Saturday, August 18, 2007

Taking a break

Hi! It's Saturday so I only have one hour of therapy today. That means I have a little time to add a blog. It takes me longer than usual because I have to type it one-handed, but I've been typing one-handed quite a bit since Finn was born (one hand holding him, one hand on the keyboard) so it isn't that bad.

Therapy is a real workout. Who would think that walking 50 yards or lifting my arm six inches off a table could be so tiring? Today they had me bench pressing a golf club--and that was progress! The therapists are nice, though, and I feel like I'm getting stronger each day. It's good they keep me busy too because then I can't stop to think about the absurdity of the whole situation. You just can't imagine what it's like to want to put toothpaste on a toothbrush and have to think so damn hard about how to do it and then hope that you actually get it right. I have to laugh about it because there's no point in getting mad. It just seems so bizarre.

Last night I had a real treat: I got to go outside! Kelly was here to visit, as was Tony and his daughters and an old friend from high school, Dana Johnson, and his wife, Shalu. We were having a perfect Wisconsin summer evening: 70 degrees and no humidity. So we loaded up the babies in a stroller and Kelly, Dana, and Tony took turns pushing me in the wheelchair around the medical center campus. The fresh air felt great after being cooped up in a hospital room for a week.

I'm hoping the kids will be able to come over for dinner tonight. We're going to try to find a family lounge where we can all get together for a meal and the kids don't have to worry about disturbing other patients. Maybe we'll take a picture and post it on the blog tomorrow. Kelly gave me a haircut last night so I look less like a craniotomy patient and more like a normal guy. She did a great job with the cut. But then she's so good at everything she does. I'm lucky to have her as my wife.

And I'm lucky to have so many supportive friends and family members. Mom and Dad have been here helping out: mom watching the kids and keeping the house in order, dad going to my therapy sessions for support. Mary Margaret has been up to help a lot, too, and Pat and Tracy and Michelle and Jeff are planning to come next week. Then all our friends here in Tosa have been visiting and helping with the kids. And so many of you have sent supportive messages and countless prayers. I can't imagine trying to go through this alone and thank God I don't have to.

Jeff

5 comments:

Katie Elsener said...

Hey Jeff,
Thanks for the update. Please try to get some photos to post. It is fun to see your very cool family. Keep up the good attitude. Prayers are coming your way.
Mark and Katie

aubrey said...

you are so positive dad. regan, jack, and i are SOOOOOOOOOOO lucky to have you as a dad :)

The Gardiners said...

Jeff, we check your blog more than once daily (so you can tell we think of you lots more than that!)
Thank you for the updates - we are glad to hear of your progress. It's hard to believe it's only been one week since the day of your surgery. Keep it up!!!
Our prayers and good wishes are always with you and Kelly, Aubrey, Regan, Jack, and Finn. Our love,
Meaghen, Brendan, Grace, Clare

michelle wait said...

Jeff -
I am so lucky to have such an extraordinary older brother like you to look up to. Love you!

Terri said...

Jeff,
Glad to hear that you got to experience the outdoors. I'm sure it felt awesome. You truely are inspiring and gives us all hope. Your positive attitude through all this is amazing!! We are all praying for you everyday.
Love Terri