picture of the nurse removing Brian's IV (no more antibiotics!!!!)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
July 8th, 2012
Today was a good day for Brian again. No headache and he was able to get some excercise in.
Nancy and Ken stayed for three hours! It was Ken's birthday and boy was it a beautiful day outside. Happy Birthday to my Uncle Ken!
We hope it's only going to be a few more days in the place he is currently in, but we have to wait on the tests results to know for sure.
I do have to say the staff has been wonderful there which we are truely thankful for!
Nancy and Ken stayed for three hours! It was Ken's birthday and boy was it a beautiful day outside. Happy Birthday to my Uncle Ken!
We hope it's only going to be a few more days in the place he is currently in, but we have to wait on the tests results to know for sure.
I do have to say the staff has been wonderful there which we are truely thankful for!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
July 7th, 2012
Only a few days left until we get the results of the tests from Thursday!!
Becca, Taylor, Brandon, and Grandma Millie all had lunch with Brian. It was a good lunch today and it was great to have everyone together!
Brian had a good day today and still remembered that he needed to continue drinking his liquids. It was so great having his mom come and visit.
I think it was one of the first 80 degree days in Washington. Taylor got outside and rode her bike while her Grandpa had some occupational therapy.
We stayed for about 3 hours and then went home.
I forgot my laptop today so I will try to be better about bringing it tomorrow so he can read the comments and write on the blog!
Becca, Taylor, Brandon, and Grandma Millie all had lunch with Brian. It was a good lunch today and it was great to have everyone together!
Brian had a good day today and still remembered that he needed to continue drinking his liquids. It was so great having his mom come and visit.
I think it was one of the first 80 degree days in Washington. Taylor got outside and rode her bike while her Grandpa had some occupational therapy.
We stayed for about 3 hours and then went home.
I forgot my laptop today so I will try to be better about bringing it tomorrow so he can read the comments and write on the blog!
Friday, July 6, 2012
July 6th, 2012
Becca received a text from Brian saying, "You were correct. I get a hint of a headache and then I push the liquid and it goes away. I have always been bad at drinking enough liquid. Trying to do better."
His short term memory is continuing to make small steps every day!
His short term memory is continuing to make small steps every day!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
July 5th, 2012
Nancy picked Brian up around 8:30 and off they went to get his tests completed once again.
Lumbar Puncture at 10am then more blood work.
After this was completed she took Brian to Subway and Starbucks! Yum!!
(Brian remembered this when talking to Becca at 6pm)
In the afternoon Phil & Marie and Sharon came to visit for a few hours.
Becca came in after dinner and made him drink quite a bit of water. They say after the tests you need to keep at least 64 ounces of fluid so no headache. I told him to keep drinking so he didn't get a headache.
Becca read a letter that Brian has been writting to put on the blog to everyone. It's really great to see him doing that and I hope to take my computer tomorrow so he can post it!
Again keep those prayers going for a clean and successful test!!
Lumbar Puncture at 10am then more blood work.
After this was completed she took Brian to Subway and Starbucks! Yum!!
(Brian remembered this when talking to Becca at 6pm)
In the afternoon Phil & Marie and Sharon came to visit for a few hours.
Becca came in after dinner and made him drink quite a bit of water. They say after the tests you need to keep at least 64 ounces of fluid so no headache. I told him to keep drinking so he didn't get a headache.
Becca read a letter that Brian has been writting to put on the blog to everyone. It's really great to see him doing that and I hope to take my computer tomorrow so he can post it!
Again keep those prayers going for a clean and successful test!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
July 3rd, 2012
Brian had a headache again today. It got better as the day went on, but we think it might be due to him laying down so much. He can't take anything more than Tylonel since he has his lumbar puncture in two days and that doesn't help much.
Becca and Brian went on a good walk since it was so nice outside. We sat down on the bench by the fountain and had a good talk. We talked about what made him choose the house in Arizona. He started talking about the three bedrooms so his family can all come down and visit him. Then he started talking about something else and forgot what he was saying. I let him try and remember and he thought for a second and said, oh yeah you were asking me why I bought the house in Arizona. Yeah!! I couldn't believe it. Continued progress!!! In past days, he would have never remembered and we would have had to ask him again.
Becca then went and picked up Taylor and brought her back. We played the memory game and Taylor gave up before Brian did! :) Then we went back outside and Taylor rode her bike and we walked again. It was too nice to stay inside!
He remembered that tomorrow was July 4th and was wondering how he was going to see the fireworks. I said it might just have to be on TV this year since I don't think he can see them from where he is staying. I would take him if I didn't have to be in bed early since we have to work the next day.
Becca and Brian went on a good walk since it was so nice outside. We sat down on the bench by the fountain and had a good talk. We talked about what made him choose the house in Arizona. He started talking about the three bedrooms so his family can all come down and visit him. Then he started talking about something else and forgot what he was saying. I let him try and remember and he thought for a second and said, oh yeah you were asking me why I bought the house in Arizona. Yeah!! I couldn't believe it. Continued progress!!! In past days, he would have never remembered and we would have had to ask him again.
Becca then went and picked up Taylor and brought her back. We played the memory game and Taylor gave up before Brian did! :) Then we went back outside and Taylor rode her bike and we walked again. It was too nice to stay inside!
He remembered that tomorrow was July 4th and was wondering how he was going to see the fireworks. I said it might just have to be on TV this year since I don't think he can see them from where he is staying. I would take him if I didn't have to be in bed early since we have to work the next day.
Monday, July 2, 2012
July 2nd, 2012
Brian's sister Nancy came in to visit him today. They talked and played some card games. He always loves when she comes to visit!
Becca came later that day after dinner. There was a new memory game so we had to play it! Brian did pretty good. I couldn't believe how many cards there were. It was the game where you have to turn them all upside down and try to match two. He didn't win, but did better than I thought he would and played the whole thing through to the end.
Brian and Becca went on a walk around the fountain and did 6 laps. Then we did the stairs 5 times up and down (21 stairs). This got the blood pumping! Then at the end Brian got down and did 5 pushups! Physically he is doing great. Walking right beside me the whole way. What a difference a few weeks makes. It's great to see him walking like before. He is on his way to start hiking again!!
Becca came later that day after dinner. There was a new memory game so we had to play it! Brian did pretty good. I couldn't believe how many cards there were. It was the game where you have to turn them all upside down and try to match two. He didn't win, but did better than I thought he would and played the whole thing through to the end.
Brian and Becca went on a walk around the fountain and did 6 laps. Then we did the stairs 5 times up and down (21 stairs). This got the blood pumping! Then at the end Brian got down and did 5 pushups! Physically he is doing great. Walking right beside me the whole way. What a difference a few weeks makes. It's great to see him walking like before. He is on his way to start hiking again!!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
July 1st, 2012
May, June, and now July..
Brian had a good weekend. He had some visitors and thinks he got upgraded to a new room with a window view! :) I keep telling him he hasn't ever changed rooms, but I guess if it's a positive view for him I'll take it!
Brandon went Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Today Brian had Amy, Nancy & Ken, Shelley & Brad, and Katherine & Ed visit him.
Brian still continues to eat well and his strength continues to grow. They are graduating him from Physical Therapy since they can't do anything more for him since he is way beyond what they can do for him now. It's a good thing, but we just have to make sure more than ever that he continues to exercise every day.
Brian had a good weekend. He had some visitors and thinks he got upgraded to a new room with a window view! :) I keep telling him he hasn't ever changed rooms, but I guess if it's a positive view for him I'll take it!
Brandon went Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Today Brian had Amy, Nancy & Ken, Shelley & Brad, and Katherine & Ed visit him.
Brian still continues to eat well and his strength continues to grow. They are graduating him from Physical Therapy since they can't do anything more for him since he is way beyond what they can do for him now. It's a good thing, but we just have to make sure more than ever that he continues to exercise every day.
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