Hello Paully, Well Hello Paully, It's so nice to have you back where you belong

Paul and Richard with the new DTSi T-shirts










Lisa, Paul and Richard









Thursday, March 30

Yesterday brought more moments of clarity of thought for Paul. He was on the computer and he sent a message to Rick Rose, who responded that they are going to have a baby boy, which they just found out. Rick mentioned that they were thinking of using the name Paul as the middle name (which is Rick's dad's name). Paul sent the message back that for a small fee (3 trillion dollars, which would be a friend's discount) they could use his name for their child. Later, he called his brother Jon to see if he was really coming home this weekend, but first he teased him by asking if Jon would be able to help out with some of the medical bills that Paul has started to receive. There was a moment's silence, then Paul said "just kidding bro" and we could hear Jon laugh. A laugh of relief that Paul is back and that it was a joke! His humor was back on track and the tone was pretty much the same as before. Paul's humor is very dry and witty. Today, when I told him the therapist who was coming didn't really like our dog, she was basically afraid of Abby, he looked at me and said "Someone has issues." He understands conversations and responds pretty quickly when spoken to. I did notice that when he is really tired, or on overload, he will repeat the same thing he has said only moments before. He types with the same speed as before, and he will correct his spelling errors without any prompting. In fact, his attention to detail seems to be magnified. He will point out things that no one else will notice - that a button is not buttoned on someone's shirt, or an object might be over the edge of the table just a little bit. He will be the first to notice that napkins haven't been put out on the table or that someone got up without clearing their plate, which is too funny since he never cleared his plate before, nor could he care less if anyone else did either! Today, I was looking for his sun glasses and he instantly saw them down in the family room on a magazine. I had not noticed them because they blended in. Also, I said I had to find my cell phone and he told me exactly where he had seen it. Some amazing instances - which I don't know if this is a phase or if he will continue to be like this.

He had also been on the internet with Richard Watson, the owner of DTSi, where Paul worked. Mr. Watson asked Paul if he was ready for the computer he had promised him if he made it through all this and Paul said he was. So, Mr. Watson and Lisa Hanrahan came over and we had a wonderful visit with them. Mr. Watson brought the latest styles of DTSi T-shirts. There was also a Survivor T-shirt. He gave them to Paul and told him he could stay busy growing into the size large!

The appointment with the neurologist was yesterday and we were told that his headaches may continue for up to a month, but that we needed to watch the over all trend of them. The intensity of them stays in the range of 4-6 on a scale of 1 to 10. Tylenol does help them. The doctor was not sure why Paul has such sensitivity to light now, and since we had an appointment with the opthamologist today, he said we should ask about that. It may be due to the headaches, which would be like migraines. If the headaches continue past the next few weeks, we will consult a specialist (neurologist) who deals with headache pain. We are also going to an endochrinologist to make sure Paul's thyroid level is correct, as his hands are really cold and his fingernails are more bluish than pink. It might also explain the continued fatigue.

The appointment with the opthamologist actually brought disappointing news. Paul was not able to see very well at all out of his left eye and there is some drying and irritation of his cornea. The doctor said we have actually done a great job of keeping his eye as healthy as it is given the circumstances, but Paul now needs to see a different doctor with the group tomorrow morning at 8:20. It is a consult appointment to help determine what can be done about the paralysis, if anything. After talking to this specialist, we will be able to compare notes with our friend who has taken her son to Washington University Hospital in St. Louis, and see if Paul would be better served there. Please pray for the guidance to get Paul what is needed to help restore his eyesight to the fullest possible recovery. It is the next area of concern that needs to be addressed. Then, down the road we will need to get help with repairing his ear, which has some damage to the middle section.

The therapists did not come this week as we expected because the therapist who was supposed to do the evaluation was in a car accident. She is okay now, and will be here tomorrow. Then the other therapists will come next week. It may have been a blessing anyway, since Paul has been very tired all this week. He does need to get back on track though, since that is what will build endurance.

He is slowly getting back to eating, but only with lots of begging. He is never hungry, and does not want to eat when asked. We have to remind him how important it is and it will be the best thing he can do for himself. After 10 minutes of explaining why we want him to eat, he will eat about 4-5 bites and then say he is full. This remains another area of concern. There does not seem to be an answer for this. I try not to get frustrated with him as he cannot help any of this. God is fully aware of this issue and I have placed it in His hands for guidance.

Paul's memory was not as sharp today, he must have 'turned off his engine' to allow for more repairs to be done. We sure did have 4 really great days though and I am so grateful to God that we saw more of Paul than ever before and for this length of time. It was terrific and very relieving. I realized today that Paul's first moment of real clarity came on the Feast of the Annunciation, where it all began with Mary's saying YES to God's request to be the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As I thought of her and her response that was given with great trust, I remembered very vividly the intensity of that moment when I had to say Yes to all of this. Yet, look how many joypus moments there have been and all the levels of recovery we have been granted! I have started to share some of this with Paul so that he will see how God's hand has been in this. He will be able to draw from all of this to find the courage to also say Yes to God. Today, there were 3 pennies in the door handle on Paul's side of the car. Another opportunity to say Yes to God, I trust in you.

Peace to all of you, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jon and Rebecca Fidero

Thank you so much for your prayers for Paul and for Marie's sister, Diane. Look how far we have come! The other night we started to say the Rosary and Paul said he would lead the Second Sorrowful mystery. Michael usually doesn't lead us in prayer, but after Paul did, he said he would lead us in the Third Sorrowful mystery. Paul said, "Hold it just a minute" and he got up and walked over to Michael and hugged him and said "You are one great brother, I love you" and then sat back down and we continued. Jon and I just looked at each other with great joy. Talk about a heart that was ready to burst!