Terrible twos again?

When I raised my three kids, I never thought the terrible twos' stage was funny. However, terrible twos coming from an adult, who has been on the verge of death, but back on the upswing of recovery, is funny. Anything I asked Bob today, received a "no" or "what for" response. Do you want to do some multiplication? "No"; Do you want to watch tv? "No"; Do you want to listen to music? "No"; Do you want a drink of water? "What for"; Do you want a washcloth to wipe your face? "No"


My son and I took our dog, Bentley, to visit Bob again tonight. Bob and the dog, both like seeing each other.

The staff at RoseHaven are good at keeping Bob's "rolling" schedule on time. They are very personable people too. It seems as though they care about the residents as people not just patients. Good job Rose Haven.
Alanon slogan: One day at a time.

A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God, Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Got to love Bob

One minute I'm carrying on an intelligent conversation with Bob, then the next minute he says something off the wall that it's so silly, he makes me laugh. For example, Zachary swallowed a guitar pick tonight. (yeah...he's 14 years old) He told Bob this on the phone. Bob laughed at him. Bob asked me if Zachary took something to counteract the effects. Then, he talked about how nice the beach was where we were staying and that we were doing the best we could to get clothes together with the small group we had. Hey...I try to connect the dots. Sometimes, his conversations come from what he heard on his roommate's TV, and sometimes, they stem from an overheard conversation from people in the hall. Gotta love him though. He's my t!

I'm doing testing on a student in the morning. I told t I'll be late coming in to see him. His response was, "Let me know where you'll be hanging out, I'll come hang out too." He's so cute :-)

Alanon slogan: One day at a time.

A prayer of healing and strength:
Dear God, Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Math-"piece of cake"

Well, I don't need to be concerned about being the accountant in the family. I quizzed t on addition, subtraction, and multiplication today. He answered me quicker than I could say the problem. One time, I said, "Let me give you a hard one. What is 7 x 7? He quickly answered, "49; that wasn't hard!"


He printed his name for the speech therapist. He read flashcards for me. Bob's probably thinking, "Damn, why does Jan have to be a teacher?" He told me tonight that he doesn't try to look at me like I'm a dumbass for asking him stupid questions. He's still nice and cute at the same time.


Let me take a moment to thank everyone again for your continued love, support, and prayers. Without them, neither of us would have progressed so positively.

Alanon slogan: One day at a time.

A prayer of healing and strength:
Dear God,
Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

One more for the Bipper!

Bob, known to some as the Bipper, had another amazing day. First he printed his name as the speech therapist said each letter. Amazing! Then, he counted by fives for me. Amazing! Then, he counted by tens for me. Amazing! Then, he counted by hundreds for me to one thousand. Amazing! The speech therapist suggested I try math problems tomorrow. Later, he said the entire alphabet with no help. Once again, amazing! And to think, in the beginning of all this, the doctors would have never laid odds that he would have any cognitive abilities. I guess there's something to being stubborn and having a "hard head".


My son, Daniel, and I took our dog, Bentley, in to see t. T was excited. He forgot everything around him and focused only on the dog.

Alanon slogan: One day at a time.

A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God,

Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Silly Goose

Bob has not lost his humor. Eventhough 90% of the time, his thoughts are out in left field, he comes up with some of the craziest things to say. His facial expressions, too, say, "Why are you asking me these silly questions, dumba$$?" For example, he counted to one hundred for me today. I asked him what comes after 199. He looked at me and said two hundred. The tone of his voice and his facial expression said, "Dahh...didn't you know?" He knew,without a pause, that one thousand came after 999.



He knew his colors, and he read the words dog and cat. He and I are using the Alanon slogan that we know so well, "One day at a time."

A prayer of healing and strength:
Dear God, Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Sunday rest and relaxation

Since the beginning of recorded time, Sunday has been designated as a day of rest. That is exactly what t did today. He had no physical therapy. He had a little speech therapy, but for the most part of the day, he could snooze whenever he pleased.


He was able to visit with a few friends who stopped in. Please sign the guest book if you drop by and I'm not there. For those who are far far away, I am still saving any e-mails sent to me. I'm saving them for when Bob can read them. Ha...he's going to need a few eight hour days to read all of the emails. Keep them coming though. I know he'll enjoy them.

A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God, Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Still the mayor!

At home, we call t, Mayor Bob, because he can talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere, and walk away good friends. Well, he hasn't lost the knack to chat! We had good conversations this afternoon. He was awake the whole day. It seems like his routine goes on an every-other-day schedule; he's awake one day, then the next, he sleeps most of the day. That's ok, he needs to rest that brain of his. When he's awake, he looks like he is in deep thought the entire time.


He made a promise today to work hard at physical therapy so we can go for walks together. So, you know what that means....I have to work at getting stronger too so I can go for our walks together. I don't know if it will work, but I promised to try. (I guess I'll need to keep everyone posted on my progress too. Na...you don't want to hear that!)


A prayer of healing and strength:
Dear God,
Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Sleepy day today

Bob's schedule is, breakfast at 7:30am, speech therapy after breakfast, physical/occupational therapy 10am-12noon. This upcoming week, physical/occupational therapy will be twice a day.


During a meeting of all the staff that will be in charge of Bob's recovery, a time frame of 3-4 months was mentioned for his stay at the long-term care facility. Oh dear! Dag-nabbit, they don't have wireless for my laptop. How will I function without the internet?

A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God,

Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

What might we be missing?

Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 mins a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule. 4 mins later the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk. 6 minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. 10 mins: a 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on. 45 minutes; the musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace.He collected $32. 1 hour; he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100. This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments .... how many other things are we missing?





Bob did great today.



A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God,

Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Prayer Shawl

The Prayer Shawl in the picture was hand-made by a group at the Roseburg Methodist Church where Bob is a member and a lay-leader. They chose colors that were as "manly" as possible. I think they chose well. It is so soft.

The explanation for it is, whenever you wrap yourself in this prayer shawl, let it remind you that God's love surrounds you. Let the warmth of God's love bring hope, courage, comfort, strength, and healing. I have it on Bob's bed at Rose Haven.

When we're finished using it, we may keep it or give it to someone else who would appreciate being reminded of God's love. Between you and me, I think we'll keep it on our bed to remind me of God's miracle.

Bob was worked hard in physical therapy today. He slept all day. His belly was filled with biscuits and gravy for breakfast. We had a candlelit lunch together too. The menu was pork, gravy, and potatoes. Bob's pork was ground, and he had mashed potatoes. He fed himself.

A prayer of healing and strength:

Dear God,

Use every event in my life, even my present circumstance, to work within me to bring healing of body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationship. In every way manifest your blessing in and through my life. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Bob is amazing

Sorry for not posting an update yesterday. Bob is doing wonderfully in physical therapy and speech therapy. He is "blowing the socks off" of the therapist with his progression.


Bob wheeled himself around in a wheelchair (all by himself) and stood up (with assistance). He is also talking a blue streak. Eventhough, a lot doesn't make sense, he hasn't lost his humor. :-)


Biscuits and gravy will be introduced for breakfast. That is his first solid food since May 14.


If anyone visits Bob, please sign the guest book that I've put in his room. Thanks.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Exciting day!

Bob had quite the eventful day today. He actually was out of his hospital room for the first time since May. Yes, he transferred rooms, but this time he was in a brightly, sunlit room to do physical therapy. He was batting a tethered ball back and forth with the physical therapist. He also "peddled" a hand cycle for about ten minutes before he got too tired and needed to quit.

Speech therapy went well. You know, there's a lot more to speech therapy than the pronounciation of words. It all starts with every muscle in the neck working together.

T got spiffed up by getting a hair cut and shave. He laughed when we asked if he wanted a mohawk.
Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Day 60

Heavens, it's day 60. My how time flies....NOT! T had a few more visitors today. His mom and dad are here from Iowa. Bob was excited to see them. Byron, Bob's dad, visited early this morning. They had to talk "farm" talk. Michelle and Dean are here from Washington.


Tell me this...I want to know how my son, Zachary, rates. Bob recognizes faces, but does not remember names, only Zachary's. We were talking about smelly feet yesterday, and Bob asked if we were talking about Zachary. Then tonight, Zachary went with me to say good night. Bob said that Zachary looked different. When I asked Bob if remembered his name, he said, "It's Zachary." How does he rate?


Bob was awake most of the day. He had some good conversations with us. He gave me high-fives throughout the day. We worked a little on colors and counting. We took a nap together. While he sat in the recliner, we watched tv together; just like home. :-) I GOT HIM TO SING! It was a whisper, but he sang!

Did I mention, he got his trach completely taken out. Yep! No more extra airway.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

BOB'S NOT ALLOWED TO SLEEP!

Bob slept the entire day today, except during physical therapy. I hate it when he sleeps; it makes me so nervous. I'm nervous, because the last time he slept after physical therapy, he ended up back in the ICU. This too shall pass-I know, I know.


For the short time that he was awake today, names were no where to be found in his thinking. However, he did recognize faces. Also, he was camera shy. Everytime I tried to take a picture of him, he'd turned his face away from me.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Big visiting day

The above view is only half of the pictures and cards that have traveled with Bob throughout this entire ordeal. We posted the cards and pictures in every room he was in.

Bob had quite a few visitors today. He had friends from church; one who brought flowers from her yard, friends from the choir, cousins, and me. Pastor Daryl stopped by and Bob's sister and brother-in-law came to town. Bob's mom and dad will arrive tomorrow. They drove all the way from Iowa. Bob and I have done that trek every year we've been together. It's a beautiful drive. There is a wide variety of country-side along the way.

Ok, yesterday, Bob guessed the wrong year, wrong president, and wrong state he lived in, and today, he had no guess at all. However, he did get all of his colors correct. The wheels are turning. The intelligent Bob we all know will emerge one of these days. I'll lay money down if anyone wants to bet. ;-)

My son, Daniel, brought our dog, Bentley, into Bob's room tonight. (Rose Haven allows pets.) Bentley was excited to see him, and Bob's face lit up too.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

Yet another day towards recovery

I don't believe it. This is the first day since May that I have nothing to say. T was awake most of the day. He thinks he lives in Iowa; the year is 2002; and Bill Clinton is President. I think he tried to pick a fight with me when I told him Obama was President.



Of course, he knows Asleep at the Wheel songs word for word. When I turn on their cd's, I may as well forget about having any kind of conversation with Bob. Golf and motorcycles create the same type of response. Geez...nothing changes a male's way of thinking. ;-)

FYI: Bob was moved to a bigger room and by the window. Room 128

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 128

And the journey looks positive

You're probably getting tired of reading about how excited I am that my T is doing this or that. I can equate my excitement to that of a new mother witnessing her infant roll over or say something for the first time. All of Bob's things that he does are his firsts. The only thing I don't get excited about that a young mother may get excited about is smelling poop. A young mother may think her baby is smiling; when actually, the grimace is a natural grunt. The face may elicit excitement, but baby poop and adult poop smell the same. peeew! He definitely has not lost that ability. The ability to clear out a room. :-)


When I arrived today, Bob was working with the physical therapists. He sat on the edge of the bed unassisted for a half hour. Tomorrow's goal is standing. He's swallowing juice and pudding and ice cream well. (I'm waiting for the jello shooters.) Bob's remembering a little more each day. His progress is astonishing the medical staff everyday. Today's show was at 11am. Tomorrow's show is at 11am too. Bring your lawnchairs early to get a good seat.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 108

Resting well

Bob has settled nicely in his new place. He has already started speech therapy and physical therapy. There is no down-time to waste.



I started working with him on colors today. um...he needs a bit more time to grasp the concept. He also has an advantage over me. If he doesn't want to think anymore, he just has to close his eyes and pass out. Only he can get away with that kind of behavior for now!



He remembered my name and he remembered that Zachary was my son. Wooo-hooo!

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 108

HE'S HERE!

Bob is in Roseburg! I was jumping out of my skin when the ambulance pulled up to the nursing home. I was sitting outside waiting. When the EMT's pulled T out of the ambulance, he saw me waving, and he waved back. As they wheeled him up to the door, he said "hi". He had a voice! He wasn't whispering. The EMT's questioned the admittance coordinator who the person (me) was hovering over their patient. I was also holding them up from doing their duty of getting Bob to his room. Basically, they had to prevent me from crawling up onto the gurney.



He fell sound asleep afterwards. I spoke with him later. When he woke up, I said, "Are you awake now?" (dah...) He said, "Yeah, am I supposed to be? I can't tell." (He's always being woken up by nurses taking BP or temps or whatever else, so he doesn't know if it's day or night.)



He is in room 108. It is right inside the front door. Finally, I won't need someone to take my wheelchair in and out of the car. His room is a short distance from the parking lot, which means, I can use my crutches and walk.



It seems he doesn't know names or colors. I'm making a book with pictures and names, and I have flashcards for colors and shapes. I woke up about 2am last night with an inspiration for the book design. (My brain never stops.) I think I'll try to get it published; publishing is a process that is a pain in the butt, but I'll try. The book will allow for personal pictures to be inserted, labels, and dry erase writing practice. It can be used by toddlers learning to read and write to adults with skills needing relearned.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 Room 108

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday! Bob will be leaving Portland at 11am tomorrow, and will be arriving in Roseburg 4 1/2 hours later.

I'm so excited for his arrival. I'm like a girl waiting for her first date. This is an example of how much of a goof I am...This morning while I was getting dressed, I was thinking of what outfit I was going to wear for our "first date".

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
Rose Haven Nursing Center740 NW Hill Pl., Roseburg, OR 97471 (don't know room # yet)

website for rehab

Bob will be moving to a rehab facility on Monday. The website for the facility is http://www.pinnacle-healthcare.com/rehab/rehab.html Check it out. It is the biggest facility in Oregon.


Grafitti Cruise was tonight. What's that? Hundreds of '60 cars and older come to Roseburg for a car show for the week. On Saturday night, they all cruise the old "50s" cruise strip. It is a four-hour parade of all these cars. It seems like the entire town lines the strip to watch the cars go around and around. There are vendors and live bands playing 50's music. People bring coolers and BBQ's. It's quite the event. Youtube might have something if you are interested.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

Party time!

Whoo-Hoo! I'm home for good! I have some time to relax. I don't need to wash clothes that need repacked. My son, Daniel, moved to Oregon from Pennsylvania to live with me on June 2nd, and I haven't seen him yet. Now, he can relax; I'm home.


Bob is excited for Monday's move. He was smiling away this morning. I gave him homework to do until Monday. He is to work on his breathing exercises to make his lungs stronger. He only laughs at me when I demonstrate facial exercises, which will help loosen up his cheek muscles. (I squint my eyes and puff my cheeks out; then open my eyes and mouth wide.) He gave me a belly-laugh this morning after I demonstrated what he should do. After demonstrating, I tell him to show me, and he laughs and shakes his head "no". I can't wait to hear his story about that in the future.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm

VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

Each one of you is a clay ball

The following story was sent to me by a new found friend. Because of Bob's incident, God has given me new friends from all over the USA. I have found the jewel inside the clay ball with all of you.
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. > > > He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! > > > Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. > > > Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away! > > > It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. > > > We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person. > > > There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. > > > May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them. > > I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you.. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

Monday is moving day

Good news! Bob is moving to Rosehaven in Roseburg on Monday. His trach may be gone by Monday. I learned another new thing today. Bob has had the trach for eight weeks now. I asked if the skin will need stiches to reseal. Believe this...if the open skin is not touching other skin, it does not heal; so, the trach is preventing the skin in his neck from closing. When the trach is removed, the skin touches, and within three days, the wound is healed.



Our friend, Jim, visited again today. He and Bob talked extensively about motorcyles. Jim asked if he could ride Bob's Harley. Bob said, "Absolutely". I said, "What if it gets scratched?" T said with a grin, "I'll have to take it away."



Bob was watching golf tonight, so he didn't want to be bothered.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

Bob made everyone happy today.

Bob was talking up a storm this morning. At least to me, he was. As soon as nurses stepped into the room, he sealed his lips shut. I told him that he needs to talk to the nurses, so they don't think I'm fibbing to them. He told me, "I guess that would be the smart thing to do." He didn't take his own advice. He only said yes or shook his head no when asked a question by a nurse. Then, as soon as they exited the room, he'd talk again. (once a smart ass, always a smart ass)

He trach will be capped off tomorrow. If he tolerates it well, his trach will be taken out after a few days.

He told me today that he doesn't know what happened. I told him he had brain surgery. He told me he doesn't know what the word brain means. I told him everything will come back. He asked me how far away he is. I asked, "How far away from what?" He said, "From perfect?" Of course I gave him a hug and said he's perfect now. Think he bought it?

The thrill of the day was when Isaac gave Bob the TV remote control to change the stations for himself. He did it! He was watching the show and then pushed the channel button if he didn't like what was showing. That was the attraction that brought medical staff to the room to marvel.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

He says he loves me!

I must confess, I was a little jealous this afternoon while Isaac and I visited t. Isaac was able to engage t in conversation. He was able to get his dad to say "I love you". Bob just looked at me like I had two heads.


Zachary and I returned to the hospital for our usual bedtime visit. T was so awake. He reached for my arm to give me a hug. He felt my face as I hugged him. He even said, "I love you". awe...I've been waiting so long for him to say that.


T was so awake, I was able to elicit a reaction that I would have recieved before all of this happened. He has always hated when I said, "psst" to get his attention. When I was saying good-bye for the evening, he kept focusing on the tv (typical male :-D ) I made the sound psst. He instantly looked at me; I said my good-byes, then he immediately looked back at the tv. I made the sound psst again, his eyes shot daggers at me. That's the typical reaction I have always gotten. Yeah...my t is in there. We all laughed at his reaction; even t.


By-the-way, Bob had a big smile on his face when I played the cd of Ray Benson, leader of Asleep at the Wheel. The recording uses Bob's name as well as mine. I think we might have to go see the band for the third time (it might be the fifth or sixth time for Bob) within the coming year.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

End of week eight

Once again, I'm so excited to go see my t tomorrow. Isaac was with him all weekend. He reports that Bob is responding in complete sentences. The volume is very quiet; but that will increase as his lungs get stronger. The nurses keep telling me that Bob is the same as yesterday and assure me that recovery will take a long time. Well, I already know that. I also think to myself, "T may be the same as yesterday, but he's a far cry from how he was a week ago!" I'll keep that positive thought going and not think of the long haul ahead. The long haul will be over and done with before we realize it.

I'd like to thank all of you again for hanging in there with me. All of your love, support, and encouragement have kept me strong. I'm confident, you'll hang in there to witness Bob's full recovery.

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:
God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.
email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/
aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

Rest day

Bob is resting and recuperating today. I'm not there to bother him. I'm not trying to make him sing.




There is one thing a dislike about writing this blog. I am getting used to calling my t, Bob. I don't like it. It feels strange. He will be happy, though. He has told me several times over the past three years to call him Bob. I just couldn't remember. Zachary calls him t also. He still opens his eyes when I call, "t" in the hospital room. So, it's settled! I'm going to continue calling him "t".

Prayer from Pastor Daryl:

God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

aneurysm info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_aneurysm/detail_cerebral_aneurysm.htm
VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm 315

Another good day of recovery

I spoke with Bob's nurse twice today on the phone. She reports that he's more alert than yesterday. Since that is so, I'm assuming he'll be singing on Monday when I get there.


Bob's son, Isaac, is flying into Portland today for a few days. Bob will be excited to see him.


Other good news, I received in the mail today, the recording that Ray Benson from "Asleep at the Wheel" did for Bob. He is going to be so happy when he hears it.


By now, you know that many of Bob's friends are musically talented. The following lyrics are the start of a newly written song that was left by John Beckord in the comments section of this blog.

And here is my suggested hook for the chorus of one such song:
"When the sun rises on a very long, very dark night. (pause) I will be a better person 'cause I had to put up such hard fight."


Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.org/

VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm

Bob spoke to me!

The day has finally arrived! Bob talked to me today. His trach was decreased in size and a piece was put on the outside that allows air to enter through the trach, but exit through the mouth. This new piece allows him to talk. It took all day of coaxing, but he finally did it in the evening. I was trying to get him to sing, "ma me mi mo mu". He said, "I'm short of breath." After a brief explanation, he said, "It's not so bad." I was so excited. I could hardly hear him, because I was cheering him on. I wanted to carry on a lenthy conversation with him. His response time after being asked a question is about 20 seconds. So, image not talking to him for two months; I wanted to have a two-month conversation in the first ten seconds.


Earlier today, he was mouthing the words to "Miles and Miles of Texas". I think he amazed himself. He had a huge smile on his face after he did so.


The following prayer was sent to me by a friend.

Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.


email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.org/
VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm

I have my own good news!

Bob did well today. He was poked again for an IV line. His medications are causing dehydration, so, he's being re-hydrated and potassium levels and salt levels are being tweaked.


I received an email that makes my golfing story that I posted yesterday funnier. Shotgun, a blind friend of Bob's (my friend now too), said that if he were driving with Zachary giving him directions with Bob being pulled behind them in his hospital bed, that would be a sight for a good belly roll.


My news...an article that I wrote was published in the July issue of Occupation, Health and Safety Magazine. http://www.ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/07/01/Management.aspx They used my credentials from a few years ago. I was published in this magazine before. I have a Ed. D. now. Oh well, woo-hoo, I've been published!

Prayer from Pastor Daryl: God of grace and glory, holy comforter, healing Spirit, we give you thanks for Bob’s continuing recovery and renewal. Continue to reach out and bring him healing through the hands of those who care for him. Radiate through his life with the light of your presence, that renewed health and strength may be his. Grant to him and those dear to him the continuing assurance of your steadfast love and mercy that they may know the peace that comes from you; through Christ our healer. Amen.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: http://www.strokeassociation.com/

VIBRA Specialty Hospital: 10300 NE Hancock St., Portland, OR 97220 Rm