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.

May 14, 2010

Had therapy again today. Made it in the building then rain started pouring with light hail. Water was standing probably 2" outside of the door. Just as it was time to leave the rain stopped. Dave's therapist told us someone is really looking out for you'll. Dave and I both looked at each other, because we already know someone is looking out for us. I then opened the door for Dave, went to open the back of my car, turned around and he was stepping over a concrete barrier that was approximately 4" high without his walker! His therapist and I both gasped, but of course he had no problems. However, he is getting a little brave for me.

Today was also the first day with no bandage at all on his arm or hand. His wrist has healed just like his injury on his arm. It is Dave's positive attitude and his faith getting him through this one day at a time.

May 13, 2010

I know every day I say the same thing, "Today was a great day", but simple fact is it was and is every day! We started out the day with a cardiologist appointment that the Doctor's office cancelled, which didn't make Dave very happy. He does not believe the doctor should ever be sick...We then went to his primary care doctor just to update him on the accident. As we were leaving the doctor's office Dave asked me to take him by Bourland & Leverich. I worried a little because I knew everyone would be excited to see him, and I felt like it might be too much. Boy was I wrong! He absolutely LOVED being there and seeing everyone. I watched him from one end of the office, and it almost made me cry. He was smiling and laughing and had everyone else laughing. At one point it looked like he was preaching to the congregation! Now I have to worry that he might want to go back to work before he is supposed too. Dave not being at work is like a fish out of water. He can't wait to jump back in. Sorry guys I know that was not very original, but I am running out of things to say:) I've added another picture from therapy yesterday, because I love the smile on Dave's face.

May 12, 2010

Today was another amazing day. We went to therapy at 12:00 and as you can see by the picture I posted Dave's very petite therapist Jodi was not able to be there. Some of you may be shocked to see who her stand-in was! For those of you that do not know our great friend Bob Dvorak, Bob is the friend that was with me the very first time I walked into ER to see Dave. As you may be able to tell, one thing you cannot call Bob is petite! Ok, maybe two, you can't call him a Physcial Therapist either! Seriously though, Bob was very happy to see how well Dave is moving his arm, hand and fingers, and how well he is walking. Dave and I both were so glad he could be there today.

May 11, 2010

Well it is official, Jodi which is Dave's very petite therapist, made him cry today! Ok, well maybe not cry, but she certainly made him make some very strange noises. I know he really wanted to cry. Again, it is something to watch seeing her turn his arm over and back, twisting his wrist, and moving those fingers. I wish all of you could see it! At this rate even though he will not be released to go back to work, we just may get to be in Houston for the birth of our grandson. It may take me three days to get Dave there, but we are going to do our best. It will really depend on whether the therapist feels confident enough for him to do his therapy alone for a couple of weeks. It is a goal that he has made for himself, and I'll bet money he makes it!

May 10, 2010

We had a wonderful weekend even though Dave was very tired. This happened while we were in rehab also, a hard week of therapy, and no energy on the weekend. I think this is something we can expect for a while. One great thing is that darn ingrown toenail is finally healing! It is so strange how all the injuries he sustained and that toe has given him more pain than any. It was great having Derek here for a few days. The sad thing is I could not put him to work because he is in so much pain from his back injury. However it was just great knowing someone else was with us. I know Dave is getting better because last night when we went to bed as soon as his head hit the pillow he said, "I hate missing work"! He also was disappointed that he did not have therapy today. He just can't get enough...

May 7, 2010

I am so sorry it has taken me this long to post. We have come to the realization that we have no button to push to bring those wonderful nurses that we had for so long. Oh and one thing I have to admit and I really hate doing this (ladies you know what I am talking about), but Dave really did a lot around here! I thought he only worked at the office, but boy was I wrong! I will TRY to do my best to never complain about that again. I make no promises, but I really will try! I may have had the opportunity to sit down twice today for about 15 minutes each. That is not a complaint, because I would go 24 hours a day just to have him here at home with me today.

Yesterday was a great day. He enjoyed therapy tremendously, and seem to have a burst of energy. This was after the PT tore through some scare tissue that had already began to form. However, I have learned from many days in the hospital that when he has this burst of energy then the next day he is weak, tired, and a little down. Not to mention Jodi the physical therapist which by the way might weight 90 lbs. really beat him up today. At one point I heard him ask her if she had ever made a man cry! His leg was swollen most of the afternoon, but his hand did not swell, which is very encouraging. I wish I could explain to you what it is like seeing him move his wrist and hand. Jodi is very optimistic and that is what we need right now.

I do have a couple of very happy things to share. One, our middle son Derek came in on Thursday to surprise me for Mothers Day. I was so surprised I cried for 10 minutes. It was so good to see him, and a relief to know he was here to share the ups and downs with me. The other is tomorrow Dave and I will be married for 28 years. I probably told you this earlier, but this is by far the best anniversary we have ever had.

Take care everyone and all of you mothers out there have a wonderful Mother's Day. Everyone else, have a beautiful weekend and all of you please look at your family and if you can't see them this weekend then remember them, and all think about how fortunate we all are. Sometimes I think that I might possibly repeat myself, however I am sure all of you understand how that could happen. My oldest brother Lamar who passed away after fighting lung cancer always said to me, "Every day we wake up, it's a good day". Love to all

May 4, 2010

It is hard to believe we have been home for four nights. The last three nights have not been as easy as the first. It has been difficult on Dave going through small doorways and hallways, getting in and out of the chair, and just about everything else. He is exhausted and tomorrow is when serious therapy starts. I wish he had more work to focus on because it takes his mind off of the obvious. It has hit him hard today that he has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Hopefully once therapy does start he will feel like he is doing something to speed up the process. Keep him in your thoughts.

May 1, 2010

We spent our first night at home. I thought we had been sleeping, but now I know what we have been missing. The drive home was hard on Dave, but he kept saying he was fine. We arrived home pretty early, and we found out we have alot of learning to do. First he sat in his favorite chair and then we almost didn't make it out of it. Next he twisted around to quick while trying to move from one spot to the other, and he almost fell. Finally, I have to learn to get all my ducks in a row before attempting to change his bandage. At least it is all things we can learn, and if we find something we can't figure out how to do then we just call our friends at BSA hospital rehab. Our wonderful friends have provided enough dinner for us to last us all week. Life is good!

Dave just told me he wants to tell you again how much your prayers and concerns have made him realize how fortunate he is to have such great friends and family. His emotions have been a little more than usual, which is completely understandable. I think we just all know how blessed we are.

Love to all!