Celebrating Christmas

Tania has especially enjoyed Christmas this year as she has little to no recollection of her trip home from the hospital for a few hours last Christmas. Shortly after arriving back at Craig Hospital last year at this time, she fell and had to spend more time in surgery and intensive care. She continues to have low stamina, but she will rally when the mail arrives with additional Christmas cards. She is doing a good job of reading on her own with very little assistance, but it is usually with her left eye closed as she is still having problems with double vision. We hope to get her glasses back this week with the third set of lens as we attempt to dial in on the appropriate vision correction solution.

Another sure-fire way for Tania to rally is for her granddaughter Saydie to come for a visit. Last week Tania and her care-giver went Christmas shopping and came home with a large box containing a car that they expected me to assemble. I finally accomplished the task on Christmas Day after approximately four hours of wrestling with plastic parts that refused to be assembled per the instructions. Yesterday as the family gathered together to celebrate Christmas, everyone got their turn at pushing Saydie in her new "ride".

Rollie

Vacation in Arizona

After three weeks of therapy at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Tania was ready for a vacation road trip to Arizona to visit family and friends. The therapy sessions were very helpful, but they only wanted to schedule her for three weeks. Next week she will resume therapy with the folks she was working with prior to starting the short term program at Spaulding. On Monday she is also scheduled to see the eye doctor again as the glasses are not helping her vision much.

The Phoenix weather was wonderful and it was great to see Rollie's Dad and Ann along with several other cousins. Tara joined us for a few days and Tania's sister, Sonia, took a Southwest flight from Omaha to join us for five days. Have a Merry Christmas next weekend.

Rollie

Shifting gears with therapy

This past Thursday Tania was evaluated by the therapy team at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Aurora, CO. This hospital specializes in all types of brain injuries and has a comprehensive therapy program. Their evaluation recommended that Tania start therapy next week at the hospital in Aurora for 2 to 3 hours per day for 2 to 3 days per week. Since she has only been doing therapy for 1 hour per day for 3 days a week, this is definitely "shifting gears" to a faster pace (particularly when you consider the 35 mile one way trip to the hospital).

We are excited to begin the new therapy program and are praying that her stamina and skills will continue to improve as new brain cells are trained to take over the functions of the ones that have been damaged. Have a great Thanksgiving this coming week.

Rollie

Overnight Guests

Tara and our granddaughter, Saydie, spent the night with us while Saydie's parents enjoyed a Friday night in the mountains to celebrate Travis's birthday. Other than waking up a couple of times during the night, Saydie did great.

Tania's vision did not improve this week with the contacts given to her at the eye doctor's examination last week and we have another eye exam scheduled for the week after next. The compression fracture in her back is not giving her any significant discomfort. She is spending more time helping her care-givers in the kitchen.

Rollie

Lunch with Friends

During the past two weeks Tania has had the enjoyable experience of having four friends bring her lunch. Shown in the photo with Tania is Joanne and Karen who have been great prayer warriors throughout her hospitalization and recovery. Continuing prayer needs are for improved vision, balance, stamina and memory.

Yesterday, Tania enjoyed preparing egg casseroles for Monday's Bible study that she and Jacqueline are hosting for the first time. She also assisted Mary with a German chocolate cake for my birthday today that we will enjoy following lunch with our kids and granddaughter.

Rollie

Carving Pumpkins

Tara, Travis, Laycee and Saydie came over for dinner this week and brought pumpkins to carve for Halloween. Tania enjoyed the visitors and joined in the festivities in getting ready for next weekend.

Tania slept more than usual this past week as she re-charged her batteries from the long road trip last weekend. She had physical therapy four times this past week that included three times in the pool. We are enjoying what is probably the last nice fall days before the weather turns colder again.

Rollie

Road Trip to Omaha

Last Thursday, October 14th, Tania and I traveled to North Platte, NE to join two of my cousins and their wives for dinner. As we crossed into the Central Time Zone, I told Tania that it was the first time she had been in a different time zone for almost a year and a half. On Friday we joined Tania's younger sister, Vonne, and her family (shown in the photo) for pizza in Omaha. We then traveled to the western suburb of Elkhorn where we stayed three nights with Tania's nephew, Jeff, and his wife, Linda.

On Saturday, I went to the Nebraska vs. Texas football game in Lincoln while Tania stayed with Linda. On Sunday we went to church and spent the afternoon with Jeff's parents (Tania's older sister) and then drove back home on Monday. I got a rental car with a big back seat that I made into a bed for Tania to use while we traveled. She did great and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Rollie

Stonecroft Ministries Colorado Conference

Last night Tania and I were invited to attend the evening session of the annual Stonecroft Ministries Colorado Conference in Colorado Springs. We checked into the hotel shortly after 4:00 p.m. so Tania could get some rest before dinner. Following dinner Tania made her way to the podium to thank the group for the opportunity to serve as a District Consulting Coordinator for Bible Studies for the past decade. She also expressed her appreciation for the prayers and other support our family has received the past thirteen months. She was truly grateful when they gave her a standing ovation, and also two very nice gifts.

Later in the evening we spent some time with Travis, Laycee and our granddaughter, Saydie, who stopped at the hotel to see us on their way to Pueblo for the weekend. Tania's memory is continuing to improve as she recalled the events from last night while we joined the conference attendees for breakfast this morning. It was a very nice overnight trip. I've learned that the best luggage when pushing a wheel chair is a backpack....except next time I won't forget to pack the toothpaste.

Rollie

Six Months at Home

Today marks the six month anniversary of Tania coming home from Craig Hospital. During this time we have seen considerable progress in spite of the set back from the vertebrae compression fracture in May. This afternoon we had lunch outside on the patio at a restaurant in Morrison and then took a drive into the mountains up to Evergreen. Tania does best in the car with her seat tilted all the way back to take the pressure off the tender vertebrae. I made a stop along the way to allow her to get out and observe the sights and sounds of a mountain stream.

Her voice is much improved and she can now engage in conversations both in person and on the phone. Her speech therapist meets with her once a week on Wednesday mornings and gives her assignments to complete at home with the home care aides. She now has four different home care aides that are trained on how to best help her; and that know where things are in her kitchen. We are meeting with another aide this Thursday that is just starting with ResCare. This past week we ordered her reading glasses and have been able to discontinue two prescription medications.

We are trusting that in the next six months we will continue to experience additional improvement in balance, endurance and cognitive abilities. Thanks for your prayers, visits, phone calls and encouragement.

Rollie

Road Trip to Sidney, NE

This past week I was accompanied on a two day business trip to Sidney, NE by Tania and our friend, Cathy, (from PA who is staying with us for a week). This is the first time that I have had a business trip to my home town and my brother, sister and their spouses joined us for dinner. Tania rode part of the 200 miles laying on the back seat and the remainder with the passenger seat tilted all the way back. Although her back hurt a little, she very much enjoyed the trip.

Rollie

Labor Day Trip to the Denver Zoo

Today was a busy day as the home care aides were given a day off and Tania and I went shopping at a kitchen appliance store, joined family for lunch at a golf course club house and then visited the Denver Zoo. It was great fun to see our granddaughter observe the animals at the zoo with her two cousins who joined us from Pueblo. Tania's stamina was better than I expected for the five hour outing.

Last Friday I took Tania to a different eye doctor that we have been seeing since we came to Colorado. He said the distance contact was being put in the wrong eye...so now I am taking out her left contact on a daily basis. I think she is able to see a little better, but we still have a long way to go for vision (and for balance).

Rollie

Happy Birthday Picnic

This weekend is the one year anniversary of Tania's survival from the brain aneurysm. It's also her birthday...so we had a celebration of life. At noon we enjoyed lunch at Tara's home and this evening she had a picnic with approximately 80 guests at Clement Park.

Tania's sister, Sonia, and her husband, Eldon, have stayed with us for the past several days. Sonia was able to accompany Tania to the hair stylist and for a trip to the nail salon for a manicure. Tania looked great for her party and welcomed the many guests.

Our thanks to everyone for their support and prayers this past year and also for those who joined us for the picnic this afternoon.

Rollie

Continued Slow Steady Recovery

Tania continues to respond well to speech and physical therapy. She has one speech therapy session per week and three physical therapy sessions (all in the swimming pool). Her voice is getting stronger with more volume and she is doing much more walking around the house as well as on the driveway and sidewalk with a walker and with someone holding on to her gait belt for assistance with balance. We are also gradually reducing the dosage of two of her meds.

Earlier this week we enjoyed a delicious dinner with good friends in our neighborhood. Tania had fun and even stayed up well past her normal bed time until 9:15 p.m. She can sleep about 12 hours at night and also take several naps during the day which is also helping with continual healing.

Rollie

Contact Lens Challenges

At Tania's initial visit to the eye doctor a couple of months ago, she was given one contact lens for distance in her right eye. After I learned how to take it out at night and put it back in the next morning, she made pretty good progress until she started taking it out on her own without letting anyone know. We then progressed to only taking it for one night each weekend, except that for two weeks there was nothing to take out on Saturday night. At her last appointment she was given a contact lens for each eye (one for distance and one for reading). Last week she wasn't seeing very well so she put in a second set on top of the first ones. So when we took out the contacts on Saturday, I took out four contact lens instead of only two. I have now put the second set of contacts away so she won't find them. I'm hoping that in this coming week we will see more progress with her vision.

Tania continues to make good physical and cognitive progress. Mary, the weekend home care aide, said she has seen remarkable improvement over the past several weeks. This afternoon Mary and Tania made potato salad and a pasta salad that can be used during the upcoming week. Tania's hand strength and ability to walk with someone holding on to her gait belt behind her is definitely improving. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Rollie

Eleven Months

As of today it has been eleven months since I made the 911 call and Tania headed off in the ambulance to the emergency room at Littleton Hospital. I am pleased with her recent progress as the fractured bone in her back is healing and her short term memory is also re-emerging.

We had an appointment with Dr. Weintraub at Craig Hospital this morning. He was pleased with Tania's progress and would like to start the process of getting her off of a couple of the prescription meds. We also visited with approximately 10 other Craig Hospital staff (nurses, therapists and aides) who all gave encouraging comments to Tania.

Rollie

Road Trip to Ft. Collins

Yesterday Tania and I drove to Ft. Collins to have lunch with my aunt Darlene. Other than needing to have the car seat reclined to relieve the back pain, Tania did great. Tania said today that Darlene was an encourager because even though she has had a lot of pain and suffering, she still has a positive attitude.

This week Tania continues her speech and physical therapy on an out-patient basis. She is responding well to both therapists and especially enjoys spending time in the swimming pool.

Rollie

Pizza with Saydie

Last night we joined Saydie, her parents and Tara at a restaurant for pizza. When we first arrived Saydie was ready to let grammy hold her for a while until the food came. Saydie and Tania are both continuing to improve their walking and talking abilities.

Yesterday afternoon Tania had her first physical therapy in the pool. She enjoyed the new experience, but was very tired when it was finished. We are going back to the gym for more of the same this afternoon. This morning Tania got her hair cut. Ric told her that she had improved substantially over the past six weeks since he had last seen her.

Rollie

Independence Day

Tania and I would like to wish you a happy fourth of July! We attended church this morning and came home for lunch. Mary spent time helping yesterday and this afternoon so we could go to the library, go grocery shopping and do some yard work. I even got to take a Sunday afternoon walk, but Tania was most disappointed that she was left behind napping. Shortly after I returned from my walk we took her new walker for a spin around the cul-d-sac. It was the furthest that she has walked so far.

In preparation for our family's fourth of July picnic tomorrow at Tara's house, Tania and Mary made potato salad and deviled eggs this afternoon. Tania helped peel the potatoes and the hard boiled eggs. She is enjoying her time in the kitchen.

Rollie

Father's Day

Tania and I spent a quiet Father's Day by attending church, grocery shopping and watching an afternoon movie at home. Since the kids were busy this weekend they requested that a family get together be postponed until next weekend. Tania only needed one pain pill for the day.

Yesterday I helped Tania make scrambled eggs for breakfast. She cracked the eggs, stirred them with a fork and turned them in the pan while they were cooking. She is walking more with the new walker and her voice is getting stronger. On Saturday she graduated from "home-bound" physical and occupational therapy to "out-patient" status. She will now be going to a private gym (that also has a swimming pool) about eight miles from home two or three times a week for therapy.

Rollie

Diminishing Pain

This morning was the first time since Mother's Day that Tania did not complain of pain when she got up from bed. The doctor's appointment with the spinal specialist on Friday went well and he said that he did not have to see her again after he reviewed the x-rays.

I got Tania a new walker that has four wheels and brakes on the handles. She is doing very well with it. Travis and Saydie came over this afternoon and we got to see Saydie walk for the first time. It is great to see grammy and grand daughter walking at the same time.

Rollie

Therapeutic Massage

This afternoon Tania received her second therapeutic massage since she fractured her T-12 vertebrae. David came to our home with his table and worked on her muscles for about an hour. Tania said it felt "heavenly".

She is still having intermittent pain, but the intensity level is diminishing. We plan to see a spinal specialist doctor this coming Friday for his advice. We hope that her therapy schedule can resume in approximately one week. Thanks for your prayers.

Rollie

Vertebral Compression Fracture

The last two blog updates have referenced significant pain that Tania has been enduring. Yesterday afternoon her doctor requested that I take her to the Swedish Emergency Department for examination and testing. Our stay at the hospital was approximately six hours and the MRI showed that Tania has a compression fracture of one of the bones in her spine. The written report indicates that this injury will take 4-6 weeks to heal and can be treated at home with bed rest and pain medicine. Please pray that she will heal, that the pain subsides and that she will be able to resume her therapy schedule soon.

Thanks and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

Rollie

Overnight with ResCare

This past Monday I flew to Omaha for an overnight business trip and left Tania in the care of Jackie (during the day) and Kathy (during the night). There were no unusual problems and I have a two night business trip planned in a couple of weeks.

Since Tania re-started taking amantadine about ten days ago she has become much more alert. (she calls the red pills her "zingers") However, for the past ten days she has experienced significant pain in the side muscles of her thighs. We have not yet determined the cause or the cure, but the pain is having an adverse impact on her therapy sessions. We have tried several things including x-rays, a new physical therapist and muscle relaxant salve and are now attempting to schedule an MRI. Please pray that she will successfully get past this latest "speed bump" soon. Thanks.

Rollie

Adjusting Medicine Levels

Tania's doctors discontinued a medicine on May 5th that she had been taking since late October. The result was that she became much sleepier and less alert. This past Monday, she was put back on the medicine and we have see a substantial improvement in her alertness and willingness to participate in home therapy sessions the past couple of days.

However, this week she has been experiencing significant pain in her legs. This afternoon the doctor prescribed x-rays of the affected area to determine if she had a pinched nerve. We are praying that she will continue her remarkable recovery with diminished pain as healing continues to occur.

Rollie

Mother's Day

Tania had all of her chicks and grandchick together today. She has told us in the past that she is happiest when she has "all of her chicks together", so we celebrated Mother's day by attending church at Cherry Hills followed by a lunch prepared by her kids. We included a few of her favorite things...besides her kids :) We enjoyed vidalia onions and coconut ice cream and chocolate covered strawberries in her honor.

She recieved cards and flowers. With her contact in, she was able to read the cards out loud to all of us. As we type this Mom and Tara are sitting at the computer and all the guys are cleaning up in the kitchen, this is quite nice.

Happy Mothers Day to all!

Tara, Ryan and Travis

Eye Doctor Appointment

Earlier this week Tania had an appointment with an eye doctor that specializes in patients with brain injuries. He prescribed a contact for Tania in one eye to improve her vision. Although the contact is extended wear, Tania has been taking it out each night until she becomes more accustomed to wearing a contact again since it has been a number of years since she wore contacts. Her vision has improved to the point that she is now beginning to read large print and also to read some of the many cards and letters she has received over the past eight months.

Tania's brother, Lonn, is visiting from Springfield, MO this week. He is an excellent cook and brought several of his recipes to prepare in Tania's kitchen. He has been most helpful and we are enjoying his visit.

Rollie

Feeding Tube Removed

Today marks the four week point of Tania's return home and she continues to show progress on her long recovery road. On Wednesday she had the feeding tube removed (it had not been used for nourishment since early March). She was also able to get her hair highlighted and cut on Wednesday. Both of these events were a great way to recall that it had been eight months since the original 911 call.

This week we have been sleeping upstairs in "our" king size bed. I think we are both sleeping better. The temperature is about ten degrees warmer upstairs than in the basement. Tania is assisted up and down the stairs by placing both of her hands on the banister and taking sideways steps. Tania's schedule stays busy with therapists and visitors coming to our home. The ResCare home care aides are also assisting ten hours per week day so I can continue to work. We continue to be encouraged with her progress and by your support.

Rollie

First Out Patient Check Up at Craig

Tania had her first out patient check up by Dr. Weintraub at Craig Hospital yesterday. He was pleased with her progress since her discharge almost three weeks ago. He reduced the dosage of one medication and told her to keep up the good work. She also was fitted for the wheelchair that we purchased so we could return the loaner back to Craig.

She is now at a stage where her mind occasionally wants to do more activity than the body is capable of handling so she needs a watchful eye to keep her out of trouble from falling. We have had a couple of bumps and bruises, but fortunately nothing serious. Her strength is getting better, but her sense of balance still needs significant recovery.

She has enjoyed visitors stopping by late afternoon once the therapy's are completed. She is also getting much better at phone conversations. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers.

Rollie

Living in the Basement

After spending the first few days back home mostly in the basement because of the shower, bedroom and walkout exit, Tania is now enjoying spending approximately half of the day on the first floor in the kitchen, office and family room. Until today the transition from the basement to the first floor was a wheelchair ride on a portable ramp off the patio, across four sheets of plywood on the grass, down the neighbor's driveway, up the side walk and into our garage. Several inches of snow that fell last night made this tranistion from the basement to the kitchen unworkable. However, plan B worked as Tania walked up and down the stairs today with balance assistance and by grabbing hand rails on both sides of the stairwell.

She continues to improve and is having excellent social interaction with the family and friends who come to see her. The medical insurance has currently designated her as home bound and three therapists are coming to our home two or three times per week. As the weather warms up I am certain that she is going to want to spend time cleaning (or directing others) up the yard from the long winter.

Rollie

Transition Home

It has been five days since Tania was released from Craig Hospital to come home. Ryan and Travis helped out over the weekend by building a temporary plywood ramp from the walk-out basement to the neighbor's driveway so Tania could be taken by wheelchair from the basement to the first floor. They had to start by moving approximately a foot of snow out of the path. We enjoyed a pot luck dinner with twelve family and friends on Saturday evening. Sunday was spent at home with Tania receiving her first home shower in the afternoon with the aid of the home care representative from ResCare.

Since this is the time of March Madness, I have compared our transition home to a team where the seniors (the 15 to 20 folks at Craig Hospital) have all graduated and I have been busy recruiting and training 7 new folks for the "home" team. I have yet to meet two of the members of Tania's "home" team. The third person from ResCare and the Occupational Therapist are schedule to be with Tania tomorrow.

Tania has had two sessions with both the speech and physical therapists in our home. She is continuing to make progress in both areas. A big accomplishment for the day was to walk up and down the 16 stairs between the first and second floors with significant assistance from Steve (her physical therapist). We know that she would like to sleep in her bed upstairs instead of in the basement bedroom as soon as she can deal with the stairs. Please pray for her continued healing now that she is back home. Thanks.

Rollie

Homecoming!!!

Tania completed her last week of therapy at Craig Hospital this afternoon at 3:45. She then received a farewell party complete with one of her favorite desserts...brownies. The photo above includes Casey (left), her occupational therapist and Denise, her physical therapist.

Upon arriving home around 5:00 we were greeted by our kids, Laycee and our granddaughter. Following a delicious dinner brought to us by very dear friends and supporters, we helped Tania go downstairs for bed. I want to thank everyone for their prayer support for Tania's transition back home.

Rollie

Seven Months

This morning Tania went on an "outing" to Cherry Hills Community Church for worship and to hear a well known author, Lee Strobel, speak. She got dressed up in a new outfit and got to wear some new jewlery that she received for Christmas. She also wore her wedding band for the first time in seven months. She enjoyed meeting Tara, Saydie, Travis and Laycee at church, but she decided that she would rather return to the hospital after the service instead of having a family lunch.

Yesterday afternoon she had an "outing" to come home for a couple of hours. She started the time at home by helping to fold some recently laundered clothes and then took a nap in the bed that was moved by our sons earlier in the week to the study on the first floor. Her nap was over when Saydie and parents arrived to see grammy.

Each week Tania continues to demonstrate continual recovery. However, there are certainly more challenges ahead as we make plans for her to move home in five days. Please pray for a smooth transition. Thanks.

Rollie

St. Patrick's Day Brunch

As part of her occupational therapy, Tania hosted a St. Patrick's Day Brunch today and she invited approximately 25 friends and family. She walked in with the assistance of her physical therapist, Denise. She baked banana bread and made a sausage egg casserole with her occupational therapist, Casey. Once her guests arrived, she used a microphone to help amplify her voice for the presentation that she had written and practiced with her speech therapist, Julie.

The event was a success and we are so encouraged by the progress she is making! Thanks for the guests that brought food to share and we also want to extend a big thanks to the Craig Hospital team for making Tania work hard...it's paying off!

Tara and Rollie

Outing to the Denver Aquarium

Yesterday afternoon Tania and approximately 15 other patients, Craig Hospital staff and family members rode the handicap bus to the Denver Aquarium. Tania very much enjoyed the three hour outing and at one exhibit she stood up from the wheel chair so she could get a better look over the rail of the exhibit.

After lunch today she took a ride in Tara's car through a nice residential area near the hospital. She also enjoyed a chocolate shake from MacDonald's. We are most thankful that she continues to improve and is initiating more questions and conversation each week.

Rollie

First Car Ride in 2010

This afternoon I was given permission to take Tania out of the hospital for an "outing". Once Tania was seated in the car, I took her wheelchair apart and stored it in the trunk. We were gone for about an hour and went to Tara's house in Highlands Ranch to say "hi". Although I offered to stop at a clothing store for her to shop, she declined because she was getting tired.

She had a good week of therapy and is making progress on eating foods with more texture. On Tuesday, she told her speech therapist, "I want to get a certificate so I can eat something besides junk food". Last night I treated her to a carry in restaurant meal in the Friendship Room in the Craig Apartment Building. She said it tasted good!

Rollie

Six Months

6 months of hospitals down and 1 to go. Tania is set to be released on March 26, so just over 7 months of hospital time.

The last six months have been a rollercoaster. There have been times, like when my mom was in surgery, when the seconds on the clock seemed like hours. Other times when family and friends have gathered, we have laughed and prayed and these times have flown by.

My family was spending time in the tv room at Craig yesterday and a new patient's father walked in and said, "Wow, this is a nice room". It made me realize, that my family has scoped out so many hospitals...I know the best chairs, where to get coffee, the tucked away bathrooms and even where to find the best mountain views in many of Denver's hospitals. I truly hope this is some of that useless information we store in our heads and never need to use again!

Here are a few recent stories of Tania's recovery journey:

• Last week I went to one of my mom's speech therapy sessions. Her therapist was working on facial expressions and Tania was holding a mirror to see her own facial expressions when her therapist read a scenario. One of the scenarios said, how do you feel when you have had an argument with a family member and you realize that you were wrong. Tania's facial expression looked puzzled. Not the expression her therapist was looking for. Finally, Tania said "I'm never wrong". All of the rest of us in the room cracked up! Great to see some of her spunk returning!


• On Valentines day she received a large stuffed bear. She enjoys holding it and squeezing it, but when my father was out of the room, she said "I am NOT sleeping with that bear".


• My mom's sister, Sonia, has been in town this week and attending therapy sessions with Tania. One day Sonia had a water bottle and she walked away for a few minutes, when she came back Tania was drinking out of the bottle. Sonia asked what she doing drinking out of the bottle and with a smile, Tania said "I stole it."


• Yesterday, Saydie was able to visit and my Mom held her for a little bit while Saydie was enjoying a bottle. Afterwords, Saydie was sitting on a table and able to look eye to eye and give Grandma kisses.


• She has now been eating for about a week. She said the first thing she wanted to eat when she was allowed was brownies. I have the mix out and we are going to make some warm yummy brownies this afternoon and share them with the rest of the family.

We are so grateful for the prayer support from our family and friends! One of Tania's friends recently asked her how she could pray for her. My mom's response was "Pray that I focus on things eternal". I ask that you pray as she requested.

Tara

Sisters Enjoying Each Other's Company

I enjoyed sharing Tania's busy day of therapy sessions with her. She started out having current events read to her and having to answer questions about the article. She found it funny and did quite well with her answers!!

In speech therapy Julie wanted her to eat some chocolate pudding - Tania said," Why do they always want me to eat?" I told her chocolate pudding was good for her and they wanted to see how she swallowed. She just nodded and complied.

After lunch we talked about her busy afternoon schedule - at 1:30 she was to ride her bike until 2:00. She rode the whole 30 minutes and at 2 she said "go get that man - so he can get me out of this!" I got Dan and he said she had almost ridden 2 miles -- which is GREAT!!!

We spent time looking through cookbooks and planning a meal she could cook sometime- She provided good input into this activity. When Laycee brought Saydie for a visit during PT Tania was quick to smile. While Tania was laying on the mat and Saydie started to climb on her stomach Tania said (in a strong voice) "you're not helping me!!

We ended the day the decorating candles in the recreation department.

Sonia

Swallow Test

Tania passed the swallow test today! I was able to accompany her to the Swedish Hospital Radiology Department and watched the x-ray machine show her eating and swallowing food and beverages. This evening she had her first meal for 2010 that consisted of shredded turkey, green beans and canned peaches with a glass of milk.

Because Tania is becoming more active in bed, a Poesy bed was moved into her room today. This type of bed has netting over it to protect the patients who try to get out of bed before they are ready to handle getting up on their own.

We are encouraged with both of these recovery milestones and look forward to continued recovery during the upcoming weeks.

Rollie

Valentine's Day

Flowers, chocolate, a big stuffed teddy bear and Bingo...what more could a girl ask for on Valentines Day!

My dad brought my mom lovely red roses and Travis and Laycee brought her sparkly multi colored daisies.

Since she can't eat chocolate yet, I had to get a bit creative on this one. I did a bit of Internet searching and found a chocolate face mask recipe. I whipped this up in her hospital room and it smelled delicious! My dad thought I had lost my mind, but it was fun and my mom said it made her skin feel great too!

To make a long story short, we had a large white stuffed bear in the closet at my parents house. Not sure exactly how it got there, but we recently remembered the 2 foot bear and my dad brought it in for my mom. She didn't remember it, so it was a great gift. Recycling at its finest! :)

Mom, Dad, Travis, Laycee, Saydie and I enjoyed "cupid bingo" this afternoon in the Rec room at the hospital. Mom won one round and said BINGO!

All in all a great Valentine's day! Tomorrow on Feb 15, she is going to be taking another barium swallow test at Swedish hospital. It is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Please pray that she passes the test and can start eating again.

Tara

Walking the Hallways

Tania walked further this afternoon than she has in any previous physical therapy session. She walked (pushing a grocery cart) in the hallway past the nurse's station before she turned around and retraced her steps back where she started. When she was finished walking she still had sufficient strength in her hands and arms to transport herself back to her room by rolling the wheelchair tires.

This morning she had a definite opinion on which tee shirt she would like to wear for the day. She rejected the first two choices that she was shown...I guess she is starting to think like a shopper again! However, this evening when she was given a choice of making Valentine cards at 6:00 p.m. or rest, she said she would rather rest in her room. She knows tomorrow will be another full day.

Rollie

Superbowl Cooking

Craig hospital hosted a Superbowl party for patients and families. At 2pm they opened the Therapeutic Recreation room for pre-party cooking. My mom and I made puppy chow (chex mix cereal with chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar) for the party today. She is getting strong enough to help stir. However, when it came to shaking the bag to evenly coat the powdered sugar, she gave a couple weak shakes and just looked at me. I asked her if the puppy chow was done. She said no. I asked her if she was done shaking and she said yes. I was impressed by her awareness that the recipe was not done and also her awareness that she was tired. Tough to make a yummy recipe and not be able to taste it! I hope that she passes a swallow test soon and can start reintroducing certain foods.

Before the Superbowl, we watched the pre-game festivities and I gave her a manicure and pedicure. She is starting to have some opinions - even when it comes to what color I paint her nails!

She is continuing to count numbers. I asked her today why she was counting and she said "it makes the time go by faster". We are trying to figure out how much stimulus she needs and how much is too much!

She also had a college friend come visit from Nebraska this weekend. When her friend came into her room, Tania had a shocked look and then a smile. It is wonderful to start seeing some expressions!

Tara

Continued Improvement in Alertness

Tania had a good week of therapy. She worked at tying her shoes, folding towels and other activities of daily life during occupational therapy. In physical therapy she walked behind a grocery cart several different times (the most fun was when she pushed her granddaughter around the gym while the car seat was in the grocery cart). Talk about using Saydie as an incentive.

Although she is still getting nourishment through the feeding tube, I am allowed to give her ice chips. During speech therapy on Wednesday she sang several songs from memory. It was the first time since September that I heard her voice. Today she spoke out loud several times to answer various questions. In response to a question regarding a photo of her holding Saydie when she a newborn, Tania responded, "I don't know what kind of therapy that is, but I want to do more of it."

Rollie

Unsuccessful Swallow Test

Because Tania delayed her swallowing during the test today, the speech therapist and the doctors have decided to postpone feeding her by mouth. This decision is for her safety so she does not aspirate beverages or food into her lungs. Additional focused speech therapy will be scheduled over the next week to attempt to assist Tania's swallowing abilities.

All the therapists reported that Tania had a good day. She interacted well with her friend, Peggy, in speech therapy and managed to push a grocery cart across the gym with assistance from her physical therapist. As I was leaving the hospital about 5:30 she asked if I was going to take her out for dinner. I responded that I would like to, but that we would need to wait a while longer.

Rollie

Swallow Test is Scheduled for Tomorrow

At noon tomorrow Tania will be taken to Swedish Hospital for a swallow test. For the past couple of days she has been chewing ice chips and successfully swallowing the cold water. When she passes the "official" swallow test she will be allowed to begin drinking and eating food again.

During the chapel service at Craig yesterday, Tania was able to recall the words from each hymn from memory. Even though she was only "singing" in a whisper, it was great to see her worship God. To encourage her (and me)I have read Romans 12:12 to her several times where we are encouraged to be "rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation and devoted to prayer".

Late yesterday afternoon when I returned to the hospital after her nap and held her hand in my hands, she whispered to me "your hands are cold". These types of responses are still only sporadic, but they are occurring more frequently than they were a couple of weeks ago.

Rollie

Standing and Starting to Walk

Tania had a busy therapy schedule this week. In physical therapy she practiced standing up and on Friday she was able to walk with assistance using the parallel bars for support with her arms. On Thursday she made cookies in the therapy kitchen with the assistance of our neighbor, Cathy, and her occupational therapist, Casey. Speech therapy is progressing slowly. The swallow test is now tentatively scheduled during the upcoming week. During the past ten days, she has frequently been counting numbers in a whisper instead of responding to questions or commands.

Although she is making steady progress toward the goal of coming home in a couple of months, she continues to need the miracle of healing. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Rollie

Chewing and Swallowing Ice Chips

For the first time in a month Tania successfully chewed and swallowed ice chips this afternoon. The next step to begin eating regular food is to travel through the tunnel to Swedish Hospital and take an official swallow test that is viewed with x-ray equipment.

Tania was also able to stand with assistance in the therapy kitchen this afternoon and reach for spice containers on the shelves and place them on the counter top. She will spend more time in the kitchen tomorrow as she tackles her first baking assignment.

Rollie

Improvement in Cognitive Awareness

Tania had a full day of therapy and performed well in all sessions. After reading a statement (in large print) that she was in the hospital because of brain surgery, Tania asked her speech therapist "Will my mind get better?" The mere fact that she asked the question is an encouraging sign. She also read several Bible verses and could repeat most of them by memory. My assignment this weekend is to put together a small photo album that she can be tested on next week.

As Tania was wheeled into the gym for physical therapy, her therapist asked if she was ready for PT. Tania responded by shaking her head "no". She proceeded to stand up for a brief period and also did the transfer into bed using the "stand and pivot" method instead of the electric hoist.

This evening she was quite verbal with me (in whispers only). Her response when I told her I loved her was "You're crazy". It's great to see her spunk returning.

Rollie

Five Months

There are days like today when I need to remember what the Bible says in Psalms 119:105 "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". It does not say that He will give us a spotlight to the future. I have to admit that I am thankful that no one told me 5 months ago that my mom would still be in the hospital. We have to take this journey one day at a time even when those days are the "bad days".

Just under a month ago, we celebrated a wonderful Christmas dinner with my Mom at her house. Little did we know, she would fall just a couple days later on December 28th and have stitches in the emergency room, another five days in the ICU, a 9th brain surgery and a ten day stay at the Swedish Hospital Neurological unit. Tania's primary doctor at Craig Hospital confirmed this week that Tania medically is back to where she was when she was transferred to Craig in early November. The statement 1 step forward and 2 steps back is 100% accurate in this case.

This past month has been a travesty for Tania and her recovery and also very difficult for our family. She fatigues quickly, sleeps a lot, and when she is alert and tries to speak, it is very difficult for us to understand what she is saying. She is currently receiving all of her nourishment from a feeding tube. They have performed two swallow tests in the past couple weeks to see if she can start having liquids and each time she has struggled and started coughing almost immediately, so we will have to wait and see if she can pass the third test next week. Our hope is that she will progress with therapy as she did in November and December prior to her fall. One of the therapists mentioned that she has learned what methods worked for Tania and she hopes to fine tune her approach this second time around.

We had a family conference with the Doctors and therapist at Craig today. The primary focus of the new goals is to prepare her to be released to go home on March 26.

Not to sound like a broken record, but we continue to ask for prayers. I can't imagine this journey without the love, support and prayers of friends and family around us. We are most thankful for all of you who are continuing to pray 5 months later!

Tara

Good Start on Therapy Schedule

Although Tania still is taking nourishment by a feeding tube and also has an IV for medicines, she had a good start this morning on therapy. She was alert and generally followed commands. During a session with her speech therapist and her occupational therapist she sat on the edge of an elevated mat and wrote her name and numbers from one to seven on a piece of paper while resting her left arm on the table. I didn't expect her to be able to accomplish that task yet.

Rollie

Released from Swedish Hospital

This morning Tania was released from her second stay at Swedish Hospital since her fall and transferred back to Craig Hospital for rehab. Her nurses from Craig took her back in a wheelchair because the bed that she was using was not the bed that originally came from Craig. I guess they will sort out what happened to the bed later.

She has been alert today and told the nurse at Craig that she was fine when she was asked "How are you?". I am thankful for your prayers and am looking forward to seeing her resume the therapy schedule on Monday.

Rollie

Progressing Slowly

Tania was more alert today than she has been since her fall 16 days ago. The swelling in her black eye is no longer evident and she is able to see with both eyes. Today she sat in a wheelchair for an hour and a half both in the morning and in the afternoon without much napping. She is still at Swedish Hospital (in a room on the seventh floor with a great view of the mountains), but I am hopeful that one day soon she will be moved back to her old room at Craig Hospital for rehab starting at "square one" as she did in early November. Thanks for your continued support.

Rollie

Release from Swedish Hospital is Delayed

Tania's condition has not improved to the extent that we had hoped for on Friday so she will continue to stay at Swedish Hospital. She has a cough and some congestion that is being treated with antibiotics. Please continue to pray for healing that she might be able to return to Craig Hospital for rehab. Thanks.

Rollie

Wedding Anniversary

Thirty eight years ago on a cold night in Lincoln, NE (similar to tonight, but with less snow on the ground) a minister told me "You may kiss the bride". My plans for a nice dinner with Tania this evening have had to be postponed as she continues in recovery mode at Swedish Hospital. The temporary drain on the right side of her head was removed this afternoon. She is still sleeping much of the time, but we are hopeful that she will be released to return to her rehab schedule at Craig Hospital on Monday. Please continue to pray for healing.

Rollie

Surgery at Swedish Hospital

Based upon Tania's sleepiness and her most recent CAT scan, the doctors decided mid morning that it would be best for her to have surgery to relieve the fluid pressure between the brain and the skull from the injury she suffered last week. She was transferred from Craig to Swedish Hospital early this afternoon where Dr. Vollmer completed the procedure to insert a temporary external drain. The surgery went well and we expect that she will remain in Swedish Hospital's neurological unit for several days before transferring back to Craig to resume therapy sessions. I want to thank you for your continued support and prayers as our family travels a wild and crazy roller coaster.

Rollie

Poor Therapy Performance

Tania was not alert enough today to complete very much therapy. She did chew and swallow some ice at noon (with her eyes closed). Please continue to pray that the Master's touch will heal her brain since there continues to be pressure from her fall last week. Thanks.

Rollie

Return to Craig Hospital

After five days in the Swedish Hospital Critical Care Unit, Tania was released this afternoon to make the return quarter mile trip back through the tunnel to her old room at Craig Hospital. The staff at Craig and our family were excited to see her improve to the point of returning to the rehab hospital. I expect tomorrow to be a quiet day and Monday to be a re-evaluation day to determine what level of therapy she will be able to handle as she continues to recover from the fall on Monday evening.

Rollie

Happy New Year

Tania is still in ICU at Swedish Hospital, but her condition has definitely improved from yesterday. The CAT scan done early this morning was stable. The biggest improvement over the past 24 hours was her ability to respond to doctors' commands. She moved her fingers and toes when requested to do so. She was even able to answer her nurse's question of "Where are you?" with a whispered "I am in the hospital". The swelling in her left eye is significant, but she opened her right eye to recognize me. Once again the power of every one's prayers is clearly evident in her initial recovery from the fall on this first day of 2010. Thank you.

Rollie