I get by with a little help from my friends...

Jon commented a few days ago that as time goes on, the readership will probably fall off and that maybe I should post a title like "Angelina Jolie dumps Brad Pitt for Paul" to keep people's interest up!

I know that this process of Paul's recovery is a bit like watching grass grow or paint dry,so thank you for sticking with us and cheering us all on!

Actually, today was a very fun day for us and I got my first 'joke' from Paul. I was going to apply his eye medication and each time I have tried to do this, I have had to explain what I am doing. Paul does not remember and he asks every time, what am I going to do to him. He is not very trusting when it comes to anyone putting their hands near his eye. So I finished explaining what I would be doing and he gave me the 'one minute' sign. I told him we were running short on time and told him to please trust me. I said I would count back from 5 and would then put the medication in. He asked me "which eye?" I had a puzzled look as I said "the left eye." He looked at me and said "It was a joke." Earlier, when I had asked him to pick up the fork and eat what was on it, he asked me "what happens if I don't?" I laughed and said "nothing will happen and your feeding tube won't be taken out either." He thought for a moment and then ate another bite. Paul learned again what WIN-WIN means......smile.

The hard (and sad) part about all of this is that Paul does not remember anything from the day before - at least 90% is forgotten. We have started to let his friends come visit if they call, but have told them that the visit benefits Paul a lot, but they may not get much out of it. Paul doesn't really talk unless asked questions and then he will answer with a yes or no. Mostly he will use his hands to signal his reply. It is an act of love for those who visit and we appreciate the loyalty of his friends and family.

Paul is eating more and had 2 pieces of Domino's Pizza last night - and he finished it in about 15 minutes, which is 45 minutes shorter than any other meal so far! Mike thought Paul might like some pizza again, so he ordered it and I was very glad about the idea, as I had a break from cooking. We put a fire in the fireplace, as it was cold and rainy outside, put a movie in and waited for the pizza to be delivered. It was a wonderful evening and a reminder once again of how blessed we are to have Paul alive and with us at home. It was also a reminder to me of how I used to take so much for granted. There have been so many special memories like this evening since Paul's accident and I am so glad we will have a record of some of his accomplishments. Not to mention the encouragement of friends and family to keep our spirits high, as we watch 'the grass grow'!

I want to quickly mention something that should have been included in a prior posting. I forgot to thank Geneva for all her terrific help this past weekend. She came by and helped me get organized so that I would not always be scrambling trying to find everything I needed in the care of Paul. There is now a designated area for the medications and supplies. Also, I finally got caught up on all the laundry that got backed up after my washer broke this past Saturday. Geneva took care of the downstairs while I got all of Paul's belongings from the hospital, back into his room. I have realized that I have not had the time to send out the thank you cards I have had since about 2 weeks after the accident. There are so many people I would like to thank for the dinners sent over, the phone calls and cards that have been sent and the money contributed for Paul's medical needs. We have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and I want to say that I have not forgotten anything that has been done. It is still my goal to send my personal thanks to a lot of people! Please be patient, as I continue to try to find my way on this new road I am on. God knows what each of you have done and may your rewards flow from heaven above for your love and generosity.

After the visit from family this weekend, it occurred to me that Paul needs to reconnect with his past. He has done so well being home, and is so relaxed and content. I know that he needs to reconnect with familiar things in his life, so I picked him up at Pathways today, stopped for some food and also picked up Abby Dog. We then went to DTSi for a visit. I was not really sure how to get there, so once I got closer, I explained to Paul where we were going and asked him to help me not miss the street. There are 4 driveways into other businesses and at the street past these driveways there is a street that you need to turn left. Paul said as we got to the 1st driveway, "not this one" then repeated the same words as we went past the next 3 driveways. At the entrance to the office building, he told me to turn left. He knew exactly where we were. On one of the parking spaces, Lisa Hanrahan had made a sign that said:

RESERVED FOR PAUL
DO NOT PARK HERE

She had 2 flags flyng at the top! It was so sweet and I worked hard not to start crying. I had not noticed it when I first pulled in, as I was trying to see which door was the entrance and wanted to park close to it. I saw it when Paul and I were walking in.

Paul walked right in and knew where he was. He went to Richard's office and sat down. Everyone sat around him and we talked while Paul took it all in. I had not been here before, so we went back to Paul's office that he shares with Lisa and he sat at his computer and tried to open it. I asked if he remembered any of it and he said no, but he kept clicking away checking it all out. The phone rang and I have to admit, I was a bit afraid he would answer it! We had a wonderful visit and after realizing that everyone at DTSi had not had lunch yet, I thanked them all so much for their wonderful support and the friendship they have offered Paul and our family and we went back home. Lisa sent Paul on his way with a box of cookies, two of which he ate on the way home.


"You saw how the Lord, your God, carried you, as a man carries his child, all along your journey until you arrived at this place. (Dt 1:31)

Paul is 'getting by with a little help from his friends. You have all helped carry him along his journey and have been faithful servants of God, living God's Word through your actions and love.


In this bright sun filled day, my heart can hardly contain my joy. While the news of Paul finally eating some food, telling a joke or visiting co-workers is not as thrilling to some who might prefer to hear what Brad Pitt is doing, it remains HEALINE NEWS in our world!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with us all.
Love,
Jon and Rebecca