Baby it's cold outside!!!!

What a great day!!!!! After a couple of days where Patsy has been a little quieter, today she started the day by saying "HI BABY" to me. HOLY FROZEN PIPES!!!!! But there is more good news so here we go. Yesterday when I moved Patsy from the bed to the couch, I asked her to try to put a little pressure on her legs. She did. I don't no how much she can support herself and I didn't want to take the chance of her falling so I moved her to the couch. I am afraid of hurting her but I need to get her up when I can. Denise has been here already today and Patsy's sore is completely closed up and looking much better. Denise is going to keep a dressing on it for another week just because the skin is new and tender. Starting next week, Denise is going to come only 2 times a week instead of three times. Her stats were good again today, oxygen levels at 94, heart rate at 80, blood pressure was down a bit and her lungs are clear. While Denise was working on Patsy, Patsy said a few words to her. We didn't hear what she said but Denise was really surprised and impressed. Patsy ate a big breakfast of sausage and eggs and toast and I really think her weight is doing better.

The sofa couch that I have been sleeping on is not very comfortable so a couple of days ago I washed all the sheets and bedding and two nights ago I actually tried to sleep there. It does not work. Last night I was back on the sofa. Maybe when the weather warms back up I can move back to the bedroom but I worry about her getting to cold or having to many covers and being to hot. She cannot just kick the covers off or put another blanket on so I have to feel her body temp and make the adjustments as needed.

So, it is New Years Eve. We have plans. At midnight tonight, I am going to give my wife a big hug

and we are going to thank our Heavenly Father for our many blessings and then with a kiss, we will start another year together. I hope you will do the same and continue riding along with us. RAZ

One little piggy!!!!!

Patsy has been pretty quiet today. I like it better when she is more with it (for lack of a better phrase). Nothing that I am to concerned about but it is a little different. The nurse was here earlier and she checked out strong. Her bad bedsore is now 95% healed according to her. She is going to continue to put a dressing on it for another weeks or so and then she is going to cut back to twice a week unless needed. Debbie still comes everyday to give her a bath and help take care of her. They are now providing all the diapers and wipes. That helps.

The good news is that the last couple of days, Patsy has been able to move her toes when asked. She has also started moving her legs a bit but not so much when asked like her toes. Her body is firing all over and she really tries to help with the drinking and eating. So, we will see what tomorrow brings. Thanks for riding along. RAZ

Just try to take it from her!!!!!

I really love this gal!!!!!

She's up!!!! I can not remember the last time I had Patsy up except to sit on the potty. Well, today she was moving her head and arms and I asked her if she wanted to sit on the couch for awhile. She indicated that she would so, I got her up. It is actually part of the exercises that I have started for her. I am working on strengthening her trunk muscles including her neck and head. She was up for about an hour and once during that time I asked her if she was ready for the bed and she said no. So I kept her on the couch for a little longer. The nurse came by today and her sore is almost healed. She said she would keep a bandage on for some time though because it is new skin and it will need to toughen a bit. I have a pic and will probably put it on here today. Talking is still a problem but I think it will come back. She is still eating without the syringe and that really helps.

I did go to the movies with my son last evening and Christy came by and fed mom while we went. It was good to get out for a bit but I couldn't wait to get home. Knowing that she was by herself scares me.

So, thanks for the support and keep riding along. RAZ

A DAY LATE!!!!!!

Holy snowflake!!!!! I got my Christmas present a day late. After getting Patsy changed and then feeding her breakfast, I decided to give her a big hug. While holding her I whispered "hi baby" in her ear. To my surprise, she mumbled it back to me. Made my day!!!! Now, before we get to excited, I need to let you know that it doesn't happen all the time. Getting her to respond to me is usually a dead end street. I do however know that she understands most questions. I asked her if it was okay to go to the movies with Chad tonight and she said "I don't know". I haven't figured out that answer yet. A new thing for her is to wave good bye as people leave. She does a pretty good job most of the time. It is fun to watch her. When ever I change her or move her she shakes like she is trying to react but doesn't know how. She is constantly trying to help when I change her. She grabs the diaper and my hand and the blankets and what ever she can.

She seems to still be fighting a little head cold or something. yesterday she sneezed twice and she has a runny nose. But, she is doing okay and she keeps kicking away. Either my back is getting weaker or she is gaining weight because I can sure feel it on occasion.

So as we get ready for a new year, the journey continues and we want you to keep on trucking with us. RAZ

Merry Christmas!!!!!

It is a little weird feeling tonight. It is Christmas Eve and things are really quite. We have had a few people stop in today and brought us a few treats and that was nice. We even had a couple of young girls come by and play some music for Patsy. But it is still a little weird feeling. I guess maybe it is because tomorrow is Christmas and yet it is just another day for us. I am not even sure if she knows it is Christmas. Usually, we would be planning a big dinner or a trip to some ones house but tomorrow will be trying to decide what show to watch on tv.

Patsy is still here!!!! Holy Rudolf berries!!!! The odds makers are losing money on her. I have seen her through the good and the bad but I can tell you that she is not in the shape they all thought she would be in. I still have not got her talking but, she is improving in other ways. Tonight she is fighting just a little stuffy nose and a slight fever. I am on it!!!! We are having pancakes for dinner tonight. Fast and easy.

The nurse came by today and her stats are still really good. I would say that by Monday that her bed sore will completely be closed up. That is a big relief to me because they told me it was a bad one that could lead to big trouble. With all the problem we face, I didn't need new ones. I really think she is gaining weight back and everyone that saw her today said that she looked really great.

So, with a big HO HO HO, lets get in the sleigh and continue the journey. Thanks for being there, RAZ

IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT IS OVER

So here is a cute story for todays report.

A lady was in the nursing home here in Weiser and fell and split her head open. The nursing home sent her to the hospital to get her head looked at and to do a Cat scan. After the Cat scan the lady tried to get up so they decided to drug her and keep her sedated. I guess because of the drugs, she was not doing very well. The hospital told her family that she would not be leaving the hospital and so her family summoned family and friends from across the country to come in a hurry before she passed away. Since everyone was hear, they decided to have the funeral and they put her obituary in the paper. The hospital said that since she was not going to make it that there was no since in feeding her so she survived a week on only 2 containers of ice cream and 2 containers of pudding and some sips of water on occasion. Finally, the hospital decided to send her back to the nursing home so that all of her friends and workers could say there final goodbye. They decide to let her die there. The nursing home decided to feed her regardless of the out come. Guess what???? She is back to normal and doing fine. Hospice care discharged her yesterday. If is is okay with you all, I am going to keep Patsy right here. True story!!!!!

Patsy is doing very good I think. The hospice people found out that I would not be able to be paid any money for taking care of Patsy. They tried!!! But with your help and prayers, we are doing alright.Patsy continues to move her arms and tries to move her legs. When I try to give her a drink, she tries to reach up and grab a hold of the water bottle. She can not of course because she has little control of the muscles but she sure tries.

The physical therapist came by today and said that the exercises that I have been doing with Patsy were right on and then her gave me a few other things to do with her. I think it was a big help. I am not sure that he was convinced that Patsy was on her way back but regardless, he is helping us with our plans.

Patsy still can not say HI BABY to me yet but she smiles when I say it to her as if she knows I want her to and it is a game. She is able to hold her arm around me with a little help and I still good kisses. I don't know of anything that would make me happier then taking care of her and having you ride along with us on our journey.

I caught with only a half smile> Sorry

Here is a quick note. Chad and Carey came over today to bring us a few Christmas presents and some candy. I think Patsy had the best morning that she has had in a long time. Carey gave her a present and she held it and tried to open it. When Chad walked in with his Santa hat on, Patsy smiled a big smile. Carsyn read her a story he wrote and she got to hold the baby. I posted a pic but it wasn't her best today. She did a lot better then the pic shows.

Patsys nurse told me that she thought that I should be able to get some assistance for the care I give her. I told her what they told me about a spouse not being able to receive money but they are working on it. I am not going to get my hopes up but that would be a great Christmas present.

Patsys bedsore is probably 80% healed and doing much better. I am taking over on her range and motion exercises. They are supposed to have some one coming out but I can't wait any longer. She has one ankle and one wrist that need a lot of work. Her left wrist. I am working on it three times a day now and I think I can see some improvement. I just added it to my list of things to do each day and we are getting it done.

Patsy is still not able to talk but she is communicating much better each day. Carey founf that out today I think. The other night I asked her if she was okay and she said no. That was a first in a long time. But I didn't know what was wrong. So, I asked if she had pain. She said yes. But I didn't know where. I started with her stomach and then her back and then her throat and the answer each time was no. I asked her if she had a headache and finally found the problem. I gave her some aspirin and it took care of it. I will be glad when she can talk more but I am glad that she was here so that I could take the time to see what her problem was.

Anyway, things are still good. I used to talk about babysteps but they always went backwards after a while. About 4 weeks now and nothing but slow, positive progress. I hope all is well with everyone out there and please keep riding along with us. Merry Christmas from Patsy and me.

RAZ

I don't know?????

The morning started out great. I try to talk to Patsy as if nothing is wrong and we are just going on. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas today and she looked at me and said "I DON'T KNOW". What????? I loved it. It was the first time in a long, long, time that she said three words at the same time. I gave her a hug and I almost wanted to cry but being the tuff guy that I am, I didn't. The nurse came by and her stats were great. Oxygen levels are at 95 and her pulse rate was 80. That is excellent. It is getting harder to change her because she is resisting and she has a habit of grabbing a hold of us when we are trying to move her. Debbie came by and gave her a bath. I asked her if she wanted a bath today and she said no. We gave her one anyway. We had pizza tonight. I had to cut it small and feed her with a fork but that was still great.

To finish the story tonight I will try not to get to graphic. Patsy doesn't have the strength to poop and she lays in bed all the time. We give her a laxative to help with the process. Welllll. tonight while changing her I realized that it was time to get her on the potty. I made a few calls for some help but it was Friday night and everyone was busy. So, I told Patsy it was her and me this time.

You see, the last time we put her on the potty was about a week ago and I had to hold her and hold her head while Denise (the nurse) help with the other stuff. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it by myself. HOLY CRAP!!!!!

I got Patsy up and she sat there by herself and held her head up by her self. It is amazing the changes that are happening. I was able to get her cleaned and back to bed and she did wonderful.

So, as you can see, we had another pretty good day. Carey came by and watched her for awhile and she could not believe the difference from the last time she saw her. This is truly a wonderful time of year and I have been blessed with so much this year. Do me a favor. Some time this busy holiday season, Take your special person to a movie or for an ice cream cone or something, and tell them how much you love them. You never know how much time you have to do that and I am sure glad that I still can. Thanks for riding along, RAZ

I need a bigger bus!!!!!

I want to go see the new movie that is coming out that is a remake of True Grit. The problem is, I would not enjoy it unless Patsy gets to go. I have a really hard time leaving her and asking others to take care of her. I hate to ask others to change her and feed her. But more important to me is just to be here for her. Remember, she can't push a button or cry out for help. She can't talk to people and tell them that she is hot or cold or hungry or in pain. I know her enough to tell when she needs something. There will be plenty off times for movies someday.

Patsy had a busy day today. I made her some breakfast and she got to eat before everyone started showing up. The first person to show was some weird lady who does reflexology. I was not impressed when she came in but I figured maybe pat would like it. She didn't!!!!!! I am not sure if it was the lady or what she was doing put Patsy was clearly not enjoying what she was doing. I asked Patsy if she wanted her to continue and she told me NO!!!! (she moved her head) So, out she went.

Then Legacy had a new social worker that needed to stop by and do an update. I was not looking forward to that because you know how I feel about social workers. But she was great and i think Patsy enjoyed her being here. We discussed a need to get Patsy some work on her muscles and I think she may have that ball rolling. She was really good looking and nice ( I gave her the blog site). While she was still here, Debbie showed up to give Patsy a bath. Patsy told her she didn't want a bath today. So, no bath. And then, as if we didn't have enough people in the bus, Lucille show up with a Christmas card and a treat for Patsy. (oooopppppssss, i forgot to save her some)

She got a great smile from Pat and it was a shame that she could not stay a bit longer because Patsy was sure glad to see her I think.

One of the treatments that we had Carol had Patsy on was causing her temp problems. When I went to Carol the other day, she tested Pat through me and we found the problem. Carol had me pull the treatment for a few days and the fever problem cleared up. I will go back to her tomorrow and have her re-dose Patsy to see where we are going next. She is still taking all of the meds from Denver and it sure seems to be helping.

So, Patsy lays here in her bed, watches tv, tries to talk a bit, and i take care of her. I would not have it any other way. I want so badly to see her stand and walk and talk. Sometimes I wonder if and when but, I will be here for her through the good and the bad and so will you if you keep riding along. Merry Christmas RAZ

A glass of milk and an Oreo cookie!!!!

That's right, Patsy had an Oreo cookie and some chocolate milk for dessert tonight. That came after a dinner that she ate from a spoon!!! HOLY MOLY!!!!! I almost forgot to tell you about what else Patsy is doing that is new for her. I asked her a question today and she shrugged her shoulders. WHAT???? I started laughing and she smile.

Do you remember when I used to talk about babysteps??? Well, that seems to be where we are at now. Everyday there is a little improvement. I just wished she could talk. She understands what I am saying and tries to answer but it isn't working. I will settle for the fact that she is eating better and moving her arms a bit and her head.

We have a little problem with some fever that she has had but I made a quick trip to carols today and I think we have that under control now. We will see how it goes tomorrow.

My Sis in Seattle sent a card today and guess what, it had a present inside. Patsys Sis sent one as well and her Brother sent one last week. Thanks to everyone that is making this a great Christmas. I sent the money to pay for Patsy meds and this will really help.

I need to go get Patsy changed and to bed and I have some chores that I didn't get done because I went to Emmett. Thanks for riding along with us on our journey. RAZ

There is a tree for every seat!!!!

She isn't feeling very good today but this tree put a smile on her face. She is able to watch the lights from her bed here in the living room. I put the tree in the drivers seat, I won't be using it for awhile. I hope patsy feels better tomorrow. She did eat with out a syringe again today. That helps me alot. I was able to get a few things done today, y back did feel better. RAZ

Maple bars!!!!!!!!

A maple bar for breakfast????? ok, so I didn't want to cook today. A couple of days ago I lifted Patsy out of bed and I slipped a bit and my back is paying the price. It is hard to lift 120 pounds of dead weight and turn to put her on the potty chair. I didn't want to move today and I won't allow myself to take any pain pills while Patsy needs tending to. I am always afraid that it will put me to sleep and then Patsy will need something. She cannot talk and that worries me so I want to be able to check on her.

So we had a maple bar and some milk for breakfast. Then for lunch, a can of progresso soup and I fed that to her with a spoon. We both layed around and did nothing today but watch tv.

Marty went up and cut a Christmas tree and tomorrow I am going to set it up and decorate it. It is about 3 1/2 ft tall and I am going to set it up in the drivers seat area.

I was able to get a pretty nice hug today and that was great. She is able to put the one arm around me with a little help and then she gives me a little pat on the shoulders.

So, as soon as I figure out what we are going to eat for dinner, I will get that done and another day will have come and gone. Life is good. RAZ

Move those arms, baby!!!!!

I have been sitting here trying to think of what to say to everyone tonight. My heart is full but my thoughts are running around like a crazy ant hill. But, I know you came here to see how Patsy is doing so here we go.

Lets start with last night. Patsy had a low level fever so I gave her some Tylenol and put her to bed. I checked on her about 1:00 and again at 2:oo. Her fever had broken and she was a little sweaty but feeling fine. I woke up at 5:00 and check on her and she was awake. I asked again how she was doing and she tried talking and was able to get a few words out. I changed her and she was watching tv so I went back to bed for awhile. 7:00 came to soon but I got up and asked her is she wanted some breakfast. She said NNOOOO!!!!!! ( she never likes to eat that early, hehe). But when I asked her about 9:00, she nodded her head yes and I asked her if she would eat some pancakes and again, nodded her head yes. I cooked a big plate of pancakes and she eat at least 2.

Debbie and Denise both showed up at the same time and they got to work bathing her and checking her out. Her oxygen was 96 and her pulse was 79. Her lungs were good and her blood pressure was good for her. Denise worked on her bed sore and then Debbie gave her a bath.

I REALLY WISH YOU ALL COULD HAVE BEEN HERE AND WATCHED AS SHE MOVED HER ARMS AND GRABBED THEM AS THEY TRIED TO TURN HER. Denise comes M, W, F and she told me today that she has seen improvement each time she comes.

This is going to be the best Christmas ever.

Before I close, I want to again thank everyone for your support and prayers. Some of you have been sending a little money and there has been money showing up in the bank account. I can't find the words to tell you how much we appreciate your help. Knowing that I can focus on Patsy and not have to go find work means alot. I promised I would be here for her no matter the outcome and you all have helped me keep that promise and some day, Patsy will thank you.

I remember when we would pick a family each year and take the kids around and leave presents or goodies at their doors and the wonderful feelings we got. I can only imagine the blessings coming your way. Thanks again, and keep riding along, RAZ

I went to the party!!

I was looking forward to getting out of the house last night for the first time in a long time. I get out long enough to do a little grocery shopping or a load of laundry but last night I was going to be gone for about 5 hours of fun. It was a great feeling but it didn't last long. Before I even got to the freeway, I was already wishing I was home. But I hung in there and went and had a really good time. Patsy and I have some really good friends in the Ham Radio community and it was great to see them.

I asked Patsy before I left if it was okay if I went and she said yes. I asked her if she wanted to go and she said no but a little tear formed in her eye. I know that she really misses the group.

So, how is our girl?????

HOLY TALKARONI!!!! Patsy is on her way back. Thereasa checked on Patsy while I was gone last night and she told me that mom did really good. The last time she checked on her, she told Patsy that I would be home in about 20 minutes and Patsy said OKAY just like there was nothng wrong with her. Thereasa has seen mom at her worst and I think it really surprised her.

Patsy is really doing better, She is moving her arms more and more and she is now starting to move her legs a bit. Keep in mind she has a very long road to travel before she is back but she is still improving daily. I still have not got my Christmas Present from her but I got half when she said HI!!!

I think she is putting some weight back on and that makes us happy. Debbie ( the gal that bathes mom) says she cannot believe the difference and she has only been here about three weeks.

So keep up the prayers and good thoughts and continue riding along, RAZ

HOLY SNOT!!!!

Well shoot!!!! My baby is sick tonight. Looks like it is going to be an all-nighter. She seems to have caught a head cold. I noticed earlier that she had a slight runny nose. Tonight she is running a fever of 101 so it is time to get to work. Bummer, she has been doing so good and now a head cold. I will give a report tomorrow. RAZ

I am still here with her.

Just a quick report tonight. Patsy is doing better. She is even smiling at the kids when they come over. She still has not been able to talk to me much but she did say HI but no HI BABY yet. It is coming. Most of our kids come around when they can and those that don't, well, they are missing out. Patsy has been there for all of us and now it is our turn to be there for her and I can't imagine not wanting to be here. I have been so blessed to share this experience with her and as you all know, I can use a few blessings.

Anyway, the journey continues and the road is a long one. Keep riding along with us, RAZ

No syringe today!!!

The road on this journey has been a little rough from time to time but for now we are back on smooth sailing for awhile. Patsy continues to recover and I could not be happier. I was just feeding Patsy some scrambled eggs and ham and toast and she ate better then she has for quite some time.

I have been feeding her with a syringe because I wanted to make sure that she was getting enough food and because she would not open her mouth far enough to get a spoon or a fork in. But, she has been showing great improvement and so I asked her if she wanted eggs today. She still cannot talk though she tries but she was able to tell me she wanted eggs and ham. HOLY WOW!!!!!!! I was so happy when I put the first bite to her lips and she opened her mouth to eat. Sounds like such a small deal but not to me. Also, while feeding her, she took her hands and put them together and interlocked her fingers. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE!!!!

A short time ago we were all asking the question of how much longer can she last and now it is how much has she improved since the day before. I have even noticed a little more spark in myself knowing that things are looking so much better.

The order for Patsy came yesterday and I sent the check off. I was able to move a few things around and I believe we will be okay. 500.00 is alot but I guess that for the chance it is giving Patsy, it is nothing.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that the range of motion nurse came to see Patsy and everything looks okay except her elbow in her left arm. It needs some work and I guess that I now have some new responsibilities. She could not believe the strength in her arms and I told her that 3 weeks ago she was like a rag doll. So I am going to work on her exercises and when she gets a little stronger then we are going to work an muscle building.

So, again the news is good and I am really looking forward to where the future may be taking us. Keep riding along and thanks for your support, RAZ

HOLY WITCHCRAFT!!!!!!!!

Well followers, here is what is happening today. Nothing but good news!!!!! Patsy had fried eggs and ham and a banana for breakfast and yes, I fed her with a spoon. Not all of the banana and only a little bit of the ham but a definite step in the right direction. Everyday since I started her on the meds from Denver she has showed us a little bit of improvement. You might not see it unless you are with her 24/7 but it is there. The nurse can't even believe the difference.

Her movement in her arms has increased and we think we have seen her move her legs a bit. She is answering more questions and is laughing at some of the things the kids and I say to her. It is going to be a long road back but I think she is on that road.

So here is my problem. I have put a lot of faith in Carol and now the people she is working with in Denver. They say that she doesn't have CJD disease. The meds they have her on seem to be working. But, the amount of medicine they want her to take is unbelievable. I give her 15 drops out of 10 bottles three time a day. The bottles are 2 oz bottles. They list that she should take 4 mega bottles of each item and there are 8 2 oz bottles to a mega bottle. The mega bottles are 50.00 a piece and I ordered 10 yesterday. I want to see what happens before I order the next round. According to the amount that they are suggesting, it will cost me about $2000.00 just for the first series. There are two more series.

Thanks to the people that have been helping lately and with the help from Patsy SSI money, I have enough money to pay for the first round. I need to go see Carol this week and she will dose Patsy through me and decide how much we can increase the amount she in taking daily.

I know, some of you are saying HOLY WITCHCRAFT!!!! And I sometimes have asked myself the same thing but, she is getting better and the Doctors all say she shouldn't be. The nurse says it is working or at least something is.

So, everytime she give me a kiss or tries to talk, it make me feel like I should continue to believe and so I will.

I just told her the bath lady would be here soon and asked her if she wanted a bath today. HEHEHE The answer was a definite NO!!!!

Thanks again for riding along with us on our journey, RAZ