Hi everyone!
For anyone still checking the blog periodically for updates, I thought I would post on Dad's 5 year post-ordeal anniversary to let you know how he is doing.
In short, he and Mom are doing well. Dad is still not at 100%, but we expected that to be the case, as he will really never get back to his "ol-self" again. But his health is good and he continues to make strides with his physical capabilities. Life is pretty normal right now, with no new health issues to mention. Dad and Mom continue to workout each day at their local gym, enjoying the camaraderie of those who, just like them, ran out of insurance and had to learn to do their physical therapy on their own. They have made some new friends and are trying to stay as active as possible.
Of course, they are enjoying being closer to their family now. Rook games are usually happening at least once a month, and frequent visits with their granddaughter, probably not as often as they would like (LOL), are the cherries on top of their life cake. In all, things are much better than they were just five years ago.
It's funny how things can change in the blink of an eye, as we discovered on this day in 2010. Just a few days earlier, I was visiting with my dad and thinking that only Zeus himself was strong enough to bring him down. Little did I know that 5 years later, my admiration for his strength and will to survive would grow infinitely more.
I hope this post finds you in good health and spirits. Hopefully, Dad's story can be a source of inspiration for you like it is for me each day. If you would like to continue to get updates on my parents via this blog, then please comment on this post to let me know you are still checking in and I will do my best to be more frequent with my updates.
Take care, and may blessings continue to befall you and your family for the support you have shown us for the last five years!
Team Jerry, all the way as always!
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
It's been a long time coming!
Hi everyone!
It's been a while since we updated everybody on Dad and Mom's status. There are a few reasons for that, so please allow me to explain.
First, I kind of liked the way the blog's storyline had a beginning and ending; starting with Dad getting sick and then having a big finale just over one year later when he arrived at his new home. Second, Dad really loved getting phone calls and emails from everyone that he hadn't spoken with while he was laid up in all of the hospitals. So instead of everyone reading about him and Mom on the web, I wanted to indirectly motivate people to speak with him directly. Lastly, I had my own selfish reasons for not wanting to be "tied to this thing" (the blog) anymore. By that, I mean it was like the last reminder of Dad getting sick and the whole painful ordeal afterwards. It's a time that none of us will soon forget, especially Dad. But we also made it through to the other side with a happy ending; and every good story has to have a happy ending, which this one thankfully does. So I decided to cut the blog loose and not touch it again until the time was right; which seems to be now.
So here's the latest and greatest from the Hawkins Clan in Danville...
Dad and Mom are settling into "Danville life" quite nicely. After Dad's insurance ran out for his rehab (I thought you were fixing that Mr. Obama?), he joined a local gym for his workouts that he must continue on his own and unsupervised to get stronger. Dad has made a lot of progress on his own and with Mom's help, and is continuing to get stronger each day. I guess it's a good thing that he use to work out back in his early years, as he knows what it takes to get motivated each day and into the gym 3 times a week, which he does religiously. And the people at the gym have been really nice to Dad and Mom, helping him with suggestions on his routine. Dad is even driving again (a car, not a truck). While he'll never drive another semi-truck, he's just happy to regain that feeling of independence.
Mom is doing well and is recovering from her own recent health issues. She's getting use to driving in the city now and frequently tells me about her trips to run errands while Dad is working out. However, that will probably change now, as she just joined the gym as well. Pretty soon, I'd expect they will be outpacing me and April (hehe). Mom is enjoying her new house and loves the neighborhood they live in. The people are nice and they've already befriended a few neighbors. I just can't say how proud of them I am right now for being so brave.
Dad and Mom also love the fact that they are so close to their family now. Of course, I'm not talking about me, April or Dad's mother and sisters and their families. I mean, yeah...sure, they love being close to us/them too (LOL). No, I'm talking about them finally being close to their granddaughter Anna Leigh. Dad and Mom have loved being able to pick her up from school, take her to equestrian lessons, and having the occasional sleepover for the past year. In fact, Dad and Mom attended Anna Leigh's dance recital back in the spring; something that they didn't get to do last year with deep regret.
For the most part, Dad is back to being himself again. Playing Rook with family and friends has never felt so good! And while he might be a little off pace and his footing is still not as true as he'd like it to be, his whit, humor and joy that he brings to a room is still abundantly present. Looking back, Dad knows he's a lot more ahead of the game then he was a year ago, and that's somewhat of the theme he has latched onto and keeps him going. Dad is working hard to keep getting better each day. With Mom and the family by his side and God leading the way, there's no doubt in our minds that he'll continue to do so.
When I told my parents that I was going to update the blog, they told me to make sure I communicated once again to everyone how appreciative they are of your continued support. It means so much to them to receive a letter in the mail, email or phone call just to ask how they are doing or to hear how things are going for someone else. So please continue to contact them and stay in touch. We are conscious of the fact that many of you have your own trials and tribulations that you are dealing with right now. Please know that we are praying for you too, just like you did and continue to do for us. We will be there for you in any way that we can.
Well... I guess that's it for now. If you'd like to drop Dad and Mom or me and April a line, you can do so by emailing or calling us. We'd love to hear from you!
Take care and may God continue to watch over and bless all of you!
Sincerely,
Todd
It's been a while since we updated everybody on Dad and Mom's status. There are a few reasons for that, so please allow me to explain.
First, I kind of liked the way the blog's storyline had a beginning and ending; starting with Dad getting sick and then having a big finale just over one year later when he arrived at his new home. Second, Dad really loved getting phone calls and emails from everyone that he hadn't spoken with while he was laid up in all of the hospitals. So instead of everyone reading about him and Mom on the web, I wanted to indirectly motivate people to speak with him directly. Lastly, I had my own selfish reasons for not wanting to be "tied to this thing" (the blog) anymore. By that, I mean it was like the last reminder of Dad getting sick and the whole painful ordeal afterwards. It's a time that none of us will soon forget, especially Dad. But we also made it through to the other side with a happy ending; and every good story has to have a happy ending, which this one thankfully does. So I decided to cut the blog loose and not touch it again until the time was right; which seems to be now.
So here's the latest and greatest from the Hawkins Clan in Danville...
Dad and Mom are settling into "Danville life" quite nicely. After Dad's insurance ran out for his rehab (I thought you were fixing that Mr. Obama?), he joined a local gym for his workouts that he must continue on his own and unsupervised to get stronger. Dad has made a lot of progress on his own and with Mom's help, and is continuing to get stronger each day. I guess it's a good thing that he use to work out back in his early years, as he knows what it takes to get motivated each day and into the gym 3 times a week, which he does religiously. And the people at the gym have been really nice to Dad and Mom, helping him with suggestions on his routine. Dad is even driving again (a car, not a truck). While he'll never drive another semi-truck, he's just happy to regain that feeling of independence.
Mom is doing well and is recovering from her own recent health issues. She's getting use to driving in the city now and frequently tells me about her trips to run errands while Dad is working out. However, that will probably change now, as she just joined the gym as well. Pretty soon, I'd expect they will be outpacing me and April (hehe). Mom is enjoying her new house and loves the neighborhood they live in. The people are nice and they've already befriended a few neighbors. I just can't say how proud of them I am right now for being so brave.
Dad and Mom also love the fact that they are so close to their family now. Of course, I'm not talking about me, April or Dad's mother and sisters and their families. I mean, yeah...sure, they love being close to us/them too (LOL). No, I'm talking about them finally being close to their granddaughter Anna Leigh. Dad and Mom have loved being able to pick her up from school, take her to equestrian lessons, and having the occasional sleepover for the past year. In fact, Dad and Mom attended Anna Leigh's dance recital back in the spring; something that they didn't get to do last year with deep regret.
For the most part, Dad is back to being himself again. Playing Rook with family and friends has never felt so good! And while he might be a little off pace and his footing is still not as true as he'd like it to be, his whit, humor and joy that he brings to a room is still abundantly present. Looking back, Dad knows he's a lot more ahead of the game then he was a year ago, and that's somewhat of the theme he has latched onto and keeps him going. Dad is working hard to keep getting better each day. With Mom and the family by his side and God leading the way, there's no doubt in our minds that he'll continue to do so.
When I told my parents that I was going to update the blog, they told me to make sure I communicated once again to everyone how appreciative they are of your continued support. It means so much to them to receive a letter in the mail, email or phone call just to ask how they are doing or to hear how things are going for someone else. So please continue to contact them and stay in touch. We are conscious of the fact that many of you have your own trials and tribulations that you are dealing with right now. Please know that we are praying for you too, just like you did and continue to do for us. We will be there for you in any way that we can.
Well... I guess that's it for now. If you'd like to drop Dad and Mom or me and April a line, you can do so by emailing or calling us. We'd love to hear from you!
Take care and may God continue to watch over and bless all of you!
Sincerely,
Todd
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
One-Year Home
Thought you all might like to see a picture of Jerry, Mary Sue, and Anna Leigh one year after his return home!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Home
After 54 weeks in a hospital, Jerry arrived home a little before 12:30 PM. These pics and video say it all. Welcome home!Sunday, July 3, 2011
Independence Day!
Hey Folks! We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend! Just like last year, Mom and Dad are spending the 4th of July in a hospital facility. The good news... the circumstances are a lot different. This time last year, Dad was just starting his journey down the GBS road. He had no movement in his extremeties, except for his toes, and the doctors were talking about the eventuality of putting a trach in to help Dad breath. One year later, Dad is off the trach, and all the other machines, and is learning how to walk again. Oh that road… what a long and winding course you turned out to be. Luckily, Dad is at the point of really making some significant progress. The facility he is at is teaching him how to care for himself again and working to get his body stronger. Dad’s attitude is to get it done so he can go home ASAP. Of course, that means working through a lot of pain and getting through each day with some sense of accomplishment… not matter how small. To me, this just proves that Dad is the unique man I always thought he was, and he will forever inspire me to be and do better. The video on this post was shot just a week ago, and Dad has already made more improvements. We’re posting this video to show everyone that your prayers and continued support are paying off. Just remember Dad when you’re finding it hard to get through your day or when you are faced with a stack of problems that seem imsurmountable. That’s what I do, and then I think, “What the heck am I worried about? This is nothing!” Take care of yourselves and be sure to drop Dad and Mom a line when you get a chance. Thanks again for all that you do. Team Jerry all the way!!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Just a little closer to home!
Hey everyone!
We've been away for a while and haven't been able to update the blog lately. But there are a lot of good things to report, so let's get right to it.
First, Dad has moved to an Acute Therapy unit here in Danville at the local hospital, Danville Regional. The floor is filled with patients like Dad who are in need of intensive therapy to get them back on their feet. Dad arrived there almost 2 weeks ago, and while things are not perfect (and they never will be), he is making the best of it and working hard to get home. They work him out early in the morning, usually finishing up after lunch time. But each session will continue to get a little longer and a little more intense until Dad is able to walk on his own.
Second, Dad's physical therapy is going well. Yesterday was Anna Leigh's 10th birthday (can you believe it?), and while Dad didn't make his goal of being able to stand up beside his bed and dance a little with her, you can see by the photograph that he was able to sit himself up on the side of his bed and do a little improv-dancing from a seated position. Dad has learned through this whole ordeal that while you might not always reach the goal you set for yourself, it's important to make the best out of the milestone that you do reach. Sounds like a lesson we could all learn from at times... especially me. Dad recently transitioned from the parallel bars to a walker, which is a sign that his body is slowly but surely getting stronger.
Third, Dad is finally rid of all tubes and ties to machines. Because Dad is doing so well with eating whole foods again, the doctors decided it was time to remove the feeding tube. To think it was just a few short weeks ago that Dad was back on the IV feedings because he was so sick and now he is finally rid of it just warms our hearts beyond description. You never know of the of miracles that are just around the corner.
Finally, Dad was able to see his new house in person during his transit from the Chatham facility to Danville. The driver was kind enough to take a minor detour through the subdivision, since it was on the way, so that dad could look at it for the first time. He loves the new house and can't wait to start living with Mom again. While they've been almost inseparable for the past 11 months, they are looking forward to the day when they can be in their own house, fighting over the remote and grilling out on the deck. Ahhh... good times for sure.
Well, that's it for now. We'll continue to update you as things progress. Be sure to drop Dad a line either by mail or phone when you get a chance. He loves to hear from his friends and family, as it gives him encouragement to continue these hard therapy sessions to get better.
Take care of yourselves and know that we are truly grateful to have such great family and friends such as you in our lives.
Team Jerry all the way!!!!
We've been away for a while and haven't been able to update the blog lately. But there are a lot of good things to report, so let's get right to it.
First, Dad has moved to an Acute Therapy unit here in Danville at the local hospital, Danville Regional. The floor is filled with patients like Dad who are in need of intensive therapy to get them back on their feet. Dad arrived there almost 2 weeks ago, and while things are not perfect (and they never will be), he is making the best of it and working hard to get home. They work him out early in the morning, usually finishing up after lunch time. But each session will continue to get a little longer and a little more intense until Dad is able to walk on his own.
Second, Dad's physical therapy is going well. Yesterday was Anna Leigh's 10th birthday (can you believe it?), and while Dad didn't make his goal of being able to stand up beside his bed and dance a little with her, you can see by the photograph that he was able to sit himself up on the side of his bed and do a little improv-dancing from a seated position. Dad has learned through this whole ordeal that while you might not always reach the goal you set for yourself, it's important to make the best out of the milestone that you do reach. Sounds like a lesson we could all learn from at times... especially me. Dad recently transitioned from the parallel bars to a walker, which is a sign that his body is slowly but surely getting stronger.
Third, Dad is finally rid of all tubes and ties to machines. Because Dad is doing so well with eating whole foods again, the doctors decided it was time to remove the feeding tube. To think it was just a few short weeks ago that Dad was back on the IV feedings because he was so sick and now he is finally rid of it just warms our hearts beyond description. You never know of the of miracles that are just around the corner.
Finally, Dad was able to see his new house in person during his transit from the Chatham facility to Danville. The driver was kind enough to take a minor detour through the subdivision, since it was on the way, so that dad could look at it for the first time. He loves the new house and can't wait to start living with Mom again. While they've been almost inseparable for the past 11 months, they are looking forward to the day when they can be in their own house, fighting over the remote and grilling out on the deck. Ahhh... good times for sure.
Well, that's it for now. We'll continue to update you as things progress. Be sure to drop Dad a line either by mail or phone when you get a chance. He loves to hear from his friends and family, as it gives him encouragement to continue these hard therapy sessions to get better.
Take care of yourselves and know that we are truly grateful to have such great family and friends such as you in our lives.
Team Jerry all the way!!!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)