04-17-09
1850 Hours
Hi folks, just a post to tell you how incredible today has been.
Arrived this morning instead of yesterday. Due to scheduling issues I had to be on campus.
Today has been totally incredible. Dar has been happy since the moment I arrived. I learned that Dar's " trach cuff" has been deflated since yesterday. Dar can have her speaking valve on from 8am till 8pm without attendance from staff. She has been talking all day.
Virtually without pain all day Dar has been in rare form all day.
I also learned that Dar has been eating applesauce, yogurt and drinking juice from a straw. How cool is this news.
Tomorrow morning she has requested to have a little bit of eggs, cream of wheat and choclate ice cream. It is possible she could be on a regular soft diet by Monday.
I am waiting now to hear from Dr. D and her plan for "trach" removal. It is possible that it might be gone by Sat.We will see.
I must tell you this, keeping up with Dar now is both exciting and exhausting. She is making up for lost time.
Well just something short for you to read. Talk to you all soon. Thank you for your continued prayers. We love you all. Dar is making fabulous progress. It is amazing.
Good night all,
Dar/Danny
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
"A Blessed Easter to all" " A time for Miracles"
04-10-2009
04:40 AM
Good morning to all. When I posted last I told everyone that Dar spoke for the first time on Sunday while her parents and older sister were with her. Since Sunday I saw Dar on Wednesday and she is talking up a storm..When I arrived on Wednesday Dar was still sleeping so I waited awhile before waking her. About 8:30 knowing she had therapy at 9:00 I woke Dar and she was very much glad to know I was there. Happy and smiling for everyone we got her dressed for the day and ready for her first of several therapy sessions of the day.Dar’s first session was with Dowie and Katrina in the gym. She worked on the mat stretching and working her upper and lower back muscles. For the most she was comfortable and had a very good session. At the end of her 30 minute session we went out to the lobby of the hospital so she could enjoy some other surroundings other than her room. Dar loves to be on the move in her chair. It was raining outside so she was content to just be in the lobby and talk and smile and laugh with me and when visitors that knew her stopped by to say “HI” Dar was very outgoing.
Speech therapist Jennifer found us shortly after we got to the lobby and asked if Dar would like to have her session there? Dar told her “yes”. I asked if Dar had been talking to them since Sunday and Jennifer told me that she was mouthing words but that she had not spoken as yet. When I asked if they were aware that Dar started speaking with her “speaking valve” on Sunday, Jennifer said they were not aware of it.I told Jennifer of what had taken place on Sunday and that Dar had the “inner canula” of her trach shortened and the white speaking valve placed instead of the “red speaking cap” and Dar found her vocal cords and started talking on Sunday. Jennifer got real excited and left for a few moments and brought Linda (head speech therapist) back with her. Linda had Dar’s shortened “inner canula” and white speaking valve in hand. Linda deflated Dar’s “cuff” and placed the “valve” assembly in place and Dar was off to the races. Dar started laughing and talking like a “jay bird’. It was very exciting to see for the first time what I had heard about on Sunday.Linda and Jennifer began Dar’s specific “session” after much laughter and joy; they too were as excited as I about Dar’s progress.Much of Dar’s session after that was specific to “memory recall”, Dar knows she is in the hospital, not quite sure where but knows she is there because she “fell”.Dar knows she is 45 years old and she was born on the 29th, but is little confused as to the month. She thinks it is July but is not quite sure, it is June.
Dar can fill in the blank to most questions and is able to tell us when she is hurting or is comfortable. Dr Waters was able to see first hand how well Dar is speaking. Doctor Waters asked Dar a few questions that are only savvy to the two of them and Dar laughed and laughed. She sounds very good when she laughs. Dar has to take her time when answering questions as she is not able to say many words in one breath of air, so we wait patiently as she thinks and gathers her breath before she speaks.On Saturday Dar and I talked about the upcoming holiday, Easter, I told Dar that there was only one thing that I would like from her before or the day of Easter. I told Dar that I would really like to hear her say “I love you” to me. She smiled.During a break of her session I asked Dar if she remembered what I asked for on Easter. She smiled and then slowly said those three words I was longing to hear, Dar slowly and carefully in two breaths of air said “I love you”. That did it, wasn’t a dry eye in the house, therapists included. Between the joy and laughter Dar could not help but start laughing with the rest of us.
I am so proud of her and the progress she has made. She is such a special lady and God certainly has His hand in her recovery.Dar concluded her therapy session with a “A Plus” grade.
We stayed in the lobby till her buddy Dowie came back for yet another PT session in the gym. We told him that Dar had her speaking valve in and asked if he wanted it removed and put back to her regular state. Dowie thought for a moment and said “lets leave it in, maybe she can talk to me in gym class”. OPPS, wrong thing to say, because after Dar rolled down the hallways laughing loud enough for others to look to see who it was and congratulate her, Dar told Dowie when he asked her if she was ready to use the Standing Machine, Dar said and I quote “NO”, Dowie asked are you sure, Dar said “YES”, Dowie “caved”, “gave in”. He and Dar spent the next 30 minutes working on her center of balance. Actually, Dowie was very pleased with Dar. She is now getting better and is starting to find her “center of balance” in the sitting position. Does not hold it long but she does find it and can hold it for about a 3 second count. This is major improvement. Still holding her head weight and able to” look up” Dar continues to improve on a daily basis.
I cannot help but be excited about this weekend, a weekend of hope, joy, miracles and family.In closing for this post Dar and I would again like to take a moment to thank all of you far and wide that have become part of our lives to say how much we appreciate your prayers and the love that you have shown.
During this special time of year we ask that as you gather around your “family” dinner table, bar-b-que on the patio, spin about the lake in your boat, or visit the “resting” place of a loved one, that you just take a moment and thank God for what He has done in your life, the blessings you have. Take a moment to tell those around you how much you care and love them. We have no idea what tomorrow brings, but one thing sure, “we have today, this moment”,,,,,,,,, Happy Easter, We love You All.
Love to all,Dar/Danny
Post update,
The picture at the top of the post was sent to me a short while ago from Peggy Murphy, John’s mom. If you look closely you can see Dar is showing off her “blue” mouth. Blue because she had her first taste of real people food on Thursday. Don’t know what it was but it was a “puree’ “. Blue I am sure so they could be sure Dar is swallowing correctly. I hear she did “fabulous”. What a great time we can look forward to this weekend, talking and eating real food. Said it before and I will say it again, miracles do happen and you are watching God do His work for Dar. Thank you all, keep your prayers coming, Happy Easter to All.
Love ya,
Dar/Danny
Sunday, April 5, 2009
" An amazing woman and friend"
04-05-2009
0700 Hours
I don't know if I adequatley describe how proud and amazed at Darlene I am. In the last month exactly, Dar has as Dr. Doherty says " come light years from when she entered Kentfield".
The progress that Dar has made in the last month is incredible. From opening her mouth for yes to closing her mouth with tight lips for no, Dar is now saying the words "yes" and "no". She can fill in the last word of questions posed by therapists, such as " the elevator goes up and, Dar fills in the rest, "down". Actually mouths the word down. two weeks ago she was not moving her feet and legs, or for that matter her toes very much. Today she is kicking the therapists in the butt with her right foot and leg, kicking Dr. D in the hand with her right foot, almost able to put her leg parrellel to the floor, but only for a moment.
Her left foot and leg which was not moving at all is now doing small circles and forward motion equal to about half of her right. Incredible progress.
Dar is able to direct us to problem areas when they hurt. Follows all conversations she can hear and will give you her thoughts about the subject. Makes everyone happy when they see her, greets all with a "hi" when you tell her who has come to visit or take care of her. She is amazing. A one of a kind, a fighter.
Dar"s mom, dad and older sister Christine came for a visit yesterday and for the three of them I am sure it was a great day. Mom and dad had not seen Dar since Valentines Day, Christine had not seen Dar since she left Oroville, all three of them had not seen what I have been writing about untill yesterday.
I don"t believe they went to their motel room disappointed, especially Dar's dad. It was good to see him smile and laugh with Darlene, it has been a long time since I had seen what I saw yesterday, usually quite and reserved, dad had the camcorder out and was having fun.
I remember coming back into the ICU Unit at Oroville when Christine was up for her only visit before Dar left for Kentfield. Something made me stop and not return to the room, to give sisters time alone, to give them that special time that they needed, to give Christine the opportunity to talk and just sit quietly reading to Dar and say those things and say those prayers that I know God has heard and Darlene was blessed with. I watched Christine sit with Dar, she never knew I was there but I knew something special was going on.
Got a kick out of Dar's mom yesterday. After all of us went to Dar's "standing therapy" Dar absoulutley did not want to go back to her room. We stayed outside till she got a little chill and then moved to the lobby of the hospital. During all of our time there Dar was up to her little tricks and showing off for all of us. Dar's mom would ask me to ask Dar if she rememberd this or that and each time she did I told her to ask Dar herself. It just tickled me to be able to say "ask her yourself, she will answer". I have no idea why, it just tickeled me that all three of them were able to share and talk with Dar like they always have, to share stories and memories that only they have. Everything from baked Alaska to Rusty the dog, to Darlene hating to have to eat peas. It was I hope a GREAT DAY for them.
When the therapist came outside to get Dar for therapy we all got to see first hand how well Dar can process information. The therapist asked her if she was ready to go to the gym and use the "standing frame" , a machine that allows her to stand with all her weight (98 lbs now) on her legs and feet. This forces her to straighten those legs and stretch those muscles. When asked if she was ready, Dar has found her ability to say what she feels, Dar very clearly answered "no" she did not want to go to the gym. She hates the standing machine, absolutley hates it. It hurts, it makes her do things she does not want to do, it forces her to stretch, it makes her hurt and she flat out does not like it and she told the therapist she did not want to go. But................. the trooper she is Dar went and hated every minute of it but when it was all over and she was back in her chair, she was happy and ready to go back outside. Ready to take a walk, ready to feel the breeze in her face and put her sunglasses back on.
Regarding her sunglasses, you have probably learned by now or have figured out that at this time she cannot see, we do not not know if this is permanent but we do know that she can tell the difference between light and dark. Dar does not like alot of bright light, room or outside, thus she likes to wear sunglasses. If memory serves I believe I told you about Cortical Blindness, a result of anoxic injury to the brain. Time will tell and at this time Dar is aware of her condition and is dealing very well with it. We continue to hope and pray that as the brain heals so this will heal and her vision will return. I have long ago accepted that if this were the only permanent disablement, I would count my blessings knowing that Dar and I have so many places that we could return to that she has memory of and so many places that she has read about or shared with others that she and I would have and could have a very, very fullfilled life.
Besides, she would have a specially trained companion and Maverick, upon his approval would have a buddy to play with. Such a small price to pay to have the rest of my life to be with the one that has my utmost admiration and respect for.
When others had given up hope for Dar and tried to tell me that all was lost, knowing the spirit of this woman, I knew she would fight and desereved every shot at recovery. Dar has shown me, shown family, shown doctors, shown people that don't even no her that miracles do happen, prayers do get answered, faith does exsist, commitment does exsist, perseverence does exsist, and the will to live and recover is stronger than anything else in the world. When its all said and done, when the doctors have done all they can, when man's knowledge is exhausted, there is still one more thing to consider, "ones relationship with God". Dar has always had a strong "relationship", "an immovable faith", " a quiet humble spirit", "a loving and gentle heart", " a beautiful spirit". You will never convince me otherwise that God is not honoring Dar's commitment to "Him", and I know that she still has much work to be done, people to have an impact on, and a blessing and a smile to give to others. "DAR IS RECOVERING". Everyday, moment by moment.
Thank you all, thank you for your prayers, thank you for the cards that are coming in, I told Dar (yesterday) of the scrapbook that is being made for her. A book that we will be able to open the cards together and share the thoughts and prayers of all of you that have supported her in her recovery. I told her yesterday of the "blog" I started back in December that has allowed me to put my thoughts to paper and pen that others accross the country are reading and supporting her in her recovery. I told her that I was excited for the day that we could share together these writings that she would hear and see all the people that love her, support her and have given of themselves to her. I told her I long for the day that she and I can thank each of you personnaly for what you mean to us and what you have done for Dar's Recovery. To see this awesome lady up close and personal.
Dar's responce to the 'Scrapbook" the "blog" was best descibed as this. Picture yourself with your eyes as open wide as you can get them, a huge smile on your face followed by an extreme "o" sound.
That's my Dar, one of a kind, a very, very special lady that I have been blessed to be with and call my friend, my lover, MY WIFE.
Dar's Recovery, because of God, because of your prayers and support and most of all because of Dar's will to recover I humbly ask for your continued prayers and well wishes as we all continue this journey back to life.
Maybe I was successfull in telling you how proud I am of my wife, my friend, MY DAR.
Love you all, stay tuned for more, we have a long way to go.
Love,
Danny
Post update.
2138 hours
Just received a phone call from Dar’s family. Darlene has started talking with her new trach. Speaking one,two and three syllable words.Such great news and glad her family was there to be part of it.
Can’t wait to get back to Dar on Wednesday to see what new things she might be doing. Good night all
Danny
0700 Hours
I don't know if I adequatley describe how proud and amazed at Darlene I am. In the last month exactly, Dar has as Dr. Doherty says " come light years from when she entered Kentfield".
The progress that Dar has made in the last month is incredible. From opening her mouth for yes to closing her mouth with tight lips for no, Dar is now saying the words "yes" and "no". She can fill in the last word of questions posed by therapists, such as " the elevator goes up and, Dar fills in the rest, "down". Actually mouths the word down. two weeks ago she was not moving her feet and legs, or for that matter her toes very much. Today she is kicking the therapists in the butt with her right foot and leg, kicking Dr. D in the hand with her right foot, almost able to put her leg parrellel to the floor, but only for a moment.
Her left foot and leg which was not moving at all is now doing small circles and forward motion equal to about half of her right. Incredible progress.
Dar is able to direct us to problem areas when they hurt. Follows all conversations she can hear and will give you her thoughts about the subject. Makes everyone happy when they see her, greets all with a "hi" when you tell her who has come to visit or take care of her. She is amazing. A one of a kind, a fighter.
Dar"s mom, dad and older sister Christine came for a visit yesterday and for the three of them I am sure it was a great day. Mom and dad had not seen Dar since Valentines Day, Christine had not seen Dar since she left Oroville, all three of them had not seen what I have been writing about untill yesterday.
I don"t believe they went to their motel room disappointed, especially Dar's dad. It was good to see him smile and laugh with Darlene, it has been a long time since I had seen what I saw yesterday, usually quite and reserved, dad had the camcorder out and was having fun.
I remember coming back into the ICU Unit at Oroville when Christine was up for her only visit before Dar left for Kentfield. Something made me stop and not return to the room, to give sisters time alone, to give them that special time that they needed, to give Christine the opportunity to talk and just sit quietly reading to Dar and say those things and say those prayers that I know God has heard and Darlene was blessed with. I watched Christine sit with Dar, she never knew I was there but I knew something special was going on.
Got a kick out of Dar's mom yesterday. After all of us went to Dar's "standing therapy" Dar absoulutley did not want to go back to her room. We stayed outside till she got a little chill and then moved to the lobby of the hospital. During all of our time there Dar was up to her little tricks and showing off for all of us. Dar's mom would ask me to ask Dar if she rememberd this or that and each time she did I told her to ask Dar herself. It just tickled me to be able to say "ask her yourself, she will answer". I have no idea why, it just tickeled me that all three of them were able to share and talk with Dar like they always have, to share stories and memories that only they have. Everything from baked Alaska to Rusty the dog, to Darlene hating to have to eat peas. It was I hope a GREAT DAY for them.
When the therapist came outside to get Dar for therapy we all got to see first hand how well Dar can process information. The therapist asked her if she was ready to go to the gym and use the "standing frame" , a machine that allows her to stand with all her weight (98 lbs now) on her legs and feet. This forces her to straighten those legs and stretch those muscles. When asked if she was ready, Dar has found her ability to say what she feels, Dar very clearly answered "no" she did not want to go to the gym. She hates the standing machine, absolutley hates it. It hurts, it makes her do things she does not want to do, it forces her to stretch, it makes her hurt and she flat out does not like it and she told the therapist she did not want to go. But................. the trooper she is Dar went and hated every minute of it but when it was all over and she was back in her chair, she was happy and ready to go back outside. Ready to take a walk, ready to feel the breeze in her face and put her sunglasses back on.
Regarding her sunglasses, you have probably learned by now or have figured out that at this time she cannot see, we do not not know if this is permanent but we do know that she can tell the difference between light and dark. Dar does not like alot of bright light, room or outside, thus she likes to wear sunglasses. If memory serves I believe I told you about Cortical Blindness, a result of anoxic injury to the brain. Time will tell and at this time Dar is aware of her condition and is dealing very well with it. We continue to hope and pray that as the brain heals so this will heal and her vision will return. I have long ago accepted that if this were the only permanent disablement, I would count my blessings knowing that Dar and I have so many places that we could return to that she has memory of and so many places that she has read about or shared with others that she and I would have and could have a very, very fullfilled life.
Besides, she would have a specially trained companion and Maverick, upon his approval would have a buddy to play with. Such a small price to pay to have the rest of my life to be with the one that has my utmost admiration and respect for.
When others had given up hope for Dar and tried to tell me that all was lost, knowing the spirit of this woman, I knew she would fight and desereved every shot at recovery. Dar has shown me, shown family, shown doctors, shown people that don't even no her that miracles do happen, prayers do get answered, faith does exsist, commitment does exsist, perseverence does exsist, and the will to live and recover is stronger than anything else in the world. When its all said and done, when the doctors have done all they can, when man's knowledge is exhausted, there is still one more thing to consider, "ones relationship with God". Dar has always had a strong "relationship", "an immovable faith", " a quiet humble spirit", "a loving and gentle heart", " a beautiful spirit". You will never convince me otherwise that God is not honoring Dar's commitment to "Him", and I know that she still has much work to be done, people to have an impact on, and a blessing and a smile to give to others. "DAR IS RECOVERING". Everyday, moment by moment.
Thank you all, thank you for your prayers, thank you for the cards that are coming in, I told Dar (yesterday) of the scrapbook that is being made for her. A book that we will be able to open the cards together and share the thoughts and prayers of all of you that have supported her in her recovery. I told her yesterday of the "blog" I started back in December that has allowed me to put my thoughts to paper and pen that others accross the country are reading and supporting her in her recovery. I told her that I was excited for the day that we could share together these writings that she would hear and see all the people that love her, support her and have given of themselves to her. I told her I long for the day that she and I can thank each of you personnaly for what you mean to us and what you have done for Dar's Recovery. To see this awesome lady up close and personal.
Dar's responce to the 'Scrapbook" the "blog" was best descibed as this. Picture yourself with your eyes as open wide as you can get them, a huge smile on your face followed by an extreme "o" sound.
That's my Dar, one of a kind, a very, very special lady that I have been blessed to be with and call my friend, my lover, MY WIFE.
Dar's Recovery, because of God, because of your prayers and support and most of all because of Dar's will to recover I humbly ask for your continued prayers and well wishes as we all continue this journey back to life.
Maybe I was successfull in telling you how proud I am of my wife, my friend, MY DAR.
Love you all, stay tuned for more, we have a long way to go.
Love,
Danny
Post update.
2138 hours
Just received a phone call from Dar’s family. Darlene has started talking with her new trach. Speaking one,two and three syllable words.Such great news and glad her family was there to be part of it.
Can’t wait to get back to Dar on Wednesday to see what new things she might be doing. Good night all
Danny
Sunday, March 29, 2009
" Close Friends Receive Miracle"
03-29-2009
0412 hours
Close friends, Darlene and Mike Walsh received a miracle Friday when they learned that Darlene's sister Donna was a "perfect match" to donate a kidney to Darlene. Darlene a former co -worker of both "my" Dar and my self at Bangor School, (where Dar and I met) and Mike whom I have known for many years found out a while back that Darlene had a kidney that was failing.
While on a trip back East for business and to see there son in the Armed Forces Darlene was stricken. It was a rough time for the whole family and Mike I'm sure went and still goes through the same things I find myself going through. Darlene came home after a stay in the hospital and has been on the kidney donor list and receiving dialisis ever since. The hunt was on for a match and family and friends stepped up to the call, even I was getting ready to be tested to help Darlene out.
Well, yesterday morning when I arrived at Kentfield to see Dar I checked the blog and there was a message from Mike telling me that Darlene's sister Donna was not only a match but a "perfect match" for Darlene. You could tell the relief in what Mike wrote. We are so happy and thankfull for this news.
Mike sent me an email last night that now Darlene and Donna will begin "evaluations" for the transplant/donation. Such an exciting time for the Walsh family.
As followers of Dar's Recovery please put the Walsh family on your prayer list as they begin the next phase of "their Darlene's Recovery". Kind of ironic isn't it, two Darlene's to pray for.
Well, my "Dar" had a fantastic Saturday, full of sunshine, laughter and joy. We went to physical therapy where she worked in the standing position for about twenty minutes, stretching and working her upper body muscles.
After therapy Dar did not want to go back to her room so we went for a walk to the next little "hamlet" near the hospital. There is a bike/walking/jogging path that runs by the hospital and actually goes a long way for people to walk, ride, jog and the like. Dar must have been reminded of riding her quad. The path is black topped but in places was a little rough. Dar must have felt like she was on a dirt road on her quad because she was laughing and smiling the whole time. She had such a good time in the sun and feeling the breeze in her face that she just wanted to walk and walk. We found ourselves in the little "hamlet" of Ross down the path. It was so great to watch Dar be herself.
When we returned to the hospital she did not want to go back to her room so we went to the patio and visited with another family and their son. John Murphy has been a patient at the hospital for 7 months, a vitim of a fall. We have gotten to know John, Peggy/Kevin (mom and dad), sisters Molly and Kaitlin pretty well over the last couple of months. We are all family, looking out for one another and supporting one another as we find ourselves brought together by something we never in a million years would have thought would or could happen to us.
It is such an insperation to see the "will" of the patients and strength of the families at this facility.It does not make a difference what color you are, what religion you believe in, how old you are or what happened to you. Every one there is there for something similiar and everyone there is family. Always giving encouraging words, lending a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. We are all family supporting and praying for each other.
While on the patio, Dar decided to keep all of us laughing and smiling. She was such a little "scamp", wearing her sunglasses and giving us her infectious smile and laughter you could not help but have a smile on your face. The day was beautiful the sun was shining and so was Dar.
We took video of Dar swinging and kicking both feet, yes I said both feet. The right foot is really getting with it and the left has improved 100 per cent since last weekend or even Wednesday. She is quite proud of her acomplishment. Course, so am I.
We did not return to her room until about 2:00 in the afternoon and were a little late getting her hooked back up to her "viddles".
Back to bed and taking a little nap about 4:00, Maverick and I headed for home as I have to work and prepare for "Open House" at the school on Thursday.
We got as far as Woodland and then the Duramax must have thrown an injector, ran like crap but we limped it home and got home about 8;30. Hopefully repairs can be made quickly and timely so that we can get it back on the road by Wednesday. Will take it to the shop tomorrow and have our good friends at Joes Auto and Truck take care of it. If not I will take Dar's car to the bay on Wednesday.
Well have to finish getting ready for work. Just thought we could brighten your Sunday with this fabulous news about the Walsh family and the continuing progress of Dar.
Cards are beginning to come in on a regular basis for Dar's scrapbook and I thank you for them. If you would like to send Dar a card or special wish you can send it to;
"Dar's Recovery"
c/o 406 Black Oak Dr.
Chico Ca 95926
We look forward to the day that we can share with Dar all of the well wishes, prayers and stories that have happened since the 22nd of December.
Don't forget that you can leave a comment or thought at the end of each post and I want to say that I appreciate them when you do. Sometimes it is what keeps me going. Please do not hesitate to leave one. Just sign it as annonomous and follow the instructions. I really do appreciate them.
Thank you everyone, we love you all
Dar/Danny
0412 hours
Close friends, Darlene and Mike Walsh received a miracle Friday when they learned that Darlene's sister Donna was a "perfect match" to donate a kidney to Darlene. Darlene a former co -worker of both "my" Dar and my self at Bangor School, (where Dar and I met) and Mike whom I have known for many years found out a while back that Darlene had a kidney that was failing.
While on a trip back East for business and to see there son in the Armed Forces Darlene was stricken. It was a rough time for the whole family and Mike I'm sure went and still goes through the same things I find myself going through. Darlene came home after a stay in the hospital and has been on the kidney donor list and receiving dialisis ever since. The hunt was on for a match and family and friends stepped up to the call, even I was getting ready to be tested to help Darlene out.
Well, yesterday morning when I arrived at Kentfield to see Dar I checked the blog and there was a message from Mike telling me that Darlene's sister Donna was not only a match but a "perfect match" for Darlene. You could tell the relief in what Mike wrote. We are so happy and thankfull for this news.
Mike sent me an email last night that now Darlene and Donna will begin "evaluations" for the transplant/donation. Such an exciting time for the Walsh family.
As followers of Dar's Recovery please put the Walsh family on your prayer list as they begin the next phase of "their Darlene's Recovery". Kind of ironic isn't it, two Darlene's to pray for.
Well, my "Dar" had a fantastic Saturday, full of sunshine, laughter and joy. We went to physical therapy where she worked in the standing position for about twenty minutes, stretching and working her upper body muscles.
After therapy Dar did not want to go back to her room so we went for a walk to the next little "hamlet" near the hospital. There is a bike/walking/jogging path that runs by the hospital and actually goes a long way for people to walk, ride, jog and the like. Dar must have been reminded of riding her quad. The path is black topped but in places was a little rough. Dar must have felt like she was on a dirt road on her quad because she was laughing and smiling the whole time. She had such a good time in the sun and feeling the breeze in her face that she just wanted to walk and walk. We found ourselves in the little "hamlet" of Ross down the path. It was so great to watch Dar be herself.
When we returned to the hospital she did not want to go back to her room so we went to the patio and visited with another family and their son. John Murphy has been a patient at the hospital for 7 months, a vitim of a fall. We have gotten to know John, Peggy/Kevin (mom and dad), sisters Molly and Kaitlin pretty well over the last couple of months. We are all family, looking out for one another and supporting one another as we find ourselves brought together by something we never in a million years would have thought would or could happen to us.
It is such an insperation to see the "will" of the patients and strength of the families at this facility.It does not make a difference what color you are, what religion you believe in, how old you are or what happened to you. Every one there is there for something similiar and everyone there is family. Always giving encouraging words, lending a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. We are all family supporting and praying for each other.
While on the patio, Dar decided to keep all of us laughing and smiling. She was such a little "scamp", wearing her sunglasses and giving us her infectious smile and laughter you could not help but have a smile on your face. The day was beautiful the sun was shining and so was Dar.
We took video of Dar swinging and kicking both feet, yes I said both feet. The right foot is really getting with it and the left has improved 100 per cent since last weekend or even Wednesday. She is quite proud of her acomplishment. Course, so am I.
We did not return to her room until about 2:00 in the afternoon and were a little late getting her hooked back up to her "viddles".
Back to bed and taking a little nap about 4:00, Maverick and I headed for home as I have to work and prepare for "Open House" at the school on Thursday.
We got as far as Woodland and then the Duramax must have thrown an injector, ran like crap but we limped it home and got home about 8;30. Hopefully repairs can be made quickly and timely so that we can get it back on the road by Wednesday. Will take it to the shop tomorrow and have our good friends at Joes Auto and Truck take care of it. If not I will take Dar's car to the bay on Wednesday.
Well have to finish getting ready for work. Just thought we could brighten your Sunday with this fabulous news about the Walsh family and the continuing progress of Dar.
Cards are beginning to come in on a regular basis for Dar's scrapbook and I thank you for them. If you would like to send Dar a card or special wish you can send it to;
"Dar's Recovery"
c/o 406 Black Oak Dr.
Chico Ca 95926
We look forward to the day that we can share with Dar all of the well wishes, prayers and stories that have happened since the 22nd of December.
Don't forget that you can leave a comment or thought at the end of each post and I want to say that I appreciate them when you do. Sometimes it is what keeps me going. Please do not hesitate to leave one. Just sign it as annonomous and follow the instructions. I really do appreciate them.
Another big thank you to the Red Hatters organization for the cards that you have sent to Dar. I can't wait to share them with her. Jerna thank you so much for following the blog and sharing "Dars Recovery" with your very special organization. I hear tell that you are quite the celebrity within the Red Hatters. Thank you again.
Thank you everyone, we love you all
Dar/Danny
Thursday, March 26, 2009
"Darlene kicks Dr. Doherty", Oh Boy
03-26-2009
1712 hours
You read correctly, yesterday Dar kicked Dr Doherty's hand while sitting in her wheel chair. Dar had just returned from physical therapy where she spent 30 minutes in the standing position.
After therapy Dar and I went outside for about an hour and had a good time. Full of smiles and laughter, she enjoyed herself imensley.
About 1:00, we went back to her room to get her hooked back up to her fiddles and put her hand splints on.
Dr. Doherty came in shortly therafter. During her eval of Dar we moved Dar's leg supports out of the way thus allowing her feet to dangle to the floor. Dr. D asked Dar if she could move her right foot and give it a little kick. Dar, smiling as only she can obliged docs request. Only a little movement at first but when asked again Dar put more into it and really gave her right foot the boot, this time about a foot. Dr. D asked Dar if she could kick her hand that was in front of Dar, and of course Dar did, smiling and laughing the whole time. Dr. D put pressure against Dar's foot and asked her to keep pressure against her hand, this time Dar really got into it. She was fantastic. Such a trooper.
The left foot is coming along but at a slower rate than the right. Arms and shoulders still appear to sore and tender but we are hopefull that more time will take care of that. Hands, wrists and fingers are much improved and not near as tender as they werea couple of weeks ago.
Medically Dar is still fighting some kind of bug, a bug the docs have not quite pinned down. Antibiotics are done, not much to be suctioned when and if Dar needs it, but blood count is very slightly elevated. 11 is the norm and Dar was at 11.5. Dr Doherty has ordered up another x-ray today, some more blood work and and another culture from the lung. The "cath" is to be removed, (placed again more for physical therapy sessions) than any other reason. With all the fluids Dar has been getting she was "going" all the time, having trouble getting thru class.
When talking with Dr. D, she is the first to say that Dar has and I quote "come/progressed light years from when she arrived". She is the first to admit that she thought it would take longer, I sometimes think back to what she said the first day we met, " the longer this takes the better the outcome/recovery".
We still have a huge marathon to go and by no means do I take these small, visible beginnings lightly, but is'nt it exciting to read the things that Dar can do?
Something else that is beginning to happen is that Dar is figuring things out on her own, she knows something happened, she knows that certain things don't work like they used to, she knows she is in the hospital, she knows I am not there like I used to be, she knows she isn't able to talk, she knows she cannot see, she knows, she knows, she knows. With that knowledge comes fear, frustration, anxiety, embarrassment, all sorts of things. She can tell us she does not hurt anywhere, then she will tell us she is upset. What over, we don't know, we, I, have to try to find these things out. At the same time, my guilt kicks in, my guilt that I am not there 24/7, guilt that I have to return home and work instead of working with her, guilt that when I leave, I am leaving my best friend. It's tough, very very tough. I guess thats why my new friends that I have made at the hospital have become such a part of my life. Text messaging, phone calls cuz I know they are there. It makes it just a little, I mean a little easier to be away from Dar.
During your prayer time, pray that Dar will continue to find the peace that she needs to get thru these moments of "upset", the ability to keep that beautiful smile, her infectious laugh, her beautifull smile, but most importantly "HER WILL TO LIVE AND RECOVER". She is such a fighter and I am so proud of her. Proud beyond anything you can imagine, when other gave no hope, when others quit, when others said ther was nothing, no hope. What did we say, "DAR IS A FIGHTER, SHE DESERVES A CHANCE TO FIGHT", and what has she showed them, "SHE HAS SHOWN THEM HOW WRONG THEY WERE", Dar has not done this alone, we all know who sits in first chair, God, then all the rest of HIS TEAM. I don't even know if there is any one person more important than the other. When you think about it, Dar could not be doing this without HER TEAM, but HER TEAM would not be doing this without Dar and the impact she has had on your/our life either because of the "event", your friendship with her before, your friendship with her because, your friendship through God, who knows. I guess what matters is that we are all in this together, together to show others the power of prayer, friendship, love because we choose to, the desire to "PAY IT FORWARD", and I guess the desire to reach out to a fellow human being whether you know them or not.
Thats what its all about folks, Dar doing what she has always done all of her life, bringing people together, thinking of others, not wanting anything other than to see people happy. Meek as a church mouse, but making an impact heard all over, THATS MY DAR.
GOODNIGHT EVERYONE, WE LOVE YOU ALL,
DARLENE AND DANNY
1712 hours
You read correctly, yesterday Dar kicked Dr Doherty's hand while sitting in her wheel chair. Dar had just returned from physical therapy where she spent 30 minutes in the standing position.
After therapy Dar and I went outside for about an hour and had a good time. Full of smiles and laughter, she enjoyed herself imensley.
About 1:00, we went back to her room to get her hooked back up to her fiddles and put her hand splints on.
Dr. Doherty came in shortly therafter. During her eval of Dar we moved Dar's leg supports out of the way thus allowing her feet to dangle to the floor. Dr. D asked Dar if she could move her right foot and give it a little kick. Dar, smiling as only she can obliged docs request. Only a little movement at first but when asked again Dar put more into it and really gave her right foot the boot, this time about a foot. Dr. D asked Dar if she could kick her hand that was in front of Dar, and of course Dar did, smiling and laughing the whole time. Dr. D put pressure against Dar's foot and asked her to keep pressure against her hand, this time Dar really got into it. She was fantastic. Such a trooper.
The left foot is coming along but at a slower rate than the right. Arms and shoulders still appear to sore and tender but we are hopefull that more time will take care of that. Hands, wrists and fingers are much improved and not near as tender as they werea couple of weeks ago.
Medically Dar is still fighting some kind of bug, a bug the docs have not quite pinned down. Antibiotics are done, not much to be suctioned when and if Dar needs it, but blood count is very slightly elevated. 11 is the norm and Dar was at 11.5. Dr Doherty has ordered up another x-ray today, some more blood work and and another culture from the lung. The "cath" is to be removed, (placed again more for physical therapy sessions) than any other reason. With all the fluids Dar has been getting she was "going" all the time, having trouble getting thru class.
When talking with Dr. D, she is the first to say that Dar has and I quote "come/progressed light years from when she arrived". She is the first to admit that she thought it would take longer, I sometimes think back to what she said the first day we met, " the longer this takes the better the outcome/recovery".
We still have a huge marathon to go and by no means do I take these small, visible beginnings lightly, but is'nt it exciting to read the things that Dar can do?
Something else that is beginning to happen is that Dar is figuring things out on her own, she knows something happened, she knows that certain things don't work like they used to, she knows she is in the hospital, she knows I am not there like I used to be, she knows she isn't able to talk, she knows she cannot see, she knows, she knows, she knows. With that knowledge comes fear, frustration, anxiety, embarrassment, all sorts of things. She can tell us she does not hurt anywhere, then she will tell us she is upset. What over, we don't know, we, I, have to try to find these things out. At the same time, my guilt kicks in, my guilt that I am not there 24/7, guilt that I have to return home and work instead of working with her, guilt that when I leave, I am leaving my best friend. It's tough, very very tough. I guess thats why my new friends that I have made at the hospital have become such a part of my life. Text messaging, phone calls cuz I know they are there. It makes it just a little, I mean a little easier to be away from Dar.
During your prayer time, pray that Dar will continue to find the peace that she needs to get thru these moments of "upset", the ability to keep that beautiful smile, her infectious laugh, her beautifull smile, but most importantly "HER WILL TO LIVE AND RECOVER". She is such a fighter and I am so proud of her. Proud beyond anything you can imagine, when other gave no hope, when others quit, when others said ther was nothing, no hope. What did we say, "DAR IS A FIGHTER, SHE DESERVES A CHANCE TO FIGHT", and what has she showed them, "SHE HAS SHOWN THEM HOW WRONG THEY WERE", Dar has not done this alone, we all know who sits in first chair, God, then all the rest of HIS TEAM. I don't even know if there is any one person more important than the other. When you think about it, Dar could not be doing this without HER TEAM, but HER TEAM would not be doing this without Dar and the impact she has had on your/our life either because of the "event", your friendship with her before, your friendship with her because, your friendship through God, who knows. I guess what matters is that we are all in this together, together to show others the power of prayer, friendship, love because we choose to, the desire to "PAY IT FORWARD", and I guess the desire to reach out to a fellow human being whether you know them or not.
Thats what its all about folks, Dar doing what she has always done all of her life, bringing people together, thinking of others, not wanting anything other than to see people happy. Meek as a church mouse, but making an impact heard all over, THATS MY DAR.
GOODNIGHT EVERYONE, WE LOVE YOU ALL,
DARLENE AND DANNY
Sunday, March 22, 2009
" Dar continues to improve"
03-22-2009
12:00 pm
Dar continues to impress everyone here at the hospital. Her infectious smile and laughter are often the talk around the hallways.
Today she is sleeping the morning away and I have decided to let her since she will be having her cut again this afternoon. This cut will be shorter than the last "cuz" as it will, we have to remove a "mat" of hair. Sue Gillen will be here early this day and then I will be headed home.
As I last reported, I was not given quite totally accurate info regarding Dar's new antibiotics. As it turns out Dar has a slight case of pnenumonia. Returning again in the lower left quadrant of the left lung, same as when she was at Oroville. In addition, Dr. Doherty had the "cath" started as a precaution.
Now, before you all get worried, let me just say that Dar has had far more good days than bad. Even now she is resting well and yesterday she was a total show off. I am constantly reminded of what Dr. D said, "3 steps forward 1 step back" Dar is doing great.
Dr. Waters ordered an x-ray for tomorrow and things are looking good today.
Regarding Dars talents, well, she continues to perfect the existing and discover new. She now likes to squint her eyes and frown when you ask her to.
She is able to make lots of different faces, everything from a "thinking face", "sad face", "curious face", to her favorite, "The Happy Face".
When sitting in her wheel chair and her feet dangling she wll try to kick at you. Not much, but an inch or two, that is pretty good.
Well, I am going to go check on her and will talk to you all later. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Danny
1400 Hours
Dar is now sporting a" nu dew".Will be very easy to take care of and cute,short and cool. Even I will be able to take care of it. All the action was filmed by Sue's step daughter Ahana. Dar was a super trooper, laughing and practicing her new found talents. She is such a good sport, and when she is comfortable she is so damn funny. Well dog and I will be headed home soon and I would like to say a special thanks to Ashely for cleaning the house while I was gone. A big load off my shoulders.
Talk soon everyone.
Danny
12:00 pm
Dar continues to impress everyone here at the hospital. Her infectious smile and laughter are often the talk around the hallways.
Today she is sleeping the morning away and I have decided to let her since she will be having her cut again this afternoon. This cut will be shorter than the last "cuz" as it will, we have to remove a "mat" of hair. Sue Gillen will be here early this day and then I will be headed home.
As I last reported, I was not given quite totally accurate info regarding Dar's new antibiotics. As it turns out Dar has a slight case of pnenumonia. Returning again in the lower left quadrant of the left lung, same as when she was at Oroville. In addition, Dr. Doherty had the "cath" started as a precaution.
Now, before you all get worried, let me just say that Dar has had far more good days than bad. Even now she is resting well and yesterday she was a total show off. I am constantly reminded of what Dr. D said, "3 steps forward 1 step back" Dar is doing great.
Dr. Waters ordered an x-ray for tomorrow and things are looking good today.
Regarding Dars talents, well, she continues to perfect the existing and discover new. She now likes to squint her eyes and frown when you ask her to.
She is able to make lots of different faces, everything from a "thinking face", "sad face", "curious face", to her favorite, "The Happy Face".
When sitting in her wheel chair and her feet dangling she wll try to kick at you. Not much, but an inch or two, that is pretty good.
Well, I am going to go check on her and will talk to you all later. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Danny
1400 Hours
Dar is now sporting a" nu dew".Will be very easy to take care of and cute,short and cool. Even I will be able to take care of it. All the action was filmed by Sue's step daughter Ahana. Dar was a super trooper, laughing and practicing her new found talents. She is such a good sport, and when she is comfortable she is so damn funny. Well dog and I will be headed home soon and I would like to say a special thanks to Ashely for cleaning the house while I was gone. A big load off my shoulders.
Talk soon everyone.
Danny
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Shaky morning, but" good in the hood now"
03-18-2009
1500 Hours
Arrived this morning to find Dar not feeling real good.She started running a fevor yesterday so as a precaution the doctor started her on a round of antibiotics. Took some cultures and some other samples for testing.Took a chest x-ray this afternoon, came back good.
By early this afternoon her color returned as well as her personality.Dar has been up to her "showmansip standard" all afternoon.She is happy and being very helpfull for all of her therepists
Sad to report that her new "trach" has not arrived as yet. Sad because Dar is sooo ready to start talking. She is ready to say "I love you","hi" "bye bye", and more.
Dr.Doherty has seen Dar once this morning and I am hopefull that she will see her once more before I leave tonight.
Lastly,I am waiting to see the Director of R/T to go over Dars Bipap machine. Maybe get some news about the "trach".
As always friends I know I could not keep this pace without your prayers and support for Dar. Thank you will never be enough as I have said before, but for now know that we love you all and Dar and I look forward to the day that we both can thank each and every one of you personaly.
On the lighter side,one of Dar's therapists told me today that Dar is going to kick my butt for all the things that I do to get her to respond. I told Dar she could kick all she wants. Dar laughed and laughed.
Thank you everyone we love you all.
Dar/Danny
1630 Hours
Post update, Dar's new "trach" is here. Maybe I will have further info later this evening. Talk soon
1500 Hours
Arrived this morning to find Dar not feeling real good.She started running a fevor yesterday so as a precaution the doctor started her on a round of antibiotics. Took some cultures and some other samples for testing.Took a chest x-ray this afternoon, came back good.
By early this afternoon her color returned as well as her personality.Dar has been up to her "showmansip standard" all afternoon.She is happy and being very helpfull for all of her therepists
Sad to report that her new "trach" has not arrived as yet. Sad because Dar is sooo ready to start talking. She is ready to say "I love you","hi" "bye bye", and more.
Dr.Doherty has seen Dar once this morning and I am hopefull that she will see her once more before I leave tonight.
Lastly,I am waiting to see the Director of R/T to go over Dars Bipap machine. Maybe get some news about the "trach".
As always friends I know I could not keep this pace without your prayers and support for Dar. Thank you will never be enough as I have said before, but for now know that we love you all and Dar and I look forward to the day that we both can thank each and every one of you personaly.
On the lighter side,one of Dar's therapists told me today that Dar is going to kick my butt for all the things that I do to get her to respond. I told Dar she could kick all she wants. Dar laughed and laughed.
Thank you everyone we love you all.
Dar/Danny
1630 Hours
Post update, Dar's new "trach" is here. Maybe I will have further info later this evening. Talk soon
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