" Thanks for the Rib Eye Spitzer"s

Sunday, July 19,2009

How is everyone doing, I hope all are staying cool this beautiful day. It is currently 104 at our house, A/C on and dawg and I are doing well.

Darlene had an absolutely great day yesterday. Talkative, joyous, and full of “gleam”

I arrived very early in the morning and after taking Mav on a walk through the woods we returned to the truck and I took a “truck nap for an hour or so.

About 9:30 I went in to see Dar and found her awake and ready to begin her day. One problem, she was not dressed for the day. Christy came to Dar’s room and asked me if I was ready for my next “lesson”, I asked what that might be and was told it was shower and dress time. Caught off guard I stammered and stuttered “ok”. Lets do it. So for the next 90 minutes I learned how to give Dar her shower and get her dressed and all things in between. Yes, all things.

Dar was a trooper, and totally enjoyed the attention. She is such a great sport.

After getting her dressed it was about 12:30 so we had her take a nap and got her up about 2:30 in the afternoon.

We sat in the front room with Mav tied to her chair and had a great time. All the staff fell in love with Mav and he got as much attention as Dar. He even tried to pull Dar through the house in her chair. It was quite comical. He too had a great time.

About 4:00 Dar and I went to the front porch as the sun was setting behind the house and the tall trees surrounding it. Mark and Tammy Spitzer and their son Ryne joined us. You remember Ryne was a victim of a horrible auto accident on Valentines Day in Santa Rosa.

It was such a great time being with friends and sharing stories.

About 6:00 we all retired to our rooms to get Ryne and Dar back to bed.

We all left together about 7:30 and drove to Corda Madera to a very nice steak house. Mark and I have been talking about having a big Rib eye for over a week.

I left for home about 9:30 and headed back home. I needed to be home today to finish paperwork for tomorrow’s appointment at the Social Security office. I talked with Dar about my leaving and that I would call her twice on Sunday to see how her day was. Having come to our new agreement about information that we share with Dar, she accepted my leaving without a complaint. I am sure she was looking forward to my calls.

Upon arrival home I found that the shower had all but been completed. There is one more connection to be made on Dar’s handheld shower. The shower is absolutely fantastic. My shower this morning was sorta different but nonetheless a very welcome feeling. There are pictures of the final stage in the photo gallery.

While talking to Kaylinn this morning I have learned that Dar’s Barium swallow test has been approved and will be scheduled for one day this week. I will be in attendance for this. Kaylinn was going to talk with Dar about how she wanted to get to Marin General.
As we were not able to go on our road trip with Dennis yesterday we thought we might let Dar have some input. Insurance will certainly cover ambulance transport and it is my hope this is the mode we will go so that Dar is fresh and relaxed for her test. This test is pretty important regarding the next step in Dar’s nutrition.

Both of my phone calls to Dar today were very good. Again Dar continues to grab stars from the heavens. Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Dr. Doherty, having returned from her vacation to Spain has already emailed me and received updates as to Dar’s progress. She will be seeing Dar early this week.

Dr. Doherty has agreed to stay on Dar’s case after she returns home and we will periodically go see her as an Outpatient at Kentfield. Dr. Doherty has also agreed to research and recommend a Primary Doctor, a “Johnny on the spot” doctor and a re-hab doctor for Dar in our area. This is a huge relief for me to know that she is willing to do this for us and bigger yet, to stay with Dar and her future progress. Thank you so much Dr. D.

As I learn of the date for Dar’s test I will let you know.

On a serious note, please pray for the Spitzer family, they have learned that Ryne’s stay at CareMeridian is coming to an end, an end as early as this coming Friday. Mark and Tammy are working hard to override the “armchair bean counters” and it is my prayer that they will succeed. Ryne has come so far and yet has so far to go. He can only benefit from continuing to stay at CM. They still have days left with insurance and I pray that you will support them in your prayers. Thank you.

Well, I hope you all have a great week upcoming and I look forward to talking with you all later. Please remember me in your prayers tomorrow morning at 9:00 am, my SSI appointment.

Good night all, we love ya,

Dar/Danny/Mav