Aug. 3, 2009

From Teresa... I had a few days off in a row and a dear co-worker picked up my Sunday shift, so I drove to St. George after work last Wednesday. I arrived at 9:00 pm. The little girls were already asleep, so I had to wait 'till morning to play with them. Doesn't EVERY grandma think her grandchildren are the sweetest, neatest, most wonderful things on the Planet! I DO! Anyway... we had fun!

On Thurs. we met Grandma Ann at the Olive Garden for lunch and then we went to Tami's bio-feedback apt. She's improving nicely in the last 6 weeks. The machine beeps each time she manages to move the muscle hard enough to reach the line that is set. When it beeped the girls would say "Good job mama!!! You did it!!! Yeah!!" It was so cute. She had her own cheering section. Thurs. evening Tami and Albert went to the movies and dinner while I got some quality time with my " angel babies."

Friday we took Tami to her apt. with her counselor. The girls and I explored and got lunch at the hospital cafeteria while she was busy.

Friday after work Albert went up to his Grandma Toni's to help her out at her farm and spent the weekend. His Aunt Becky and her girls stopped by Sat. night before they headed back to Calif. to visit Tami and the girls.

I tried to let Tami rest, and tried to do some things around the house that she might not get to for a while.

Lilli and I went to Mass Sat. night . Then on Sunday I took Tami and the girls to church at the Calvary Chapel. The girls wanted to wear their yellow "Belle" dresses. (from Beauty and the Beast). They looked so stinking cute! After church we went to Rick and Tracy's house and Aunt Tracy worked on Tami's hair color. Grandma Ann dropped by with great food and Uncle Rick inflated the huge water slide in the back yard. It was fun. Then it was time for me to head home again. Short but sweet. I told Lilli and Ella I would come back again when I get a few more days off in a row. More later, Teresa.

TAMI MADE IT TO A COMPUTER

TAMI MADE IT TO A COMPUTER FINALLY HI THERE EVERYONE MY LIFE IS ROLLING ALONG I HAVE HAD A FEW NEW THINGS MY ARM IS GETTING MORE MOVEMENT EACH WEEK LAST WEEK WAS HUGE FOR ME WE DECIDED TO TRY THE HAND FLEXORS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I COULD DO IT WITH RELATIVE EASE WE WERE SHOCKED I WAS SO EXCITED THAT IF YOUR ON MY TEXT LIST I SENT YOU A MESSAGE RIGHT AWAY! AS MOST OF YOU KNOW GOING BACK TO WORK WILL DEFINITELY NEED BOTH MY HANDS & THAT IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST GOALS SO TO BE ONE LITTLE MOVEMENT CLOSER TO THAT WAS AMAZING FOR ME . I STILL HAVE A VERY LONG JOURNEY TO GET THE REST OF MY ARM WORKING WITH MY BRAIN ONCE AGAIN BUT I WON'T STOP TILL I GET IT AND CAN GO BACK TO DOING WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH &THAT IS MASSAGETHERAPY & HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR HEALTH I CAN'T EVEN DREAM OF DOING ANYTHING ELSE FOR A JOB. SO THAT WAS BIG EVENT #1 SECOND WAS MOSTLY FOR ME BUT IMPORTANT ALL THE SAME SUNDAY WE WENT TO ALBERT'S GRANDMA TONI'S HOUSE FOR THE DAY & OF COURSE WE GOT TIRED SO ELLA &I WENT TO LIE DOWN NO BIG DEAL BUT ELLA ACTUALLY CURLED UP ON ME AND SLEPT WITH ME & I WOKE UP WITH HER & THANKED MY GOD BECAUSE SHE HASN'T SNUGGLED WITH ME SINCE THE STROKE AND THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE MOST HEALING NAP I'VE HAD SINCE LAST AUGUST. WHEN I HAD TO LEAVE MY ELLA WAS JUST A BABY &WHEN I CAME HOME SHE WAS GROWN &TALKING AND NOT TO FOND OF ME AND THAT HAS BEEN SO HARD FOR ME I DESPERATELY MISS MY LITTLE BABY I HAD ONLY STOPPED NURSING HER WEEKS BEFORE MY STROKE HAPPENED SO IT WAS HUGE FOR ME TO FEEL A BIT OF A BOND WITH HER AGAIN.I KNOW IT WILL ONLY GET BETTER FOR ME AND MY FAMILY BUT IT IS STILL VERY HARD EVERY DAY AND THE RIPPLE EFFECT FROM THIS HAS BEEN ENORMOUS, MY GIRLS CONTINUE TO MOTIVATE ME AND GET ME THROUGH JUST THIS MORNING LILLI SAID TO ME MOM YOU USED TO HAVE A BRAIN BUT IT BROKE AND YOU HAD TO GET SHOTS HUH? SHE CRACKS ME UP SHE HAD HEARD SOMETHING ON TV ABOUT A BRAIN. WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO MY BIO FEEDBACK APT. NEXT I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT MUSCLE I CAN GET WORKING TODAY!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL LOVE, TAMI & FAMILY.

NOTE FROM ALBERT'S FAMILY

(This is Grandma Ann. . .I asked Aunt Vi to write a note about the yard sale. Albert's family is just amazing and they worked SO hard and do so many things to help. I am so glad she was willing to contribute to this blog. Thanks Aunt Vi!)

The gang in St. George area got together to get a huge yard sale going. We had it 2 weeks ago on Friday and Saturday. Monica, her Mom Toni and Aunt Vi were there selling a variety of items on Friday.

Saturday we had more things to put out - 2 sewing machines, 2 tvs (really nice ones). Monica's friends at Smith's market donated and helped. Vi's neighbor donated a couch and chair. Another gave other items which were all sold.

It was a labor of love for Tami. Monica's husband Daivd and married son David helped in moving the heavy items. We finished Saturday about 4pm.

Our total amount made was over $1,000. Thanks to Karen, Tracey and friends at Smith's for donating and helping. In times like this we know money is tight and time is valuable.

Thanks to all who helped a worthy cause for our loving Tami, Albert and family.

HI FROM TAMI REALITY CHECK!!

HELLO FRIENDS &FAMILY I FINALLY GOT TO A COMPUTER. AS YOU MOST KNOW I AM LIVING WITHOUT TERESA NOW WHAT A WAKE UP CALL TODAY MY DEAR FRIEND ANDREA TOOK ME TO GET MY!BLOOD CHECKED AND THEN LET ME USE HER COMPUTER SHE IS SO NICE SHE TAKES ME AND THE GIRLS AND THIS MORNING SHE EVEN FIXED THEIR HAIR TOO I AM SO VERY BLESSSED TO HAVE SO MANY HELPERS TERESA SURE DID A LOT IT TAKES ABOUT 6 PEOPLE TO FILL HER PLACE WE LOVE AND MISS HER THE GIRLS ADJUSTED BETTER THAN THE ADULTS AT HAVING HER GONE FOR US ALL. WE ARE HANGING IN BUT IT SURE IS HARD I'M ALWAYS TIRED BUT THAT'S NOTHING NEW THE GIRLS ARE LEARNING TO HELP MOM A BUNCH I HAVE HAD MORE THAN A FEW DAYS OF DESPARE WHERE THERE WOULDN'T BE ANYTHING NICE TO WRITE ABOUT BUT LIFE GOES ON I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REMIND MYSELF HOW FAR I'VE COME &TO NOT SCREAM OUT LOUD SOO MANY WONDERFUL SOULS HAVE PITCHED IN TO HELP ME ALBERT'S FAMILY WAS AMAZING &DID A FUND RAISING YARDSALE TO HELP OUR LITTLE FAMILY THEY SPENT TWO VERY HOT DAYS & DID AWESOME!! THANK YOU SO MUCH MONICA GRANDMA TONI AUNTIE VI JESSICA KAREN AND THE KIND PEOPLE THAT DONATED UNCLE BILL AUNT LUPE GRANDMA HERNANDEZ THEY HAVE ALL BEEN SO INCREDIBLE AND ALWAYS THERE FOR US WE ALSO GOT TO GO TO LAS VEGAS TO MEET COUSIN ANNA'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER GRACE &SEE EVEN MORE FAMILY COUSIN BILLY &HIS GREAT FAMILY AND WE MET HIS DAUGHTER LAYLA FOR THE FIRST TIME SHE LOOKS LIKE A LITTLE ELLA
THANKS TO ALL MY ANGEL'S GOD BLESS & MY BLOOD IS PERFECT FOR ANYONE THAT CARES I WILL WRITE AGAIN IN A FEW WEEKS

LOVE TAMI &FAMILY.

REMEMBER THERE IS NO GRAMAR CHECK ON THIS ONE TERESA IS GONE.

June 26th 2009

From Teresa.. Hi, the wedding went well and Tami and family headed back to sunny (hotter than you know What!) St. George. I'm happy to be up north in the cooler climate. I miss my girls and they miss me, but life goes on. Tami got her new glasses, and says she likes them. Hopefully they stay in place and she doesn't have to tilt her head up to see out of them. The daughter of a friend has come over a few times to help out during the day so Tami can get a nap or just to help out. Tami said she did real well at her bio-feedback apt. yesterday. She was able to do quite a bit more with a muscle that wasn't doing much the week before. Her blood work was right on last week, so she will go two weeks between checks, and the cumidin dose stays the same. Her friend Andrea is taking her for blood checks , counseling apts., trips to the park, and if she needs anything from the store during the day. Grandma Ann took her to the monthly stroke support group meeting. Thank goodness for willing family and friends.

I'm on full-time at Lowe's in Vernal and happy to be back among the paycheck earning crowd again. I love my job. I work with a really great group of people. I worry about Tami and the girls, but I try to stay busy so I don't dwell on it. I have faith that God will watch over them and they as a family will figure things out that will work for them. More later, Teresa.

Thursday June 4,2009

From Teresa.....Hard to believe it's been two weeks since I've updated this blog! I drove to Vernal and worked and now tomorrow I'm on my way to do it again for Sat. and Sun. Today I took Lilli and Ella in for their Well-child check-ups and immunizations. They weren't too pleased with the shots, but the stickers, suckers, shinny band aids, and treasure chest they got to choose out of , made it a little more tolerable. They are both healthy and on track for their ages. Then we took Tami to get new glasses. The good news was the doctor only found a little bit of peripheral vision loss. It looks like her brain is rerouting or healing since the last check in November. I choked at the price of glasses, but I understand that's the norm. We did get the extra warranty to replace frames or lenses if anything unexpected happens to them. (Little fingers trying to "Help Mom" with them.) The bright sunlight makes it harder for Tami to see, so she got the "transition" lenses in them. We had tried to save money last time by using the frames from an old pair of glasses. They were fragile and couldn't be tightened too much. As a result they keep sliding down her nose and she tilts her head back to see. That has to make her neck sore. So hopefully these will be better.


Ella turned 2 on May 29th. She is a little echo of everyone in the house.She repeats everything she hears. She got a set of 4 "glass slippers." Lilli was very happy that there were enough to share. They have been clomping around the house in them ever since! On Sat. there was a big party with family and friends. It turned out nice.

Next weekend we are all going up to Vernal for my nephew Chad's wedding, and I plan on staying there. Albert, Tami and the girls will come home to manage without me. I've been trying to line up ways for Tami to get blood work checked and other things done. She's getting better slowly but surely. More later...Teresa.

Wed. May 20th 2009

From Teresa... Hey! Brother Clayton, HAPPY 45th Birthday tomorrow. (May 21st) Like I tell Tami, "If you SURVIVED it, CELEBRATE it!" Anyway, have a great one! I plan to drive up to Vernal on Friday so I can work at Lowe's on Sat. and Sun. and drive back to St. George on Monday. (That way I can stay employed and keep my insurance going.) Lowe's has really been good to work with me since all this happened to Tami. I'm hoping to move back up there by mid-June. Tami is down to one therapy on her arm a week and blood checks every two weeks. She has an apt. with the neuropsychologist every other week and stroke support group once a month. She's come a long way in 9 months. I will really miss my little "Angel Princesses" , but I'm looking foreword to getting back to my other life. I worked in Vernal over Mother's Day weekend and all my old co-workers were so welcoming and kind, it felt like home. It was good to be back in the workforce again. (although it's been so long that I've forgotten how to do some stuff and had to ask questions.) I'm also out of shape and need to build back up my endurance for being on my feet all day on concrete floors. I love helping the customers again! Anyway...

Tami has blood work , support group, and bio-feedback therapy tomorrow, busy day. We are plodding along. Have a great Memorial weekend everyone. More later, Teresa.

TAMI'S BACK IN SUNNY ST.GEORGETHERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!

OUR ADVENTURE TO VERNAL WAS FUN . SEEING TRAVIS AND THE KIDS WAS THE BEST! HIS KIDS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND SO SWEET, I COULD HAVE PLAYED WITH THEM FOR DAYS ! I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE HOME WITH MY OWN WONDERFUL GIRLS . TERESA'S FAMILY CAME FOR HER BIRTHDAY AND WE WENT TO JUMPING JACKS, A BOUNCE HOUSE PLACE WHERE I USED TO TAKE THE GIRLS A LOT. IT'S ALL PADDED SO I FIGURED IF I FELL I WOULD BE SAFE. IT WAS REALLY HARD TO NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY LIKE I USED TO, BUT I WAS VERY PROUD WHEN I DID MAKE IT UP ONE SLIDE . IT WAS A TON HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. I KNEW I ONLY HAD ONE ARM TO CLIMB WITH BUT DIDN'T REALIZE HOW LAME MY LEFT LEG STILL IS . THE ANKLE DOESN'T MOVE AND I CAN'T CONTROL THE KNEE VERY MUCH AT ALL, SO THAT REALLY MADE CLIMBING HARD. BUT LIKE I SAID I DID MAKE IT UP ONE SLIDE . MY LITTLE ELLA WENT UP EVERY ONE! SHE IS SO STINKING TOUGH! SHE LOOKED LIKE SUCH A BABY ON THOSE BIG SLIDES. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT KNEW MY UNCLE BRETT YOU ARE SO LUCKY! AFTER WE LEFT, I KEPT THINKING HOW HE NEVER LET ANYTHING SLOW HIM DOWN, EVEN WHEN HE WAS VERY SLOW, HE COULD HAVE MADE IT UP EVERY SLIDE I'M SURE . I DEFINITELY HAVE A BIGGER FEAR FACTOR THEN HE DID. YOU WON'T FIND ME ON ANY HORSES OR BOATS ANY TIME SOON. NO MATTER HOW MUCH DUCT TAPE THERE IS! MY GRANDPA DAVE WAS HERE AND HE IS 76 YEARS YOUNG & I HAD TO LAUGH BECAUSE HE & I HAVE MORE IN COMMON NOW THAN EVER BEFORE . IT WAS A REALLY FUN BIRTHDAY FOR TERESA AND THE REST OF US, TERESA HELPED HAUL EACH GIRL UP EVERY SLIDE AND THEN TOOK THEM SWIMMING AT THE HOTEL. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE HER! THE GIRLS SEEM SO LOST WHEN SHE ISN'T AROUND. THEY COULD CARE LESS WHAT MOM'S DOING. IT'S WHERE IS GRAMMA TERESA OR DAD? THEY KNOW WHERE THE FUN IS. I DID GET TO SPEND THE WHOLE DAY MONDAY WITH THEM, WHILE TERESA WAS GONE & ALBERT WAS WORKING. IT IS TRULY TRIAL & ERROR TO SEE WHAT I'M READY FOR, AND SADLY I'M NOT QUITE READY TO BE AN AT HOME MOM AGAIN YET. I GET TIRED WAY TOO FAST, AND I'M QUITE BORING MOST THE TIME , BUT WE DID MANAGE WITH NO HARM . THEY WERE BOTH SICK AND BY 4PM ALL THREE OF US WERE IN TEARS , SO WE HAD TO CALL DAD TO RESCUE US. I HAVE A VERY LONG HARD ROAD TO GO BEFORE I CAN HANDLE MY OLD LIFE, BUT TIME WILL TELL, AND I HAVE MADE IT FAR. I'M GOING TO KEEP CREEPING ALONG TILL THIS IS ALL JUST A MEMORY. STILL SO MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CONTINUES TO PRAY & HELP US. WE ARE SO BLESSED LOVE TO ALL TAMI & FAMILY.

Mon. May 4, 2009

From Teresa... We had a nice little jaunt to Vernal, then Grand Junction. It was great to see family again. It had been 8 months since I had been in Vernal. ( The calendar on the wall of my old room was still on Aug. 2008, with my belly dancing schedule still marked down on it.) Wow !So much has happened since then! Travis and family are doing well and it was great to see them and play with those beautiful babies! Maggie is growing up so fast and can read books to grandma. Giacomo is a darling dimpled faced little bundle of fun. Tami had him just giggling and rolling around in her lap. She loved it! Of course the trip was too fast, but we take what we can get.

My sister Liz flies into Las Vegas today and will catch a shuttle to St. George and stay until Thurs. morning. My mom and dad are driving down from Vernal tomorrow and will stay with Liz in her hotel room. They will go home Thurs. too. It will be fun to have them here.

Tami is done with the rehab that the insurance will pay for. We will continue to go to the bio-feedback therapy once a week as long as she continues to make progress. The neurologist apt. went well. He was pleased with her improvements since he saw her last in Jan. She doesn't go back to him for 6 more months. We checked her blood today and it was a little thick, so we need to increase the cumidin and check it again on Thursday. And so it goes..... Anyway, more later....Teresa.

TAMI HERE AGAIN HAVIN ACCESS TO A COMPUTER IS FUN.

HI AGAIN SOMEDAY I MIGHT JUST HAVE TO JOIN THE CROWD AND GET A COMPUTER. IT'S FUN TO GET ON WITHOUT HAVING TO GO TO THE LIBRARY I AM AT THE RANCH AND EVERY ONE WENT TO CHURCH THEN WE ARE HEADED TO GRAND JUNCTION IT HAS BEEN FUN, BUT I REALLY MISS MY GIRLS AND THE COMFORTS OF MY OWN HOME, AT LEAST I ACTUALLY GOT DRESSED AND SHOWERED TODAY. I SPENT YESTERDAY IN PJ'S ALL DAY IT WAS GREAT!THE RANCH RULE IS THAT YOU CAN BE LAZY IF YOU WANT TO. IT MIGHT NOT BE A RULE BUT IT'S HOW I LIKE IT. BEING CLEAN HERE IS OVER RATED. WE WILL STAY AT BETH AND PAUL'S TONIGHT FOR LACK OF STAIRS. I WENT UP AND DOWN ONCE TODAY AND THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME IT IS A LOT HARDER FOR ME IF THERE ISN'T A RAIL TO HOLD ON TO. LIFE IS GOOD SLEEP IS BETTERI'M HAPPY TO SEE TRAVIS AND HIS KIDS TODAY HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE NICE WEATHER MY DAUGHTERS HAD BREAKFAST ON THE DECK THIS MORNING. I LOVE LIVING IN ST. GEORGE. DON'T KNOW WHY ANYONE WOULD LIVE ELSEWHERE. LOVE TO ALL AND GOD BLESS THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PRAYERS THEY ARE APPRECIATED. LOVE TAMI AND FAMILY I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO MY GIRLS. BUT THEY JUST WANT TO KNOW WHERE GRANDMA TERESA IS. I KNOW WHERE I RANK NAH THEY LOVE ME TOO THEY JUST REALLY LOVE THEIR GRANDMA TOO.WHO COULD BLAME THEM? TIME FOR ME TO GET A COAT ON . I AM COVERED IN GOOSE BUMPS. I WILL VISUALIZE A BEAUTIFUL BEACH AND WARM SUN COOKING MY PALE SKIN. EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT DAY. I WILL WRITE MORE FROM HOME.

TAMI HEREFROM VERNAL

HI THERE WE MADE IT TO VERNAL AND IT'S NOT THAT COLD YIPPEE FOR US TERESA IS OUT WITH HER MOM SO ONCE AGAIN NO SUPERVISION THE SILENCE IS REALLY NICE, FOR ALL THAT KNOW MY FABULOUS TERESA SHE HAS A HARD TIME WITH SILENCE I TOLD EVERYONE THAT I WAS HAPPY TO HANG OUT WITH GRANDPA DAVE TODAY SO I COULD GET IN A FEW NAPS TODAY I AM NOW THE CELL PHONE BATTERY THAT JUST WON'T HOLD A CHARGE I'M ALWAYS TIRED SO MAYBE BY TOMORROW I WILL MAKE THE ROUNDS AND SAY HI TO ALL THE FUN FAMILY OF COARSE I MISS MY GIRLS ALREADY I THINK I MISSED THEM BEFORE I EVEN LEFT, MY LILLI CALLED ME LAST NIGHT TO SAY GOODNIGHT & SHE ASKED ME TO COME SLEEP IN MY OWN BED I TOLD HER MOM WAS HAVING A SLEEP OVER WITH GRANDMA & GRANDPA FOR A FEW DAYS SHE WAS HAPPY BECAUSE DAD WAS LETTING HER SLEEP IN HER SNOW WHITE DRESS WHICH MOM DOESN'T USUALLY LET HER DO OOHH THE LIFE OF A 3YEAR OLD PRINCESS IT HAS BEEN FUN MY UNCLE PAUL &HIS FAMILY ARE HERE TOO HE HAS ALREADY GOT ME LAUGHING SO HARD A FEW TIMES HE WORKS WITH REHAB SO HE KNOW S FIRST HAND THE BULL CRAP I GET TO DO TO GET BETTER IF ONLY MY THERAPIST HAD HIS SENSE OF HUMOR I WOULD NEVER GET ANY WORK DONE WE WOULD PROBABLY JUST B.S. THE WHOLE TIME. THAT WOULD BE MORE FUN FOR SURE. LIFE IN VERNAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLOWER NOW I KEEP UP MUCH BETTER WITH THAT PACE. IT WILL BE A FUN WEEKEND.

TAMI'S BACKWITH PERFECT BLOOD TODAY YIPPEE.

HI YALL I HAV'NT BEEN TO A COMPUTER FOR AWHILE SO I HAV'NT WRITTEN ANYTHING JUST WHEN I GET MARC CHECKING IT REGULARLY TO SEE WHAT I SAY AND THEN I QUIT SAYING ANYTHING. WELL I AM STILL AROUND AND WORKING ON GETTING BETTER EACH DAY. I WOKE UP ON THE WRONG SIDE THIS MORNING AND WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY I WAS BEING LIKE HOSKEY THE GROUCH AS LILLI CALLS HIM THEN I REALIZED I AM JUST SO SICK OF BEING WITH MYSELF & IT WAS COMING OUT IN LACK OF PATIENCE AND A GRUMPY ATTITUDE. I AM SO READY TO BE THROUGH WITH ALL OF THIS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING, SERIOUSLY I WANT TO BE THE OLD TAMI SO BAD I COULD SCREAM IF I DIDN'T LOOK LIKE A CRAZY LADY HAVING A TANTRUM. SO TERESA HAS BRIBED ME WITH A CHANCE TO SEE MY BROTHER TRAVIS IF I GO TO COLD COLD VERNAL WITH HER THIS WEEKEND. I TRY TO REMIND MYSELF THAT SHE LOVES ME LIKE I LOVE MY DAUGHTERS & THAT MAYBE SHE DOESN'T MIND BEING WITH ME. BUT REALLY IF YOU JUST SPENT THE LAST 8 MONTHS TAKING CARE OF SOMEONE WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TAKE THEM ON A ROAD TRIP WITH YOU TOO?SHE HAS GOT TO BE SICK OF ME MAYBE SHE IS GONNA TRY TO PAWN ME OFF ON SOMEONE ALONG THE WAY WOULDN'T BLAME HER. I AM SO SICK OF ME IF I COULD DROP ME OFF I WOULD IN A SECOND! MOMS ARE PRICELESS. SO HOPEFULLY I WILL GET TO SEE MY BROTHER & VERNAL FAMILY THIS NEXT WEEK THAT WILL BE FUN! I HAD TRAVIS SEND ME A PICTURE THAT HE HAD TAKEN OF ME WHEN I WAS IN ICU HOLY SCARY GLAD I DON'T REMEMBER ANY OF THAT! SO SORRY MY FAMILY THAT SAW ME LIKE THAT NOW I KNOW WHY I SCARRED YOU ALL SO BAD. I WAS THINKING IT WAS ALL NO BIG DEAL SO I GOT SOME NEW SCAR RS I CAN HANDLE THAT BUT FOR THOSE THAT HAD TO WATCH ME GET THEM I 'M SORRY LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. I AM TRULY BLESSED! I THINK WE ARE GOING TO STOP BY THE HOSPITAL ON OUR WAY NORTH AND THANK THE STAFF FOR SAVING MY LIFE I WANT TO WALK IN AND SHOW OFF MY HALF INCH OF NEW HAIR AND MY SLOW WOBBLY WALK.WE HAD A FUN WEEKEND GETTING TO SEE SOME FAMILY THAT CAME DOWN FOR ANN'S BIRTHDAY MY GIRLS THOUGHT BRETT'S BOY MERRICK WAS AUNT RILEY THAT WAS CUTE. HOPE EVERYONE IS HEALTHY AND HAPPY WE'LL SEE SOME OF YOU SOON. GOD BLESS ALLALBERT IS QUITE THE TRROOPER WE OFFERED TO TAKE THE GIRLS WITH US THIS WEEKEND BUT HE WANTS TO TAKE THEM CAMPING INSTEAD. HE ADORES THEM NO WONDER THEY THINK DADDY IS PRINCE CHARMING HE GIVES THEM THE WORLD WHAT GIRL WOULDN'T WANT A MAN THAT DOES EVERY THING TO MAKE THEM HAPPY.SO I GET A MOMMY DAUGHTER WEEKEND & THEY GET A DADDY DAUGHTER WEEKEND WE ALL WIN.
LOVE TAMI

Grateful Heart

Just a note from Grandma Ann. . .It has been such a fun couple of weeks with lots of our Utah Valley family around.

It is almost unbelievable to see Tami and realize it hasn't been quite 8 months since the stroke (in some ways, it seems like 'forever ago.') She is stronger and looking more like her (beautiful) self every day. Kudos to Tami, Albert and Teresa for hanging in there!!!! She has made great strides in her recovery but there are no EASY days. Albert's family continues to be amazing and supportive. God Bless them! We are optimistic about the new therapy (bio-feedback).

Yesterday I looked out on the patio and saw Albert and Tami sitting on a settee, Ella was on Albert's lap and Lilli was at Tami's knee. They were smiling and talking with others nearby. It was a moment of tremendous gratitude for me. As always, I am mindful of and grateful for the prayers and support of so many. Thanks to ALL!!!!

Thurs. April 16th 2009

From Teresa... Hi! First off, Happy Birthday, sister Dolores, today, and Grandma Ann tomorrow the 17 th. If you survived another year, CELEBRATE it! We love you both!

We had a really nice Easter. The girls woke about 8 am to see the surprises the Easter Bunny left them. Then I went to the 9 am Mass, which was packed, even thirty minutes early, with T.C.E. Catholics. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.) Then I took Tami to the 11 am non-denominational Easter service out at Tuacahn, in the Snow Canyon area. It was a fantastic place to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. It had rained the day before, but was beautiful on Sunday. There were about a thousand people there, both at the 8 am sunrise service, and the one we attended. I had done a "reconnaissance" trip on Sat. to learn the route, how much time I needed to get there, where to park, the walking layout, and handicap availability. It was organized very well. They had volunteers lined up with wheelchairs to assist those that needed them. I was able to drop Tami off at the entrance, go park, and meet her at the top. They also gave her a free ride back down. They had a band with great music, and a minister with an inspirational message. It was memorable! I guess they do a Christmas eve one too. (For ten years now.) This was only the second year for the Easter service. It was put on by the Calvery Chapel congregation. After the service we went to the park to hang with Albert's relatives and later that day over to Grandma Ann's to hang with the Richardson side. It was a nice day.

We had therapies on Monday, but by that night, Tami and I both weren't feeling well, so I cancelled Tues. stuff. We took it easy and both felt better by Wednesday. Her blood was too thin again yesterday, so we cut back the cumidin dosage and check again next Monday. Anyway... more later...Teresa.

Mon. April 6th

From Teresa...Tami's physical therapist had her walking on the treadmill again and had it up to 1.5 mph for about 20 min.( last time she only did 1 mph and about 5 min.). The speech therapist said she did great with the work on a checkbook register and is doing well in her cognitive tasks. The occupational therapist had her laying on her back and trying to hold a ball above her head, between her two hands, steady, without dropping it. (she managed 5 seconds the first try and then 65 seconds at the end). Her counselor recommended that she wait at least 6 months before she tries to go camping again. The over-stimulation is hard on her brain. ( It puts a strain on her system). The bio-feedback therapy shows improvement each week. Each time Tami makes the mountain peaks reach a certain level consistently for a while, Steve raises the bar. The muscles should come back first in her shoulder, then down her arm, then in her hand.


Albert took the girls up to his grandma Toni's for the weekend and Tami started a book Friday night and had it finished by Sat. night.( about 600 pages). I'm happy to see that she still enjoys reading. It's a nice escape for her. I'm trying to have her do more for herself and her girls so I can see what she's capable of and what she still needs help with. Yesterday she vacuumed the house (and didn't fall over, yeah!) It wore her out , but I could tell she was proud to know she could do it. Well more later...Teresa.

LOOK OUT I'M BACK & UNSUPPERVISED BAD GRAMMER AWAY MY PUNCTUATION WATCHER IS AT CURVES.

HI. IT'S TAMI AND NO TERESA TO DOUBLE CHECK WHAT I WRITE SO NOW YOU CAN ALL SEE HOW I'M REALLY DOING BECAUSE I WILL PROBABLY MESS UP A BIT. LILLI IS AT HER SECOND DAY OF SWIMMING LESSONS WITH HER DAD & TERESA DROPPED ME OFFAT THE LIBRARY SO SHE COULD WORK OUT.. WE JUST FINISHED THERAPY AND I AM STILL SHAKING. BUT MORE PROGRESS TODAY THANK GOOD NESS . I TOLD THEM THAT IF I STOP MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO TELL ME SO I CAN DO SOMETHING ELSE WITH MY DAYS. TURNS OUT WE ONLY HAVE 3 MORE VISITS BEFORE INSURANCE DECIDES I'M DONE SO I REALLY HAVE TO KICK SOME BUTT. MY OWN MOSTLY. I STILL WISH I COULD GO TO DISNEY LAND BEFORE I LOSE MY HANDY CAP STICKER. SO I CAN JUMP THE LINES BUT I WOULD SURELY LIKE TO GET BETTER FIRST INSTEAD. I STILL HAVE LITTLE FINGER NAILS TO PAINT & HAIR TO BRAID ITHINK I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT THE MOSTI WANT TO BE MOM AGAIN AND HAVE NO WORRIES ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO PUT THEIR PRINCESS DRESSES ON WITH ONE HAND . MY GIRLS WENT CAMPING AGAIN WITH THEIR DAD & I HAPPILY STAYED HOME WITH TERESA AND PLUMBING I READ A BOOK AND DID MY TAXES SO THE STROKE DIDN'T TAKE AWAY MY WILD AND CRAZY SIDE I'M STILL JUST AS BORING AS EVER THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SWEET COMMENTS BETH, LOLO GREAT GRANDMA RITA &BECKYRMAGGIE AND GIACMY SWEET BROTHER TRAVIS .DEVRON BERNIECHELSEA AND TRISTINE &CHRIS& GREAT GRANDMA ANN LOVE YOU ALL. AND MARC EVEN SENT US A TEXT TODAY TO WATCH OPRAH WOW NEVER SAW THAT COMINGI'MAM PUBLISHING THIS WITHOUT TERESA CHECKING IT OVER THE INDEPENDANCE NEVER ENDS. I AM NOTICING THAT MY FAMILY HAS SOME ODD NAMES BECAUSE THE SPELL CHECK WANTS ME TO CHANGE THEM ALL.
LOVE TO ALL AND GOD BLESS.

TAMI'S BACKMARCHSATURDAY 28-2009

HI THERE TO ALL! IT'S SATURDAY & ALBERT TOOK THE GIRLS CAMPING AGAIN WHILE I HAPPILY DECLINED THIS TIME. SO TERESA & I JUST DID MY TAXES AND HAD BREAKFAST AT VILLAGE INN. I HAD A FREE COUPON SO WE ARE IN OUR BUDGET. I AM MISSING MY BEAUTY QUEENS, BUT I ALMOST FINISHED A BOOK IN THE SILENCE . AS TERESA SAID IN THE LAST BLOG, I WAS GLAD I WENT LAST WEEK TO PROVE TO MYSELF THAT I CAN GO CAMPING, BY THE SECOND DAY I WAS REALLY TIRED AND TOO EASILY IRRITATED BY ALL THE NOISE. IT WAS FUN TO BE SURROUNDED BY MY WONDERFUL FAMILY . THEY REALLY ARE THE BEST! BUT I REALLY LIKE BEING AT HOME TOO. MY GIRLS AMAZE ME ALL THE TIME. LILLI ASKED ME THE OTHER DAY ''MOM WHEN YOUR SAD HAND IS BETTER, THEN YOU DON'T NEED YOUR MOM ANYMORE? THAT IF MY HAND GETS BETTER THEN I WONT NEED MY MOM RIGHT. SO SHE HAS PICKED UP ON OUR TALKS, OBVIOUSLY THEY WILL MISS GRAMMA TERESA NOT NEARLY AS MUCH AS GRANDMA WILL MISS THEM THOUGH. FOR SURE & WE KNOW WE CANT SEND GRAMMA HOME UNTIL THE SNOW MELTS IN VERNAL. BUT I AM SOOOOO READY TO BE OVER THIS MOUNTAIN IN OUR LIVES. I FIND MYSELF CHECKING OFF THE DAYS AS IF I WERE IN JAIL OR SOMETHING . I KNOW THAT EACH DAY DONE IS ONE CLOSER TO RECOVERING. THURSDAY WE HAD MY THERAPIES FOR MY HAND AND I HAD TWO NEW MOVEMENTS THAT I DIDN'T KNOW I COULD DO, SO THAT WAS VERY AWESOME FOR ME. I AM STILL SO DETERMINED, BUT I DO HAVE MY MOMENTS WHEN I START FEELING DEFEATED A LITTLE . NOTHING GOES AS FAST AS I WANT IT TO. MY GIRLS KEEP ME HAPPY AND I HAVE TO DO A LOT OF PRAYING , OR BEGGING DEPENDING ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT. THE OTHER NIGHT I DIDN'T TAKE MY USUAL SLEEPING PILLS AND WANTED TO SEE HOW IT WOULD GO. WELL I WAS AWAKE MOST THE NIGHT PLANNING HOW TO WRITE MY STORY. HOW ANNOYING THAT WAS! SO I WAS SURE TO TAKE THE PILLS THE NEXT DAY. I FIND MYSELF TRYING TO THINK OF WAYS TO EXPLAIN WHAT IT IS ALL LIKE ,THIS IS WHAT I CAME UP WITH. MY LIFE BEFORE WAS A HAPPY LITTLE SNOW GLOBE AND THEN A HAMMER HIT IT ON TOP AND EVERYONE TRIED TO HURRY AND COLLECT THE PIECES TO GLUE IT BACK TOGETHER. BUT WE JUST CAN'T GET IT PERFECT . IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE A CRACK IN IT NOW. THERE ISN'T A WAY TO EXPLAIN UNLESS YOU ARE IN IT & I DEFINITELY WOULDN'T WISH FOR ANYONE TO BE IN THIS. IT REALLY SUCKS DAY AFTER DAY ! THANK GOD I KNOW I CAN GET BETTER. IT'S ALL TEMPORARY. SO I KNOW I SHOULD WRITE IT ALL DOWN BECAUSE WITH LUCK AND BLOOD THINNERS I WILL BE OLD SOMEDAY AND MAYBE FORGET IT ALL. THAT COULD BE NICE. BUT I WOULD HATE TO HAVE TO LEARN THIS LESSON AGAIN. ONE DAY I'M HOPING TO EVEN FIGURE OUT WHAT MY LESSON IS THIS TIME AROUND , OTHER THAN HOW TO RELEARN MY BASIC MOTOR SKILLS AND LOTS OF PATIENCE.
GOD BLESS &TAKE CARE. LOVE TAMI

Wed. March 25th

From Teresa... The stroke support group was good again this month. They're great about calling each other with encouragement and well wishes whenever needed. Two of the members were in the hospital last week and calls went out to let them know people cared. The discussion was good and helpful. This Thurs. there is a health fair and the support group has been asked to have a booth to let people know they exist. Tami and I will go over after therapies and put in a half hour or so at the booth.

Tami went camping with Albert and their girls Friday afternoon through Sunday noon. (It's the longest I've been away from Tami since Sept. 2nd.) I had a nice peaceful weekend. She was glad she tried it, but said it will be a few more weeks before she'll attempt it again. She likes her own soft bed only 10 feet from her own bathroom. Walking in the sand was like a weekend of physical therapy, and her cane sank in with every step. When her physical therapist asked her how it went, she said, " I stayed upright! So that was good!" I'm glad she tried it, and knows she can do it. Next time she'll take earplugs. She found all the noise too stimulating especially once she got tired. Anyway... you never know until you try. I played with my beads without any help from curious little hands, read my book, watched movies and got a few cleaning projects done while they were out. But surprisingly, I started missing the little munchkins after only one day! Go figure! Anyway... more later, Teresa.

Tues.March 17th

From Teresa... Tami and I came to the library again, and I decided to see if the blog site would let both of us leave a message at the same time, (since we both are using Devron's password to get on,) so far so good. Well Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all. I tried to dress the little girls alike but Lilli has a mind of her own, so we settled for matching shirts and Lilli's Levis that had green leaves on the flowers on them. Tami put on a new green Tinkerbell shirt Grandma Rita sent down and her girls noticed it right away! They loved it that momma had on "Tink".

Last Thursday at the biofeedback apt. Tami was able to make her shoulder and tricep muscles respond. The therapist said it was a great first " baseline" reading. (some people have a flat line response.) She was able to make some mountain peaks. The great thing about it is that you can't cheat. It only records when you get the correct muscle. It also lets Tami know when she does it right, because it's hard for her to feel if she's actually moving any muscles at all in the left side. It doesn't hurt, so she would love to try as long as they will let her. There is good signal in her arm still, it will just take time to reprogram her brain again. YEAH!!!! I understand there are only about 17 places around the country that have this technology available for rehab purposes. The therapist Steve is a dear,(kind, gentle, patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging). Can you tell we like him? Anyway... we can't wait for the next apt. on Thursday. He told Tami she wouldn't be tying her shoes tomorrow, but with time and hard work she could be one day.

The stroke support group is also on Thursday. A lot of the people in the group have worked with Steve and had great things to say about the biofeedback therapy.


Tami is walking straighter and has better balance after each therapy. I see improvement weekly. I try to remind her how far she has come in the last 6 months. The face wash and gel the dermatologist prescribed seems to be working. Yeah! It's hard enough to deal with physical limitations without having your face break out too! So one thing at a time, we're hanging in there the best we can. Anyway ...more later, Teresa.

HI IT'S TAMI AGAIN. I'M SHAKY BUT HERE!

WE JUST FINISHED MY THERAPIES. I DID BOTH PT AND OT & MAN I AM TIRED. THEY HAD ME ON THE TREADMILL TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME AND I KEPT UP WITHOUT FLYING OFF THE BACK END .WHAT A SIGHT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ! THEY ONLY HAD ME GOING 1 MILE PER HOUR BUT THAT'S PROBABLY THE FASTEST I'VE MOVED SINCE MY STROKE. MY PT SCOTT STOOD BEHIND ME SO I KNEW THAT IF I KNOCKED HIM OFF I WOULD BE UP A BAD CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE OR THERAPIST. GOOD MOTIVATION TO KEEP UP. MY CUTE LITTLE FAMILY , ALBERT & GIRLS , & MY BROTHER LOGAN, WENT CAMPING THIS WEEKEND . BUT I CHICKENED OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE. I WAS TRULY HEART BROKEN THAT MY LIFE ISN'T THE WAY IT ONCE WAS I EVEN HAD A 5 MINUTE PITY PARTY WHICH I REALLY TRY NOT TO DO. I COULD NEVER WISH THIS ON ANYONE, & I KNOW I AM SO BLESSED TO KNOW THAT I CAN & WILL RECOVER. I JUST REALLY HAVE TO BE PATIENT & TRUST THAT GOD HAS AN AWESOME PLAN FOR ME. IN TIME I WILL UNDERSTAND BETTER. IT WAS PRETTY COLD & I DON'T HANDLE THAT VERY WELL. FUNNY I CAN SURVIVE A STROKE, BUT DON'T WANT TO BE COLD CAMPING. I REALLY WAS WORRIED THAT IF I FELL OR GOT HURT I WOULD BE BACKTRACKING IN MY RECOVERY AND THAT WOULD JUST PISS ME OFF TOO MUCH . WE MIGHT GIVE IT A TRY THIS COMING WEEKEND. I WILL TRY TO BE TOUGHER, AND ACTUALLY GO.

I DID MY NEW THERAPY FOR MY ARM & IT WAS NEAT FOR ME TO SEE THAT THERE IS STILL A CHANCE TO GET MY BRAIN CONNECTED AGAIN. IT WILL TAKE LOTS OF HARD WORK, BUT I AM GETTING BETTER AT THAT EVERY DAY, & I HAVE LITTLE GIRLS THAT NEED THEIR HAIR BRAIDED , SO I BETTER GET MY HAND WORKING SOON. I KNOW I TALK ABOUT MY GIRLS EVERY TIME, BUT THEY TRULY ARE MY REASON TO KEEP TRYING. MY EGO IS JUST NOT BIG ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS ALL BE FOR ME . IT'S FOR THEM. I DON'T EVEN WANT THEM TO REMEMBER WHEN MOM WAS BROKEN. THANKS TO THOSE THAT STILL THINK OF US AND KNOW I LOVE YOU ALL. I'M GOING TO START A BAD HABIT & SAY THANKS TO ANN & DEVRON FOR YOUR COMMENTS , GOD BLESS &PRETEND I''M SENDING A ONE- ARMED HUG TO YOU. I AM OUT OF HERE. TAKE CARE DO THE FUN STUFF FIRST, LIFE IS SHORT.

IT'S TAMI AGAIN HI MARCH062009

Well hello. hope you are all having a great Friday,I am . Thanks Bonnie for your comment. My little Ella woke up @ 6am which is frowned on at my house but she ended up laying with me for about an hour and letting me hold her precious little hand that is so pudgy & soft as silk and that just made my day. She is so amazing to me. She is still not too fond of me, so I cherish any time I get with her now . How did I make it so far in life without my girls ? I don't know how to get through 1 day without them now.I am so incredibly lucky to have my magnificent family!!!I ALSO GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE NEW BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR NEXT THURSDAY! FOR MY SLACKER HAND & I WILL BE SURE TO LET YOU ALL KNOW WHEN MY HAND IS BACK AND WORKING WONDERFULLY! GOOD BYE VELCRO SHOES I WILL BE TYING LACES AGAIN YEA ME!

I am back!

guess who. It's TAMI again. I had a great week! I got to see PAUL ,BETH & their cute kids in Mesquite & they came to our house ALSO.So much fun to see family! My beautiful aunt Dev even stopped by to let me kiss on her lovely Stellar baby that is the best because he can't run from me & I can hold him with 1 arm. I am getting so irritated with not having control of things as a woman that always tried to have everything under control @ all times Iam so completely ready for that day when I can look back & see how this all makes sense to me and why it happened & see the benefits of it all more than just having good parking spots wherever we go.. I guess it will take longer than 6 months for that day. I am not patient any more for so many things. So thanks for the prayers & please keep them coming.my newest improvements areTHE DERMATOLOGIST GAVE ME A NEW MEDICINE THAT WILL HOPEFULLY FIX MY SKIN . I WILL BE SO EXCITED WHEN IT WORKS. also we turned the wheelchair back in so we are done with that phase yippee !!I JUST GOT TO THE END AND REALIZED THE CAP LOCK WASN'T ON SO MY GRAMAR MIGHT BE MESSED UP. SO BARE WITH ME .

THESLOW HORSE IS BACK.

HI TO ALL. WE SNUCK AWAY AGAIN AND DID THE BLOOD CHECK THING LEAVING THE GIRLS WITH DAD. WE THOUGHT WE'D COME SAY HI TO ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT KEEP ME IN THEIR PRAYERS.I HAD MY WALKING EVALUATION AGAIN LAST TUESDAY & I HAD IMPROVED ON EVERYTHING ,YIPPEE. BUT MY ARM IS TURNING OUT TO BE JUST AS STUBBORN AS ME. STILL NOTHING FROM IT, BUT WE ARE GOING TO TRY A NEW KIND OF BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY SOON WHICH I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO. I WILL TRY ANYTHING BY NOW. IT IS NOT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE SO WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. BUT WE HAVE HEARD REALLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT IT & I AM HANGING IN, BUT GETTING FED UP WITH MYSELF. I AM ABSOLUTELY READY TO BE DONE WITH THIS CRAP! I LOVE TERESA DEARLY BUT I KNOW SHE IS GETTING TIRED OF BEING OUR 24 HOUR NURSE, NANNY, & TAXI. WE GOT TO SEE GREAT GRANDMA RITA & UNCLE STEVE LAST WEEK WHICH WAS LOTS OF FUN. WE WILL MEET THEM AGAIN IN MESQUITE TONIGHT. SO MUCH FUN TO SEE FAMILY INSTEAD OF THERAPY. WE LOVE YOU ALL. MY NURSE IS NOW LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER TO MAKE SURE I DON'T MAKE MISTAKES .THE FUN IS OVER. SHE'S A PROFESSIONAL HOVERER. THERE I GOT HER TO STEP AWAY FOR 1 MINUTE. I WON'T DO ANYTHING CRAZY I PROMISE. ALL IN LOVE. MY GIRLS ARE STILL MAKING US LAUGH THEY ARE TOO SMART FOR KIDS. WE ARE AT THE STAGE OF SPELLING THINGS WE DON'T WANT TO SAY BUT THEY CATCH ON AND KNOW WHAT WE SPELL NOW, DAMN. I WILL HAVE THE FIRST 1 YEAR OLD THAT CAN SPELL ICE CREAM. GOD LOVE EM. THEY REALLY KEEP ME GOING, IF THERE WERE A TIME OUT BELL I WOULD'VE RANG IT BY NOW FOR SURE. THEN THEY COME OUT IN THEIR" SNOW WHITE" DRESSES WHICH MY LITTLE LILLI WORE FOR A WEEK. SHE EVEN SAYS HER NAME IS NOT LILLI ,IT IS ARIEL OR SNOW WHITE NOW. AND I FIND THE PATIENCE TO CONTINUE FOR A WHILE LONGER. I AM SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO BE A MOM I SHOULD HAVE HAD KIDS EARLIER IN LIFE, EVEN IF I'M SLOWER THAN THEM NOW SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT TILL THEIR 60 TO BE AS SLOW AS ME .I GOT IMPATIENT APPARENTLY.. THEY ACTUALLY HAD TO COME WITH US ON FRIDAY TO AN APPOINTMENT SO I INTRODUCED THEM TO MY PT & TOLD HIM THAT WAS HOW FAST I NEEDED TO BE. I WILL WORK ON IT. THE COMPUTER HAS SPELL CHECK TERESA IS MY SPACE CHECK. AND PUNCTUATION MONITOR.SHE'S BACK ...PERFECTION NOW, NO MORE SMART ASS TAMI.OK SENT HER AWAY AGAIN, I AM RUNNING OUT OF TIME ON THE COMPUTER. THANK YOU !FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. COME TO MESQUITE AND DO SOME GAMBLING & I WILL COME SEE YOU IN PERSON. LOVE TAMI & TERESA. WATCH FOR A SHORT LADY WITH A SKINNY TALL GIRL HANGING ON HER SHOULDER. THAT'S US. OUT OF TIME NOW FEEL FREE TO CALL ME ANYTIME. 801-520-4907

Straight from the "Horses Mouth"

WELL HI TO ALL THOSE THAT KEEP CHECKING ON ME.THIS IS TAMI. I GOT OUT OF THE HOUSE AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY APOINTMENTS TO GO TO.Today I actually got a few minutes to read through the blOG. MY grandma had printed it for me. HOLY COW!IT IS ALL SO SUREAL EVEN TO ME. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN PRAYING FOR ME AND HELPING MY LITTLE FAMILY. I AM SO INCREDIBLY BLESSSED AND GRATEFUL FOR MY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. I KNEW THIS BEFORE, BUT IT IS JUST REALLY HIGHLIGHTED IN MY MIND NOW HOW LUCKY I AM, AND FOR ANYONE THAT HASN'T GOT TO MEET MY GIRLS THEY ARE SO AMAZING! TRULY ANGELS ON EARTH AS LONG AS THEY GET A NAP. THANKS TO MY GRANDMA ANN. WHO HAS BEEN DOING THE UNFORTUNATE TASK OF ORGANIZING ALL MY FINANCES ,SHE IS AWSOME!SHE ALREADY HAS A MILLION OTHER THINGS SHE DOES EACH DAY. WHAT A WOMAN!I COULD BE HERE FOR HOURS THANKING EVERYONE. BUT I AM OUT OF TIME AND TERESA IS HOVERING MAKING SURE I PUT IN ALL THE CORRECT PERIODS AND COMMAS SO FORGIVE ME IF ITS NOT PERFECT I JUST ASKED HER TO LEAVE ME ALONE FOR A MINUTE. GET READY FOR CHAOS. IM UNSUPERVISED!
LOVE TAMI

Mon. Feb.9th

From Teresa... We've been doing the blood thinning/thickening act. Tami finished the antibiotic a week ago Friday. Last Monday we checked her level and it was 5.5(still too thin). So she ate salads with a lot of dark leafy greens and went without the cumidin a few days. On Wed. it was back down to perfect at a 2.5. So back on a small dose of cumidin. We checked it again today(Mon.) and it's too thick at 1.1. So now we increase the dose a little more and check again on Thurs. The spot where they gave her a shot of vitamin k two weeks ago in her stomach, developed a reaction. We were in to the doctor to have it checked the other day and had to get a strong cortizone cream for it. I guess we will need to avoid anymore shots of it and just get the vitamin k in foods.

Tami came to the library today with me.(the first time since her stroke) We left the girls home with Albert. She's getting around fairly well with my shoulder as her cane. More later...Teresa.

Fri. Jan.30th

From Teresa... The neurologist said the EEG showed the possibility of seizures so he wants Tami to stay on the keppra for at least a year to a year and a half to be safe. Unfortunately that's the expensive drug,(without a generic that works as well as the original,$144.00 for a 2 week supply.) But we don't want any seizures, so she'll continue it as long as needed. He also said her headaches we due to muscle strain in her neck. Because of her left side neglect she is holding her head at an angle and that puts strain on her neck. He offered to give her shots in her neck and forehead with something to numb it, but there is no gaurentee as to how long the reilef could last. Every patient is different. She said no thank-you to more needles right now. They told her if she changes her mind they will work her in an appointment. (Today she said she was thinking about it.)

The blood work on Wed. was right where it should be.(2.4) She took the last of the antibiotic today, so we will check the level again on Monday to see if it needs to be adjusted.

On Tues. the therapists really worked her out. She was tired when she got home and told Lilli that they "Kicked her butt", Lilli with eyes wide said "Why"! She was thinking literally. We laughed and tried to explain.(We have to be careful how we say things around those girls. Anyway more later...Teresa

Mon. Jan.26th

From Teresa... We went in Fri. morning to get Tami's blood work done. The finger pricking test said "no clot detected", so they had to draw a sample from her arm, and send it to the lab. Later that afternoon the doctor's assistant called and said it was a 12!(they want it between a 2 and a 3). She was in a therapy and they pulled her out and sent her downstairs to the emergency room. There they gave her a shot in the stomach of vitamin k and took a CAT scan to be sure she didn't have any bleeding in her head. The CAT scan was good, no problems. Then they admitted her into the hospital and gave her 2 bags of plasma. Plasma has the stuff in it to help your blood clot. By 11pm the tests showed she was back to a 3 again. But they kept her overnight to be safe. I spent the night with her. It made us both appreciate not having to sleep at the hospital on a regular basis. She was released by 11am on Sat. We learned that the antibiotic for her acne makes the cumidin work extra well. So her blood Dr. reduced the dosage and we went for another check this morning. It was down to 1.2 so we will increase it a little tonight and tomorrow and check it again on Wed. It's a delicate balancing act. Her arm looks like a pincusion.

Tomorrow we have the apt. with her neurologist, and rehab therapies in the afternoon. More later...Teresa.

Wed. Jan.21st

From Teresa... Well there was a good sized group at the stroke support meeting last week. We had therapy scheduled at 1pm so we had to leave before it broke up. Next time I'll line things up differently so we don't have to rush off. It was nice because almost everyone from last month commented on how great it was to see Tami walk in on her own power, and how good she was looking.

Tami has had a nagging headache for about a week now. Tylenol takes the edge off, but doesn't get rid of it. My dilemma is which of her many doctors do I ask about it. I called her neurologist today and he thinks there may be something he could try that isn't a drug. We have an apt. with him on the 30th already and will try to get in on a cancellation before then if possible.

Tami is walking into rehab these days. (It takes about 10 min. to get there from the car.) But it feels good to be able to leave the wheelchair in the car. She's tired by the time she walks out after all three therapies, but I'm hoping it helps build her endurance.

Lilli's birthday party went well and the mess stayed at the pool. That was nice.

Sat. Tami has an appointment for a doctor to evaluate her on whether or not she will qualify for any disability help. More later Teresa.

Wed. Jan.14,2009

From Teresa... I got Tami on the scales the other day and she is up to 102 lbs. Yeah! Finally more than a 98 pound weakling! Any food she says sounds good to eat, I try to get for her. Her dad came out Thurs. and flew back to Florida Sun. He bought all the fixings for a pot roast and she's been enjoying it since. He also took her to get her blood work checked and to therapies on Friday. Her blood levels are right where they need to be, so we are to keep the same dosage and get checked again in two weeks. They went out to lunch at Applebees (one of Tami's favorite places) and had a nice daddy daughter date. On Sat. afternoon Albert cooked his famous carne asada tacos and had family and friends come over. It was nice.

Tomorrow is the stroke support group meeting again. I'm looking forward to it, and I think Tami is too. It's a nice,welcoming, and loving group of people.( about 15 or so). Last month Tami was in her wheel chair, this time she should be walking in on her own. She also went blond, they may not recognize her. Anyway....

Lilli will turn 3 on Sat. Jan.17th. The birthday party is scheduled to be held at the local swimming pool. Lilli is so good with Tami, handing her things that drop or get tossed by sister Ella. She's always asking us questions that keep us on our toes. Her communication skills are so good that it's hard to remember that she's only 3! Tami's girls are what keep her going when she might be tempted to give up. They are little blessings! (I try to remember that as I pick up after them, and change dirty diapers.) I'm trying to stay in the moment and appreciate my time with them, because I realize this is only temperary and I'll miss it when it's over. Anyway...that's it for now....Teresa

Tues. Jan. 6, 2009

From Teresa... Well Christmas was good, Santa left a mess of stuff at Tami's home and the girls had a ball! For the afternoon we all went over to Aunt Monica and Uncle David's home and had a fabulous feast and the girls were spoiled again! Albert's family can really cook! They are helping to put some weight back on Tami. (unfortunately I'm right in there with her putting on some weight too) Anyway....It's so good I'm willing to enjoy it and just go to Curves a few more times.

For New Years Albert and Tami went to Riley and Patty's for a party and actually stayed up past midnight! (first time in 4 years) They had a good time. I played grandma/nanny and enjoyed myself too.

For Jan. we are doing rehab therapy twice a week ,to stretch out the 20 visits each therapy is allowed for the year. New year, new deductible, on medical and prescriptions, but thank God for health insurance.

Tami has more range of motion in her shoulder and arm. Her balance is getting better too.

Well the library is closing, so more later...Teresa.