April 24, 2009

As part of her therapy, Char has been putting simple puzzles together. This was not an easy task for her but she is very determined to relearn this skill. Today we bought some new puzzles that are a little larger. It is such a joy to watch her as she discovers how the pieces fit together.

Also while shopping today, we purchased some oversized playing cards with the thought that these would be easier for her to read. Tonight for the first time, Char tried playing solitaire. We were both pleasantly surprised when she remembered how to play. Now she said she has something to do when she finds herself struggling with boredom.

Today was a great day for us. I am sure we will have many more. Char is making terrific progress with her recovery. Her memory is getting better and she is working hard to learn to read again. She has lots of friends and a wonderful support network.

April 19, 2009

Today Mike took Char, Richard, Vera, Jan and me to The History Center in Orlando to see Jim Henson’s Fantastic World a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition. We saw various puppets including Kermit the Frog and Bert and Ernie. We watched some early commercials and looked at drawings, cartoons and some experimental films. It was a lot of fun and each of us enjoyed lots of smiles and laughter. Sorry but we were not allowed to take pictures while in The History Center.

Once we were outside we did find time for a few pictures. You can tell by the big smile on this alligator that he didn’t mind having us on his back.

Later we stopped at Smokey Bones restaurant on the way home for a relaxing dinner.

April 3, 2009

We had a great week. Our daughter, Jill, and granddaughter, Abby, came from Colorado for a few days. They brought some new ideas to help Char with her speech, reading and memory. Jill made alphabet flash cards and taught us some ways to improve Char’s vocabulary. She also created a short story book about Char’s stroke and recovery process.

Abby brought some of her books to share with Grandma. She read them to Grandma and had Grandma read them to her. She left several for Grandma to practice reading. We will return them this summer when we go to Colorado to visit.

It was fun having Jill and Abby here. We did manage a quick trip to Epcot center for a couple of hours. We also found time to stop at a nearby area park so Abby could run, climb and play while Grandma and I sat in the shade and watched.

Abby and Jill went to the hospital with us so Grandma could have another CT scan for the Doctor to check on her healing progress. Then they went with us to Orlando and waited while we saw Grandma’s Neuro-Surgeon, Dr. St. Louis. This was the best visit yet as she was told she is doing very well and no longer needs to go back to see him. He also said Char can start reducing her daily Dilantin dosage (a powerful seizure preventative medication) and stop taking it in three weeks. This makes me extremely happy. He still wants her to have speech therapy but physically she is doing okay.

Thank you Jill and Abby for taking time during your spring break to come see us. We really appreciated all your help and encouragement.

You can click on the link to Abby’s Blog on the right to see some fun pictures and read more about their visit.