Home at Last……

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After spending 232 days in hospitals in three different states as well as 106 days locally in a skilled care nursing facility…. Norman is home at last! It all became official on March 22. The occupational and physical therapists found the remodel meeting with their approval. Once the hospital bed was delivered on March 21, we knew the moving day would soon become a reality.
This past first week at home has required both of us to work on adjustments to our “new home life.” A health home aid arrives every morning for two hours to assist Norman with range of motion, getting him dressed for the day and getting him up into his chair. She returns for two hours in the evening for several nightly needs concluding with returning him to bed. For the next six weeks we have a PT and an OT arriving for therapy two hours a week. After six weeks out-patient therapy begins. This week the therapists are arriving together to work with Norman on transferring. There is also the visiting nurse who arrives twice a week. With all their visits and with visits from friends (all uplifts for Norman), the house had a revolving door. Indeed, Norman loves to visit….thus looks forward to visitors coming to the farm.
The majority of Thursday was spent in Iowa City at the VA getting acquainted with Norman’s Iowa SCI (spinal cord injury) team. An SCI team consists of an SCI doctor, nurse, social worker, and outreach coordinator. They spent three hours with us checking Norman’s recovery status and determining needs Norman may now have after being home.
As much as Norman is enjoying his return home, he also finds it restrictive to only view the farm from the indoors. His life has always been in the out-of-doors. He misses not working with Neal and checking on the cowherd where calving will soon be a daily occurrence(s). He has identified some farm management roles he can do using the computer or the phone. However, not being able to see and touch what you love is difficult. Perhaps the day will come when Norman will be able to transfer himself so we can find a source to get him out to the barns and the pastures.
The past twelve months have been quite a journey…a journey that began around 10:30 A.M. on April 19, 2012. It has been a journey of many emotional moments. It has been a journey of hopes, fears, denials, acceptances, and adjustments. Our journey has been a time of facing realities while never wanting to put a ceiling on hope. It has been a journey filled with a multitude of blessings…of so many people who have reached out and touched our lives. Over and over again we have been touched with the love and prayers shared by so many during these past twelve months. Indeed, they all made a difference. …they have all made our journey easier. We are so grateful for feeling your arms around us when we have needed them the most. Thank you for always being there in whatever way you were…With All Our Love, Norman and Lorna

Moving into March….

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Indeed it is our hope that after eleven months away from home, Norman will be moving home this month. The remodel is coming together, something that will take all of the next two weeks to complete. The tile for the bathroom is completed, dry wall crew is done and the painting is finished. The next two weeks should involve the electricians, plumbers, lift installers, and the carpet layer. Todd, the builder, also has various things to finish or create. Once we have it finished, there will be various inspections to be completed by nursing agencies, as well as physical and occupational therapy to see if we have met all the modification and safety guidelines. Creating a fire exit out the lower level will no doubt require a concrete slab that must be delayed for warmer weather.
Knowing that Norman will require assistance with daily care, we have been meeting with health care agencies the past two weeks to determine who can best meet his needs. Besides daily cares, he will also have a visiting nurse on a regular basis.  Needless to say, it is sometimes difficult to think about the privacy that our lives will no longer have. Even though I can be some help as his main caregiver, unfortunately, I am not physically able to do all the care that he requires. We have met some kind, caring people in whom we hope to place our trust.
 Once again, we have felt our lives have been blessed with all the loving, wonderful care of so many family and friends these past months. Another major blessing has been the staff at the Kahl Home.The Sisters who serve as the managers of the Kahl Home are all so very kind. They are filled with the spirit of our Lord…something shared with and by everyone who enters or lives within the Kahl. I continue to be amazed by the gentleness of many who have reached out to embrace us from the smile and sweetness of resident LaDonna, to the daily hugs from Theda and the endless energy of CNAs and the nursing staff. Norman’s physical and occupational therapists continue to be excited about his little steps of progress. Norman always seems to try to give them a hundred percent…something they cannot experience from most other residents. Within the next two weeks many decisions will be made not only for in-home care but also regarding in-home/outpatient therapy programs.
 Above all else, we know that we continue to put our trust in HE who has lifted us up and carried us through these past eleven months. At times it has been difficult to let go. So often I think about a song I learned in Sunday School many years ago…one that I loved so much we had it sung at our wedding….” Have Thine Own Way, Lord…Have thine own way…Thou art the potter, I am the clay….Mold me and make me…after thy will..While I am waiting…yielded and still.”

A Glimpse Into Our February….

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Even though Norman has been home a few times, at times it seems to bother him to make the trip and to be there as he feels the kitchen area limiting. He cannot go to the lower level to see any of the project under construction nor can he travel the outside world where he would so love to go….inspect the newly delivered hay and see his barns, cattle and equipment. Some of his daily chores at the Kahl Home involve him helping Neal by following ads for hay and finding what needs to be purchased…then making the purchasing calls. Norman is also finding success using “The Dragon”, a voice activation computer program. Numerous years ago, when still teaching, I was introduced to this program for usage in the schools. The program now comes for different levels as well as the ability to do spreadsheets. Norman’s speech therapist in Minneapolis introduced and did beginning training of the program with Norman before we left the VA. After learning to recognize Norman’s voice, the program types whatever he tells it to do….a tremendous help for his hand/finger limitations.

Last weekend, Norman decided he would like to try making a trip to the movie theatre. Neal has been wanting to take him to the Tuesday afternoon special priced event at the larger cinema theatre. Not sure if he was quite up to that, Norman did decide he would try going to a small theatre. Norman’s sister, Kathy, and brother-in-law, Steve, went with us to see “Les Mes” in DeWitt. The adventure went well. The theatre’s manager removed an aisle seat to accommodate Norman. It was a nice change for a Sunday afternoon away from the Kahl for a few hours.

Norman’s therapists continue to see improvement. He has had several longer stands in the standing frame. Transferring is still a goal for Norman. The physical therapist, although still doing most of the help, has been able to transfer him without the help of a second therapist’s assistance. At this point, he is still considered a two person transfer…but..he will continue working that goal.

With the anticipated moving home date hoping to be in mid-March, the focus on the home front is completion of each phase of the remodel. There is still much to be done….but…there is also much already completed. Todd has the beams installed and all the walls built and insulated. Inspections have been completed. The electricians and the plumbers have everything roughed in. The tile crew have delivered the tile and will be ready to install as soon as the dry wall is hung and finished…something that is to be done this week. As any of you know, building projects wait on an order of completion. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the progress…I have taken pictures with my phone to share with him…but..they are a bit hard to view….shall get some good ol’ hard copy 4X6 prints to share with him soon.

With February 14 soon to arrive…we can’t help but think and feel of all the love that has and continues to surround us by you and yours. Your many prayers and gifts of love have made our world these past ten months. We continue to be surrounded by so many blessings…all gifts of love from God.

I Corinthians 13: 4,7-8

Love is patient, love is kind.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails

A January Update….

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The cold of winter has arrived in Iowa…but I look at the temps for our Minnesota friends and know that they are feeling more of the cold. Since the weather was so nice last Friday and Saturday, I was able to take Norman out for a few hours both days. On Saturday we ventured to the Farmer’s Market for a visit. All the venders seemed glad to welcome his return and he enjoyed the time spent with them.  Although he will not be there on any regular basis at this point, perhaps it will be a possiblity in the future. Last week friend Alan helped move and set up our computer and printer for Norman at the Kahl Home. He had received an adapted keyboard and mouse from the VA to use. Alan got him all set up so he can now begin to do some bookwork as well as have access to the internet and his e-mails. He has to hunt and peck the keys…but…he is able to make work… a good thing.
Therapy continues to be going well. One of the activities they have done is move Norman onto a type of board with a ball under it to help him increase his balance. He has to reach and retrieve several items while balancing himself. He has found that he is able to reach more than he could in Minnesota and he is also able to catch and throw balls in general better than he could a couple of months ago. He continues to have the bionesses work his hands on a regular basis as well as the electric stem on his legs. One of the therapist made a video of a small leg kicking movement so that he could see it. He cannot feel any movement or see it when it occurs so it was fun for him to see what was happening.
The remodeling has continued on our home after a break over the holidays. It will probably  take another six weeks before it is finished. Both the plumber and the electrician are due to arrive next week. Everything takes steps and involves scheduling issues. Once they are done, finishing the walls can begin….it is all progress.

A New Year…..

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Indeed we look forward to the “fresh start” of a new year and the anticipation of HOPE. The year 2012 brought so much change into our lives…changes that are ongoing. The unknown remains but we will grasp onto Hope for Norman’s continued recovery… we hope for him that the best is yet to come. From the beginning, we were told it would be 12 – 18 months for his major recovery period…we are now into month nine.
After celebrating time togther for Christmas with our children the weekend before the 24th and 25th, the children ventured off to spend Christmas with their other families.  How blessed we felt to be able to take Norman to church and be with our church family Christmas Eve. The Kahl Home was very supportive of allowing us time away both on Christmas Eve and to be home for several hours on Christmas Day. With the van help of Norman’s brother-in-law, Steve, and his sister, Kathy, the four of us were able to share a quiet time together on the farm Christmas Day.
Norman has now been at the Kahl Home for a month and feels fortunate to be there. Not only is he receiving good nursing care, but the physical and occupational therapists are focused on providing the best therapy that they can give him two hours a day. They are carefully following the Minneapolis VA therapists notes and suggestions, making adaptations as needed. Since his time at the Kahl, Norman has improved his toleration of the standing frame with more elevation for a 30 minute period. Neal has noted how his dad can now spread out all of his fingers, something that has been challenging and not possible since the accident. Reclaiming movement and use of his hands has been a major focus of both the VA and the Kahl Home occupational  therapists.
Remodeling has begun on the house. There are many changes needed. We feel fortunate to have a builder who has done some handicap house remodeling. He has a vision of where we must go and how best to get there. As strange as it seems to take apart what we spent years putting together, we must now make it our priority to create a functional home for Norman. Living life in a chair certainly requires a new normal in the all of life.

Merry Christmas!

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Happy holidays and Merry Christmas from the farm. Everyone was home yesterday for Christmas celebrations. Mother had house looking amazing and Neal and Lucie cooked an excellent Sawyer Beef roast for our Christmas dinner. I drove Dad, using the new van, out to the farm for the afternoon. The new van is pretty slick, makes it very easy for all of us.

Dad was able to enjoy present opening with the grandkids, Christmas dinner and a Sarah lead us in a few Christmas song with performances from Annabelle, Neal, Meredith and Herbert. Mike and Neal then drove Dad back to the Kahl home.

It was great having Dad at to the farm, having the entire family together. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

Merry Christmas to Everyone from Iowa…..

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Yes..we have returned to our homeland….Norman endured the trip well and is settled into his new residence. He is receiving good care as well as two hours of therapy a day. Both the physical therapist and the occupationall therapists are trying hard to follow the notes and recommendations of the therapists in MInneapolis. Both the therapists seem to be enthusiastic about their role and Norman’s progress with them. Our family will be home this weekend before Christmas to share time together. We will be bringing Norman home for several hours on Saturday to spend time around the Christmas tree with his children and grandchildren….indeed… our best gift this Christmas.
We will continue to update the website after Christmas. Until then…we send all of our love to each of you. You have each been such a blessing in our lives these past eight months. We are so very grateful for any message, thought, prayer, kind words, e-mail, phone call, or good deed you may have done. From Norman, myself and all of our family….thank you everyone. Merry Christmas.

Home to Iowa….

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Yes…we have arrived home to Iowa…and how wonderful it feels! Neal was able to ride to Minneapolis with Norman’s sister, Kathy and then drive Norman home in a van that had gone through conversion to accommodate Norman. Even though it will be a few months before our home can be made ready for him, Norman is only a 25 minute trip away. Norman now has a lovely room overlooking familiar farm fields at the Kahl Home.

The Kahl Home is a skilled care facility which had been located for many years in the lower west end of Davenport. This past August, the Kahl Home opened a lovely new facility located on the north central edge of Davenport (off Jersey Ridge Rd).

Life now takes a new turn and requires new adjustments. For nearly five months Norman lived among guys who were mostly all his vintage suffering from spinal cord injuries . His neighbors now are women and men senior to him who are challenged by health issues other than spinal cord. Norman has one hour of both physical and occupational therapy five days a week. His Minnesota therapists have sent detailed notes and are only a phone call away for assistance. Many adaptations have to be made as there is a dramatic difference in the equipment found in a spinal cord injury gym and that of a skilled care facility gym.  

The Minnesota medical and therapy staffs had a little gathering for Norman the day prior to his departure. He seemed to have won their hearts…and indeed… the feeling was mutual. As difficult as it was to say good-bye to what had become our world there, we know we will return annually for a two to three day check-up and will then see again many of our Minnesota family.

Our journey continues for we know the spinal cord is a slow recovery process. Indeed, Norman has come a long way from that tragic day in April. His neurosurgeon in Rockford said it would be twelve to eighteen months before we would have some idea of Norman’s recovery….and then he added… “ It is now between Norman and God.”

Stepping Ahead…..

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Although we missed being with many of our family on Thanksgiving, the
Fisher House had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner for all who share our
world here. Besides Sarah, Mike and the children, another couple from
the spinal cord unit were able to join us…Fred and Heidi. They, to,
enjoyed the company of others while away from home for the holiday. We
were able to return Norman and Fred just as the temperature began to
drop mid-afternoon. Mike and Sarah had intended to stay two nights
but left on Friday as Sarah was not feeling well…arriving home with
a royal case of the flu. Fortunately, Mike and the children had
received the flu shot, something Sarah was intending to do.

After Thanksgiving, the focus for Norman has been on the steps leading
him to be homeward bound. Those steps first involved a surgical
procedure done on his bladder. All went well…. keeping him out of
circulation for only a day. Since that time, the therapists have all
been pushing hard to help Norman reach goals. They have also been
thorough in their reviews and ordering of supplies and some equipment
needed to help him be successful at home both personally and
professionally.

Both the medical staff and the therapists see Norman continuing to
make steady progress. They will follow his progress in the months
ahead and see him annually for a physical and evaluation.  If all goes
well in the days ahead, plans are in place for discharge home the
first week in December. When that does occur, he will temporarily
reside in a skilled care facility close to home.

Indeed, Norman has made and continues to make great strides on his
road to recovery. Each little step has helped make the major steps
possible as we continue down this new journey in our lives….a
journey that will someday soon be able to allow Norman to enter the
doorsteps of our home.

Blessings…..

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This past week our lives were blessed with the visit of two sets of
dear friends and Herbert’s surprise mid-week visit. It means so much
to both of us for anyone to take the time  and travel the distance to
be with us. It is those contacts with loved ones that bring sunshine
into our world. It is also encouraging for others to note improvements
that are not always as obvious to us. Although we know that Norman
still has restricted usage of his fingers and hands, Herbert did see
greater movement. Norman’s voice is not yet what it use to be, but he
can now speak clearly enough to use the phone. Indeed that has come a
long way from no voice and using an alphabet chart to spell words. He
was seen by the ENT (ear, nose,throat) doctor last week. They were
encouraged by his progress and decided not to do another injection
into his vocal cord at this time. He will be seen in three months to
reevaluate his progress.

Physical therapy has had a better week for Norman. His blood pressure
stabalized when on the Erigo Board ( a board raises to a 75 – 80
degree angle with the body strapped to it while simulating the legs
walking). His blood pressure showed improvement while in the standing
frame as he was able to be raised in it to 40 degrees.The goal is to
get his blood pressure to be regulated while in a 90 degree raise of
the standing frame.

Our Thanksgiving will be blessed with the arrival of Sarah, Mike,
Annabelle, and William. We will share with others a Thanksgiving
dinner that is being served to residents and their families in the
Fisher House (my present home). The weather is to be good so we can
bundle up Norman and wheel him to the Fisher House for the afternoon.

This is that special time of year when we feel and reflect the love of
God’s many blessings into our lives. Indeed, each of you have been one
of those special blessings. Your thoughts, prayers, kind words and
deeds have all helped to make this new journey in our lives easier.
“Out of everything bad comes something good.” As catastrophic as
Norman’s injury was, our cup overflows with blessings…with blessings
of love.
“…Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things.”  I Corinthians 13:7

A Very Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours….
With Love from Norman, Lorna, and All the
Sawyer Family