Tuesday, December 30...No news is good news?!?

Mom had a meeting with Dad's therapists and caseworker this morning at Katy Rehabilitation. They all agreed that Dad has made slow but steady progress and that they were going to submit a request to Blue Cross/Blue Shield today to extend his discharge date to Friday, January 9th. Kelley told Mom she would do whatever she could to relay to the insurance company that Dad really needed the extra time to build on the strength and skill he has acquired so far, but as of 5 p.m., Katy Rehab was still waiting for their decision. Just in case they would not approve the extra time, Linda (the caseworker) had the names of several skilled nursing centers listed under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan where Dad might be able to stay for a few additional weeks. The problem is that none of them are in Katy, and the facility that the therapists recommend in Katy, won't accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Mom is very frustrated because Dad is covered under Medicare as well, and she just doesn't understand why Medicare won't kick in if Blue Cross/Blue Shield denies further benefits at the Rehab or at a skilled nursing center. Carol Humphrey (Mom's "Christmas Elf" turned "Angel") has been working the phones for her all afternoon trying to find other options as well as price daytime caregivers, because Mom also learned that any help Dad needs while she is at work, will have to be paid for out-of-pocket ... neither insurance covers that need either. We're not so sure paying monthly premiums to two insurance companies is worth it since you still don't receive what you need from them. So, after living this nightmare first hand, we all agree that government really does need to revamp the healthcare system!

On a brighter note, I attended Dad's afternoon therapy session with Rochelle & Laurie(Occupational Therapists). Rochelle was showing me how Dad can now open and close his right hand doing a repetitive motion. That was great to see and it was also so nice to see Dad and his therapists laughing and having a good time in between exercises. I think it is so important that Dad really likes his therapists...they have all been so good to Dad and I know that he appreciates all of their patience and all of the hard work they've devoted towards getting him stronger every day. Thank you so much :)

Before I left this afternoon, Dad's PT Kelley, came in and I practiced transerring Dad (with assistance of course) and Dad did most of the work...I was merely there for support/helping him to balance. He did a very good job standing up from his wheel chair to his walker and then getting into bed. Dad also had another wheel chair race today with Mr. Garza (Dad's buddy and next door neighbor at Katy Rehabilitation) and managed to beat him down the hall! It was really good to see Dad having fun!

Stayed tuned for any breaking news on Dad's discharge!!

Saturday, December 27...We're Back!!

Sorry for the delay in getting Dad's blog updated. Dave & I went to Austin Friday morning to have Christmas with his family, and we just got back into town. Mom said that she has had several phone calls and emails today from various friends and family members wanting to know what is going on! So, below you will find all the lastest news and photos taken over the last few days, and hopefully by Monday, we will have news from the doctors and/or therapists on what the plan will be for Dad after the 31st!

Thursday, December 25...Merry Christmas!!

Dave & I headed over to Mom & Dad's house early Christmas morning, with dogs and presents in tow. She had mimosas and sausage balls ready for us, and we snacked as we seared the roast and got side dishes together. Dave & I left around noon to pick up Dad, leaving Mom at home to finish preparing lunch. Terri & Paul were planning to meet us at the Rehab to help us get Dad in the car, but Dad was anxious to get home and didn't want to wait, so with the help of a nurse, we got him out of the room and into the car safely. When we got to the house, Dad had a warm welcome by the entire family. Dad's brother, Johnny, and his daughter, Patricia, also drove up from the Corpus area to spend the day with us. Twenty of us feasted on roast beef, turkey, ham, and all the fixings, including fresh broccoli picked out of Dad's garden. After we ate, we opened gifts, and by 4 p.m., Dad was worn out. We could tell he was getting tired, so we asked him if he wanted to lay down, but he actually said that he was ready to go back to rehab. Even though he was so happy to be home and with his entire family, I think it was a bit overwhelming for his first outing and he was ready for a "Silent Night!" Thanks to everyone who brought us "Christmas cheer" ... we certainly hope you and your family had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!

Wednesday, December 24...Christmas Eve Battle Wounds!

Mom planned to pop in on Dad this morning for just a few minutes before heading out to finish her mile-long Christmas "to do" list, but when she stepped off the elevator she saw Dad with bandages and a whirl of activity going on around him. He was in physical therapy, and apparently having a great time playing some sort of ball game with his buddy, Mr. Garza, when he leaned too far forward in his wheel chair, lost his balance, and toppled out head first, getting a gash under his eye, a busted lip and a bloody nose. Since Dad is on blood thinners for his clot, they had to use a lot of compression and ice to slow the bleeding, but Dad was being a real trooper. Mom accompanied Dad down to the Radiation Department for x-rays of his face and arm. They wanted to make sure nothing was fractured, and it wasn't, thank God! Mom said Kelley felt terrible about the incident, but we know that she and her staff take excellent care of Dad, and accidents happen. Now to every accident there is bad news and good news, and this one is no different. The bad news, of course, is that dad got pretty banged up. The good news is that he had a "photo finish victory" over Mr. Garza in a wheel chair race earlier that morning! When I arrived and told Dad that I was sorry that he had an accident, but I was proud of him for winning the wheel chair race, Dad's response was ... "I won the race, but lost the battle!" We all laughed at dad's sense of humor in all of this, and I promised him that I would put that quote in the blog!!

Now because of Dad's accident, Mom's visit turned out to be hours long, and she was in a bit of a panic over getting things done for Dad's Christmas visit home. Butch Scherer, a long-time friend of Dad's, happened to show up for a visit, and Butch said he would stay with Dad for a while until they got him settled. When Mom got into her car, a long-time friend of Mom's, Carol Humphrey, called and said that she and her husband wanted to come out and bring Dad some bar-b-que ribs. Mom told her what had transpired that morning, and she didn't think Dad was up to a lot of company, and with his busted lip, she wasn't sure if he could even eat the ribs. Besides Mom was just leaving to try and get a few things done to prepare for Christmas Day. Carol told Mom that she would leave Jimmy at home and just come out and help her since Carol was done with her Christmas preparations. So, Carol, the Christmas Elf, came to Katy and stood in long lines at Kohl's and Beauty Brands to pick up last minute gifts for Mom, and then she came to the house and wrapped nearly all of Mom's gifts! In the meantime, Dave & I took care of picking up Christmas Eve dinner ... Dad wanted fried chicken and red beans & rice! Very untraditional to say the least, but nothing about this holiday season has been normal! So, Mom, Dad, Dave & I feasted on Popeyes with a paper tablecloth covering Dad's bedside tray making the most out of our Christmas Eve. In keeping with at least one tradition, we each opened a gift. Mom opened the one that Dad had wrapped for her, and it was a Nike sweatsuit, Dave unwrapped a pair of shoes, I opened a cookbook, and Dad actually had TWO gifts tonight ... a box with a shirt and a pair of pants from Dave & I, and then one very special gift that he had received from his doctor ... a brand new fishing pole! Dad has been going to Dr. Bing for 20+ years, and they have become good friends. Dr. Bing has been telling Dad that as soon as he's able, they are going to go fishing, so we're guessing Dr. Bing wanted to give Dad a little incentive! After presents, we cleaned up the party area and told Dad he better get some sleep since he had a big outing the next day. I know Dad is really looking forwarding to being home for a few hours, and we are too! Oh, and a big thank you to Rev. Kim Meyers for taking time out of her busy Christmas Eve schedule at St. Peter's to come and give Dad holy communion this afternoon.

Tuesday, December 23...Blood Clot Update

Good news! The blood clot is small and Kelley has gotten the doctors' approval to proceed with Dad's therapy AND his visit home on Christmas Day! Dad didn't sleep all night worrying about the clot, but he feels better this morning after talking to the medical staff and Kelley's pep talk! He is making big strides in his recovery right now, so we are thankful that the blood clot won't keep him in bed. The Lucas' stopped by this evening to encourage dad. Shirley had a blood clot in her leg after a recent out-patient surgery, so she knows first hand the fear of it all. Shirley's clot was dissolved in a week, so we are praying that Dad's is gone just as quickly! Laurie, a therapy assistant, dropped by Dad's room and asked if Dad had shown Mom her surprise?!? Dad said, no, so Laurie pointed out a Christmas present hiding in the corner of the windowsill. She said that "Santa" had dropped if off for Mom but needed Dad to wrap it for him. She went on to explain that Dad used scissors and cut the paper himself, and then Laurie held the paper together while Dad taped it all up. He did a great job on it, so now Mom can't wait until Christmas Eve to tear into it and see what's inside! When Mom got home this evening, Joanne Ligon came by and dropped off a Christmas appetizer and a dessert for us to enjoy on Christmas Day. They look yummy; hope they make it until Christmas!!

Monday, December 22...Monday's Manuevers

Mom arrived at the hospital this morning to find Dad already in the gym working with his occupational therapist. Her intention was to make a quick stop to deliver the therapists' Christmas cookie and then head to the mall to shop, but Dad and "his girls" were having such a good time looking at Dad's photo albums and marveling at his progress of standing from a sitting position in his wheelchair, that she decided to stick around for a while. Kelley told Mom that she had Dad next and she bet Dad would show off for her if she stayed. In the meantime, the Arlott clan showed up and Dad gave Alex a wheelchair ride before he started with Kelley. As promised, Dad put on quite the show for Mom. Kelley got Dad's wheelchair positioned near the parallel bars and Dad stood and "walked" with Kelley's help and support all the way to the other end! Dad was apparently pretty darn proud of himself, and Mom left rehab with a spring in HER step! When Dave & I arrived at the hospital this afternoon Dr. V came by and was checking on Dad. Since Dad's right leg was still swollen she decided that he should have an ultrasound of his leg just to make sure that he didn't have a blood clot. She assured Dave and I that she was 95% sure that it was nothing and that the swelling he was having was attributed to him not being able to move his right leg. Unfortunately, when Mom arrived at the hospital this evening Dr. Bing was there and said that Dad did have a blood clot and would have to be put on blood thinners by daily injections to try and dissolve the clot. This also means that Dad's therapy will be limited for the next few days...just as he was making so much progress! So, everyone please keep praying for this situation to be resolved quickly so Dad can resume his road to recovery.

Sunday, December 21...STRENGTH in Numbers!

Tonight's blog update by Cindy. All of you that know me well, know that I like "themes." Bunko themes, party themes, scrapbook themes, decorating themes, etc. Well tonight, I can report that even our weekend had a theme, and it was STRENGTH. By Friday afternoon, after another long week of work, hospital runs, household errands, holiday shopping, etc., I felt in desperate need of some! I left work and headed over to see George. I stayed for about an hour and a half, but he was so worn out after an afternoon of vigorous physical therapy, he didn't feel like talking much, so I grabbed his laundry and headed home to feed and walk our dog. I had only been in the house for a few minutes, when I got a phone call from Beverly Brewer saying that she and Jim had just arrived at the hospital and was hoping to see the both of us. I was just too tired to head back in that direction, so she said that they would visit with George and then head over to take me out to dinner. In the meantime, Lindsay & Dave had called so we invited them to come and join us. We all headed over to Victor's Casa Garcia and had several baskets of chips w/salsa followed by some good mexican food, but the great, uplifting company was the best of all! Oh, and the Brewers brought me a Willow Tree angel and George a christmas stocking to hang in his room at the hospital, so Santa better remember to fill it Christmas Eve! Saturday morning started early. George & I decided to treat the weekend nursing staff to a giant decorated chocolate chip cookie, so I headed out to pick that up. When I arrived at the hospital, I pulled the electric razor out and got George looking spiffy for his weekend visitors. Terri and Emily were on their way from Willis, my mom came by to say hello, and Lindsay & Dave were in route with Brady AND Cooper & Macy too! It was definitely a "dog day afternoon" for George, and he and the dogs loved the outing! Emily & I eventually went and picked up some Italian food, and we girls all went back upstairs and ate lunch with George. After lunch, Emily & I went and ran some errands and Terri stayed behind for a little father/daughter time. Brian Lewis, a co-worker of George's at Klare Plumbing, came by and I know George enjoyed catching up with him. Before leaving for the evening, I sat on George's bed and was telling him my plans for the remainder of the evening as well as for Sunday when he grabbed my hand and asked ... "What about us?!?" When I asked him what he meant, he asked what we were going to do about him coming home. I told him that I hoped by the time he was discharged (the current insurance plan is 12/31/08), that he would be strong enough to stay "home alone" which meant getting in/out of bed and/or the wheelchair by himself or with very little assistance, so he had to continue to work hard. And then my husband, who almost never talks about his faith or spirituality, sorta shrugged and got teary-eyed on me and said that he had been praying for MY strength, both physically and mentally. I guess my constant praying over him while in the hospital had rubbed off, and I pretty much lost it. Especially when he added, "you know, it's just me, you, and the Lord!" I told him that I was certainly relying on the Lord for strength for both of us, and He would make sure that George & I were okay. Just about that time, my cell phone rang, and it was a dear friend from Abilene who I truly believe has a direct line to God. Vickie said that she had some bible verses for me, and went on to recite them. She started out with Matthew 28:20 ... And remember, I am with you always ... and then continued with a few others about getting strength from the Lord. I couldn't believe it, it was like God wanted me to know that He was indeed with us, giving us the strength that George and I and soo many of you have been praying for during this trial. And then, just to top it all off, I went to the mailbox before church this morning, and I had a package from Judy Conley Herrerra, the daughter of George's former employer of 25+ years. Inside was a small wrapped gift with a note that read, "Thinking of you, Cindy" and guess what was inside?!? A hand-painted wooden cross with the word "Strength" printed across the front!! Truly amazing, huh?!? Maybe our pastor, Dan Miller, summed it up best during this morning's service. He was talking about how Mary, just a teenager, received news from an angel that she would soon give birth to a son. Mary, at the time, had other things going on, and to be unmarried and pregnant was surely not in her plans. Dan called this news, and the pregnancy, an "interruption" in her life; it tested her faith, as well as Joseph's. But through this test, it brought them closer to each other and to God. So, from now on, I'm looking at this health crisis as just an "interruption" in our lives, one that I too hope brings us closer to each other and to God! A special thank-you to George's Sunday visitors: Lindsay & Dave; April, Madison and Brian Dorman; Rick & Laura Krustchinsky; and Mike Ligon. Pictures from the weekend will be on the blog tomorrow; I need to get my camera to Lindsay, so be sure to check back!! Love to all ...

Thursday, December 18 ... Transfer Training

Mom, Dave and I passed our "transfer training" with flying colors this afternoon at the Rehab hospital. Kelly showed us how to get Dad in/out of bed and into the wheelchair and from the wheelchair in/out of the car. Dad helped us out as much as he could, and as Kelly said, "Thank goodness for the big guy" (meaning Dave!). Mom and I acted more like spotters (with me inside the car, and Mom outside), Dave put all the muscle into transferring Dad. Dad was in a great mood, and said that after next week, he'd be able to help more ... apparently he has set big goals for himself! After making him work at getting in/out of the car twice, Kelly told me to take Dad for a spin around the parking lot the second time because he deserved a ride. Kelly is GREAT; she has soo much patience with Dad and is very compassionate. She said that there would be no physical therapists working on Christmas Day, so we can pick Dad up as early as we want and then bring him back after dinner, because she will be ready to put him back to work bright and early Friday morning. Dad's "partners in crime" drove up to visit with him today. He said that Charles Lee and Jack were in his room waiting on him when he got back from breakfast. He said they stayed a few hours and he really enjoyed their visit. A member of St. Peter's Prayer Quilt Ministry also came by this afternoon and brought a beautiful hand-sewn Christmas lap quilt. The bag included a card saying that while they were holding the quilt, they prayed for Dad and hoped he would feel God's nearness and the loving presence of His peace. It made mom and I cry, of course! Before we all headed home, we had dinner with Dad in the hospital dining area. His blood sugar reading was extremely low (68), so the nurse gave him some orange juice while Dave & I ran out and picked up bar-b-que. Dad ate quite a bit of his chopped beef baker and even asked Mom for some of her salad with jalapeno ranch dressing; he has a much better appetite when not eating the hospital's food!

Wednesday, December 17...NOW it's the two-step

e Another day, another step, and everyone’s excited! Kelly, Dad’s therapist, greeted Mom as she got to the hospital at lunch time and said that Dad took TWO steps this morning! Again, they are controlled by the therapist and her spotter, but she said that dad had much better balance than yesterday and that he is standing up out of the wheelchair with minimal assistance. The occupational therapist joined in their conversation and said she worked him hard today as well, so he was ready for a lunch break. Mom took him a tuna salad sandwich and a cup of broccoli cheese soup from Panera Bread, and she said that he ate the entire half of sandwich and half of the broccoli cheese soup and then said, “that’s pretty good stuff!” She then helped him get shaved and his teeth brushed, and just as he was about to nod off for a few good winks, she told him she had to leave to go back to work and he had to go back out into the hallway where they would come and get him for his speech therapy. Dad wasn’t too thrilled about that idea, and as mom began pushing his wheelchair, he grabbed onto the wall and said he wasn’t going anywhere. Mom told him that as long as he only had one strong side, she would most likely win this battle, and he told her “maybe so … for now!” I may be wrong, but I think those are “fightin’ words” and we are all up for the challenge if Dad is! Tonight was Mom’s bunko night, and we think she deserved an outing, so Dave and I were in charge of our patient. When Dave and I arrived at the hospital this evening, Dad was up and talkative. I asked him how dinner was and he said "okay" and then I asked him if he was still hungry and he told me he was. Dad then told me that he wanted enchiladas so I went to Tony's to get him what he wanted. When I arrived back at the hospital, Danny Thomason had stopped by to visit with Dad and talk about hunting...always a favorite topic of discussion with Dad. After Dad finished eating, we got Dad ready for bed and let him get some rest. We are going back to the hospital tomorrow afternoon to learn how to transfer Dad so he will be able to come home for a few hours on Christmas Day!

Tuesday, December 16...The Texas One-Step!!

You have all heard of the Texas two-step, but Dad has a move of his own ... the Texas one-step! Mom arrived at Dad's physical therapy session this morning a few minutes before I did and got to see Dad take his first step. It was "controlled" by his therapist and a "spotter," but it's a start! Unfortunately, his back was still bothering him and Kelly (the physical therapist) said his hamstring in the right leg is very tight, so it is probably painful for him to try and move that leg right now. So she asked that we try and stretch it out for him when we are with him in his room to try and get it less rigid. Kelly seemed to be satisfied with Dad's progress, so we hope he will start taking bigger strides toward his recovery this week. Barbara, his speech therapist, told Mom that she would do a formal evaulation on him and see if she can't get his "mechanical soft" food/drink order upgraded. Mom plans on checking with her tomorrow to see if she had time to get around to that, because Dad was NOT happy with his meal again tonight. When Mom arrived at the hospital this evening, she found "evidence" of a mid-day visitor. It looks like Dad's friends from Coburn's Wholesale Distributors came to see him and brought lunch as well as an assortment of salsas and preserves for when Dad gets home. Jason/Bob (?!?) hope you don't mind if we go ahead and "sample" them until that happens! Dad had two phone calls tonight ... one from Ricky, and the other from Charlie, his hunting buddy ... and he talked to both of them pretty well. He told Charlie that he was working on his trigger finger, and he told Ricky that he better come and get him out of there! We are hoping to get him out of there for at least several hours on Christmas Day. The case worker told Mom today that they would check his progress again next Tuesday, and if the therapists thought we could handle Dad, they would schedule a short training class for Mom and at least two other family members that would be transporting and helping to care for Dad that day. So, keep those prayers coming; we need Dad to be able to get a little more mobile! We want to give a "shout out" to Dad's nephew, Jack Stone, who had triple by-pass surgery last week and will hopefully be heading home tomorrow. I think both Dad and Jack are looking forward to healthier days ahead!!

December 13-14...Man's Best Friend!

Dad had a good weekend. He is not only getting stronger each day, and talking more and more, but he had lots of visitors this weekend at the Rehabilitation Hospital. Ricky and Linda got there early Saturday morning and found Dad sitting in his wheelchair observing other patients in the physical therapy room. Not by choice, but they wanted to keep him "stimulated" instead of just sitting in his room. Dad had other ideas, however, and looked for an escape route as soon as he saw a friendly face. He wanted to go back to his room, and it didn't take him long to show Ricky and Linda his new "trick" of trying to get out of the wheelchair himself, unfortunately, he is not supposed to do that yet, and did get himself in a jam so Linda had to go for reinforcements! Ricky gave Dad a good, clean shave (Mom hasn't been doing such a great a job) and soon afterward, David, Cheryl and the kids came by for a visit. Alex has been missing his Uncle George and even got all dressed up sporting his "big boy shoes" to come pay him a visit! We have to say, however, the highlight of Dad's morning was a visit from "man's/George's best friend" ... BRADY! Mom wheeled Dad downstairs and outside to meet Brady & I, and I don't know who was more excited. After greeting Dad, Brady also had to sniff every inch of the patio area and every blade of grass to figure out where Dad has been hiding out! I also brought Dad a cheeseburger for lunch, but he ended up giving half of it to Brady. We then took a "walk" around the parking lot before I took Brady back home; I think Dad really enjoyed being outside in the fresh, cool air. We promised to bring Brady back next weekend. When Mom and Grandma visited Dad Saturday evening, he was complaining of back pain. I'm sure it's hard sitting in one or two positions especially when you have a bad back. The nurse gave him some liquid Tylenol which seemed to take the edge of the pain; hopefully this coming week Dad will be getting a little more active in physical therapy which hopefully will do him and his aching back some good. On Sunday morning, Mom went and took Dad a contraband cup of coffee (meaning without a thickening agent added to the cup) before church. He is not having any trouble chewing or swallowing any longer and wants regular food and drink. The nurses won't discontinue doing that without the doctor's approval, so Mom is calling Dr. Bing's office tomorrow and talking to him about getting those orders changed. Mom returned after church with one of Dad's favorite foods ... a fried chicken leg ... and he ate it all (minus the crunchy breading that Mom removed) as well as his green beans and baked potato from his lunch tray. Mom said she and Dad enjoyed the afternoon eating chicken and watching the Texans BEAT the Tennessee Titans! Dave and I, and Dave's parents, Barb & Dan Zora, were his evening visitors. My in-laws drove down from Austin to see Dad, and I think they were pretty impressed at how well he is doing. Tonight Dad was wiggling his fingers on his right hand trying to impress Dave. He seems to do more when Dave is around; I think he wants to remind him who is still the boss of our little clan ... ha!!

Friday, December 12...O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!!

Oh, what a Christmas tree that was delivered to Dad today! His friends at Har-Con Corporation sent him a live table-top Christmas tree adorned with white lillies, glittery pine cones, ornaments and ribbons ... it's really pretty and has his room smelling GOOD! I'm sure he is the envy of all the other patients of the hospital because he definitely has more cards, balloons and flowers than anyone else on the entire floor! And we know that he truly appreciates each and every thing he has received as well as the love and get-well wishes that are behind them. Mom & I know that all of this, and visits from friends (such as Van Gilbert today) is what keeps Dad's spirits up as he fights to get back on his feet!

Thursday, December 11...Jealousy Gets You Nowhere!

I arrived at the Rehab Hospital just after lunch today in hopes of making Dad's afternoon therapy session. After all, my husband got to see Dad in motion yesterday, so I wanted in on a little piece of the action myself! Unfortunately, it wasn't to be; somehow they had completed all of Dad's therapy today by lunch time! So by the time I arrived, he was one tired man and all he wanted to do was take a nap. We visited for a while, but it didn't take long before he wanted me to go and get a nurse to get him into bed. I guess my conversation was more like a bedtime story, because before I new it, dad's eyes were closed and he was "puffing" (you know, that light, modified snore!). Mom went this evening after work, and she said Dad was awake and entertaining guests when she arrived. Karen, Klare Plumbing's Office Administrator, was there with her young teenage son, Derek. Apparently Derek knows how to "own" the room and keep Dad's attention with his lively personality. Mom learned that Dad and Derek, who is at the office a lot after school, are big buds who talk fishing and hunting all the time. Derek and Karen brought Dad some new sportsman magazines to read, as well as a poinsettia, and relayed all of the get-well wishes and prayers being said from everyone at Klare Plumbing. Mom also told me that Gary & Kathy Nelson, long-time neighbors and friends, had dropped by to see dad on Wednesday night and they too brought dad a poinsettia. Dad's room is definitely decked out for the holidays! Oh, and one more thing, Dad is now starting to ask questions! Prior to yesterday, Dad would really only respond to our questions, but much to Mom's surprise, Dad asked about a label on his food tray yesterday. Beside his name, it reads "MS" and dad wanted to know what that meant (it means a Modified Soft diet!), and then after Mom telling Dad that she was going to bring Brady up to see him this weekend, Dad asked her "Why not tomorrow?" So, we think that is another great sign that his conversation skills are returning! And speaking of Brady, he had a "play date" tonight while Mom was at the hospital. Mom and Dad's neighbors, Mark & Abby, came over as Mom was leaving for the hospital and offered to take Brady over to their house to play with their dog, Scout. They didn't have to ask Brady twice; all you need to do is get his leash, and he about knocks you over getting out the door!

Wednesday, December 10th ... Tis the Season for Miracles

Mom went to visit Dad today during her lunch break and she called me crying that a Miracle had happened... Dad had squeezed her hand with his right hand (which is his affected side). Thank you Jesus!!! This is the first sign of movement that Dad has shown in his right arm. She called me crying with tears of joy as she was leaving the hospital sharing the great news with me!

Then, Dave called me shortly after I got off the phone with Mom and said he had finished his inspections early today and was going to go visit Dad. I then told Dave about the wonderful news Mom had just shared with me! When Dave arrived up at Dad's room he wasn't there, he had already started his afternoon physical therapy training session. Dave decided to join him in the physical therapry workout room because they allow guests to observe while they work Dad out and Dave was curious as to what types of exercises that Dad was doing everyday. As soon as Dave saw Dad, Dave grabbed Dad's right hand, shook it, and Dad wouldn't let it go, it brought smiles to everyone's face. Next, the physcial therapist did some compression exercises on Dad's shoulder and elbow joints because she was trying to stimulate the nerve endings...she worked him for a good 45 minutes, and all of sudden she says "I'm feeling muscle tone in Mr. Luker's bicep!!" She then set his upper arm on the mat while holding his hand up, she then let go of his hand and Dad was able to hold his hand up on his own for about 5 seconds! Everyone was ecstatic!!! The last exercise they put Dad through was allowing him to sit up on the side of a bench (while supported by the therapist) and the goal was to bend down to the ground and pick up a small cone, sit back up, and then place the cone back on the ground. Dad did this for about 10 minutes and got pretty tired, so the therapist allowed him to rest for a few minutes while sitting up with both of his arms trying to support them selves. She then stepped away from Dad and he supported himself with both arms for a few minutes...awesome! Both physical therapists were so happy with his progress today, and thought that this was a miracle. Dave could definetly tell that George was very happy with the amazing strides that he had taken today and is now beginning to see for himself that his hard work in therapy is starting to pay off :)

Tuesday, December 9...Charting Progress

Today was evaluation day at Katy Rehabilitation Hospital, and George is finally on the chart! Kelly, his main therapist, said on a scale of 1 to 10, George is a 1.5! I know it doesn't sound great, but he was at 0 when he left the hospital a week ago, so we will take it! Kelly also said that she is going to submit a request for George to remain there until December 31st. She said he would need to continue to make progress each week to be eligible to continue receiving in-patient therapy, but we are certain that God has big plans for his recovery! I was visiting Dad this afternoon when Ike Lucas came by to see him. Ike told Dad about the "big one" that got away, and Dad told him that he was working on his "trigger finger!" And then Mom & Dad's neighbor, Mark, came by showing off pictures of his wife's deer, so I think the guys gave Dad his motivation for the day. The Care Team at church sent flowers over for Dad, and Dave & I also sent a flowering plant, so everyone is aware of how much Dad is loved ... his room is overflowing with cards, balloons and plants!! It's going to be cold outside tonight, but all of you warm our hearts with your love and support!!

Monday, December 8 ... Picking Up Speed

Well, it's the start of a new week, and Dad is picking up speed in both his vocabulary and his appetite! The therapy at the rehab hospital is great but the food is terrible, and Dad's taste buds are recognizing that fact very quickly! When Mom arrived at lunch time today, dad had only eaten a few bites of the "yummy" ground-up turkey and microwaved veggies before pushing his tray to the side, so luckily Mom had picked up some fish for lunch and shared with Dad. She said Dad seemed tired and a little irritable, but he had just finished his morning therapy, and was still facing another session after lunch. A friend from church, Van Gilbert, apparently stopped by during that session, and before he left had asked Dad if he could get him anything, and Dad's response, along with a chuckle, was "a drink!" Something tells us that Dad was not talking about a Diet Coke!! When mom returned to Katy Rehab this evening, Nurse Jackie "tattled" on Dad and said he refused to eat anything off his dinner tray. She also told Mom that she didn't blame him; it did not look very appetizing. Jackie suggested that Mom ask Dad what he was hungry for and maybe she could go out and get him something. Dad apparently was quick to answer that a "cheeseburger sounded good." So, even though they have not really wanted Dad to have bread (in fear that it might be too dry and hard for him to swallow), Jackie thought he just might be able to handle it now and agreed to bringing "contraband" in! Mom made a run to Burger King and got him a Kid's Meal and he pretty much ate the whole cheeseburger complete with mustard, ketchup and pickles ... and drank some of the Diet Coke! This was just the beginning to the party going on in Room 228 ... the Ligon's stopped by with a big, red poinsettia to dress up Dad's nightstand, and shortly thereafter, our long-time neighbors, Mike & Pat McKenzie came to visit. Apparently, a group of friendly faces is just what Dad needed, because he was "talking up a storm" (meaning answers with more than 2-3 words) and even told Mom what the mysterious other vegetable was that he planted in his garden that we couldn't figure out ... radishes!! Mom said she better start watering and taking care of that small vegetable garden, because Dad will be mad if he comes home and everything is dead! Tuesdays are evaluation days at the rehab center, so we will let you know what his doctors and therapists think about Dad's progress after Mom talks to them tomorrow.

Sunday, December 7...Weekend Warrior

Dad has his war paint on and he is battling back!! Mom and I participated in his Saturday morning occupational therapy session and even though he wasn’t talking much, he did do what they asked of him. Mom stayed for his physical therapy session as well, and Dad was soo tired, that he dozed when they laid him down on the mat to work his legs! The therapist said she could tell he was trying to move that leg because she could feel the muscle tightening, so that is a positive sign. Terri, Jennifer and Emily drove down Saturday morning to stay with us for the weekend, so he had all of his favorite girls cheering him on! Terri stayed at the Rehab Center with Dad most of the afternoon while Dave put up some outside Christmas decorations for mom, and then we helped her assemble her new Christmas tree and Jennifer took her car for a much needed wash. Terri said that our neighbors, Bernie Kinnison and Jean Pollard, visited Dad and brought him a big, colorful get-well balloon bouquet and a “cuddle bear” which sure brightened up Dad’s room. Sunday started off GREAT; we arrived just as Dad was leaving a therapy session and we found out that he had STOOD (with the aid of one of their fancy machines) for 16 minutes!! The therapist was very pleased, and said Dad’s blood pressure was good the entire time too!! After all of that activity, Dad was hungry and he deserved something special, so I went to Fazoli’s and picked him up some spaghetti and meatballs. He was also talking quite a bit and looked really happy to see everyone back this morning; Hannah got a really big smile and a hug when she and David stopped by! He also had special, long-distance visitors this morning. Dad’s half-sister, Debi, and his half-brother, John, and his wife, Beverly, drove in from the Austin area to check on him. So, after a big morning in therapy, a good lunch and lots of visitors, he was ready for a much-deserved nap about 1:30 p.m. Mom and I and Grandma went back around 5:30 to take Dad dinner, and even though he did eat pretty well, he was still VERY tired. So, we thought it best to call it an early night, and let our “CHIEF” get back into bed and rest. The therapists will be tracking him down again early tomorrow morning!

Thursday, December 4...Ready to Recharge Battery!

Dad’s transfer went well yesterday evening, and we got him settled in at his new “home” for the next 2 weeks. We hope it ends up being longer, but that is all the insurance would approve at this point until they see how he progresses. Dad’s day started early with the speech therapist and was asked basic questions to see if he could tell her what city and state he lived in, if he was married, his birth date, etc. and that seemed to all go well. However, when asked, he couldn’t remember what he had eaten for breakfast. We have been told that this is not unusual; the short term memory is sometimes affected, but more often than not, it does return. Then he was put in a wheel chair and they showed him how to turn the wheel to move with his left hand/arm. My Uncle David, who was there at the time, said he did manage to go about three turns and then just stopped; he was already worn out. Dad’s doctor told Mom yesterday evening that the first few days would be extremely challenging, both mentally and physically, but hopefully after that, we would see some progress in his strength and skill level. Our main goal at this point is just to try and keep his spirits up, because as we all know, being laid up and not feeling well is certainly no fun when you are used to blowing and going, and we don’t want him to give up so early in the game. If any of you would like to mail Dad a card, here is the information: Katy Rehabilitation Hospital, George Luker - Patient Room 228, 21720 Kingsland Blvd.,Katy, TX 77450. He is able to receive visitors any day of the week, all day long up until 8 p.m., but these first few days are going to be very difficult, so it might be better to wait until the weekend, or early next week. This is going to be a long, rocky road, so please keep him in your prayers.

Wednesday, December 3...On the Move Again!!

Mom got a call from the case worker at the hospital after lunch today and she had good news! Katy Rehabilitation Hospital (http://www.katyrehab.com/) was out to evaluate dad this morning and agreed he is ready to start therapy and the insurance company has agreed to the transfer. The case worker told mom that an ambulance would come and transport him about 3 p.m., and she could meet Dad there shortly afterward. Even though Dad still has no movement in his right arm, hand or leg, we have faith it is coming! We just know Dad will start feeling better once he gets all of the IVs and wires off of him, gets in his own clothes, and gets out of bed! We are officially on the road to his recovery!!

Tuesday, December 2...Midnight Caller!

Tuesday, December 2 … Midnight Caller!

Well it was actually 1:30 a.m., not midnight, but Mom got a wake-up call from Troy, Dad’s night nurse, saying that they were moving him out of the ICU!! He told mom that Dad was the most stable patient they had, and they really needed his bed. So, they were moving him to the sixth floor, and she could find him in Room 606 in the morning. Mom has been stopping at the hospital before work each day, and found Dad sitting up and eating breakfast. She told him that when his therapists came in today to work with him, that he better show off that new found vocabulary, and apparently he did! A case worker called mom at work and said both the speech therapist and the occupational therapist thought dad had improved enough to be discharged and begin therapy at a rehabilitation hospital, so all they needed was the approval of the physical therapist as well as the insurance company. It didn’t come by the end of today, but hopefully tomorrow. We are anxious to get this show on the road!!

Dad’s daytime visitors today were Grandma (bearing a gift of sugar-free jello with sliced bananas!) and Kim Meyers. Mom, Dave & I all visited after work, and Dad ate well again, except his blood sugar and blood pressure were both a little high. Hopefully he will get a good night’s sleep and feel great tomorrow!

Monday, December 1...Hello,Hello!

Dad had another good day in ICU; when Cheryl went by to check on him mid-day, she found him sitting up in a neuro chair! Cheryl told Dad that Alex was eager to visit him, and Dad replied, “bring him!” Unfortunately, kids can’t visit in the ICU, but hopefully, Dad will be moved soon. When Mom, Dave & I arrived for evening visitation, Dad greeted us. He was answering our questions with one or two words and seemed impressed with the picture of Bryan Dorman’s fish he caught at Lake Conroe this weekend when Bryan came by to visit. However, the highlight of our night was when my cousin Kevin called and asked if he could say hello to his Uncle George. Mom put her cell phone up to Dad’s ear, and when Kevin started talking and asking Dad questions, dad answered in full sentences! Mom and I just looked at each other and started crying; we hadn’t heard that many words come out of Dad’s mouth in 5 days!! When Mom finally got the phone back, Kevin was just as amazed as we were. Mom said, “I don’t know why he talked like that to you, and not us.” Kevin responded, “because he loves me more!” When Dad gets better, he’s got some explaining to do … ha!!

Sunday, November 30...Today's Forecast: SUNNY!!

What a difference a day makes! Ada, Dad’s nurse, had Dad looking good this morning. He was squeaky-clean, looked rested, his color was back in his cheeks, and he was sitting up, drinking thickened coffee and feeding himself breakfast all with his left hand! We were totally amazed at the progress after a good day’s rest! Dr. Diaz had ordered an additional test for Dad today; one that would check all of his blood vessels and arteries in his head. He was down in Imaging for quite some time, but when he got back, he ate lunch and then Dave shaved his whiskers, we applied after shave and he dozed off for a much deserved nap smelling and looking good!! Shirley Lucas dropped by the waiting room with a couple of pizzas for us to eat for lunch, so today was a Super Sunday!!

Friends and family uplifting us today: Jimmy Kelso, Uncle Johnny, Shirley, Kim Meyers, grandma, Terri & Emily, and countless others that call or email every day!

Saturday, November 29...Sooo Sleepy!

Dad’s nuerologist seems to make rounds in the wee morning hours, so Mom spent last night in the ICU hoping to catch him and get his thoughts on Dad’s condition. She said dad was very restless all night long, so neither one of them got much sleep. And just as Dad did get comfortable and doze off about 3 a.m., it wasn’t long after, until the chest x-ray machine was making its rounds in the ICU, and woke them up about 5 a.m. On this particular morning, instead of Dr. Diaz making his rounds at 6 a.m., he didn’t arrive until normal visiting hours began at 9:30 a.m. Mom wasn’t too happy, but too tired to complain and besides that, he made Dad’s foot move by scraping the bottom of it with his little magic tool. Mom was thrilled not only with that little movement, but she thought Dr. Diaz had a great bedside manner and was eager to help Dad get on the road to his recovery. So, she left the hospital a happy little camper. Terri and I arrived at the hospital to take over the helm so Mom could go home and get some sleep, but Dad didn’t seem to notice, because he was sound asleep. His nurse, Vanessa, said that it was not unusual for days 3 and 4 to be sleepy days so the body can repair itself and heal. He slept through all of his morning visitors … Karen & Stacey Hill (and they brought bagels and cream cheese for us for breakfast!); Shannon Cass and Debbie Schneider, Jose Benevidas and Rick & Laura Krustchinsky. However, as the morning progressed, Dad seemed to be less and less responsive, and it began to worry Vanessa. She took it upon herself to call Dr. Diaz and relay her concern, so Dr. Diaz ordered another CT scan to make sure Dad didn’t have a bleed in his brain or another stroke. Mom happened to return to the hospital just as they were wheeling Dad down to Imaging, but thank the good Lord, nothing had changed, Dad was just exhausted, and managed to sleep through most of the afternoon and the visitors it brought as well … Ricky & Linda Luker, Charles Lee Luker, Donald Ray Meek, Johnny Adams, David & Cheryl (Hannah & Alex, too!), and Terri, Paul and the girls.

Thank you to all of your wonderful friends and family who have come to see Dad in the hospital...we love all of you very much!

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Friday, November 28...CAUTION: Dangerous Curves!!

Mom was the first to arrive at the hospital today and found Dad to be more lethargic than yesterday. She noticed that his mouth was very dry so she went and got Dad some ice chips and began feeding them to him. Kelli, his nurse, happened to come in and said that she didn’t think giving him ice chips was a good idea because his swallowing was yet to be evaluated. Mom told her that he had been given ice chips and some applesauce the day before, but again, she discouraged Mom from proceeding. Mom asked her when they planned on getting around to the evaluation then since it had already been two days. Kelli said she thought it would happen today. Mom told her it better happen today because she felt Dad was becoming dehydrated, and Kelli responded that his vitals were not yet critical, so she didn’t think it was a big deal. WRONG ANSWER! Mom said she thought Dad had been through enough already and didn’t want his vital signs to become critical. In fact, why wasn’t there fluids being given to him through an IV? Kelli said Mom would have to take that up with the doctor, and again, that was the wrong answer!! Mom “suggested” that she better take that up with the doctor herself and get her husband hydrated or some heads were going to roll. It wasn’t 30 minutes later when a IV was started and the speech therapist was in dad’s room, and guess what?!? He could swallow correctly, just as Nurse Agnes had thought! So, a soft diet was ordered and a tray of food arrived soon thereafter which we fed to him. Now you are probably thinking that this is the end of the story, but you’re wrong! As Mom was taking a break out in the waiting room and eating her breakfast banana, my sister, Terri, came out of the ICU in tears. Mom asked what was wrong, and she said that as she stood at dad’s bed side stroking Dad’s hand, Nurse Kelli came in and asked her not do that. She claimed that he didn’t need the “stimulation” just rest, so she thought Terri and everyone else out needed to stay out of Dad’s room. Just then, the door opened and Nurse Kelli asked to have a word with Mom. Mom stepped inside and was told basically the same thing as Terri, but added that Dad would become psychotic if not left alone. Once again, WRONG thing to say … Nurse Kelli has never seen psychotic until that moment! Mom just about lost it with her. She reminded Kelly that my dad was laying there and couldn’t speak except through the fear in his eyes. She told her that my dad loved being affectionate and that holding his hand or stroking his head until he fell asleep was comforting my dad, not making him psychotic! She also told him that our family was a close-knit bunch, and some traveled for hours over this holiday weekend just to let my dad know that they were there for him and for us, and as long as we were abiding by the rules of visitation, that she would not keep us out! Just as Mom was contemplating on whether or not she should ask for the nursing supervisor, the ICU door opened again and a nurse stood there asking if a member of the Luker family was present. I just knew security was waiting behind her, but much to our surprise, it was Jason’s Deli delivering food trays for us. No, it wasn’t a peace offering from Nurse Kelly, but she did apologize to Mom later that day for upsetting us. The sandwich and fruit trays were sent by my cousin, Kevin, and Lucy, his wife. I think we all felt better with a little food in our stomachs!

The ICU waiting room has definitely been taken over by the Luker family and circle of friends! Those supporting us today were: Kevin Ferrell, Allen Stone (Chelsea and Lauren, too), Carol Humprhey, Penny Thomason, Jose Benevidas, Bryan Dorman, Landrum, Ricky Luker, Kurt Luker, Donnie Luker, Rick & Laura Krustchinsky, Lauren & Brent James, Mari, Aaron and baby Sam Fredrickson, Bev & Jim Brewer (who also brought us yummy salads from Panera Bread), David & Cheryl Arlott, Judy & Ty Reynolds, Agnes Totten, Terri and Grandma.

Thursday, November 27...Turkey Crossing

Even though we did not plan on spending Thanksgiving in the ICU waiting room, we still have many reasons to be thankful: Dad is stable. We're blessed with many wonderful friends and family members. We still had turkey and all the fixins hand-delivered by David and Cheryl.


Dad is doing fine today. He still has limited speech and cannot move his right leg or arm. Dad has not been able to eat anything because they want to make sure that his swallowing was not afftected by the stroke at all before he eats anything solid. The speech therapist is going to schedule him for a complete speech eval sometime in the next day or two. Hopefully after that, we'll be able to let him eat something. For now, he is limited to a diet of ice chips and sugar-free vanilla pudding. Dad's nurse today is Agnes...that is my great grandmother's name so we knew Dad was in good hands. He had to have another MRI this morning and would not stay still, so Agnes crawled inside with Dad and held his hand until he fell asleep and his test could be completed.

Friends and family to be thankful for: Mike Ligon, Ricky Luker, Christine O'Reilly, Cheryl & David Arlott, Brian Dorman, Terri & Paul Strozier (Emily & Jennifer), and Kim Meyers (Associate Pastor) at St. Peter's United Methodist Church. And of course, the new fixtures of the ICU waiting room: Grandma, Mom and Dave & I.

Wednesday, November 26...Life Takes a Detour

On Wednesday, November 26th at around 10:20 in the morning Dad suffered a stroke in his left cerebral artery. Upon arriving at Memorial Hermann Katy's ER, Dad's symptoms started improving and the doctors diagnosed Dad with a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) which was more of a "warning sign" of an impending stroke. They decided to keep him overnight for observation and moved him to his own room. Soon afterwards, we realized that his symptoms had returned and immediately notified the nurse of this. A barrage of hospital staff began entering Dad's room and performing ultrasounds of his heart, carotid arteries and then took him down for another CT Scan. Afterwards, they decided to move Dad to the ICU so he could be more closely monitored and to see exactly what is going on. It looks like it will be a long road to recovery for Dad, but we are all optimistic that him and his hard-headed self will make a full recovery.

Friends and family members that came to support us: David Arlott; Grandma; Terri, Jennifer & Emily; Penny & Danny Thomason; Shirley & Ike Lucas, and Christine O’Reilly.