Hello everyone,
I'm writing today from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where I've been with Joe and Ginny for the last few days. The visit has been a powerful experience, on many different levels.
So many thoughts are jumbling around in my mind, it's difficult to sort them out and pass them on in a coherent way, but all of you friends and family want --and deserve -- to know how things are going, so here are few of my impressions:
1.) First, at the risk of sounding overly gloomy, I've been strongly reminded of the severity of Joe's injuries, and the long and difficult road that lies ahead for him, Ginny, and the boys. So too, I'm moved to urge all of you dear friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members who have been supporting them in such remarkably generous ways, to understand the need to continue that assistance, including most importantly your prayers of support, for the long term as well.
I hope you won't misunderstand me -- there is ample reason for optimism. We continue to believe that Joe can and will make a full or nearly-full recovery. He has made truly impressive strides, in countless ways, in just these five weeks that have passed since the shooting. He can stand with support; he can verbalize and interact -- usually in a coherent manner -- with family and caretakers; on many occasions, we get to see and hear flashes of his brilliant intellectual abilities, his strong and uniquely positive personality, and his great sense of humor. All of these achievements seemed almost unimaginable five weeks ago, and we have every reason to believe that the progress will continue.
But despite what he has already accomplished, Joe is literally having to relearn hundreds of mental and physical skills and behaviors that we take for granted -- from how to swallow his food to how to control the movement of his legs and arms, and everything in between. Perhaps one of the best metaphors for the process, which someone suggested to Lisa, is to think of Joe's mind and body as a deck of cards that have been scattered, and now he is working to collect all the cards and restack them in the correct order. It is a long and painstaking process, and the bottom line is that we are still a long way from having the Joe that we all know and love "back" with us in the fullest sense of that term. I guess I wanted to convey that fundamental (and perhaps obvious) observation to all of you as gently, but firmly, as I can.
2.) I have been so impressed by the efforts of the staff of professionals here at Shepherd, and their dedication to Joe's recovery. Every hospital stay brings its share of uncertainties, frustrations, and anxieties for patients and their families, but the personnel here -- like the doctors, nurses, and EMTs who saved Joe's life in Huntsville -- have shown truly astonishing levels of skill, dedication, perseverance, and patience in their work with Joe. It has been both humbling and inspiring to watch.
3.) I've been blown away by Joe's attitude and strength. As mentioned before, he is being asked to do things, and to relearn basic bodily functions and behaviors, that would be difficult for anyone to accept and put up with even under the best of circumstances, and yet he has been unfailingly cooperative and congenial in all of the interactions I've observed. He has not given in to pity or frustration but rather, whenever he's awake and responsive, he truly is "charging on" and working extremely hard at all of his rehabilitation tasks.
4.) Finally, and perhaps most significantly, it's almost impossible for me to express how proud and impressed I've been by Ginny. She is the very epitome of a "steel magnolia" -- gentle, gracious, and kind to all, but fiercely protective of Joe's interests and uniquely competent in dealing with the overwhelming medical, family, financial, and bureaucratic details that confront her 24/7. Her interactions with Joe are a beautiful thing to watch -- loving, patient, determined -- she always seems to know what to say and how to say it so as to encourage him and help him move forward. It's been a remarkable and inspiring privilege to see her in operation, and I've learned lessons from her that I hope I'll never forget about facing adversity with grace.
On the purely medical front, yesterday (Thursday) was a really good day, full of lots of activity and progress -- Joe ate the most "solid" food (actually pureed) he had ever taken in and did well in his therapy sessions. He was mentally sharp for the most part, and quite talkative during some of the day -- he was "on point" with me on several different topics, including the NCAA basketball tournament games, and he stayed awake and alert well into the early evening, which was a improvement from the prior days, when he got sleepy and inactive from late afternnon on.
Today, frankly, has been not so good. Joe was heavily congested and distressingly "wheezy" this morning, which was alarming for us, and then there was a malfunction of his call button that compounded the problem. The nurses and technicians have suctioned his trach tube several times, and he has been a good deal more lethargic than usual. His primary doctor ordered a new chest X-ray, which came back "OK but not great" -- his lungs were not as clear as they had been a few days earlier, so she ordered no more therapy for the rest of the day, opting for bed rest to allow him to get his wind back. His blood labs were fine, showing no signs of infection, but pneumonia is still an outside risk so they are taking precautions against that. He's to be seen by a respiratory specialist this afternoon for further analysis. It's possible that they might put him back on the respirator for awhile to help clear his lungs.
That's it for now. Thanks for putting up with the length of this message and, on behalf of the entire family, as always, thanks so much for all the continuing support.
I'm proudly wearing my UAH shirt today so, to all of you .... Charge On,
mark
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 16, 9:00, mark
Just another short posting tonight. Ginny reports that Joe had a busy, but relatively uneventful, day of therapy and rehabilitation. He continues to make impressive strides in the physical workouts, while the mental sharpness and focus comes and goes. I'm looking forward to getting to Atlanta tomorrow to see Joe in person, for the first time since the shooting. Hope I can at least force Ginny to get more sleep -- if my students are any indication, I expect she'll drift right off when I start talking.
Anyway, thanks to all of you for your ongoing support. Lisa or I will post more tomorrow or Thursday.
Charge on.
mark
Anyway, thanks to all of you for your ongoing support. Lisa or I will post more tomorrow or Thursday.
Charge on.
mark
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March 14, 9:15 mark
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone,
Ginny reports a calm, restful day for Joe today. Keith, Steve, and Ed are there for the weekend, which has been a real treat for her. Joe's interactions with the boys have been warm, wonderful, and great to hear about. He continues to vacillate between periods of extremely sharp recall and remarkable attention to specifics and detail, and other times when he is "foggy" and talks about things that don't seem to make a lot of sense. The staff and doctors assure that this is all to be expected -- it can be a slow process, but he is taking important steps each day.
Joe also did some more writing today, including writing his name. The two remaining (back)wires stabilizing his jaw are supposed to be removed tomorrow, which will help as he continues to work on swallowing soft foods.
Ginny reports that she is taking care of herself -- eating regularly and resting when she can (though sporadically, I'm sure). She says she can feel the power of everyone's love and support and that it means the world to her. She also asks us once again to remind everyone to keep the prayers and good wishes flowing, as I'm sure you all are doing.
Ed and the boys will be leaving Tuesday and I'm scheduled to arrive on Wednesday to do what I can to help (or get in the way), so the beat goes on.
Keep the faith. . . . Our love and thanks to all,
mark-in-law
Ginny reports a calm, restful day for Joe today. Keith, Steve, and Ed are there for the weekend, which has been a real treat for her. Joe's interactions with the boys have been warm, wonderful, and great to hear about. He continues to vacillate between periods of extremely sharp recall and remarkable attention to specifics and detail, and other times when he is "foggy" and talks about things that don't seem to make a lot of sense. The staff and doctors assure that this is all to be expected -- it can be a slow process, but he is taking important steps each day.
Joe also did some more writing today, including writing his name. The two remaining (back)wires stabilizing his jaw are supposed to be removed tomorrow, which will help as he continues to work on swallowing soft foods.
Ginny reports that she is taking care of herself -- eating regularly and resting when she can (though sporadically, I'm sure). She says she can feel the power of everyone's love and support and that it means the world to her. She also asks us once again to remind everyone to keep the prayers and good wishes flowing, as I'm sure you all are doing.
Ed and the boys will be leaving Tuesday and I'm scheduled to arrive on Wednesday to do what I can to help (or get in the way), so the beat goes on.
Keep the faith. . . . Our love and thanks to all,
mark-in-law
Saturday, March 13, 2010
March 13 11 am Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Having a few computer glitches here including power cord going dead on me! Also, took the day yesterday to visit Univ. of NE-Lincoln with our sone Phil (senior)who is still trying to decide where to go to college. Brother Paul updated me late last night so this is the first chance I've had to blog so here goes!
Well, yesterday was the 4th week anniversary since Joe's injury, and I cannot believe how well he is doing! We all have our eyes wide open and realize that this healing will be a long process, but we are so encouraged by what we have witnessed thus far.
With a PT person in front and behind Joe, he was able to walk about 10 feet and then sit in his wheelchair. He then walked another 10 feet and rested. I started cheering on the phone when Paul then said, "I've got more! He walked around the therapy room and down a hall--walked over 50 feet but less than 100." Isn't that fantastic! I'm sure that walking cast on his left foot is helping with this. He also was able to sit in shower and help wash himself, which is, of course, also huge. Lastly, though he has "a ways to go" (quote from therapist)in consistently swallowing water, he ate a bit of pudding twice yesterday! They cut the second of the two front wires yesterday so that helped a lot. The therapists are also doing all sorts of cognitive tests which Paul and Ginny were able to observe yesterday. One of the tests was to repeat a series of random numbers; the therapist started with 3 number series and then advance to 4 numbers, 5 numbers, 6 numbers and 7 numbers. Joe was accurate through 6 numbers but struggled with repeate 7 random numbers. We all chuckled that we would have difficulty repeating random set of 7 numbers. Another test that made us smile required Joe to name the category that 3 nouns belonged to. One of the prompts was: pants, shirt, dress. Paul thought to himself "clothes" but Joe said "apparel" at which point Paul laughed, reporting that even with a major brain trauma Joe still had a better vocabulary than he did!
Paul left this morning, and Ginny's bro Ed is on the way to Atlanta with sons Keith and Stephen. I chatted briefly with Ginny this morning who was in Joe's room. I heard Joe ask about Keith and Stephen, and he was so happy when Ginny explained that they were on their way to see him. Joe also told me over the phone that he was looking forward to seeing me. I told him I loved him and he replied that he loved me too (quiet but massive amount of tears ensued). These little moments are so touching and give all of us strength to bear the frustrations we experience as Joe has to relearn basic functions such as swallowing and walking that we all take for granted.
And so, since Joe is working so hard, and given we all can't be there with him and Ginny as much as we'd like, we can be inspired by his example. I was touched by one of the blog comments, apparently from a UAH student, who reported that the following message was written on some of the classroom boards in the Shelby Center:"I'm working hard so you work hard too. Dr. Leahy" Isn't that awesome! So when we don't feel like working out, we should do it anyway. We should eat more fruit and vegetables as Ginny does. We should all brush our teeth more often, even after lunch, as Joe and Ginny do. But most of all, we should all praise our Lord for all the gifts He gives us and trust that He is the Master of making lemonade out of lemons.
Blessings and Hugs to All,
Lisa
Having a few computer glitches here including power cord going dead on me! Also, took the day yesterday to visit Univ. of NE-Lincoln with our sone Phil (senior)who is still trying to decide where to go to college. Brother Paul updated me late last night so this is the first chance I've had to blog so here goes!
Well, yesterday was the 4th week anniversary since Joe's injury, and I cannot believe how well he is doing! We all have our eyes wide open and realize that this healing will be a long process, but we are so encouraged by what we have witnessed thus far.
With a PT person in front and behind Joe, he was able to walk about 10 feet and then sit in his wheelchair. He then walked another 10 feet and rested. I started cheering on the phone when Paul then said, "I've got more! He walked around the therapy room and down a hall--walked over 50 feet but less than 100." Isn't that fantastic! I'm sure that walking cast on his left foot is helping with this. He also was able to sit in shower and help wash himself, which is, of course, also huge. Lastly, though he has "a ways to go" (quote from therapist)in consistently swallowing water, he ate a bit of pudding twice yesterday! They cut the second of the two front wires yesterday so that helped a lot. The therapists are also doing all sorts of cognitive tests which Paul and Ginny were able to observe yesterday. One of the tests was to repeat a series of random numbers; the therapist started with 3 number series and then advance to 4 numbers, 5 numbers, 6 numbers and 7 numbers. Joe was accurate through 6 numbers but struggled with repeate 7 random numbers. We all chuckled that we would have difficulty repeating random set of 7 numbers. Another test that made us smile required Joe to name the category that 3 nouns belonged to. One of the prompts was: pants, shirt, dress. Paul thought to himself "clothes" but Joe said "apparel" at which point Paul laughed, reporting that even with a major brain trauma Joe still had a better vocabulary than he did!
Paul left this morning, and Ginny's bro Ed is on the way to Atlanta with sons Keith and Stephen. I chatted briefly with Ginny this morning who was in Joe's room. I heard Joe ask about Keith and Stephen, and he was so happy when Ginny explained that they were on their way to see him. Joe also told me over the phone that he was looking forward to seeing me. I told him I loved him and he replied that he loved me too (quiet but massive amount of tears ensued). These little moments are so touching and give all of us strength to bear the frustrations we experience as Joe has to relearn basic functions such as swallowing and walking that we all take for granted.
And so, since Joe is working so hard, and given we all can't be there with him and Ginny as much as we'd like, we can be inspired by his example. I was touched by one of the blog comments, apparently from a UAH student, who reported that the following message was written on some of the classroom boards in the Shelby Center:"I'm working hard so you work hard too. Dr. Leahy" Isn't that awesome! So when we don't feel like working out, we should do it anyway. We should eat more fruit and vegetables as Ginny does. We should all brush our teeth more often, even after lunch, as Joe and Ginny do. But most of all, we should all praise our Lord for all the gifts He gives us and trust that He is the Master of making lemonade out of lemons.
Blessings and Hugs to All,
Lisa
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March 11 4:30 Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
I might not be the most coherent as I'm piecing together various conversations I've had with Ginny and others but here goes.
Joe is getting 30 minutes a day of PT, OT, ST twice a day with rest in between. Respiratory therapy is there quite frequently, and the neuropsychologist will see Joe 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes. Family can be in Joe's room but typically don't follow him around to therapy. Yesterday, however, Ginny and Mom and Dad Leahy were able to follow him around to therapy, and then they had a late afternoon meeting with Joe's primary doctor as well as the neuropsychologist.
One of the primary goals (again, apologies to any medicos out there), as I understand it is, to close off the trach (also refered to as buttoning the trach or capping the trach--think these all mean the same thing). I think Joe made through last night with it closed off. This is good news.
The therapists are continuing to work with Joe on swallowing, and they put some thickener in the liquid--maybe apple flavor. This is also an obvious important goal so that Joe can ultimately take more and more nourishment through the mouth and ultimately wean off the feeding tube--this will be a long process, however.
Today they put a cast on Joe's left leg that covers his foot and comes up to this knee and it is fitted with a walking boot. Though Joe has no broken bones this is apparently a pretty common practice. Joe's left leg is weaker than his right and this will help him with walking. Yesterday, once Joe got his bearings sitting on the side of the bed, he stood up and even stretched his back.
I think I forgot to note that Joe has to wear a helmet to protect the soft part of this head where the neurosurgery took place to remove the bone fragments and other damage caused by the bullet. He may have to have a plate put in at some point from what I recall from the docs at Huntsville Hospital.
The endocrinologist has been monitoring Joe's blood pressure, sodium, etc. Sodium level is a point below normal so starting to ease off the medicine to help with that. On blood pressure meds as it had crept up a bit. Always a delicate balancing act but the endocrinologist is all over it.
Joe is generally in good spirits and very talkative when he is laying down; Ginny thinks that when he is sitting in his wheelchair, all his energy going to the physical aspects of sitting up and he is less chatty then. At some point Joe asked where he was and when Gin told him, he clarified his question, saying, "no, I mean where are we metaphorically?" Gin said Mom was quick on her feet responding "on the road to recovery." Good job, Mom!
Mom and dad left this morning for their condo in Florida. We hope they take time to rest up but know taxes need to be finished and other annoying life chores. Paul (Joe and my brother from Indianapolis) arriving tonight from a business trip in Orlando. He will stay until Saturday morning and then Keith, Stephen and Ginny's bro Ed will arrrive on same day and stay until Wednesday. After that Mark (my husband and fellow blogger) will stay with Ginny for a few days. Don't remember after that.
I'm sure I'm missing some details but that is all for now. I think I'll try to post more often with briefer reports as Ginny is able to fire off a quick email or text.
Please, please, please keep up the prayers for Joe and family
Blessings and Love to All,
Lisa
Joe has a cast on his left leg with a walking boot
I might not be the most coherent as I'm piecing together various conversations I've had with Ginny and others but here goes.
Joe is getting 30 minutes a day of PT, OT, ST twice a day with rest in between. Respiratory therapy is there quite frequently, and the neuropsychologist will see Joe 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes. Family can be in Joe's room but typically don't follow him around to therapy. Yesterday, however, Ginny and Mom and Dad Leahy were able to follow him around to therapy, and then they had a late afternoon meeting with Joe's primary doctor as well as the neuropsychologist.
One of the primary goals (again, apologies to any medicos out there), as I understand it is, to close off the trach (also refered to as buttoning the trach or capping the trach--think these all mean the same thing). I think Joe made through last night with it closed off. This is good news.
The therapists are continuing to work with Joe on swallowing, and they put some thickener in the liquid--maybe apple flavor. This is also an obvious important goal so that Joe can ultimately take more and more nourishment through the mouth and ultimately wean off the feeding tube--this will be a long process, however.
Today they put a cast on Joe's left leg that covers his foot and comes up to this knee and it is fitted with a walking boot. Though Joe has no broken bones this is apparently a pretty common practice. Joe's left leg is weaker than his right and this will help him with walking. Yesterday, once Joe got his bearings sitting on the side of the bed, he stood up and even stretched his back.
I think I forgot to note that Joe has to wear a helmet to protect the soft part of this head where the neurosurgery took place to remove the bone fragments and other damage caused by the bullet. He may have to have a plate put in at some point from what I recall from the docs at Huntsville Hospital.
The endocrinologist has been monitoring Joe's blood pressure, sodium, etc. Sodium level is a point below normal so starting to ease off the medicine to help with that. On blood pressure meds as it had crept up a bit. Always a delicate balancing act but the endocrinologist is all over it.
Joe is generally in good spirits and very talkative when he is laying down; Ginny thinks that when he is sitting in his wheelchair, all his energy going to the physical aspects of sitting up and he is less chatty then. At some point Joe asked where he was and when Gin told him, he clarified his question, saying, "no, I mean where are we metaphorically?" Gin said Mom was quick on her feet responding "on the road to recovery." Good job, Mom!
Mom and dad left this morning for their condo in Florida. We hope they take time to rest up but know taxes need to be finished and other annoying life chores. Paul (Joe and my brother from Indianapolis) arriving tonight from a business trip in Orlando. He will stay until Saturday morning and then Keith, Stephen and Ginny's bro Ed will arrrive on same day and stay until Wednesday. After that Mark (my husband and fellow blogger) will stay with Ginny for a few days. Don't remember after that.
I'm sure I'm missing some details but that is all for now. I think I'll try to post more often with briefer reports as Ginny is able to fire off a quick email or text.
Please, please, please keep up the prayers for Joe and family
Blessings and Love to All,
Lisa
Joe has a cast on his left leg with a walking boot
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 10 10:30 Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Joe continues to make progress as he is put through all the therapies every day. There is evidence that his short-term memory is improving as both Ginny and Dad Leahy asked him the same question within 10 minutes of each other, and Joe gave the same response. Both Gin and Dad, unaware of each other's identical question, queried him about physical therapy, and Joe replied "they asked me to act like a robot and then they moved my parts."
Ginny also shared that she made up a prayer spontaneously about Joe's recovery, Keith, Stephen, all the family and friends everywhere, the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, etc, and when she finished Joe asked Ginny who had written that prayer. When she informed him that she had just made it up, he said, "that was very good!"
Ginny also reported meeting some other people with loved ones at Shepherd and finding that their faith was a "great common denominator."
Today at 3:00 Ginny and Mom and Dad will be meeting with a team of people overseeing Joe's care to answer questions and provide information about Joe's treatment plan. I will post after we know more.
I know Ginny is looking forward to seeing Keith, Stephen and her brother Ed this Saturday as both boys are on spring break next week.
As always, please keep praying for Joe and everyone who has been touched by this "event"--at a loss for words to describe...
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
Joe continues to make progress as he is put through all the therapies every day. There is evidence that his short-term memory is improving as both Ginny and Dad Leahy asked him the same question within 10 minutes of each other, and Joe gave the same response. Both Gin and Dad, unaware of each other's identical question, queried him about physical therapy, and Joe replied "they asked me to act like a robot and then they moved my parts."
Ginny also shared that she made up a prayer spontaneously about Joe's recovery, Keith, Stephen, all the family and friends everywhere, the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, etc, and when she finished Joe asked Ginny who had written that prayer. When she informed him that she had just made it up, he said, "that was very good!"
Ginny also reported meeting some other people with loved ones at Shepherd and finding that their faith was a "great common denominator."
Today at 3:00 Ginny and Mom and Dad will be meeting with a team of people overseeing Joe's care to answer questions and provide information about Joe's treatment plan. I will post after we know more.
I know Ginny is looking forward to seeing Keith, Stephen and her brother Ed this Saturday as both boys are on spring break next week.
As always, please keep praying for Joe and everyone who has been touched by this "event"--at a loss for words to describe...
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
Monday, March 8, 2010
March 8 10 pm Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Mark and I talked with Ginny last night, and Joe continues to adapt to the Shepherd Center and show progress. Therapists of various kinds are with him most of the day, and though it has been very tiring for him, he is settling into a much better day versus night rhythm and thus appears to be sleeping better. One priority is to re-teach him to swallow, and he is steadily improving. Hopefully the wires on his jaw will be cut by Thursday and that will certainly facilitate his ability to drink and talk. Due to the extensive surgery on his mouth and jaw, however, he won't be able to eat solid food for a several weeks. It's amazing how well he can speak even with his jaws wired shut; apparently he has been quite chatty. He talked with Ginny and Mom and Dad Leahy about his days a football player at Circleville (he remembered they were the Tigers as well as his offensive and defensinve positions), memories of Ohio State days and even a baseball game between the Reds and the Phillies. He really liked his nurse Mary as well, remarking after she conscientiously brushed his teeth and cleaned him up that "she does good work!" The UAH biology faculty know how much Joe cares about his teeth, noting that he would daily trek down the hall after lunch, toting his tooth brush and tooth paste! Thank the Lord his teeth aren't damaged! By the way, I will shortly be mailing several tooth brushes and tooth pastes for each of the UAH biology faculty as well as PJ and Diana who are teaching Joe's classes--Ginny will be doing teeth inspection when she and Joe return from Atlanta!
Another story from today that tickled me is that Joe told Ginny and the folks that they needed to shop for Mark (my husband/Joe's brother-in-law/fellow blogger) as his birthday was coming up. Though Mark's birthday is not until September I was amazed to hear that he knew the exact date of Mark's birthday--the 22nd! Just for fun, I asked Mark when Joe's birthday was and after two chances he guessed the correct month but then was off 5 days--so I guess Joe is doing okay cognitively in many respects.
Another piece of good news is that Joe was able to open his left eye today more regularly so he is getting stronger and muscle tone returning little by little--even in his eyelid. Hopefully Joe will soon be strong enough to make the trip to the nearby hospital to get a thorough examination by the neuro-ophlamologist.
Last bit of news is a friend (Peggy) of Madision, AL friends brought over supper on Sunday-they actually bumped into her so it was lucky-Dad Leahy was happy as mashed pototoes were included which he had been craving. Great meal and great day as cafeteria closes at 2:30 on Sundays!
Ginny was going to email me more updates but then ran out of time before it was time to see Joe again. I decided to blog anyway and I'll catch up with Ginny later. Remember Ginny and Joe are now on Eastern time and I'm on Central and I don't want to risk waking her up or the folks. Please be patient with the blogs as Mark or I will post as soon as we are able to get information form the folks in Atlanta and they are very busy with Joe.
Again, please keep praying for Joe, Ginny, Keith and Stephen.
Blessings,
Lisa
Mark and I talked with Ginny last night, and Joe continues to adapt to the Shepherd Center and show progress. Therapists of various kinds are with him most of the day, and though it has been very tiring for him, he is settling into a much better day versus night rhythm and thus appears to be sleeping better. One priority is to re-teach him to swallow, and he is steadily improving. Hopefully the wires on his jaw will be cut by Thursday and that will certainly facilitate his ability to drink and talk. Due to the extensive surgery on his mouth and jaw, however, he won't be able to eat solid food for a several weeks. It's amazing how well he can speak even with his jaws wired shut; apparently he has been quite chatty. He talked with Ginny and Mom and Dad Leahy about his days a football player at Circleville (he remembered they were the Tigers as well as his offensive and defensinve positions), memories of Ohio State days and even a baseball game between the Reds and the Phillies. He really liked his nurse Mary as well, remarking after she conscientiously brushed his teeth and cleaned him up that "she does good work!" The UAH biology faculty know how much Joe cares about his teeth, noting that he would daily trek down the hall after lunch, toting his tooth brush and tooth paste! Thank the Lord his teeth aren't damaged! By the way, I will shortly be mailing several tooth brushes and tooth pastes for each of the UAH biology faculty as well as PJ and Diana who are teaching Joe's classes--Ginny will be doing teeth inspection when she and Joe return from Atlanta!
Another story from today that tickled me is that Joe told Ginny and the folks that they needed to shop for Mark (my husband/Joe's brother-in-law/fellow blogger) as his birthday was coming up. Though Mark's birthday is not until September I was amazed to hear that he knew the exact date of Mark's birthday--the 22nd! Just for fun, I asked Mark when Joe's birthday was and after two chances he guessed the correct month but then was off 5 days--so I guess Joe is doing okay cognitively in many respects.
Another piece of good news is that Joe was able to open his left eye today more regularly so he is getting stronger and muscle tone returning little by little--even in his eyelid. Hopefully Joe will soon be strong enough to make the trip to the nearby hospital to get a thorough examination by the neuro-ophlamologist.
Last bit of news is a friend (Peggy) of Madision, AL friends brought over supper on Sunday-they actually bumped into her so it was lucky-Dad Leahy was happy as mashed pototoes were included which he had been craving. Great meal and great day as cafeteria closes at 2:30 on Sundays!
Ginny was going to email me more updates but then ran out of time before it was time to see Joe again. I decided to blog anyway and I'll catch up with Ginny later. Remember Ginny and Joe are now on Eastern time and I'm on Central and I don't want to risk waking her up or the folks. Please be patient with the blogs as Mark or I will post as soon as we are able to get information form the folks in Atlanta and they are very busy with Joe.
Again, please keep praying for Joe, Ginny, Keith and Stephen.
Blessings,
Lisa
Friday, March 5, 2010
March 5 10:45 pm Lisa with liberal quoting from Ginny
Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry for the delay in posting. Everything is fine. These first few days at Shepherd have been hectic and to ease the transition, Ginny, Mom and Dad have been permitted to be with Joe most of the day, and thus I have not had much time to talk to them. The regular 9-4 work routine for Joe will commence Monday; at that point Ginny and Mom and Dad Leahy will have more time on their hands and be more available--I think!
The initial days at Shepherd have been filled with thorough assessments of Joe by a team of various experts. They will be developing an overall plan for his rehabilitation but will daily meet to plan his schedule and adapt it as needed depending on his responses.
What follows in italics is from Ginny direcly:
Jill, the EMT, who was with Joe at the scene rode with us to Shepherd, and it was wonderful to obtain some details from her first hand. She gave me a prayer key ring to give to Joe when he is well. I was humbled as surely she, as so many others, had played a vital role in Joe's survival and God's plan.
Today Joe was really tired, having spent approximately 4 hours in his wheelchair (yesterday he sat in the chair for about 1 hour) after spending 21 days laying in bed. Joe also had his trach capped all day yesterday and today, allowing for regular breathing through his nose. At night the plug is romoved to ensure his comfort and safety. The therapist is working on helping to learn to swallow.
Yesterday, as I sat on the side of Joe's bed I wished aloud that the bed was wider so I could lay down for a nap. Joe surprised me noting that a wider bed "would probably cost more." Joe also told me that we needed to take "one day at a time." Though I know much of the time he is quiet and other times I can't follow what he is saying, these moments are precious. I just can't help thinking that these wise words are meant to bring both laughter and comfort to reassure me.
I am confident that Shepherds is where Joe should be. He is content and comfortable, and the staff have been responsive to our needs, our concerns, and our unending questions. The physical structure and equipment are incredible. Joe's in good hands. The family apartment is nice, and it is such a blessing to have Joe's folks here with me. Though the cafeteria food is really good, it is certainly no match for the wonderful meals provided at Huntsville Hospital by our friends! I also miss the kind NICU waiting room staff.
I miss Keith and Stephen, our extended families and our Alabama friends. Oh, how I miss the hugs! But... we need to be here, and I'm so glad that Ed is with the boys holding down the fort at Madison.
It's weird as I still feel a sense of "out of body" over this whole thing, but I also know that I have much to be grateful for--the precious gift of life! Two Catholic Deacons have already visited, which is so wonderful and welcome --I'm so thankful for my faith in times like these.
Wishing you peace. I selfishly ask for your continued prayers for Joe's return to health.
Love, Gin
One more note from me (Lisa):
Please keep the prayers coming as this is such a long process with many peaks and valleys--it sure can take its toll on everyone.
We wish you many blessing and know we pray for you and your families as well,
Lisa
P.S. Here is the address where you can send cards or whatever to keep up Joe and Ginny's spirits.
Virginia Leahy
WFRC #503
c/o Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3 8:45 Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
HEMSI transported Joe to Atlanta today. The paramedic, Jill, who rode with Ginny and Joe to Atlanta was the same person who helped Joe during that dark day a few weeks ago. Thanks Jill for all you did to keep Joe alive! And special thanks to Dr. Lynn Boyd who bravely held a torn shirt on Joe's head to stop the bleeding as well as talked to him until the paramedics arrived.
Joe getting settled in and will be assessed by all the experts tomorrow. Dad and Mom Leahy, who followed the ambulence, helped get everything moved into the apartment efficiency adjoining the hospital while Ginny was with Joe. Know they are very busy--will post as more information becomes available.
My heart is so torn. It's great being home and seeing the family, but I wish I could be in Atlanta and Omaha at the same time.
Keep the prayers and masses coming--lots of hard work to rehabilitate.
Love and Blessings to All,
Lisa
HEMSI transported Joe to Atlanta today. The paramedic, Jill, who rode with Ginny and Joe to Atlanta was the same person who helped Joe during that dark day a few weeks ago. Thanks Jill for all you did to keep Joe alive! And special thanks to Dr. Lynn Boyd who bravely held a torn shirt on Joe's head to stop the bleeding as well as talked to him until the paramedics arrived.
Joe getting settled in and will be assessed by all the experts tomorrow. Dad and Mom Leahy, who followed the ambulence, helped get everything moved into the apartment efficiency adjoining the hospital while Ginny was with Joe. Know they are very busy--will post as more information becomes available.
My heart is so torn. It's great being home and seeing the family, but I wish I could be in Atlanta and Omaha at the same time.
Keep the prayers and masses coming--lots of hard work to rehabilitate.
Love and Blessings to All,
Lisa
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March 2 3:30 pm Lisa
Dear Family and Friends,
Wonderful news! Joe is cleared to leave for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta tomorrow (Wed) at 9:00! At our request, Ginny and I were awakened at 3:30 am by one of our many awesome ICU waiting room staff members to learn that the trauma doc on call had cleared him to go. We were so pumped up by the news that it was difficult falling back to sleep (but we managed!). Today we're organizing, shopping and packing for the trip. Ginny will be able to ride in the ambulence with Joe and an EMT to Atlanta, and Mom and Dad Leahy will follow. Friends are still planning to get Joe's van to Atlanta, and Ed, Gin's bro, will stay with Keith and Stephen until my folks return from seeing Joe at Shepherds and closing up the Florida condo. The rest of us are returning to our homes, Gin's folks and sister to Ohio and me to Omaha. (I can't wait to see you Mark, Eric, Phil, Jillian and all my friends and colleagues at U. of NE-Omaha!)
Many have asked how long Joe will be at Shepherds, and we simply don't know right now. I know Ginny wants the boys to visit for a few days during Steve and Keith's spring break and on the weekends when they can. Keith decided to go to Mississippi State today to check out of his dorm but he should be back tonight. Again, we'll get the address to Shepherd's to you very soon, but Ginny is taking her laptop and will be able to respond to email there as well. Ginny will continue to give us updates regarding Joe's progress, which Mark or I will relay to all of you via this blog site, but the posts may not be every day.
I wish I could express how grateful we are and how blessed we feel to have the love and support of so many wonderful family and friends, both here in Huntsville-Madison area as well as throughout the country (and a few countries). It truly is a miracle that Joe survived. We know it is the power of all of your prayers and those of our loved ones in heaven that pulled us through this horror.
I know I speak for all of the family from out of town when I say that 18 days ago we never expected to make so many friends in Huntsville and Madison. You are all phenomenal people, and we will sorely miss you. But....we promise we will return for a huge celebration for Joe with all of our families!
God Bless All of You!
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
Wonderful news! Joe is cleared to leave for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta tomorrow (Wed) at 9:00! At our request, Ginny and I were awakened at 3:30 am by one of our many awesome ICU waiting room staff members to learn that the trauma doc on call had cleared him to go. We were so pumped up by the news that it was difficult falling back to sleep (but we managed!). Today we're organizing, shopping and packing for the trip. Ginny will be able to ride in the ambulence with Joe and an EMT to Atlanta, and Mom and Dad Leahy will follow. Friends are still planning to get Joe's van to Atlanta, and Ed, Gin's bro, will stay with Keith and Stephen until my folks return from seeing Joe at Shepherds and closing up the Florida condo. The rest of us are returning to our homes, Gin's folks and sister to Ohio and me to Omaha. (I can't wait to see you Mark, Eric, Phil, Jillian and all my friends and colleagues at U. of NE-Omaha!)
Many have asked how long Joe will be at Shepherds, and we simply don't know right now. I know Ginny wants the boys to visit for a few days during Steve and Keith's spring break and on the weekends when they can. Keith decided to go to Mississippi State today to check out of his dorm but he should be back tonight. Again, we'll get the address to Shepherd's to you very soon, but Ginny is taking her laptop and will be able to respond to email there as well. Ginny will continue to give us updates regarding Joe's progress, which Mark or I will relay to all of you via this blog site, but the posts may not be every day.
I wish I could express how grateful we are and how blessed we feel to have the love and support of so many wonderful family and friends, both here in Huntsville-Madison area as well as throughout the country (and a few countries). It truly is a miracle that Joe survived. We know it is the power of all of your prayers and those of our loved ones in heaven that pulled us through this horror.
I know I speak for all of the family from out of town when I say that 18 days ago we never expected to make so many friends in Huntsville and Madison. You are all phenomenal people, and we will sorely miss you. But....we promise we will return for a huge celebration for Joe with all of our families!
God Bless All of You!
Love and Blessings,
Lisa
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