My niece pointed out that it has been six months since Tim’s accident. Some days it feels like four years and other days it feels like it just happened. Everything in our life has changed since October 18. It is cliche to say that nothing will ever be the same but it is so true. We no longer have carefree days without a care in the world. We will never leave the house again on just a whim. We even had to give up our precious Yorkies! The one thing that will never change is how much Tim and I love each other. I thank God everyday that he survived the wreck and that he is here to watch our beautiful boy grow.
Tim has been infection free for several weeks. He is still working so hard at his speech and swallowing therapy but unfortunately he failed his last swallowing test. We still continue to pray for a miracle so he can have a cheeseburger and Sun Drop!
Tim received a letter from his employer today stating that his employment had been terminated since he was unable to return to work for six months. Even though he knows deep down he will never work again, he was still saddened. Tim loved his job more than anyone I know. Nursing meant everything to him. It makes me sad to see him missing it so much!
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for Tim and those of you that have supported us over the last six months. His life will never be easy but I hope that things will get better for him!
I apologize for not updating everyone sooner on how Tim is doing. My time is very limited these days! Tim has been working extremely hard with his speech therapy for the last few weeks. He still cannot swallow but did manage some ice chips yesterday which is a step in the right direction. He is also hoping that in time his voice will get stronger so that everyone can understand him and he can hopefully talk on the phone.
We have met with several companies regarding an environmental control system. Since Tim cannot project his voice very clearly or loudly, we are looking into an Eyegaze system. He would be able to use the computer, the phone and control the TV. As you can imagine, it is very difficult having to constantly ask someone to turn the channel, log on to your email, etc. It is still hard for him to get used to being completely dependent on others.
We are also in the process of buying a different van. The first van we bought just isn’t working for Tim. It is very difficult for him to maneuver into the van and once he gets in, there is very little room for the rest of us! He desperately wants to go to the Church and to visit his work but right now it is just too difficult for him to get out. He has made it out to the driveway several times to soak in a little Vitamin D!
Please continue to pray for Tim as we adjust to our new way of life. He is keeping his spirits up which is a blessing. Thank you to those who have visited Tim in the last few weeks. He loves hearing about the outside world!
Tim is adjusting to being at home. He loves having Spencer here to watch but desperately wants to hold him and feel his touch! It is sad to see someone want something so much. I hope that I never take what I have with Spencer for granted. I will continue to pray for a miracle.
The weekend went well but this week has been a little rough. Tim spiked a fever at the beginning of the week. The fever finally broke yesterday and hopefully that means no infection! Spencer and I both have had a cold so I am hoping we did not pass it along to Tim.
We are in the process of looking at companies that do environmental controls. With the EC, Tim will be able to use the computer, TV, etc. He is tired of me having to read his FB postings and control the bank account!
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for Tim. His journey is only just beginning and he still needs lots of support!
I am sorry for not posting in so long. The past few weeks have been difficult. I have had the stomach flu and Spencer has been sick all week with a horrible cold and congestion. Hopefully we are both on the road to recovery.
Tim finally made it home on Tuesday and is transitioning well. The nurses have been wonderful and are taking great care of him! He has been very tired and sleeping a lot but I’m sure in time he will start to feel like being up more. He is maneuvering well around the house in his wheelchair and I hope to have him set up on the computer in the next few weeks.
Thank you to everyone for your kind notes, texts and phone calls. All of your support is appreciated!
The date is set – Tim is coming home next week! His discharge date is February 2nd. I am so thrilled that he is coming home and will get to see Spencer smile every day! I hope that he will continue to improve once he comes home and settles in to a routine.
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for Tim! He said he cannot wait until he is feeling better and can thank each of you in person.
The past few days have been very rough for Tim! It started with a trip from rehab to the ER on Sunday. When I walked into Tim’s room on Sunday there were two MEDICS, four fireman, three nurses and one respiratory therapist. Tim was unconscious and on the gurney to be transported back over to CMC. He had disconnected from the vent and was unresponsive. He was able to go back to rehab Sunday night but since then he has not been doing well. He told me several times that he doesn’t think he will make it out of rehab alive.
Please keep Tim in your thoughts and prayers this week! We need for his spirits to be lifted and for him to have positive thoughts.
On another note, a tremendous thanks to the MEDICs who transported Tim to and from the hospital on Sunday. You guys and gals are fantastic!
Tim has had an up and down week but continues to remain in good spirits. The swallowing test did not go well today but they did say it looks “a little better”. They are going to start electrical stimulation on his neck next week to help stimulate the muscles. After ten days, they will do another swallowing test. Tim desperately needs a Sun Drop so I hope this works!
For those of you who have asked about Spencer, he is doing great! He will be 9 weeks old tomorrow and had a great 2 month check up. He now weighs 10 lbs, 8.5 oz! I will post some new pictures soon. He will have another visit with his daddy tomorrow!
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and encouragement. Tim’s journey continues to be difficult but he is so grateful and appreciative of everyone’s love! We would not be this far without all of you.
The holiday season was certainly not what we planned for this year. I was able to take Spencer to see Tim on Christmas morning and we enjoyed our visit with Tim’s parents and some wonderful friends! Tim gave me a beautiful necklace with Spencer’s birthstone! I will think of my two favorite guys every time I look at it!
Tim did not feel well Christmas afternoon or yesterday but overall he seems to be improving. The doctors are pleased with his progress. We are meeting with some folks today that will give us information on adapting our computer to Tim’s needs. He is thrilled about this because he needs to update his website!
Tim has made progress this week with his speaking. They are working up to 1 hour, 3 times a day and he can currently do it about 15 minutes, 3 times a day. Once he starts talking, he typically asks for a cheeseburger and gives the nurses orders!
The swallowing test did not go well on Monday. He has so much swelling that they were unable to complete the test. A CT scan provided no explanation for the swelling so the doctors are hoping it will get better with time. They will conduct a different swallowing test next week. I am praying Tim is able to at least swallow liquids; he needs coffee!!
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas. Our holidays will not be as we planned but I am grateful that I have Spencer and Tim and that we can be together!
Tim and I have learned over the past several weeks that his recovery is going to be full of both ups and downs. He had several difficult days last week but the past three days have been great! He is starting to use the speaking valve which is wonderful. It is very tiring for him but worth it in the long run!
Please pray for Tim today as he is having another swallowing test. It was very difficult and painful the first time so I hope it goes more smoothly! Tim desperately wants to be able to swallow so he can drink again. There is a 50/50 chance that he will be able to eat and drink again so we are hoping this works!
Thank you to everyone who has helped us through this difficult journey and for all the prayers!
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