July 22, 2013



Sorry, I started writing this on the July 11th after noticing how long I had gone without an update. 

The end of May marked the completion of a two bathroom and two bedroom remodels. After living in our guestroom (and amongst the dust) for four months, it was a pleasure move back into the master bedroom.

One of the main reasons for our home remodel was to facilitate Kathie’s care. I had a downstairs bedroom to bathroom door added and a motorized ceiling mounted lift and track system installed. On Saturday, June 8th, I tested the home lift, lifting Kathie from her wheelchair using a “sling,” then traveling down the track to the newly installed whirlpool bathtub, and then returning back to her wheelchair. On Friday, July 5th, I used the new lift and bathroom for Kathie’s first home hair appointment. Hairdresser Rita cut and colored Kathie’s hair as she sat in the lift sling, then I lowered Kathie into the whirlpool bathtub to wash out her hair. After that I used the lift to transport her back to the bedroom and used an inflatable bed to dry her off and Rita styled Kathie’s hair. All in all, a good test of the lift / bath system and my ability to care for Kath.

Summer time has allowed me greater flexibility to visit Kathie and take care of her bath schedule. On June 2nd I completed the marathon I had been training for met by Madison and Hannah plus the Montana Jones’ Family (middle brother Craig’s family). I have continued to run and swim laps, physical exercise is my physical catharsis as my daily devotionals keep me spiritually refocused. I have spent many hours sorting Family pictures and Kathie memorabilia from boxes and boxes that accumulated during our remodel process. This process encompasses the gambit of emotions, last Saturday, I met a major goal in my process and paused to thank God for the memories of our Family.

This week, Madison, Hannah and I are going on a week-long vacation to Kauai. This is the first time I have been away from Kathie for longer than 4 days since our accident. I have worked hard to balance Kathie’s care with my responsibility to raise our children. This will be a great opportunity to relax, enjoy and celebrate Maddie’s birthday. Caregivers often struggle with “time away,” I do also, I am thankful for the opportunity.

Take care,
Dave

Comments

  1. Carol LangJuly 22, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    What a great accomplishment! I've been checking the site a few times a day and here is a new update! You have done a fantastic job at your home; it sounds perfect. Carol Lang

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 7, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Hello Dave and Family,

    I am an RN and have read of the situation. Please be aware of the (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20268044) new technology fMRI developed in Canada. To date, to the best of my knowledge it is only available in Canada. However, Kathie may benefit from this intervention.

    ReplyDelete

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