July 8, 2010 - Final Post

This will be my final post on this amazing journey we have been on. Without the support of our family and friends this would have been much more difficult. We love you all.

Dave returned to work part time on July 6. He still has physcial therapy three times a week and follow up doctor appointments. Yesterday was his second follow up visit to the wonderful Dr. Toby Risko. X-rays were taken and when the doc walked in the door I think Dave and I both took a deep breath. His words were amazing, astounding,I could not be more pleased, and your fractures are all healed! He went on to say it shows how determined Dave is, his dedication to doing the work to heal, and the support from all of his family and friends. He mentioned that our first priority after the accident was for all open wounds to heal, next all fractures to heal, and now comes the hard part. This will be getting his physcial strength back, and to heal emotionally. He ended the visit with a comment that shocked us, "I'll see you in two months and heck I may even release you then". This was crazy because last visit he felt like Dave would be seeing him for 6 months to a year.

I know that Dave will continue to fight any obstacle he has in his path because that is the kind of person he is. I am so thankful to be by his side during this incredible journey, and if you don't mind, continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We could not have come this far without you!

God bless you all.

Kay

June 28, 2010

It has been awhile, but I decided it would be better to wait until I had something new to say. Today was another one of those steps in the right direction. As we were walking out the door Dave asked me for the car keys. This was the first time he has had any interest in driving. I guess he is getting ready to start back to work on July 6. He will be going to physical therapy at 8 a.m., and then on to work. I hope he decides to work only until noon for a couple of weeks, but I am not quite certain he cares what I think! He is bored and ready to get back to his customers. Now if I can just get him to start thinking about getting another car. I hope he doesn't think he is going to get mine. Of course, I will give it to him if he wants to give me the new one. For some reason I think he deserves the new one, don't you!

Dave and I have always been close, but these last few months made us even closer. As happy as I am that he is going back to work and getting back to normal, I am really going to miss him. When the time arrives I feel pretty sure we are going to make a great retired couple!

June 8, 2010

We arrived in Huntsville around 5:30pm on Saturday evening. Dave did an amazing job on the trip. It was a wee bit crowded with my mom and our dog, but we survived. We were all well enough to go see our grandson Parker on Sunday. It was a beautiful sight seeing Dave hold his grandson for the first time. It was very emotional for both of us.

Dave is doing his physical therapy every morning out on the patio. Every day he is getting more and more independent. He still plans on going back to work on July 5. I know he is mentally ready, but I know that he does not have the strength to work a full day. I'm sure he will start out slow, and it will not be long before he is back full time.

June 1, 2010

Dave is still improving. He tries to do something everyday whether it be unload the dishwasher (got to love that), walk to the end of the street, and on a crazy day, go to WalMart. We all know WalMart will make you wish you were in a hospital! However, we do have the best medicine anyone could have ever given him. Our little grandson Parker Kenneth came a couple of weeks early. He weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz., and yes I have to show you a picture. Mom, baby and even dad are doing wonderful. We are going to try to make the trip to Houston to see the little guy on Saturday. Dave and I are just so thankful he is here to hold his grandson.

May 29, 2010

Dave had an appointment with his surgeon on Thursday, which was the first one since we left the hospital. Dr. Risko said he could not be more pleased. He said most people with half the injuries that Dave has is not as far as he is at 6 months much less with all the injuries that he has endured. He is shocked he is so far along when it has only been 9 weeks. He did have one thing that he is going to watch, but he assured us he is not concerned. When he made the decision to do the bone graft on the radius in the arm and leave the plate where the ulna should be, was because there was so much tissue damage he felt like it would just be too much. However now that the bone is starting to heal the ulna is trying to regenerate and attach itself to the radius bone graft. This keeps the arm from being able to turn palm up and down. The physical therapist said she will make sure that it does not attach. The other problem is the donor sight for the skin graft is not healing. Dr. Risko said it should have been healed weeks ago. He put him on antibiotics and told us to leave open as much as possible, which is a little scary because I can just see germs crawling in there!

We did have a great day today. We went to WALMART! We also drove by and looked at cars. Not that we are any where close to getting another. I think he likes having a chauffeur. Then he watched me carry flowers, move dirt, and plant flowers. I'm not sure but there seem to be a big smile on his face. You think maybe he likes not having a honey do list? However, I sure do miss popping that whip!

I know this is suppose to be about Dave, but a little dog humor. We had Rocky shaved a few days ago. He constantly goes around jerking his head around because he thinks someone is touching his backside. The only problem, it is just his tail!

Another little personal note, our grandbaby is trying to make an early arrival. We were told by Doctor Risko to get to Houston as soon as we could, and not to worry about it. He thinks it will be just what the doctor ordered. We will try to leave Saturday and will probably be in Huntsville for a couple of weeks. The only problem I have is convincing Dave that it is ok to miss therapy as long as he does what he is supposed to do at home.

Everyone please have a wonderful and safe Memorial weekend. Enjoy your family and friends, and remember how blessed we all are!

May 22, 2010

What an amazing Friday we had. Some of you know that Dave has worked for many years on the API (American Petroleum Institute) golf tournament. This tournament raises money for Texas Panhandle student schloarships. It is a task that he loves to do and he does with great pride. Of course this year he had to turn over his responsibilities to Doug McFatridge. The tournament was held on Friday, May 21 and Doug,the other API board members, and all the volunteers did an amazing job. The turn out was great, and the weather although a bit windy was beautiful. What made this day so amazing to me and many of Dave's friends was his attendance. I never imagined that Dave would be able to attend this event, much less stay out there all afternoon. I should have known this because he had set this goal early on in the hospital. His buddy Bob Dvorak drove him around the course, and then Bob turned over the keys to me. I really don't think Bob trusted me very much, but he finally relented! Dave and I had a wonderful afternoon following our friends around the course. What could be better than having each other, our friends, sunshine, and fresh air? He even managed to make it through dinner. I hope all of you enjoy these pictures, and truly feel the joy that we felt. God has really blessed us over and over!

May 18, 2010

When we left the hospital on April 30th Dave's physical therapist told him he thought he would be off the walker and using a cane in 30 days. We have been home 2 weeks and 3 days, and today was Dave's first day using his cane! It seemed so easy for him, but by the end of the day he was a little tired. It will only get better each day. Dave has worked for many years on the API golf tournament that raises money for scholarships. When this accident happened we never dreamed he would be able to make an appearance at this tournament. This Friday the golf tournament will be held and Dave is going to be there! Golf may not be on his schedule, but we are just thankful that he is able to attend, and that we will be able to see so many friends.