Thursday, March 5...A Walking Miracle!

We have good news to share; Dad is beginning to walk! Cathy, Dad's physical therapist, decidedshe wanted Dad to try taking a few steps on his own without the help of his walker. Cathy took him into the kitchen where he could use the kitchen countertop for support, and off he went! He actually did this for the first time on Tuesday, but we were all soo excited, we forgot to take pictures. Today, I was ready to capture it on video. We believe this is the start of something big!! And speaking of big, Brady, Mom & Dad's big lab, has claimed his spot on Dad's hospital bed every night. Mom barely gets Dad into bed before Brady jumps up and gets his half of the bed! Dad complains he doesn't have much leg room, but he never makes Brady get off! Well, the Luker household is buzzing again with guests. My Aunt Jimmie, and her friend, Vickie, arrived last night. They are my "reinforcements" since Dave got called to Atlanta to work insurance claims from last week's hail and ice storm. So, after a day of on-the-job training today, I'm taking a day off from "Dad duty" tomorrow and running some errands and getting some things done around my house!

A special thank-you goes out to Kelly Garvey and Judy Bucic (a mom and daughter team) for bringing dinner over to Mom & Dad on Tuesday evening, and also to Kathy Nelson for delivering more of her dad's home-grown veggies that he fixes; the green beans and new potatoes, and the squash, were perfect accompaniments for our rib-eye steaks we grilled last night. Our friends are simply the best!!

Monday, March 2 - Time is "Marching" On!!

Last Thursday, February 26, marked three months since George suffered his stroke. Life truly can change in an instant, and I sure do miss the "good ol' days!" We all take soo much for granted ... walking, talking, dressing ... and complain about driving in traffic, doing household chores, and cooking dinner. But when all of those things are suddenly taken away from you, or a loved one, it gives you a whole new appreciation of the joy that lies in our daily routines. George is making slow but steady progress, so I hope at the 6-month mark, he is able to perform some of the simple tasks of daily living for himself. In the past few days, we have made some strides in that direction. My son-in-law constructed a wooden "step" to even out and stabilize the leg of the bathtub bench that was really meant to be used with a standard tub, not a spa tub like we have. And, after exhausting many resources in hopes of finding a Roman tub hand-held shower fixture that would work with our current faucet, I resorted to an $8 rubber shower hose that you just literally shove onto your faucet and hope it doesn't "blow" when you turn the water pressure on ... but, hey, it works, and that is all that really matters. Now George can slide off of his transport chair onto the bathtub bench and get a "shower" everyday; much better than the "spit baths" he was getting bedside!

Yesterday, George's daughter, Terri, her husband, Paul, and their girls came and spent the day with us. Paul does general construction work, so he came to look at the hall bathroom to see if we could widen that doorway, as well as put an ADA lavatory in there instead of the cabinet sink we currently have. That way, George could get up under a sink with his wheelchair to brush his teeth, shave, etc. Our master bathroom is just too long and narrow and has a very long cabinet with double sinks, so we think it would be too complicated and expensive to try and change it. Hopefully by adding a wall-mount sink and giving George a few more inches to maneuver, we can make things a little easier for him until he gets back on his feet. So, after lunch at Victor's, we all went to Home Depot and Lowe's to look at lavatories and faucet sets. I found one by Kohler in a special order book that I really liked; it would make it look more like a home bathroom instead of the stark white "institutional" sinks that you find in hospitals or office building bathrooms. So, I'm going to try and get some prices on that, and Paul is going to check his calendar for an open weekend, and then hopefully we'll get this project started!

We want to thank George's nephew, Kevin and his wife, Lucy, for coming to visit on Saturday. It was George & I's 28th wedding anniversary, so Lindsay made brunch for all of us (complete with mimosas!) and then we watched the A&M basketball game together before Kevin, Lucy, Lindsay & Dave headed to Minute Maid Park to watch college baseball. Unfortunately, the #1 ranked Aggies, fell to Rice Saturday evening, but they did win both their Friday and Sunday games ...Whoop!

Wednesday, February 25 - Remember that you are dust,

... and to dust you will return! Today marks the beginning of Lent, a holy season of repentance, renewal and resurrection. My family all went to Ash Wednesday services together this evening and it was nice. I think it was a fitting occasion for George's return to church since his stroke. I pray that in the next 40 days, we will all become refreshed and renewed, both physically and mentally, so we can fully and joyfully celebrate the resurrection of Christ at Easter. And guess what else George got to do today for the first time since his stroke? Go in to the bathrooms ... thanks to our generous friends! George's transport chair was delivered yesterday evening, so Dave got it out of the box for us, popped everything in place, and George was good to go (literally ... ha!). The hallway bathroom is now very accessible and equipped with grab bars for toileting, so now we need to focus on the master bathroom for bathing/showering. Dave had to remove the door going into the master bath so the chair could make it through that narrow opening, but now that he can get in there, we still need to figure out what kind of hand-held shower nozzle will work on our tub since the therapists do not want George attempting to step up and over the ledge leading into the shower stall. A friend of my mom's has loaned us a tub bench to use, but it would be much easier if we had a hand-held shower nozzle instead of the regular faucet. I may need a plumbing supply salesman to come and give us some options, so if any of you that follow the blog are in the Katy area, come see us!!

We'd like you to meet a third member of George's home health team, his occupational therapist, Wendy. She has a smile and personality as big as Texas, and makes George's therapy sessions as fun as they can possibly be! Wendy had George practice writing his name with his RIGHT hand yesterday, and his first few letters were great, but then as his hand tired, the letters got smaller and smaller and hard to read. But heck, I didn't even know he could write at all with that hand, so I was excited. George's release with that right hand is getting better as well, so keep those prayers coming his way, they are working!!

Sunday, February 22 - And the Oscar goes to ...

... Jim Brewer for the role of George's Best Friend!! There was no walking the red carpet for this star, but he is definitely worth his weight in Oscar gold! Jim & Beverly drove out to Katy from Spring today, and the four of us had lunch at Victor's Casa Garcia. It was yummy, as usual, and when we got back to the house, Jim volunteered to stay with George so I could get out and run some errands. Bev & I headed out the door about 2:30 and didn't get back until nearly 6 p.m. ... who knew that it would be soo difficult to find X-Long twin bedding for the hospital bed?!? We hit Kohl's, Wal-Mart, JCPenney's and finally Bed-Bath & Beyond, and of course, that last stop is where I found them. However, we did manage to buy something at nearly every stop we made! When we arrived back home, Jim was outside raking leaves that he had blown off the patio and walkway, and then he came in and installed the handicap safety rails I had bought for the bathroom toilet. After he was done, Jim sat down to make sure they worked; Bev said he took a test drive! Jim also checked out the bathtub fixture to see if there was any way that I could attach a spray nozzle to shower George. He said it might be pretty tough with the kind of fixture we currently have on there, but he is going to do some investigating and let me know what options are available. Of course, George still can't get into either bathroom because of the narrow doorways, but once the transport chair gets here that Christine ordered last week, that will all change. And then, hopefully, I can get the sink situation figured out with help from Paul, George's son-in-law, and we'll be in the business of making life a little easier! And thanks to Kathy & Gary Nelson for making Friday's evening a little easier for me. They delivered a delicious bar-b-que meal for George & I, complete with fresh vegetables that her Dad had prepared. Both the green beans and squash were really good and definitely enjoyed ... please pass on our thanks to him as well. We hope everyone has a good week ahead!!

Thursday, February 19 … Bunko Blessings

Update by Cindy. As many of you know, I have played bunko once-a-month with the same group of ladies for the past 10 years. Most of these women are moms of my daughter’s friends that she went to high school with, a former co-worker, and my own mother. We are all a very close knit bunch that together have experienced all life has to offer. Besides our monthly themed bunko nights that are all about friendship, food, and laughter, we share wonderful memories of high school sports, homecomings, proms and graduation, dealing with empty nest syndrome, the expense of college years, the anxiety of spring break trips, and treasure the joy over engagements, wedding planning, and now for some, the blessed event of grandchildren. We also love to travel together and have taken exciting trips to New York City, San Francisco and the beaches of Mexico, and have spent countless weekends at lake houses and beach houses playing games, eating and soaking in the sun (or rain in some instances)! We’ve also supported each other through the tough times of broken marriages, surgeries, cancer and cancer scares, deaths of family members and beloved pets. So, I don’t know why I was so surprised to learn that this group of amazing women, as well as a few former co-workers, are spearheading an effort to raise funds to aid George & I in purchasing some handicap equipment and accessories, pay 2009 medical deductibles, and perhaps even do a small bathroom remodel, to make our lives a little easier at home. After bunko on Wednesday night, I was given a beautiful card and a gift bag filled with their own “love offering” inside to get us started, (a few ladies had already left when the camera came out!) and wheels are already in motion for a benefit garage sale in April, so we’ll let you know when that will be taking place so you can either donate some of your own gently used treasures or come shop with us!! George & I are overwhelmed by this act of generosity and kindness, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I also want to thank my wonderful daughter and son-in-law who spend countless hours each week helping me care for George. Without their help (and the understanding management team I work for), I don’t know how I would keep my full-time job and get away for these monthly gatherings with my friends that keep me sane! Thank you so much, Lindsay & Dave; you’re a blessing to us!!

George had a VIP visit this evening! Kelley Lloyd, George’s physical therapist from Katy Rehab came by to check on him. Kelley keeps up with the blog, and I think she was as nervous as I was over the fact that George didn’t get much “walking” time at Cane Island. We had a great time catching up, and then curiosity got the best of us, so we decided to get George up on his feet and let Kelley see what she thought. They did a little “slow dancing” to check George’s balance and weight shifting ability and then they took off down the hallway. Kelley thought George did great, and even though he didn’t get much practice walking, his muscle tone and reflexes were stronger. She was pleased with his progress in the weeks since he left KRH, and was also happy to hear that we have a great team working with him from Home Health Resources. I think we will only have them another week or so, and then hopefully insurance will approve out-patient therapy at KRH. Our goal is to get George walking!! After Kelley left, the Ligon’s (and Mari & Sam too!) came by and picked us up for a dinner date. I’ve been curious to see if a SUV would be easier than a car to get George in and out of, but their Ford Edge (which is actually one of the new crossovers) required just as much effort for George and the wheelchair! So, I guess once I have some spare time on my hands (ha!), I still have a little SUV shopping to do!

Wednesday, February 18 ... Hump Day Update

It's been a busy few days at the Luker residence getting Dad settled in at home. Mom has had to remove the loveseat and a trunk from the den and change the direction of the kitchen table to open the living areas up so Dad move his wheelchair pretty easily from room-to-room. The bedroom also had to be rearranged to make room for Dad's hospital bed which we hope only has to be used short term. Mom & Dad had just bought a new bedroom set before Dad's stroke, and the bed is too high for Dad to get in/out of right now. Having the rails on the hospital bed make it easier for Mom to help him get in/out of bed as well. Besides rearranging the house, Dad has also been busy with his medical team. He has had visits from Mike, whom you were introduced to on Saturday's blog, and so far the foot that was cut at Cane Island is healing nicely. Cathy, his physical therapist, came by on Monday to meet Dad and do an assessment of his walking ability as well as show him how to use the kitchen countertop as an aid to help him get a workout by standing and sitting 5-10 times in a row from his wheelchair. Cathy told Mom she could throw the dinner dishes in the sink too and have Dad stand there and rinse them before she puts them in the dishwasher. Mom said she REALLY liked Cathy!! Today, Kevin, an occupational therapist came by to evaluate Dad's ability to take care of his own needs. Kevin told Dad that they would work with him to help him gain his independence in several areas, especially dressing and grooming. Kevin showed Dad a way he could practice putting on his own socks, as well as change shirts and put on a jacket. Kevin's assistant will be seeing Dad a few days a week to work on these things to take some of the responsibility off of Mom since she has to go to work each day. It has not been all work and no play, however. On Sunday, we all attended Sam's baptism. Sam is Mari's (one of my best friend's) little boy, and I am now one of his many Godmothers! After church, we all went out to Brookwood Community to have lunch. Dad had fun seeing everyone and bouncing Sam and Garrett (another friend's little boy) on his lap. Who wouldn't; they are the cutest, happiest, and most lovable little boys ever! Mom wanted me to be sure to tell all of you to feel free to stop by and visit Dad at home. It might be best to call ahead just to make sure he isn't scheduled for a therapy session or a doctor's appointment, but we know he would love to see or hear from his friends. He gets a bit discouraged being home and not being able to do all the things he did before, but we keep telling him to be patient and keep working hard, and he'll get there. Mom's wonderful boss, Anna Williams, sent her an email yesterday morning that sure encouraged her and comforted her after having a rough start to the day. She wanted me to share it with you because she knows that she and Dad are not the only one dealing with problems. "Cast away all fear. No fear shall remain. Only peace in the midst of chaos. You will walk on water by holding My hand as the wind and storm blows around you ... for I am with you. Right beside you whispering in your ear. Do not quit, dear one. Keep walking even though the sky seems dark. I can see all things. You will not sink. I am with you. Do not be afraid. I am making a way through this, not around this, but through this. This is a path I have laid out for you. But it leads to good. Don't I love you? Don't I care for you as only a Father can? Yes! Don't doubt my love for you, my precious daughter. Your heart is large and full of capacity for more of Me. Now is the time to come and drink Me in. You need more of Me. Only I will sustain you in the dark and lonely times. But I will brighten your eyes. I am the giver of hope. And there IS hope, dear one. There is always hope in Me. (Romans 15:13). AMEN!!

Saturday, February 14 … Happy Hearts!

Update by Cindy. Happy Valentines Day to everyone! It was nice having MY valentine home with me. I didn’t have time to shop for him, but George said bringing him home was the best present I could give him. I did fix him a nice dinner … shrimp scampi, ceasar salad and asparagus; and my plan was for us to dine by candlelight, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. By 6 p.m., I had a backache from all of the transfers we did on our own today and a headache from figuring out George’s 16 different medications and when he takes them, so it’s a wonder that I even cooked because I came pretty darn close to just calling Dominoes! But since HE delivered and gave me a gift card for a full-body massage (thanks Lindsay J), I thought the least I could do was cook him a really good meal. I actually made out pretty well this Valentine’s Day, I received flowers from my Aunt Tish in Pennsylvania, Valentine cookies on Friday from Tricia, got a Beauty Brands gift card from a “little secret admirer” of mine, received an e-valentine from Laura, and my super sweet daughter and son-in-law brought George & I over chocolate covered strawberries earlier today for our dessert this evening. God’s love surrounds us through different friends and family every day; THANKS to all of you!

Today started off soo much better than yesterday. George & I both had a pretty good night’s sleep last night, so we were up for the challenge of our first full day “home alone.” The day began by meeting Mike Abreu, George’s nurse assigned to our case by Home Health Resources. Our first experience couldn’t have been better. Mike was very thorough, very informative, and even let me take a picture of him for the blog on his very first home visit (thanks, Mike!) … just an all-around great guy. He told us that George had been assigned a very good physical therapist, Kathy, who has worked with a lot of stroke victims, so we are anxious to meet her on Monday and get George back to work! He will also receive occupational therapy which will help George adapt to our home with his limitations, and maybe even some additional speech therapy. So, next week will be a busy one, unlike the past few spent at Cane Island … yippee!!