Paul's Update - 09/28/06

Dear Friends:

Tuesday Paul went to the doctor's office to have his blood test. The neurologist has a new office which makes it much easier to get the blood drawn. It should make results come back a bit quicker too. Paul sat outside after they got home. The weather has been just beautiful and it is a great opportunity to be outside. Once they went inside Tabby and Dad got Paul into the bathtub and did an Epsom Salt bath. This helps get all the dead skin off. Paul was able to lift his legs high enough to clear the side of the tub and step in. The hard part is sitting him down and then standing him up but he enjoyed the bath! Now that Paul is stronger Tabby would like to see that Paul gets a bath every other day. It is so much better than a sponge bath! Later in the day Paul went upstairs and watched TV. He was upstairs until late in the evening. He finally went downstairs around 11:30 pm. He walked a lot that day and Dad was almost sure he could use the walker to stand up from the toilet but Paul wasn't strong enough to do it. Paul is walking better each day. He still has balance problems but he is willing to try. Tabby continues to work on speech.

Wednesday he wanted to go outside. When he encountered the bathroom door in the way he reached over and closed the door so he could get past it then proceeded to wheel himself to the back door. He maneuvers the wheelchair around things and gets around the house pretty good. Dad works with Paul to stand, sit and bend. He is getting stronger and better at doing these things.

Today Paul was complaining of a headache most of the day. The weather change (it rained this afternoon and into the evening) seems to affect him. He spent the day watching movies and relaxing. He deserves a quiet day ... he's been very active the last several days!! We haven't heard any word about the blood test on Tuesday. Once we know if the new drug is at a therapeutic level we can start to decrease the Dilantin. Tabby still hasn't heard about the job in Herndon that she interviewed for last week. She is getting some feedback from some of the resumes she has sent out. Hopefully something will come through soon. For now we are just taking one day at a time and she is enjoying her work with Paul & Max! Dad went out this afternoon and bought a bouncer chair for Max. He loves it. He enjoys sitting up and bouncing up and down. Dad & I are going away for the weekend with Bill & Ronda. Bobby will be home to help Tabby. I won't have access to the internet for the weekend but I will try to update you when we return.

Have a great weekend! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/25/06

Dear Friends:

Paul is continuing to do very well. His strength and energy level are so good. Today Dad & Tabby took Paul with them to Costco. He was able to "walk" his wheelchair throughout the store. This trip turned into about a 4 hour outing. When they got home Paul wasn't interested in going upstairs so they stayed in the basement most of the rest of the day. Each day Paul does more walking to and from the bathroom instead of using the wheelchair. He is using his legs very well and stands up straighter than he was doing before. This makes it a bit easier on Dad. Every chance Tabby gets to encourage Paul to do something for himself ... she does! Tonight she encouraged him to do some mouth movements and sounds. She also got him to do about 7 sit ups and then get his feet back into the bed to lay down. He sometimes will shake his head "no" when she tells him to do something but she keeps pushing and he eventually tries to do what she tells him to. Tuesday will be the appointment to draw his blood to be tested for the level of Trileptol in his blood. Hopefully it is starting to show up so they can start decreasing the Dilantin. We continually pray that these changes in medicines will not have adverse affects on Paul but he seems to be doing very well. It also appears that he seems more agreeable now that he is taking the antidepressant. It would be nice to think we could start a regular therapy schedule with him. I'm not sure we will get our therapists back but it would be nice if we could just continue the good work that Paul is doing on his own (with encouragement of course!!). Even after all these months ... Tabby is still the best therapy Paul gets!!

Love, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/24/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had a really good weekend. He has been so alert and feeling good (except for the toothache) and has been up a lot. Saturday Tabby's parents came to visit. Dad stayed with Paul while Tabby went out for lunch and shopping. Dad had Paul up several times. He didn't really want to go upstairs so they spent a lot of the day watching TV in the bedroom. The nurse didn't show up because she was sick so it was Dad & Bobby for most of the day. Ronda & Bill came by to visit Paul for a bit. They had a nice visit and Paul was pretty interactive. When they were getting ready to leave I asked Paul if he was going to wave goodbye to Mr. Davis and he ... raised his right hand and wiggled his fingers!!! He WAVED to Bill!! It was a small action but it was definitely a wave! Tabby, Paul and Dad went out with Tabby's parents for dinner. They went to the Japanese Steak House in Fair Lakes. This is a favorite for Paul and Tabby. It was a late dinner but all had fun! Sunday started off a bit slow. Paul didn't seem to have much energy this morning. It was a football day! The Redskins were playing at 1pm and that means the boys were going to be sitting in front of the TV in the living room. Paul was ready to go upstairs by game time he was feeling pretty good. Dad was able to get him to "walk" his wheelchair to the bathroom several times ... then Dad decided he should see if Paul could walk on his legs (with Dad holding him of course). It is about a 15 step walk to the bathroom. Paul was able to do it and after he'd done it a couple of times he actually seemed to be getting better at it. This is so encouraging ... this is more strength and energy than he has had in a long while!! Tabby also worked with him this evening to stretch his arms. She was able to get him to stretch his left arm up over his head. He didn't like it much but he let her do it. The funny thing is ... as soon as she grabbed his left hand to move the arm ... he raised his right hand like he was going to hit her. He actually raised it up to about his chest level ... without any hesitation!!! He didn't hit her ... she calmed him down and he let her work with the arm. He actually seems to have quite a bit of strength in that arm ... he just needs to learn how to make it work when he wants it to! Tonight after I left Dad asked Paul if he wanted to go outside. They got him in his chair lift and he rode down to the entry landing and Paul got off of the chair and WALKED out the front door (with assistance of course!!). He actually transferred his weight to manage the steps. He sat outside for a bit. When it was time to go back in ... he walked back up the front step and through the front door to the chair lift. He even stepped onto the foot rest of the chairlift to help get into the chair!! After they got into the house and down to the basement Paul had to go to the bathroom. When he was done they got him in the wheelchair and Tabby told him to "walk" to the bedroom. Instead ... he went to the laundry room ... he wanted to go back outside!! They got out the back door and Tabby asked Paul if he could help get himself up the ramp. Paul used his legs and pushed the wheelchair while Dad was backing him up the ramp. He helped the whole way up the ramp and the sidewalk to the front porch area!! What an incredible day of hard work. Sometime early this week Paul will go to have his blood drawn to see what the level in his blood is for the new medicine. It is called Trileptol. He is also taking a drug called Trazadone as an antidepressant. I don't know much about either of these drugs. The Trileptol is going to eventually replace the Dilantin. This will take several weeks to achieve but it seems like we are on a good path so far! We praise God for such a blessed weekend!!

Have a great day!! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/22/06

Dear Friends:

I'm sorry I haven't been in touch for the last few days. It seems the days go by so quickly and by the time Carl gets home it is late and I'm in bed so I don't get a chance to find out how his day has gone. Now that the Depacote is getting out of Paul's system he seems to be more alert. The addition of a mild anti-depressant seems to help as well. Paul was waking a lot during the night so he takes this anti-depressant at night to help him sleep as well as make him feel better. Paul is spending most of his days upstairs. He really enjoys the change of scenery and the ability to control his environment a bit. He even eats his meals up there. Tabby had bought a bedside tray when he was in bed most of the time and he can use it sitting at the couch as a table for his drink and meals. Wednesday was a very good day for Paul. Dad was able to get Paul to do some sit-ups. He did about eight of them. This will strengthen his stomach muscles and make him able to do more. Tabby continues to work on Paul's right hand. He is getting better use out of it each day. Tabby gave Paul a soda on Wednesday and handed it to his right hand. He was able to hold it in his right hand and pop it open using his left hand. He was even able to lift it up with his right hand and take a drink from the can!! He even had to lift his right elbow up a bit to get his hand high enough to put the can to his mouth! It still moves very slow but this use is encouraging. Thursday was the funeral for Billy's mother. She was buried in Silver Spring MD which is about an hour drive from home. We all went including Paul. He did really well. Tabby went for a job interview. It is a job almost exactly like she was doing before. It would be a good job and we hope she will get it. Friday was the trip to the ophthalmologist. This was a follow-up from the visit where she found blood clots in Paul's eyes. Dad & Tabby got there late. Getting everyone ready to go took longer than expected but when they arrived at the doctor's office they were still able to keep the appointment. The ophthalmologist said that the blood clots have been reabsorbed by Paul's body!! Yahoo! She still sees a "floater" in Paul's right eye. She didn't explain what exactly it was but that sometimes they go away on their own and some people live with them. It is an object that floats in the eye and sometimes blocks vision. She was pleased that Paul was able to follow commands like "look up", "look down", and "look side to side". He was also able to put his chin on the machine for her to look into his eyes. Maybe when he goes back in six months he will be able to communicate even better and tell her what he sees!! Overall we have had a pretty good week. God continues to bless us with improvements!

Have a great weekend, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/18/06

Dear Friends:

Sunday was a quiet family day. Paul was upstairs in the living room most of the day again. He really likes being up there. Dad brought over the TV from our sitting room to put in Paul's living room because it is bigger than what they had. This would make it easier for folks to sit in the living room and watch the football game. Paul was up several times throughout the day. Dad still has to do a lot of work to walk him but he is getting stronger. Paul was upstairs until after the football game was over. It made for a pretty long day. When he went downstairs for bed he didn't want to get off the chair ... he rode it back up and then back down again. He really likes using the remote and riding in his new chair.

Dad & Tabby took Paul to the neurologist on Monday. This is a follow-up to check on how Paul is doing now that we've finished reducing the Depacote. The doctor was pleased with Paul's progress. When Dad told the doctor that Paul is using his right hand more the doctor wasn't convince that is was anything more than random reflex action because Paul wouldn't squeeze his hand when asked. Dad asked Paul to give him his hand and he reached out with his right hand and opened his fingers. That convinced the doctor that maybe he really IS getting better with it! The doctor was told about Paul's dental appointment last week. The dentist had said that Paul's gums were growing over his teeth...this is evidently a side effect of Dilantin. When the neurologist heard this his immediate reaction was that Paul needs to get off of the Dilantin. Now we will do another change of meds. The doctor prescribed a new medicine that Paul will take for about 10 days, then have his blood drawn to see if it is at a therapeutic level before decreasing the Dilantin. The doctor also told Tabby he would start Paul on a low dose of antidepressants that he can take at night. Tabby had told the doctor that Paul is waking up at night so he felt this would also help him sleep. After coming home Paul sat upstairs until about 9pm.

Please keep Billy's (Carolyn's husband) family in your prayers. His mother Fran passed away on Sunday night. She was fighting a battle with cancer.

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/16/06

Dear Friends:

Friday was a busy day. Area Access delivered & installed Paul's new stair lift. This chair runs on a rail up the steps to the landing and turns to go up to the living room (the entrance is a split foyer). It took the guy almost all day to install it. He was there at 9am and left around 3pm. Paul was able for the first time since the accident to go upstairs. Dad asked him if he like his new chair and he shook his head "no" but I suspect he just doesn't like having to use something like that!! They went back down and he was up several times to go to the bathroom. Paul was pretty tired ... he still has a bit of difficulty standing up and walking but seems to be getting stronger each day. He did a bit of lower body exercising and some facial exercises. He has been holding and using his right hand more and more.

First thing Saturday Dad went out to get Starbucks. After breakfast Dad asked Paul if he wanted to go upstairs. He nodded "yes" so they took him up and had him sit on the couch. He was up there from 11am until 10pm this evening. He was up a lot going back and forth to the bathroom. He seems to enjoy being up there. He ate his lunch and supper up there. He said he liked being in the living room. This evening when he said he was ready to go back downstairs Dad got him in the lift and let Paul use the remote to go down. When he got to the bottom of the stairs he said he didn't want to go to his room. He used the remote and went back up the stairwell ... and then came back down again ... I think he just enjoys taking the ride!! LOL Sunday evening is the football game and Paul said he wants to go back upstairs and watch with the guys. Paul fed Max today with his right hand!! He needed a pillow under his elbow to keep the hand at the right height but he was able to hold onto the bottle!! It is always nice when he can participate in things with Max! We are so thankful that Paul is doing well. Monday he will go back to the neurologist. Hopefully soon we will be able to resume therapies. He has been on "medical hold" while we were reducing the Depacote and the therapists will come to evaluate him soon for consideration to begin therapy again! We are praying that he will be ready for that since he is doing so well.

Blessings! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/14/06

Dear Friends:

Paul was up a lot on Wednesday. He did really good. We had a couple more "firsts". While Paul was sitting up he reached with his left hand and interlocked his fingers with the right hand. He has held his right arm with his left hand before but he hasn't interlocked his fingers before!! Also when Tabby wanted to wash under his right arm he raised it all the way up for her. Usually he only moves it out a little from his body and she has to lift it up. That arm seems to be getting stronger all the time! He still has trouble moving the fingers on his right hand but it is great that he can move that arm better. He tries to talk a lot. He looks at you and makes sound like he needs something. Then you start the 20 questions to find out what it is. It is very apparent that he WANTS to talk! Tabby tries to spend time working on facial exercises and sounds each day. Paul's neurologist called and left a message for Tabby to reduce the Dilantin to 400mg each day. This is 200mg less than what he was taking before. The doctor will closely monitor the level by doing blood testing every 10 days. The goal is to get his level to 18 (it was 30 last week).

Thursday Paul didn't want to get up much. He tires out easily and he was up a lot on Wednesday! Dad stayed overnight Wednesday night since they had reduced Paul's meds. It was mostly a movie day. This evening Dad, Tabby, Max & Paul made a trip to Home Depot. Dad took Paul for a stroll around the store and into the tool section. This is always something they both enjoy! Dad came across a Boss Drill that was on display for testing and a 2x4 that could be used to drive a screw into. After Dad tried it out he asked Paul if he wanted to try it ... and Paul nodded "yes". Dad put the drill in Paul's hand and he drove the screw into the 2x4 and then Dad put the drill into reverse and Paul removed the screw from the board. He really enjoyed it. Mmmm ... power tools ... just the thing for good therapy!! LOL Tabby wants to make a scratching post for the cat so she decided maybe Paul can help. We'll see!! Dad worked on exercising Paul's legs today. He let Dad move his legs up and down & stretch ankles. He put up a bit of a struggle but Dad encouraged him to try and he finally gave in. Friday the stair lift will be installed. As I said before ... this will finally enable Paul to go upstairs. He will be able to visit with guests somewhere other than in his bedroom. I'm sure he will enjoy that!

Have a great day!! (TGIF) Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/12/06

Dear Friends

Today was a pretty good day. Dad got Paul up several times today. Mostly to go in and out of the bathroom but walking is walking! By the end of the day Paul was pretty tired and weak but he had quite a bit of workout. Tabby tried to call the neurologist today to find out if she could go ahead and eliminate the last of the Depacote. This reduction was going to happen on Thursday anyway so she decided to go ahead and eliminate it today. She hasn't heard back from the doctor yet (he isn't in the office on Tuesdays) but she suspects that he will want to start decreasing the Dilantin as well. Today was the day that Paul gets 400mg of Dilantin but tomorrow he will get 600mg so if the doctor wants to start a decrease that would be the time to do it. Dad will stay at Paul's house overnight for the next few nights just as a precaution. He's been doing this each week when they decrease his medicines. The first 48 hours after the reduction are the most critical time ... if he is going to have seizures that is the time when the medicines drop to the least effectiveness. Dad & Tabby installed some carpet on the stairs and the doorway landing today in preparation for the stair lift that is coming on Friday. It is indoor/outdoor carpet and it looks very nice. Everyone is looking forward to Paul being able to come upstairs. They are already preparing for the football game on Sunday!! :-) Today Max is three months old. Can you believe it?? He is growing so fast. Tabby thinks he may be teething a bit. He is also able to scoot around in the playpen and rolls himself over from his side to his back. There is talk of starting him on some cereal since he sometimes eats 6oz of milk then within an hour or so will eat another 6oz of milk. He has really been a source of joy for all of us! I hope to be able to send more pictures soon.

Have a great day!
Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/11/06

Dear Friends:

Dad & Tabby started out early with Paul to the dentist in McLean. The adventure included having to get Paul up three small steps and over the doorway into the townhouse office. Tabby had gotten a small transport wheelchair from Area Access when we got the chair lift installed in the van so they took that with them. A portable wheelchair ramp was purchased last week to help with the steps. Unfortunately the wheelchair is not very sturdy and when they came out of the dentist office one of the wheels got hung up and Paul's weight shifted in the chair and broke the wheel. They managed to get him home safely but they went to Area Access to tell them what happened and the folks there were really nice. They traded the chair for another one (for free!) that is a little more expensive but more sturdy. What a blessing that is! Of course Tabby has spent a lot of money between the chair lift in the van and the stair lift that she will have installed on Friday!! Still ... it is nice to have this lighter weight wheelchair so we are glad they were willing to exchange it! Anyway ... the dentist's evaluation is that Paul needs to see a periodontist because the Dilantin that he takes caused inflamation of his gums and will need to be taken care of before he can work on the teeth. There is lots of work to be done including some extracting of his wisdom teeth, a few caps and several fillings. The dentist is concerned that he may not be the right dentist for the work because the sedation that he uses only makes the patient relaxed ... not asleep. The periodontist that he is recommending does IV sedation that will put Paul to sleep. The dentist will try to be at the appointment for the periodontist so he can evaluate how Paul does with sedation before he attempts to do any of the work that will need to be done. He will recommend someone if we need to do the IV sedation for the dental work. Paul's neurologist called Tabby today and left a message that the results of the blood test were back. Paul's Dilantin level is at 30!!! This is VERY high (it really should be around 15) and he wants to consider reducing the Dilantin a bit. Tabby hasn't really talked to the doctor yet but will call tomorrow. She plans to see if he will consider reducing the Depacote the rest of the way on Tuesday instead of Thursday. Then maybe we can reduce the Dilantin on Thursday. Tonight Dad & Tabby watched the football game with Paul. The Redskins were playing. It will be nice when Paul can go upstairs and watch with Bobby & Billy during the season!

Have a great day! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/10/06

Dear Friends:

Today was another pretty good day. Paul was up early. Dad arrived around 7am with Starbucks. Paul was ready with his hand out for it!! The nurse got Paul up and dressed. Dad left about 7:45 am so we could go to breakfast with Bill & Ronda. Paul hasn't been able to go to church for several weeks so Tabby stayed home with him. We hope he will be well enough to come with us again soon. Dad headed back over to Paul's after church. Paul was up a few times today to go to the bathroom. He is still a little weak and has trouble walking, but he wants to get up to go to the bathroom so Dad takes him. He watched TV most of the day. He let Tabby pick the movie this afternoon. She usually gives him the option and he will often pick something to watch. Tabby was the recipient of a spontaneous smile today. What a wonderful blessing this is. It is so wonderful that he appears to be glad that we are there! Later when I was sitting with Max, Dad asked Paul "Do you love Max?" and Paul nodded his head "yes". Then Dad told him he has a beautiful son ... and he said "know" (translated as I know). Monday Dad & Tabby will take Paul to the dentist. They have to leave early to be at a 9:30 appointment in McLean. Hopefully this dentist will be able to address Paul's toothache. Last week was such a good week. It is nice to see Paul more alert and stronger. It makes us realize that Paul's healing continues with each day that goes by. Thanks for your continued faithfulness in prayer.

Love, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/09/06

Dear Friends:

Paul has had a pretty good week. He has been more alert and able to do things he hasn't done for weeks. Friday morning started with a trip to the clinic to get his blood drawn. After they got home Dad and Paul sat outside for a bit. Later in the day Tabby worked with him to make sounds and exercise his facial muscles again. We've always heard that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile ... well Tabby was able to get Paul to frown. This is a first!! He would do it and hold his mouth that way while Tabby counted to five. He did that three times. He was also able to make an "oo" shape with his mouth and then make that sound. He also exercised his tongue by moving it all around in his mouth, putting it to the roof of his mouth & sticking it out. Dad was able to walk Paul to the bathroom a few times (with Dad holding him of course). The evening was spent watching movies. Saturday was another good day. Dad arrived with Starbucks coffee ... Paul always enjoys his Starbucks ... Tabby does too!! Dad took Paul outside for about three hours. It was warm and nice in the shade with a bit of a breeze. This afternoon Dad worked to get Paul to stand up at his bedside. He stood up and sat down about four times. He was able to sit up and balance himself at the bedside. He fell over in the bed and Dad held out his hands for Paul to grab and pull himself back up. This doesn't seem like much but he hasn't done that since the last seizure. He actually WANTS to get up. Dad tried to get Paul to use his button to ask for Kool-Aid this evening. This is the programmable button that the speech therapist brought for Paul to use to communicate with. Paul would have nothing to do with it. Dad told him if he wanted the Kool-Aid he just needed to push the button and Paul shook his head "no" ... then dad asked "do you want Kool-Aid?" and Paul shook his head "No". I guess it wasn't worth it enough for him to do that!! LOL Tonight ... I got a gift ... I went in to say goodnight to Paul before I was going to leave. I walked in and he was dozing off. He heard me and looked up ... and then ... he SMILED at me! What a blessing ... my son was glad to see me! We don't get spontaneous emotion much ... it was beautiful! We have lots to be thankful for!

Have a blessed day!! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/07/06

Dear Friends:

Wednesday was a fairly good day. Dad & Tabby decided to have an outing with Paul. They went to Wagman's to do grocery shopping & have lunch. If you've never been to Wagman's Grocery store it is not just a store ... it's an experience! Paul was mostly disagreeable. He complained a lot according to Dad. He didn't seem to want to do anything that they asked him. When they got home Dad asked him if he had a good time and he nodded "yes". Most outings are good ... getting out of the house if most definitely healthy! Tabby worked on getting a dentist that can see Paul and do the sedation dental work. She has an appointment for a dentist on Monday next week. She went out to Area Access and bought a portable wheelchair ramp which will help them get into the townhouse that this dentist is in. This will also come in handy other places. Friday they will pick that up. She also heard that next Friday (9/15) the stair lift will be installed. Dad & Tabby will need to carpet the steps between now and then to be ready. Thursday was mostly quiet. Paul wasn't up much. Tabby has decided that she doesn't really like the wheelchair that was custom built for Paul. It is cumbersome and difficult to maneuver around the house and other places. It is heavy & doesn't fold up to take places. She called the company that made it and also the insurance company to see if something can be done. It is a shame to have such an expensive wheelchair that is not really better than the loaned one we had before!! Today was another reduction in Depacote. He now only takes one pill a day (250mg) and will do that for another week. By this time next week he will not take any Depacote. Friday he will go and have his blood drawn and we will know prior to the removal of the last dose if everything is still OK with the Dilantin. He seems to be adjusting well to the change and we see more of the old Paul again. He is still weak from all the lack of activity he has had but hopefully we will soon be able to exercise him again. Tabby set up an appointment on the 21st for Paul to see the ophthalmologist who will follow-up on the blood clots that were in Paul's eyes. It does appear that he sees better now than he did. He also has an appointment on the 18th with the neurologist to see if we can introduce an anti-depressant. All things considered ... everything seems to be going well...Praise God for that!!

Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/05/06

Dear Friends:

Each day Paul seems to be a little more alert. Tabby ran errands today. She went to the doctor's office to get a notice for DMV that will enable Paul to have a handicap placquard to hang on the rear view mirror of the van. She currently has a temporary one and this one will be permanent. After she went to DMV she went to get Paul's medicines. Dad stayed and babysat for Max. Paul was able to get into the recliner for a bit and he took several trips to the bathroom. He seems to be having a toothache. Tabby wants to get him to a sedation dentist. The neurologist recommended a dentist but he is in the process of moving into the office where he will be able to do the sedation and won't be ready until October. She is going to try to find another one for now. Tonight Tabby was able (with lots of work) to get Paul to say "Ma", "My", "I" and "Ooo". She tried to get him to do "Ba" & "MaMa" but he had more trouble with that and he was tired of trying by then. She really wants him to practice the facial movement so his muscles will get exercise. She asked him if he was ready for the speech therapist to come back though ... he said "no". Dad has been able to come home early for the last few nights. Paul has been staying up late and not wanting to get ready for bed until about midnight or later but he has tired out early for the last three days. After Wednesday we will have only one week before we are finished reducing the Depacote. It seems like he is finally feeling less effect from the drug.

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/04/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had a pretty good weekend. Dad started the day with Starbucks ... delivered to Paul & Tabby. It makes the day start with a smile (at least for Tabby). Paul went outside for about an hour this morning. He sat in the swing. He was stronger today and did good transferring and walking. He also sat in the recliner for a couple of hours ... there was a CSI Marathon on TV so he watched it. Nana (my mother) & Aunt Ann (my sister) came by to visit. Paul was very interactive and they had a nice visit. Nana took his picture with Max and he smiled real nicely for the camera (he likes having his picture taken). Tabby & Max got to go shopping with Nana, Aunt Ann, Carolyn, Alysa, Jen & me this afternoon. It was a nice "time away" for all of us!! Aunt Cathy joined us for lunch at the mall. Max was very good and slept a great deal of the time. He was so enjoyable when he was awake! We are just a little prejudiced but he is a VERY good baby! We now have a week and three days until we have finished reducing Paul's Depacote. I believe we are beginning to see Paul become more clear headed and stronger. We continue to pray that Paul will not have adverse reactions to the reductions and he will be free of this medicine! Aunt Ann said today that Paul seems so much better than when she saw him in June. This is something that we lose site of since we are with him each day and we have seen so much setback since the last seizure but when you think about where he has been and where he is now ... it is truly a miracle! Thanks for your continued prayers ... our God DOES honor our prayer!

Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/03/06

Dear Friends:

Today was a pretty good day. Paul got up early and everyone got ready to go out for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Tabby was wanting to get Paul out of the house and breakfast is always a good outing. We had 12 people (13 if you count Max) for breakfast and we got there before the Sunday morning rush of people arrived. Afterwards it was back to the house for Paul & Tabby and the rest of us went to church. Dad was able to get Paul to go outside for a large portion of the day. It was a beautiful day in the low 80's. Dad was able to get Paul in and out of the bathroom several times today. He actually did pretty good with his walking. He seemed much stronger today. This evening when Tabby was sitting with him on the swing she tried to get him to point to the ingredients on his soda but he wouldn't do it. She tried to get him to count on his fingers but he wouldn't do that either. Finally she grabbed his left hand and held it tight. He tried to pull it away from her but she wouldn't let it go. He raised his right arm almost straight up like he was going to hit her. He didn't hit her of course (thankfully) but the point is that he USED his right arm ... intentionally! It was actually a great moment! We are pretty uncertain about what Paul actually understands. When asked if he was mad at Dad he nodded his head yes but when he was asked "do you love us?" he nodded yes. Tabby asked him if he knew who he is and he said "yes" but then she asked "are you William?" and he nodded yes again. She asked "do you know who I am?" and he said yes ... but then she asked "am I your sister?" and he nodded yes again. However he seems to know exactly what to do for certain activities. He knows silverware is for eating. He uses the handle of his coffee cup to drink with. He can set his coffee cup down and then take a glass with his hand and drink from it with ease. He knows when he is done in the bathroom that he needs to pull up his pants. The confusion seems more obvious some days than others. He doesn't really seem to like having the nurses in his room but Dad told him he needs to get lots better before we can get rid of them. We need them right now!! It would be great if he is starting to get stronger and could possibly be ready for rehab again!! Monday we will not have any nurses. Dora called this evening and said she would not be there because of the holiday. Bobby is going to be home though and Dad will be there!

Have a great holiday! Lynne & Carl

Paul's Update - 09/01/06

Dear Friends:

The last few days have been pretty quiet. Wednesday was discouraging since the occupational therapist came and Paul wasn't willing to work with him. He actually pulled himself away from Steve and rolled back onto the bed and repositioned himself into place. Steve decided he would put Paul on "medical hold" until he is ready to work again. Thursday was another medicine reduction day. The reductions seem to make Paul more aware of his surroundings. It also makes him more determined to make decisions for himself. If he doesn't want to do something he DOESN'T and there is NO making him! Since he hasn't been feeling well for so long he also hasn't been getting up much. It is difficult for Dad to move him around too. He doesn't do well with walking and standing. So far he hasn't had any adverse effects from the medicine reductions which we are extremely grateful for. Max is just as cute as he can be. He smiles all the time and really likes playing with his crib mobile. He kicks and hits the toys and will play for about 20 minutes at a time! We so enjoy him ... what a blessing he is! Tabby finally got paid from her AD&D insurance. This really takes a lot of stress off her. At least now she won't have to worry about losing her house. She has signed Max up for Social Security benefits but she won't hear anything for 45 days. Unfortunately she has to pay part of the benefits that Paul & Max get from Social Security back to Medicaid. I don't really get that ... but they tell her that is how it works. She calls it "stealing from a baby"! I must agree! My mother and sister came for the holiday weekend. They got to enjoy Max when we went out for a "girls lunch". Tabby (and Max) & Carolyn got to join Nana, Aunt Ann, Aunt Cathy, Cousin Lizzie and me for lunch on Friday. It was a great opportunity for all of us to get out! Dad stayed with Paul and they had a quiet day! Our focus is a little better this week. It has been difficult to come to grips with the emotions we are feeling. The reality of a lifetime doing this is hard to imagine. We are thankful that our God has brought us this far ... and we continue to pray that Paul will have complete healing. We are also thankful that you have been there to support us and pray for us.

Have a great weekend, Lynne & Carl