This year will be a good year...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Even though I'm not able to ring in the new year with my T, I am confident this year is going give a new meaning to what is important and where priorities lie. My resolution is to rid my life of chaotic behaviors that others impose on me. I am quite the mellow person, and when there is a spastic person in my "air space", my stomach churns a bit. I'm pretty good about turning on my "deaf" ear, but I don't even want to have to waste my time doing that.


Believe it or not, T and I have become more enthralled with each other through all of this. We were quite wrapped up in each other before; now we'll be like Siamese twins, inseparable. I don't have a problem with that.


Bob's walking is becoming fluent. He has a new walker that has four wheels. He doesn't have to take two steps, stop, and lift the walker. He's walking great.


Hahaha...I spoke with T on the phone tonight. He told me to call him in the morning to find out which drunk tank he's in.

NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I give You all that I am. I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can turn them into strengths. Thank You for working in my life and filling me with faith and expectancy. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Aneurysm QuestionsFind Instant Answers to All Your Aneurysm Questions on Bing. http://www.bing.com/

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate
Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

YouTube video of Bob walking...

Bob Pirie walking for the first time after 7 months of being on his back in bed. Click on the link Bob Pirie walking.

NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I give You all that I am. I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can turn them into strengths. Thank You for working in my life and filling me with faith and expectancy. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Aneurysm QuestionsFind Instant Answers to All Your Aneurysm Questions on Bing. http://www.bing.com/

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank

Bob Pirie Fund

445 SE Main Street

Roseburg, OR 97470

c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

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stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

HOUSE ARREST...

Two hilarious things happened today. First, when I arrived, I saw an alarm bracelet on T's wrist. The story is is that Bob was found in the parking lot yesterday looking for his car. He was in his wheelchair after lunch, so no alarms were activated. The doors have the automatic handicap buttons on the wall. Bob pushed it and exited the building. Another resident saw him, then summoned for help. My T is on "house arrest".


The second incident happened while I was at home this evening. I received a phone call that had a male's voice on the other end. He said, "Hello". I didn't recognize the voice until he continued his conversation. He said, "I'm at the gas station across from the VA, and I don't have my billfold, so I don't have any money. Can you bring me my billfold?" Oh, now I know whose male voice this is. It was my T. I took his wallet and cell phone to him to make him feel more human.


"How ya doin, Bob?"..."I need to take a break from all of this. I miss being with you all the time. I need to come home."

Aneurysm QuestionsFind Instant Answers to All Your Aneurysm Questions on Bing. http://www.bing.com/

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, I dedicate this day to You. Show me how to prepare for You to move in my life. Help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

YouTube video...

As soon as I entered the VA, one of the other residents told me that Bob was so sharp today when he talked with him. He said that he couldn't even tell that Bob had a stroke. That was so nice to hear. Really, you can't tell Bob had a stroke, until he starts telling stories of where he is at like, South Dakota or Northern Minnesota or Iowa. You can't tell he's had a stroke until he tells you what he's done during the day.


Aneurysm QuestionsFind Instant Answers to All Your Aneurysm Questions on Bing. http://www.bing.com/


Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I dedicate this day to You. Show me how to prepare for You to move in my life. Help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.


Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

He remembered 24 hours later!

High Five everyone. Bob remembered the date that the construction on our addition is going to be done. I told him yesterday, and HE REMEMBERED!
In case you missed it, it's around January 14. Bob says we are having an open house that day.


Today was inspirational sing-along day. Of course, Bob had a front row seat. He didn't miss a beat. The last time he attended one of these sing-alongs, he was barely talking. His brain wasn't working fast enough to to follow along in the hymnal. Wow, what a difference from a few months ago.


"How ya' doin, Bob"..."I'm really tired today." Bob was so tired, he didn't want to walk back to his room from the dining room. He wanted pushed in his wheelchair.

Three weeks and counting down...

The contractor gave me an estimation of three weeks for the completion of the new addition. So, if T is not in the rehab in Vancouver, WA by that date, I plan on loading him in the car and taking him home.


Wow! That gives me approximately 21 days to get things in order. He has his game plan too. For the next three weeks, he will be walking, exercising, and working on healing the pressure wound completely, so he says.


I forgot to take Bob's walker back to the VA last night. But, that didn't stop my T. Shannon, the good nurse, went to his room to check on him this morning. He was using his wheelchair as a walker looking for the restroom.


Bob has some good stories to tell. I never know what I'm going to hear when I enter his room for a visit. I've heard all kinds from cousins getting sick from eating sheep to wondering how I was permitted on this ship. (It depends on what is on TV.)


"How ya doin', Bob"..."I'm getting better. It's a long road. I'll be golfing in the summer, and I'll be back to work in two months."

Aneurysm Questions
Find Instant Answers to All Your Aneurysm Questions on Bing ™.
http://www.bing.com/

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Strength to muddle through...

Over the years, I've thought about what Christmas was supposed to mean, but my thoughts could focus on the subject for only a few minutes, because I was always caught up in the chaos of my dysfunctional life.


This year, however, I had time to ponder about Christmas' meaning. I thought about what all of the symbols, both tangible and intangible, represent. Things like presents, miracles, strength, birth, hope, good-will, wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows are a few symbols that have new meaning this year.


When asked by my kids what I wanted for Christmas, I gave the answer that many parents give. I said, "Oh, nothing". You know, I already received the best present anyone can get. My gift is my T and my kids are alive.


Looking at the survival statistics of people who had brain aneurysms, one's mouth would drop. 50% die before getting to the hospital, and 25% of the survivors die within six months. Bob is a miracle. He gives me strength to muddle through any problem I may be facing. My problems are mere specks of dust compared to what he went through and what he has to face this coming year.


This is a new birth-year for Bob. We, both, will be relearning and giving new meaning to what is important to us in life. The prettiest package wrapped in glittery wrapping paper with a big ribbon and bow could not deliver the best present of all...the people that make my world worth being here on this earth. And, my present doesn't come wrapped!


T spent the day with us. We picked him up at 11am and took him back to the VA around 4pm. We maneuvered to the bathroom easily, got on and off the "pot" without a hitch, well sort-of. We ate lots of food and pies until our belts needed unhooked. I even got a thumbs-up when Daniel started his Harley for him to remember the distinct Harley Davidson sound. Soon, he will be home permanently. He said he had a wonderful day. By the end of the day, though, he was ready to go back to the VA and get in his bed.


Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Merry Christmas Eve

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Daniel, Zachary, and I gathered Bob up and took him to Christmas Eve church service at the church he belongs to. We took him church clothes. We spiffed him up. He looked and felt good. Some of the nurses stopped by his room to see how handsome he looked in clothes other than sweatpants or scrubs.

Bob was very happy to see everyone at church, and many of his friends were happy to see him. I must be more sensitive or aware of people's reactions, because I noticed a truely sincere excitement on the faces of the people at the church who were so glad to see Bob.

My T was cute. He didn't recognize the ride to the church. When getting out of the car, he wanted to know if the church was the church where we were getting married. :-) Awe...made my heart flutter. Then, when in the church, Bob said he was never in the church before. The reason why...the church was just finished being remodeled only a few weeks before his hospitalization; so, he wasn't too familiar with the finished product. He asked a good friend if this was the chapel they always were in.

Going to church made him even more excited about getting back to "real" life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Speedy Gonzalas...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Picture this...Bob is sitting in his wheelchair with no footrests. (We've taken the footrests off so he can strengthen his legs by walking his wheelchair with his feet.)...Continue picturing this...I'm behind him pushing his wheelchair. Now, mind you, I walk very slow due to my MS.

Anyway...for a short bit, Bob holds his feet up so I can push him. I suppose I was going too slow, and he starts walking his feet. Now, my upper body is going faster than my legs will allow, so I'm close to being dragged down the hall. When I yell, "T, stop moving your feet!", he turns around and gives me a look of "hurry up, slow poke".

Bob is busting a gut wanting to get up and do everything for himself. He says he doesn't want to wait for a nurse to help him.

Tonight, we had a date. We took a bus ride to see the Festival of Lights. The Festival of Lights is a huge display of Christmas lights and scenes at a Roseburg park. I'm not sure how many hundreds of thousands of lights there are, but there are a lot. (300,000, I googled it)
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Modesty is a new level of awareness...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Woo-hoo! I got a "pass" to take my T to Christmas Eve mass at his church on Thursday. I also got permission to take him home Christmas day from noon until 8pm.

Bob was feeling a bit "under the weather" today. I don't think it was due to a virus. I believe it was constipation an suppository related. Shhh...I didn't tell you that. He's finally modest. Until, yesterday, he didn't care who he was exposed to. He finally asks for the curtains to be closed when he's changing his clothes or the bathroom door to be closed.

Bob's leg brace is working well. He can step heel-to-toe, instead of having to lift his leg high to compensate for his dangling foot.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Help for foot drop...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

My T got his leg brace for his drop foot. He says it fits good, and he feels it will help him walk better.

Bob's pressure wound is almost closed. It still needs a little bit of packing that is saturated with medication, but it is still healing nicely.

Today was an uneventful day. Bob's mental well-being is good. He still tries to hitch a ride out of there with me, though. I have to convince him to stay every day. It breaks my heart to do that. I can't wait for the day I can take him home for good.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email
stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

My T is back...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


My T is back. What happened? Well...Zachary and I were talking to T about driving to MN this summer, like we always do during the summer. However, this time Zachary will be old enough to drive us. T said he has no problem with Zachary driving, while I'm hiding in the back seat not daring to watch us crash into a ditch. :( What Bob said next is how I know my T is back. He looked straight at Zachary and said, "You know, if you are old enough to drive, you are old enough to get a job and pay for things." Yep, that's my T!


Bob walked with the walker all the way to the dining hall, then back to his room. I'm not sure how far it is, but I'd guess one way is at least two-hundred steps.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Where's my car?

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

The weather in Roseburg, Oregon was gorgeous today. It was warm and smelled like a Fall day. Bob and I sat outside to "Get the stink blown off of us", as my grandmother would always say. While sitting outside, T got very angry, because he had no way of leaving; he doesn't know how he got to the VA without driving his car. We're still dealing with that train of thought. He saw my car and wanted a ride out of there.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

New shoes it is...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Your contributions have already benn usful for Bob. A few days ago, he was fitted for a brace for his "foot drop". The brace is fitted inside his shoe. Because it is slipped inside the shoe, Bob needs a shoe that has a higher back, and the shoe needs to be wider. Therefore, your donations to the Bob Pirie Fund were used as an early Christmas present. Thank you.

Bob was given a putting green with a ball return. I didn't see him play it, but I'm sure he was in "all his glory".

Bob's memory was excellent today. He was remembering things for the entire day.

Once again, Bob can't restrain himself from getting out of bed. He refuses to ring the call bell for a nurse to help him get to the bathroom. Twice, he was "caught" getting out of bed to go to the bathroom. I need to find out what kind of two-year old he was. I can only imagine. ;-)

"How ya doin', Bob"..."I need to work hard, so, I can get better and come home."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Care-team meeting today...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


We had another one of those gad-awful meetings that consisted of the "care-team". This time, Bob was able to attend. At the start of the meeting, each team member introduced themselves, and announced what their role was in Bob's care. Then, they reported how Bob was progressing and future plans for him. This time, everyone was vague; unlike the last meeting. I think they are still afraid of my reaction from the last meeting. The only goof-ball was the OT. His plan was to start on personal-care. I didn't say anything, but Bob has been dressing and shaving himself for weeks now.


I told Shannon, Bob's great nurse, what the OT's plan was. She said, she sets Bob's clothes and shaving things out for him in the morning, then leaves. When she comes back, he's all finishing getting ready for the day. Dan, OT, has disappeared from gracing me with his presents. I don't know if it's intentional or what. Hmmm...


If Bob's pressure wound was healed and our addition was done, I'd be putting him in the car and driving him home! The addition will be finished within a month.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Thumbs up for Bob's physical and cognitive well-being

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Bob was measured for a foot brace to help with his drop foot. Hopefully, the tone will come back as he works with physical therapy. There is some movement in his ankle; however, it is very minute.


Bob, finally, was able to move his body enough to give me enough room to cuddle with him and watch a movie. I took a nap. T sawed his share of logs too. Believe it or not, his snoring wqa


Physically, it is exciting to see Bob's flexibility improving. He is able to put on his own shirt without flinching his face from over stretching. He's able to get completely dressed himself. He's able to shave and comb his hair by himself.


Cognitively, Bob had another day of remembering well. He even showed a little frustration when he couldn't remember if the bandages were changed on his pressure wound or not.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Rewiring the brain...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate
Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


After today's level of cognitive awareness, I really feel, my T is back. I have no doubt he'll have full recovery given time. :-) I watched a TV show last night about brain recovery after an injury. Basically, it said that the brain has neuroplasticity; it is made to repair itself provided you give it training through activities and practice. (even after a stroke) The brain rewires itself to do the same activity as before the damage occurred.


T was "full" of himself today. He was cracking jokes "right and left". He was funny. That's my T.


Joe and Isaac brought Bob a donut. I said to him, "You know that 65 pounds that you lost..." and he finished my sentence, "35 of them just went in my mouth!"


Last night, Bob's two boys and my two boys were all in the same room. Oh my god! Was that too much testosterone for me. Take a look at the picture in the upper right. Aunika retreated to her bedroom to read. She refused to partake in the picture of "kids".

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Joe and Isaac are visiting....

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank

Bob Pirie Fund

445 SE Main Street

Roseburg, OR 97470

c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Bob's sons, Joe and Isaac are here in Oregon for a few days. Bob was very excited to see them. They had a secret hand shake that they did when the boys were growing up (20 or more years ago). Bob remembered the entire sequence. It was neat to watch.

Well, Bob decided to venture out again without a walker. Of course, he fell; but, didn't get hurt. Bob says he doesn't remember it. He says, "That's what every is telling me." A new alarm is put on his bed that sounds an alarm as soon as he attempts to get out of bed. The devise is hidden on the back of the bed so Bob can't reach it easily and disarm it.


The recreational therapist was trying to teach Bob how to play Pinochle. My brain shut down while listening to her. The other therapist, who was learning too, wasn't comprehending either. So, if two able-minded people couldn't learn how to play, how was T going to grasp the idea? Where did these people get their degrees at?

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

T sat on the floor...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate

Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

T decided that it was time to take a stab at walking without any assistance of any kind. Needless-to-say, it didn't work. He fell to the floor. The nursing staff was concerned that the alarms didn't sound off when he stood up. I'll give you one guess as to what happened....Give up? Bob disabled the alarms before he got out of bed so they wouldn't go off! He has been saying for a long time that he can walk, and he is determined to prove it. The nurses had to hide the alarms so he couldn't disarm them again.

He didn't hurt himself. He thought the whole thing was rather funny. He giggled every time he told the story. :) Bob told me his fall was a graceful fall. He didn't get hurt.

Now, we need to get his thinking in the right location and in the here and now. That will come with time.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

12 days to Christmas...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Bob has gone 24 hours without a catheter so far. As to be expected, he had a few accidents. That's ok. What's a few mishaps after not having to worry about peeing for seven months?


Bob is eating amongst the troops now and is enjoying the freedom of being able to roam. He's funny, he told me today that he left his barracks to go to the arena (TV room) to watch basketball. The guys all use military lingo. They talk about their tour of duty like it was yesterday.


Sanity to the lunacy...Once again, there is no sanity to this lunacy. The nurses were moving Bob's things from his room that he's had for almost four months to his new room. Over time, I've brought many games, music, and activities for Bob to gain in every aspect of his recovery. The nurse that told me I was a liability, told Bob today (which I'm sure was intended for me), that they are going to implement the "kid's rule"...For every toy that comes in, one must leave. It took every ounce of restraint I could muster to keep my mouth shut. All of the things I brought in were for Bob's therapy and recovery. Do they think Bob's recovery is a result of what they did? Don't answer that, I already know the answer.

"How ya doin', Bob?"...I'm feeling good. I'm walking farther and farther each day.

NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Even closer to home...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


My T was out and about when I arrived at the VA today. The staff for his new room are treating him as though he is close to leaving, and they are preparing him to do just that.


His catheter was removed. So, now he has to retrain his brain to recognize the feeling of having to use the bathroom. He's had a catheter for seven months! I can only imagine how weak those muscles are since they haven't been used.


I almost cried today when Bob said he's getting close to coming home. I had a big lump in my throat. I'm such a sap.

Bob's sister send a letter in an envelope she made out of a page she took from a magazine. It had a picture of a herd of giraffes. In her letter, she asked what kind of animal was on the envelope. He couldn't come up with the name until I told Bob it started with a g. Then, he said giraffe right away. Continue sending trivia to me. I've run out of ideas.
Bob is adamant that he goes downtown everyday. He also asked me what street our house is on, because he'll stop by when he's out tomorrow. He told a nurse today that he went to the beach this morning without me. If we're going to a beach, let's make it somewhere warm, like Hawaii. :-)

NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Moving forward...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Finally, Bob made it to the eye doctor. The exam showed that his eyes don't coordinate (dah...). However, it is sporadic; it's not all of the time. And, it's only when his head is turned to the right, not to the left (weird). The doctor said, it may resolve itself when the nerves in the eyes become more awake. In the meantime, when Bob sees "buggy-eyed", he is supposed to put a patch over his right eye, so he's using only one eye.


New room: Bob is out of isolation. His new room number is 106. This gives me the feeling that he's closer to coming home.


Bob walked to Occupational Therapy this morning. I'm a bad judge of distance, but I'm sure it took him at least 5 minutes to get there.


Bob's memory sucked today. He was talking about me, but didn't realize that I was the person he was talking about. When asked who was Jan, he said that she was the person he spends all his time with. Then, I asked who I was; he said, Jan. But, I wasn't the same person who was in his story. Understand? When he's tired, he gets really scattered brained.

NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 106

Bah to all the na-sayers...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


I need to post early tonight. One of our water pipes froze and broke in the ceiling of our garage. We had an interesting waterfall in there. Our driveway is an ice skating rink. This kind of thing doesn't happen in Roseburg, Oregon. It might get cold, but not cold enough to freeze pipes. At least not since I've lived here.


Bob walked 15 feet today. He was very tired when he finished. I'll be posting the video on youtube when I figure out how to do it. I'm excited for him. Ba fungle to all of the na-sayers that said Bob would never walk. I think, that after he gets his strength back and his eyes fixed, no one will ever be able to tell that Bob ever had two brain aneurysms and brain surgery.

NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. I choose to put my trust in You. I declare that You are good and thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

It's cold outside!

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank

Bob Pirie Fund

445 SE Main Street

Roseburg, OR 97470

c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate



Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.



The pipes froze at the VA today. The electricity needed to be shut off while the plumbers fixed it. Therefore, I didn't stay long for my visit this morning. Bob was tucked in bed under several blankets keeping warm. He told me that there wasn't enough room for me to crawl in with him to stay warm, so I went home to get warm.



Those of you who are experiencing a blizzard, today, will think I'm a pansy saying that 15 degrees is cold. But, it is freezing here in Oregon. It smelled like it should have been snowing. I'm from Pennsylvania; I know what snow and blizzards feel and smell like. The air smelled like the snow would have been one of those snows that had a crunchy sound when walked on. Those of you who live in snow, know what I mean.



The PT taped up Bob's left foot today to help lift his drop foot. She has ordered a brace for him to use; but she feels that the more aware he becomes mentally, the more awake the nerves will become to that foot and ankle.

No "miracle" nurse today

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Bob's "miracle" nurse is off today and tomorrow, so not much happened today. I guess she's allowed her two days off. The other nurses don't move him too much. The PT stood him and walked him one step. Little does she know that Bob has walked four steps on previous days.

Bob's left foot needs a lot of exercising. It drags quite a bit. The PT will get a brace for now. Drop foot can be a "tripping" factor. I know, because I have a brace myself due to drop foot on the same foot.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Good day....

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to: Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate
Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

I know I've said this before, but, here goes again. Bob was so "with" it today. We had normal conversations. He remembered things we talked about yesterday. I, also, told him at 2pm that I'd return at 5pm. When I got to his room at 5:30, he told me that I said that I would come back at 5. HE REMEMBERED! Woo-hoo!

All together, Bob had a good day today He was remembering everything. He transferred from the chair to the bed. He walked a few steps. He ate and drank what he was supposed to....good day.
Sanity to the lunacy...His evening care nurses were nurses who haven't been assigned to him for quite some time. They were amazed at his progress. The one nurse said, "Bob, when you came here, you couldn't even feed yourself, now look at what you are doing!"

"How ya' doin, Bob"..."I'm working on getting well." A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Four steps!...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to:

Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Bob took four steps today! He's not ready for a marathon, but he's on his way. Zachary told Bob that he could go jogging with him soon. T made the funniest face and said, "When I get past the fear of walking, I'll go."


If anyone is close by the VA on Wednesday around 1pm., Bob will be taking his first steps with the physical therapist. We will be celebrating with cake and ice cream. Come party with us over the GREAT event. I'll be taking pictures and posting them on this blog. Stay tuned.

I didn't work on any memory activities today. T was too "pooped" from exercising, standing, and walking. However, he is remembering names more and more each day. Short term memory is still very short-term. If he is reminded by another person, he remembers, but if you ask him to recall on his own, he doesn't remember. (Does that make sense?)

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Rehab progress...

Bob Pirie Fund: Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to:
Umpqua Bank
Bob Pirie Fund
445 SE Main Street
Roseburg, OR 97470
c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate
Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.

Bob's physical therapy was bumped up a level today. He transferred from the bed to his wheelchair using a walker. He learned to pivot stand. He said it was very scary. He's afraid he's going to fall and not be able to get up, or fall and hurt himself. When he's done transferring, he is shaking with fear. I just want to hug him and move him myself. That won't do him any good.

Boy, did I get quite the story tonight! Supposedly, he was fishing all day long today, but he couldn't catch anything because people were asking him to be a "go-fer" all day. Then, the oil pan went out on his wheelchair. a ha...ok my t. Bob went on and on and on. It was a great story.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Bob Pirie Fund

Many of Bob's friends have expressed that they wanted to help by donating to a fund that will help with Bob's medical expenses. I have set up a Bob Pirie Fund at Umpqua Bank here in Roseburg. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can mail a check to:


Umpqua Bank

Bob Pirie Fund

445 SE Main Street

Roseburg, OR 97470

c/o Caryn Martin, Universal Associate


Thank you in advance for your support and contribution.


Thinking back, I would not have been able to stay sane through this whole ordeal without your love, prayers, and emotional support. I have over two-hundred and fifty emails to share with Bob when he's able to read on the computer. Many of those emails are emails that have conversations that went back and forth between the sender and me.


Cognitive Therapy: Today's lesson was rapid recall. I asked T to list four items that would belong in a category that I called out. He was required to list the items quickly. I didn't give him too much time to think. I gave him about two seconds to think. If he took longer that 2-3 seconds before listing, I would say, "Too slow. We'll do that one tomorrow." Or, I would help him brainstorm. A few examples were, parts of the body, parts of a car, things in an ocean, fruits, and many many more (a half hour worth).


How'd Bob do? He did really well. Some categories were harder than others. I didn't see a pattern.

GREAT NEWS! I forgot to mention yesterday, the doctor I spoke to said that the chances of Bob having another brain aneurysm goes back to slightly above the average person (providing the brain CTI's detected everything during his brain surgery).

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Positive confirmation...

I'm so excited. A friend of Bob's aunt and uncle is a brain surgeon. He called me on the phone. Our phone conversation reinforced my beliefs about Bob's progress. He said not to believe anyone who says that the ability that Bob possesses 6-9 months after the stroke is as good as it's going to get. He said that is a bunch of bullsh**.(not those exact words) He said that it may seem like recovery comes to a stand still, but it only slows as compared to the everyday progress you see in the beginning. I see progress everyday and I can see to the future. He suggested keeping a journal so we can look back to compare where we are at presently as to where we've come from. Think this blogpage will suffice?


The surgeon also said, that Bob's eyes will, rather most likely, correct, but an opthamologist should be seen.


As for the naming issue...This is a common symptom. Naming items and naming faces will return. Even if it doesn't, we all forget names of things and faces. To me, that's no big deal.


I'm am so thankful for the brain surgeon's phone call, and for his affirmation of my beliefs. I told T tonight that given time, he'd be back to his ole' honary self.


Sanity to the lunacy...There's no sanity in this...I was told I'm a liability. So, none of the staff can help me anymore with putting my wheelchair in the car. Some nurses have been secretively helping me, but the word must have gotten out. It's not allowed.


"How ya doin, Bob"..."My legs are paralyzed. I've been standing so long; they don't work anymore."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

"Most things are out of my control, so it's a waste of time to get angry."

Sanity to the lunacy...He stands! The rehab in Vancouver, WA denied Bob's admittance until he can do at least one hour of physical therapy. When his nurse, who is doing so much with him, heard this, she could have had a bird. She has reported all the exercising with him, but it wasn't documented by the charge nurse. So, Vancouver thinks that all he can do is lie in bed and sit in his chair.


So...heads were rolling today. The PT actually came to his room today (last time was well over six weeks ago). She fixed the stand up lift so Bob was able to stand on his own. He pulled himself up by himself and stood for about 30 seconds by himself. He did this five times. The PT had a look of amazement. See, no one believes me when I tell them what Bob can do! That's why I don't work for anyone. I hate convincing people that I know something.


The OT wasn't there today, so a substitute came to his room. See heads were rolling. All of his abilities need documented so Vancouver Rehab can be re-contacted. They will accept him with the proper documentation.


"How ya doin, Bob"..."I'm feeling good today. I'm wiped out though from all the exercising. I'm glad I stood. I knew I could do it." Bob doesn't seem to show much emotion. He laughs, but he doesn't show frustration or anger. When I asked him if he ever gets angry, he said, "Most things are out of my control, so it's a waste of time to get angry." What a motto to live by!



A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"



Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.



Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Visualize this...

Picture this...Bob in his wheelchair with pants on, that aren't his, and are ten sizes bigger than what he usually wears, guitar in his lap, hair messed up, and a CD of Wide Load (the band he plays in in MN) playing in the background. The kind of music Wide Load plays is classic country. Have it pictured? The only thing missing from this picture is a piece of wheat hanging out of Bob's mouth and suspenders attached to his pants that are pulled up to his armpits.



Bob played his guitar a little today. He said it was too out of tuned to play with the CD. He sang along though. He hasn't lost his singing voice. He likes to show off to the nurses. With the knee slapping, foot-stopping old country music on, the nurses dance around while Bob sings. (now that's another sight to picture)



I saw Bob's pressure wound today. It is almost healed shut. Time is almost up for quarantine. So, now, the focus needs to be on getting him standing.



Sanity to the Lunacy...Bob will be retested on Friday to see if the C-Diff infextion has cleared. Then, another test will be done next Friday. If both are negative, he'll be cleared of quarantine.



"How ya' doin', Bob"..."I'm feeling pretty good. My memory is as good as what it was last time you asked." When was that? hahaha...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

wait wait wait...

Bob is just bidding his time waiting for the pressure wound to heal, his infections to be cleared, and his leg strength to improve. He's ready to break out of the VA joint. I feel that his memory has significantly improved. He actually knows where he is now on a consistant basis.


I mixed grape juice and apple juice together in a bottle for him to drink. Bob told me the new juice is called "grapple". Tell me, does that sound like a person whose brain is thinking or not? THINKING, I think!


We played "Guess Who?" today. He learned the strategies for winning very quickly. We had fun.


I taped one of his eye lenses of his glasses, so he's able to use just one eye for vision. His eyes still aren't coordinating well. Bob closes his one eye automatically, in order to see an object; otherwise, he's looking at two separate things. It drives him crazy.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Not so great day...

Bob was having a down day today. His catater needed replaced, and he was given another suppository. Heavens, what else could go wrong with his lower half? Oh, yes, the pressure wound. I guess that does it for all of the openings on the lower half of his body.


He didn't eat well at lunch, but he did drink a lot of fluids. He did that in hopes to ward off another UTI, since the catater malfunctioned this morning.


I bought two games for us to work on his memory and recall. I got "memory"; a concentration game and "Guess Who?"; a game that requires naming characteristics to determine your opponents hidden person.

I've decided to take it upon myself to help Bob stand everyday. I've had enough of the "downtime" from physical therapy due to his infection isolation. It will be interesting how I will accomplish this task. I'll keep you posted.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Not much going on...

I don't believe it. I don't have much to say; not even a little tidbit. Bob is doing well today. I tried to help him sit on the edge of the bed. I don't know how the nurses do it. I had one heck of a time moving him two inches. How do those nurses do it to make it look so easy?

We worked on memory some today. He still can't put names to things, like list fruits. Bob's response, "I don't know. I have them pictured in my head, but I don't know what they're called." He can tell you all of the characteristics; just not the name.

He's still good with the stories. Bob told us he was a controller on a submarine in the Army; in addition to raising cattle and pigs for the Army. Oh, and he was a cook for a short time, as well as being a cardiac ICU nurse (which is fact).

Sanity to the lunacy...When leaving tonight, T told me he loved me, gobs and gobs. Isn't he too cute?

"How ya' doin, Bob?" "I feel good." "I feel better now that we're getting the music all set up for next year." (Your guess is as good as mine on what he means.) "Also, my ass hurts." hahaha... (He hates sitting in the wheelchair, due to his pressure wound.)

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. If you are going to shop tomorrow during Black Friday, remember, "There are nut cases out there." and "I'm not picky when it comes to receiving gifts of any kind." :-)


We picked T up today to come home for Thanksgiving. He didn't remember what we were doing. It was nice to see that he remembered the house, though. He likes the new addition, and seemed excited about getting back to work in his new office.


Sanity to the Lunacy...There is no sanity to this lunacy...Bob was given a suppository this morning before we picked him up. What the hell were they thinking? Luckily nothing happened while we were home. (At least I don't think)


"How ya' doing Bob?" "I am thankful for all the food, and thankful I have a loving family to spend the day with."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I declare my thanks to You for all You have done in my life. Help me see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I keep You first place in all that I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, go to the website, click on Become a Rep.


Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A