Tuesday, October 21, 2008

October 22 - Paul Moves Up

Paul has been promoted to Hilltop, another building within Pate Rehab. Most of the residents at Hilltop are self-sufficient and don't need as much care as Paul, who still requires supervision and maximal assistance. However, it definitely is a step forward for Paul and very positive mentally and emotionally. The house is bigger and cheerier and, instead of just a bedroom, Paul now has an efficiency-like apartment with a sitting area, washer and dryer, mini-refrigerator, and his own bathroom.

He seems very happy about the move and already has started entertaining, with visitors last night. He even did a little disco dancing from his chair to some '70's soul music.

He continues to vigorously work on his walking. On Sunday, we took him to the park and he insisted on walking so, with assistance from my brother on one side and my brother-in-law on his other side, he walked probably, all together, half a block. Balance is still a major issue but he continues to get stronger and improve his cadence. I was so proud of him though because he kept wanting to walk farther, even though it was obviously very difficult and exhausting.

We invite you to come visit on the weekends. Now that Paul has two-hour passes, there are times when we might be off campus so if you plan on visiting, please let me know via e-mail (patty.jerde@yahoo.com).

Thank you, everyone, for accompanying on this journey.

Patty

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

disco dancing?! i gotta see this....
pete

Willie Baronet said...

Took a good friend with me to see Paul last night and loved the new digs. Am so proud of all the hard work he is doing. Last night we were talking to him about his hard work and getting better and he squeezed my hand to his chest and started chanting "YES" over and over. We all joined in and I think we must have said it 40 times, and Paul was as close to yelling as I've heard yet. It was really moving and powerful for me and I got the sense of the ferocity inside Paul that is committed to getting better.

To everyone, keep sending him love. It's making a difference.

Blessings,
Willie

Anonymous said...

dearest paul, yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
iloveyouyeskathy

Anonymous said...

Paul,

All I can say is WHOOOOHOOOO!!!!!

Keep groovin'

Love,
Kristine

Sarah said...

I had Michael on lap last week. I just happened to be on this blog, and Michael saw the pictures of the Mexican food outing. He asked who everyone was and how I knew them. The conversation went something like this.

Michael: Who are all these people?
Me: That is Paul, Pete...
Michael: Oh, I like Mr. Paul! I like his short too!
Me: Here is Willie...
Michael: Oh, I like Mr. Willie. Is he nice?
Me: Yes, he is nice...
Michael: And is Mr. Paul nice?
Me: Yes, Mr. Paul is nice.
Michael: Can I see more pictures of Mr. Paul?

I scroll down...

Michael: Who is that boy? He looks nice!
Me: That is Buzz (Michael interupts)
Michael: Ohhhhhh.... that is a way cool name. I like Buzz!

We continue to look...

Michael: There is Mr. Paul, Buzz and a lady.
Me: Yes, that is Buzz''s mommy, Patty.
Michael: Oh, I like Miss Patty. Is she nice?

You get the picture.

Michael asked me what happened, and I told him the best I could. He nodded, and said he hoped you got better really fast. I told him that Mr. Paul is doing great.... and disco dancing to boot!

Take care,
Sarah, John, Michael and Henry Pucci

Anonymous said...

Great things come to those who wait!!
So happy to see you got moved up to the Big House~
All that hard work and determination has paid off.
Keep it up Paul or should I say "Keep on Groovin'"
I'm so proud of you (:
Love, Laura

Anonymous said...

Paul, it must feel great to be back on your feet. And Patty it must feel wonderful to get a big hug from your big hunk of a husband! You two look great!!!

I can't tell you how inspiring that "Awwwwww" picture is (frame that one for sure!). It's proof that when we stick together through sickness and through health, through good and through bad that there is an unspeakable reward.

Big hug to you both,
Alexa

PS~Erin said...

Awesome news! We are proud of you, Paul!

Love,
The McLaughlins

Anonymous said...

Alas, the blue-eyed Wonder. Somebody get that guy some tights and a cape! Fish

Anonymous said...

wow! shake your groove thing : ) keep up the hard work my friend. you inspire me.

Holly Mason said...

Paul,

I'm so happy to hear you've moved to the hill! Hopefully I can make it out this weekend for a visit. Stay strong and keep fighting!

Unknown said...

Hey Paul,

I was just reminiscing about some of the good chuckles we had back in the MasonBaronet days...

Remember that story you would tell about some guy you worked with who came back from a long lunch, and his boss asked him, "So, how'd the interview go?" To which he replied, "Nailed It!!!"?

So funny. I remember you telling that story a hundred times, drinking your coffee, and laughing just as hard as the time before. I think it was even funnier to watch you crack yourself up. Good times.


Anywho, I was thinking about that story because I just finished an important presentation, and I "Nailed It!"

Big Hugs and Keep on Groovin'

Cass

Joe Rutland said...

Paul -- Keep on moving forward. Your heart energy, I know, will carry you further in your recovery. What a wonderful wife you have!! That's a keeper. May your body, mind and spirit be filled with healing, hope and love.

Grace and peace -- Joe

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you guys!!!! Keep up the wonderful progress!

Love,
Sam

Anonymous said...

Great work Paul! I am so happy to hear that you have moved up to a new apartment. All your hard work is paying off. Thank you so much to all that post on the blog so we can learn about all the great things that Paul is doing. You all are a wonderful family.
Lucinda :)

Anonymous said...

Patty,
Thanks for sharing so much of your story with us. I am continually challenged and encouraged by your support of Paul and your commitment to the process. You all keep pressing on and we will continue to pray for progress and patience! We love seeing Buzz out on the soccer field and we're so glad he's a part of the team. Paul, keep up the good work!
Missy Leventhal

Anonymous said...

Dear Patty and Paul,

Reading your blog is inspiring and I send my prayers out to you. Thank you for sharing it. I understand what it is like to sit beside the hospital bed of a loved one, wondering what will be, and the beauty of recovery.

Your story makes me think of another traumatic brain injury case that is in the news right now: drjilltaylor.com. In her case the trauma was induced by a rare form of stroke that left her with next to no functioning. Over an eight year struggle, she fought her way back to wakefulness and now lives a completely "awake" life.

Her journey reminds me of your husband's journey. Both seem strong willed, have a love of life, and are surrounded by positive people. I wish you the best.

Sincerely,
A Fellow Designer

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