Monday, July 21, 2008

Update - Monday, July 21

Paul had a good weekend at the hospital. We feel certain that he smiled a couple of times and feel he was very engaged while looking a family photos and did seem to focus on television and the British Open, despite Greg Norman's third place finish. Buzz was at the hospital for several hours with me yesterday. Although he spent a good deal of time playing on the computer, he had a great visit with Paul, even climbing onto the bed and sitting next to him to watch Robots on TV.

I am happy for a new week to begin though as during the weekends, the therapists are not here so he doesn't get his usual exercises and therapy sessions. Right now, since Paul is not completely awake, he cannot be given food or drinks so he gets his nutrition through a feeding tube. However, because he does seem more alert, the speech therapist gave him a green apple Dum-Dum lollipop to suck on this morning and he seemed to really enjoy it. He loves apples but I am sure that, after five weeks of not tasting anything, just having a little variety was heavenly.

As always, I am very hopeful about Paul's recovery and encouraged by the small changes that take place. I am also very thankful that we both have wonderful families to support us and such a great group of friends that continue to encourage us every step of the way. Thank you!

Love,
Patty

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Patty, It's David, just checking in and saying hi to you guys. Just read your last post and sounds good!! Smiles huh?? Very cool. Think of you guys often, take care!! David B

Anonymous said...

This is very encouraging!! Progress not perfection!

Love to you all,
Kristine

keri said...

I am still praying for Paul to make a full and complete recovery - this is good news to hear that he is progressing this way. Lord, I pray that all of Paul will return to his family, in such a miraculous way that even his doctors cannot explain it. I pray that everything that occurs during Paul's healing process will bring glory to You and will influence the life of every person that comes into contact with Paul. I pray for Paul's wife, that she remembers to take care of herself during this difficult time; to eat, to rest, to be good to herself. And I pray for little Buzz, that he will hear his dad call his name very soon. All of this I pray according to Your will and Your awesome power, Lord. Amen.

Willie Baronet said...

So glad he had a good weekend. Am missing him big time. How is that new haircut working out?

Give Paul a big hand squeeze for me.

Love,
Willie

Mim said...

I don't know Paul but am following his progress and I think these small victories are wonderful! Great news.

Sarah said...

Do they have coffee lollipops?

Love hearing Paul's progress!

We say a little prayer for Paul everyday!

Love,
The Pucci Clan

Anonymous said...

yay Paul! What awesome progress! Keep it up! Patty --- you are so strong.

Unknown said...

Hey Patty and Paul,

It was so good seeing you guys on my visit to the great land of Texas.

It was especially good to hold Paul's hand and feel him squeeze right back. It was also really encouraging to watch him respond to our questions as best as he could. I don't care what the doctors say, Paul was present and offering as much interaction as his body would allow.

Seeing you guys was the highlight of my trip. I left Dallas with the greatest feeling seeing Paul's progress with my own eyes. It was also very heartwarming to see all of the friends and family encouraging you along.

So, way-to-go, Paul for being the trouper that we all know you are. And god bless you and your family
for all the progress to come.

Much love,

Cassandra

Anonymous said...

Patty,
It was great to see you last night. We are all here for you whenever you need us. You say the night and we'll gather for you. You are such an important part of our group. We have all missed you and want to be there for you in any way we can.
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

The Brownsburg Baptist Church Family in Brownsburg, IN has been praying for you, Paul, since we heard of your accident through one of Buzz's baseball friends, Daniel Leventhal and his family. We are happy to know that God is working to heal you, and will continue to pray for you and your family, and thay you will know God's watchcare over you every step of the way.

Molly said...

Patty, I echo what Jennifer said, and was so glad to see you last night. Let us know what or how we can help! Hope to see you again soon, Molly

Anonymous said...

We are thankful to hear the news and continue to lift up you all in our prayers.
The Rowlands

Dear Buzz,
What color is a burp? Burple~
Why do skeletons like joke books? because it tickles their funny bones
Sorry that your dad is hurt. I hope he feels better soon. I am praying for your dad.
Love, Jack

Anonymous said...

thinking of you and wanted to say howdy. keep up the good work paul!

winesrsw said...

Thanks for the update! Paul - I think about you regularly (all the time), and pray for a timely recovery. I smile a lot, thinking about all the positive experiences we have shared over the years. I look forward to continued progress.

Love you!
Brad

randakaiser said...

I know Paul through Toastmasters (way back when) and have been following his blog since the accident. I have been thinking about your family and praying for a quick recovery. He has wonderful friends and family surrounding him! Keep up the smiles Paul!

Best wishes,
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Keri said it best. Restore Paul completely, and for your glory Lord. Patty, the boot camp class at Second Baptist Church stills prays collectively for Paul every Tues morning around 10 a.m. I am eager to see him again, wish I could take a shift! Jane

Anonymous said...

I don't know Paul - heard about his accident through Bike DFW. A friend in California, Paige, suffered a head injury while biking at a velodrome on May 24th - so she is about 3 weeks ahead of Paul in her recovery. For quite awhile she didn't show much response. But about two weeks ago, she started to turn a corner and there was finally confirmation that she is in there and knows what's going on, i.e. nodding yes and no to questions, tracking with her eyes, and even some tears.

I tell you this to let you know that there are others out there who are going through an experience similar to yours and that there is hope for recovery. Sounds like Paul is making great steps towards his recovery. I noticed that someone here posted "40 Things I Needed Most" by Jill Bolte Taylor, and I passed these tips along to Paige's family and they said they had really helped them to communicate with Paige. Thanks to the person that posted them - please know they are being but to good use not only in Dallas, but in California.

I will continue to pray for him, his family, and his doctors and therapists.

A cycling friend

Joe Rutland said...

Paul -- Keep on coming along, my brother.

Patty -- you are a wonderful wife and partner. I honor you for staying close to Paul in these times. I pray for peace, grace and serenity in your life and healing in Paul's body and soul.

Grace and peace -- Joe

Anonymous said...

We pray for you Paul, Patty and the family everyday! Glad that you are making progress. Love, Liz and Scott

Anonymous said...

Paul-

I had a long conversation with Willie the other day and he was telling me all about your progress. He told me about the wink, and other signs of improvement. You go, boy!

I'm thinking of you today. Give 'em hell, hoss.

-Tim

Anonymous said...

Hey Patty:

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you, Paul, and Buzz today.

Love,

Dana