July 16-3 1730

Well, that's a full day. Ty had a few of his buddies visit, they sat around and cracked each other up for most of the afternoon. Ty's AC crapped out and Roger M. came to the rescue with a unit he had gotten and wasn't using. After putting in 2 support rails, the AC unit, a TP dispenser, assembling and installing some track lighting (which still needs work), installing a flexible shower head. While Linda brought Ty's computer to E. Granby for repair, and made chicken for dinner. I'm whooped.

July 16-2 0845

Jaimie and Tyler gabbing and grinning (sorry for the dark picture).

Ty and Dad... the ride home.

The ER. The boy can smile through anything.

Ty had a good sleep and a great breakfast, if I say so myself (Mexican open faced omelet with mixed cheddar cheese, bacon, and OJ). It is a joy having Tyler home. He is very comfy in the man-cave, the dogs love it too, especially at mealtime because there's always a stray morsel hitting the floor.

July 16-1 0445

HOME AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!!

Ty needed to get to the bathroom, so he called me on my cell, the notification procedure worked great (even better, he called rather than doing it himself, the boy follows instructions). Once back in the room, Capone had stolen the bed. We moved him off, got Tyler situated, then Capone jumped up, carefully crawled up Ty's side, and put his head on Tyler's belly They both are drifting off to sleep with smiles on their faces.

July 15-3 2330

After a short rest tonight, I find myself wishing I could be struck by a sense of clarity which would explain the last 9 weeks, but it remains elusive. This morning, the sound of Tyler's voice, terrified at not understanding what was happening to his own body, was simply wrenching. Rushing to meet him at the ER, the same place this horrible journey began 9 weeks ago, elicited chilling feelings of deja vu. There, thank G-d, the similarities, for the most part, ended. Because Ty wasn't considered triage urgent, a 7 hour visit to the circus began, complete with a ring master, clowns, acrobats, and animals. All the staff, when they were able to attend to Tyler, were outstanding. But there seems to be some type of spacial anomaly which causes time to elongate. When we were told something would take 10 minutes, the trick was to add a zero to the estimate. A part of me was grateful that Ty didn't require the same urgent attention as our last visit, but the impatient parent in me constantly felt things were just moving too glacially. Ty's CAT scan results were great The Neuro-PA raved at how normal it all appeared. All the blood work came back fine. Tyler's vital signs were good as well. After all was said and done, they couldn't confirm the event was indeed a seizure, but possibly some transient event resulting from a million possible factors. The staff decided to not prescribe an anti-seizure med unless there was further evidence or similar activity. Tyler was finally released and allowed to travel with me to the Traurig House to pick up his necessary possessions and meds. Upon arrival, I was given a prescription from the on staff MD for an anti-seizure med. An explanation and an I know better than they do, lecture ensued. I essentially told the Doc, we were going to follow the advise of the people who initially operated on Ty and saved his life, and if feelings were hurt as a result, she could essentially go "piss up a rope". No... I didn't say that verbatim 'cause my Mom would have kicked my ass, but I made sure the essence was there. Ty became a bit nauseous towards the end of the ride to Traurig, but as the true trooper he is, we pressed on. Once the car was packed, and goodbyes said, we left the parking lot and suddenly needed to stop a moment for Ty. We were immediately asked by security if all was well. We both assured him, Ty just needed a bit of air and a break from driving. This wasn't sufficient for our obviously under worked Samaritan, by the time he got off the radio, we had 2 nurses and 4 other staff members offering unnecessary adult supervision to the situation. Finally on the road again, the traffic fairies smile on us, and we were able to make an uneventful transit home (nearly 12 hours after this all began). Bob, Jamie, Ryan, and Heidi did a top notch job with the new porch, and Ty got a first rate greeting from the dogs. Jamie stuck around and had dinner with Tyler, and the 2 buddies sat, laughed and shared stories and videos for a while, it seemed like old times. It would have taken power tools to get the smiles off both their faces. Now with both our boys back under the roof, I find myself feeling like I did when the kids were infants and I would sneak into their room while they slept to ensure they were still OK. By the way, Ty is sleeping comfy with the dogs close by. I have some pictures I'll share tomorrow, or should I say later today. No worries, I'll be up in an hour to look in on Tyler again anyway.

July 15-2 2000

For many, the battle at Masada was a long day. For others, the Spartans fighting, hopelessly outnumbered at Thermopylae was a long day, yet again for others, D-Day was the longest day. None of these hold a friggin' candle to today. The tales of indomitable courage, unwavering faith, and unmitigated self sacrifice will wait for a time hence. We are all exhausted. Bottom line. Ty is fine and sleeping at home tonight. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

July 15-1 0750

I was calling Tyler to tell him about the buzz of activity taking place at the house in preparation for his arrival later this afternoon. I could sense something in his voice, when asked how he was doing, he replied, "not too well". Apparently he had a seizure this morning about 6:30. His roommate, Robert noticed something wrong and alerted the staff. The seizure was minor (as seizures go, I guess) and was only 2 minutes in duration. Unfortunately it has left Tyler nauseous and frightened. The nurse is waiting for the Doctor to arrive, and has called an ambulance to transport Ty to the hospital for precautionary evaluation. This is such a helpless feeling, I don't know why these ill fortunes of life don't leave our boy alone. All plans for coming home later today are now tentative. We are delegated, once again, to the role of wait and see... and it sucks!

I just got a call from the nurse, Ty is being taken to Hartford Hospital ER. He's conscious and alert, and I'm assured this is precautionary. Doesn't feel like it to me.

PS

The man on the move. The therapy at Gaylord is almost as awesome as Tyler.

July 14-2 1730

Wow...Tyler sounds tired. They definitely put them through their paces at Traurig. Ty is anxiously awaiting dinner, and some well earned rest. There's no way we could be prouder of our boy. We're putting the final touches on Ty's custom digs in what used to be my 1st floor office (happy to give it up). We now call it our "Man Cave", complete with TV, video games, sporting equipment, and wireless Internet. This may not seem like much to some, but I've just joined the 21st century, and boy is it busy.

“The Jewish people, ever since David slew Goliath, have never considered youth as a barrier to leadership.”

-Unknown

July 14-1 0745

Tyler sounds great this morning after reporting a good nights sleep, a nice roommate, and a good breakfast. He has 2-3 hours of group work, followed by PT/OT, and speech therapy. In this new environment, the staff really packs in the work. Ty will sleep well tonight, and is excited over visiting home and friends this weekend. I told him we need to do things in moderation for his very first time home, and he's already asking to go over a friends house. The kid is unstoppable.

Healthy feet can hear the very heart of Holy Earth.
-Sitting Bull (Tatanka Yotanka)
Lakota warrior

PS

Brothers forever through thick and thin. The 2 best boys in the world (Just our opinion)


Grammy and her boys. (The loves of her life).

A picture of 4 of us wandering the maze of hallways which is Gaylord Hospital (The place is huge).

July 13-3 1800

Tyler is settling in nicely at the Traurig House, and the staff at his new locale are already getting a kick out of his wacky sense of humor. He's setting up his room, awaiting dinner (no surprise there). Tyler is anticipating an early night, expecting a very full day tomorrow.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. -Jeremiah 29:11,12

July 13-2 1330

Well, we are now home care experts (right). Tyler does most of the work making us, more or less safety observers. Ty is moving to Traurig this afternoon, and his days will now be even more full. The best time to visit or contact him is after dinner. Ty will be coming home this weekend starting Friday afternoon, and returning to Traurig Sunday evening. We are all very excited to have him home, even for a short visit.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

July 13-1 0600

Today Josh, Grammy, and I are going in early to see Ty and go through patient assistance training. Then, the plan is to assist Tyler's move to the Traurig House. All of a sudden things seem to be moving at whirl wind speed. Ty's progress is good, and all who work with him seem to fall instantly in love with this amazing soul (we think he's a witch).

In light you find your Self.
In grace you find your way.
In gratitude you find all is provided
and only in love,
do you find you are Home...
-Unknown


r way.
...

July 12-3 1650

Ty is whipped after a day of traveling, PT, and aqua-therapy, and eagerly awaiting dinner (shocking). There's a good chance Tyler may move to Traurig House tomorrow, Josh and I will check into that in the AM, as we are going there for patient support training. Regardless we should have Ty with us at home for the weekend (we are overjoyed).

Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential”
-Winston Churchill
Thanks for the contribution Cathy Thermer, very appropriate.

July 12-2 1230

Absolutely un-by-G-d believable. Ty's appointment with the neurosurgeon went well, with a reconstructive surgery date of July 28th. Due to the great progress Tyler is making there's talk of foregoing the Traurig House and discharging him home this Friday, we're all thrilled. This is still speculative, but possible, and we'll keep everyone informed.

July 12-1 0900

I spoke with Ty this AM during his breakfast and it reminded me of the scene from the Simpson's where Homer is eating and someone asks him a question. Homer says, "Can't talk, doughnuts". What I was able to discern is, Tyler is anxious to go with his Mom and see the neurosurgeon later this AM., and he slept pretty well. Ty is also hoping he gets his time in the aqua therapy pool today.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of we do not see.
-Hebrews

PS

Bob and Jamie Fitzgerald are awesome. Bob, being very handy in the carpentry genre', volunteered to put a railing on the front porch on the left side to match the right side. Bob decided that was too insignificant of a job for a man of his talent, so they are going to replace all the treads, making sure all is sturdy and safe for Tyler. Many thanks guys.

July 11-3 1830

An amazing day (see pictures above). Mom, Grammy, and I are watching PT, and Tyler comes cruising by using just a cane. We all almost passed out, then began whooping like we were at a ball game. He seems in good spirits, and is working his butt off to get better. Ty, oddly enough is craving Taco Bell... go figure.

PS

Seeing Ty walk, however carefully was an unbelievably uplifting experience. He also is pulling himself along in his wheelchair with his legs, Also, with the chance of Ty coming home for the weekend, Bob Fitzgerald has graciously volunteered to put up a railing on the front porch, and fix a step as well.

July 11-2 1040

Great news! Ty's glasses are here, now he can begin retraining his brain and eyes to somewhat normalize his vision. All the staff say he is doing tremendously with all his PT. One therapist said, Tyler should make a full recovery, with the exception of a bit of reduced ability in his left arm and leg. I was so excited, I hugged the stuffing out of her. All moves to the Traurig house are contingent on the neurosurgeons appointment tomorrow AM.

Never quit, never, ever surrender.
-Tim Allen (Galaxy Quest)

July 11-1 0715

Tyler slept well and is having breakfast, fueling up for a days PT. He's going to visit the Traurig House either this evening or tomorrow for dinner, and to gauge his ability to safely transfer there. From what I am told, the staff ramps up the PT and training in a concentrated effort to finally transition the patient home. If we thought Tyler was tired at the end of the day now... just wait.
Tentatively, Ty's transfer to Traurig is scheduled for Friday, but that will all depend on his meeting with the neurosurgeon tomorrow regarding his reconstructive surgery.

Psalm 20:1-5
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;May He send you help from the sanctuary,And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice.May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

July 10-3 1800

Tyler had some visitors this afternoon, Bonnie and her son Eric. Always nice for Ty to see smiling faces. He seemed to sound tired today, I guess Sundays , not having any PT, are recharge the battery days.

Yiddish 101:

Du Zol Nicht Vissen Frum Tsores:

pronounced, doo zohl nikht viss-en froom TZOHR-ehs

It means, “You should never know from human misery, from sorrow, or from agony.”

July 10-2 1120

Ty is having a quiet Sunday, as always eagerly anticipating lunchtime. He sounds a bit quiescent today, and I'm not sure if it's exhaustion, or boredom. When asked,Tyler is always doing fine, but I sometimes wish he had less time to mull his situation over. The other side of the coin is, it's good for him to work through his feelings regardless of what they are. As a parent it's just difficult to see your child in pain or turmoil, all we can do is love and support him, and not fix it making it all better.

But Moses' hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat upon it, and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

July 10-1 0630

Tyler watched a movie in his room last night, and slept comfortably. All vitals and functions are sound. We still need to work on his vision, left arm, and leg. Otherwise he's doing well.

Yiddish 101:

A Gezunt Dir in Pupik:

pronounced, ah Geh-SOONT dear en POOHP-ik

This is a blessing, and means good health to your belly button, but the general meaning is that your whole system should stay healthy and be in good shape. It's a colorful, preposterous way of making a profound point: Because your life started with your belly button, it's the center of your entire being.