July 23-2 1600

What a busy day we had. After Grammy and Tom Lange, Ty, Josh and I went target shooting (pictures later), Tyler did great, still has that old touch. Then it was home to offload equipment, and off to the Pelzars party. Wonderful people, terrific food, Ty stuck his feet in the pool, we all caught up with some old friends, and met some new ones. Home now in the A/C, and I'm about to plotz (99 degrees). After I rest and drink some water, I'll post again.

July 23-1 1000

Ty slept well under tight doggy security, and had a nice breakfast. Grammy is here, showering her boys with attention. We have a busy day planned, lunchtime target shooting at the range, and a grad party at 1400 at the Pelzars (dear friends from early days and lacrosse).

“Once you realize that each day of your life brings a new chance for you, you will be able to move on and be happy.”
-Unknown

July 22-2 1800

From the horses mouth:
I walked without a cane today, doing a full lap of the gym. I also did stretching at OT using different tools to get back my arm strength. We just finished dinner, and it will probably be an early bed time.

July 22-1 1400

Last night Ty didn't go to the arcade, he had visitors, Hilary and her father Dave, he enjoyed the time very much..
This is a nice day (not the 100+ degree weather), Tyler is coming home for the weekend, and I just found out Josh passed his ROTC PT test, the final step in a full 4 year scholarship to RPI. I'll have Ty do the next blog.

July 21-2 1730

Ty worked hard this AM, and was rewarded with a trip to the arcade (video game heaven). Currently he will be coming home for the weekend tomorrow afternoon. Tyler is scheduled to have his GI tube removed this Monday AM at the Gaylord Hospital. Amazingly, an hour after the procedure he can have a meal. The wonders of modern medicine.

July 21-1 0800

We still haven't heard as to when Tyler's GI tube will be removed. It is said to be a simple procedure done at Gaylord Hospital by the MD.
Ty had a good time yesterday in spite of the oppressive heat, the group for the most part, toured the air conditioned parts of Dinosaur State Park. Today begins another round of PT/OT, and Tyler is scheduled for aqua therapy later today.
Josh and Linda have travelled to Rensselaer overnight for Freshman orientation, and Josh's Physical Training test for his Army ROTC scholarship.

July 20-3 2200

Ty had a big day, between therapy, visits, and the outing, he's beat. The latest report has him doing transfers from the chair to other areas, safely and efficiently. It starts again tomorrow.

July 20 -2 1200

From the Tyler's mouth:
The staff took 3 folks to the movies in Wallingford last night. We went to see The Zoo Keeper, but it was sold out, instead we saw Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. The movie was enjoyable and George Takai (Star Treks Sulu) stole the show as the economics professor. Dad brought pizza slices, and I put the MRE beef on the peperoni pizza. It was very good surprisingly enough. Today I had group and physical therapies before lunch, and afterwards we're going to Dinosaur State Park.
I also want to say hi to everyone, and thanks to Seth Hayes for the MREs.

July 20-1 0800

Ty had a good night sleep, ans is out the door early for therapy. I'm going up later this AM to see him and get his CD player which was left behind in his move from Gaylord to Traurig. The staff is then taking several folks to Dinosaur State Park, I think Ty will find this very interesting.


“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”
-Albert Einstein

July 19-2 1300

Sorry this entry was delayed, the computers at school were on the fritz. Tyler is having a busy day as usual, to include visits from his Mom, Anatomy teacher and her son. The G I tube should come out some time this week, and we hear it's a simple procedure likely to be done at Gaylord. The reconstruction surgery is slated for the 28th, and the staff want Tyler to return to Traurig for possibly 2 weeks after for recovery and further therapy. Tyler wishes he could be home for good, as we all do, but he knows this is all for the big picture goal and his future well being.

July 19-2 1150

Another busy day with group therapy, his Mom stopping by, and his Anatomy teacher and her son visiting. It seems Tyler's gastric tube will come out some time this week, and after the reconstructive surgery on the 28th, the staff wants to keep him at Traurig for another week or 2 to help prepare Ty for the start of school. Ty will probably be a bit bummed about not getting home sooner, but he knows it's all an investment in his future, and he will be home on the weekends.

July 19-1 0800

After a good nights rest, and a hearty breakfast, our intrepid PT traveler is ready to embark on another day fraught with adventure and challenge. The staff says Ty smiles a lot and is quite the crack up. Ty's Mom is heading down to visit this AM and check on a few things.

Don't let the time it will take to do something discourage you from doing it. The time will pass anyway, and it may as well be used to do something worth while.
-Unknown

July 18-3 1700ts.

Tyler is having a huge, busy day. He is in great spirits, and is plowing forward through all the PT and appointments. He will probably have the GI tube removed this week, as he hasn't needed it for about 6 weeks. This has been a busy day, so this is a quick Tyler update.

JUly 18-2 0850

Ty had a good night and was in fine fettle this AM, raring to go. He has an unbelievably packed schedule today with no breaks until 1:00 or 1:30 for lunch (no wonder he didn't want to leave home) When we dropped Tyler off last night, all the staff understood our decision to not use anti-seizure meds for the time being, Ty's 12:30 appointment is with Gaylord's staff MD. I'm hoping she doesn't try to put the fear of G-d in him, or coerce a change in our plan by any means. This would be very poor judgement on her part, therefore I'm certain the meeting with Tyler is simply evaluative as a result of the incident on Friday. The MD is actually very good, and genuinely concerned for the patients, but our concern was her following a standard protocol, more than listening to the concerns of Ty and his parents. I'm also sure this incident is water under the bridge, and we can all concentrate on the significant priority of Ty's rehab.

“Don’t be sweet, lest you be eaten up; don’t be bitter, lest you be spewed out.”
-Old Proverb

July 18-1 0350

I wanted to take a moment to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing generosity of all our friends near and far. I have been remiss regarding formal thank you notes, and quite honestly, there are more people to thank than there is time in many days combined. Please understand, and forgive us (we weren't raised by wolves, just overwhelmed, honest). You many generosities have made this horribly surreal experience, at least manageable. Without all of you in our corner, we don't know how we could have made it this far, or found the resolve to continue on. From all of us, THANK YOU for your ongoing support.

“Do not be wise in words – be wise in deeds.”
-Unknown

July 17-6 2100

Same goofy kid, same beautiful smile.

Josh and I just got home from returning Tyler to Traurig. He was initially sad at leaving home, but he understands well the necessity for all he's going through. On the way, Ty asked for details regarding his accident. I told him the facts as we know them, considering the official report is still pending. When asked how he felt about what happened, Ty said, "kind of better". Knowing some details put some definition and perspective to the events of the last 9 weeks. I explained, the accident and rehab are probably the most difficult things he will deal with in his life. Tyler said, "Then it's a good thing I'm getting it out of the way early".
Before we left the house, our friend Lisa P. from Ohio stopped by to check in on Ty and bring him an Ohio State T-Shirt (pictured above), and some really cool socks. Thanks very much.
This has been a very labor intensive, and wonderful weekend I'm exhausted (seems to be an ongoing theme).
Ty is psyched to kick some more rehab butt this week. I could not be prouder of that kid.

PS

The boys playing on the computer (how unexpected...said sarcastically).

Tyler seems to be on the phone a great deal, during the reconstructive surgery they're going to sow his phone to his ear.

Hilary and her Mom are here, Hilary was giving Ty some treats, and I guess there's something Pavlovian about feeding him because Hilary gave Ty some marbles to show him, and he went to eat them thinking they were candy. We were all (including TY) laughing our butts off.

July 17-5 1400

Grammy and one of her boys.

A relaxing day with visits from the Godfather, Steve Smith (Ty loves the cookies, thanks Chelsea), and Grammy so far. Ty took a shower, and is taking a rest anticipating a visit from his friend Hilary and family.

July 17-4 0850

Appetite intact, 2 huge pancakes made with Hayes farm eggs, side of bacon, and a huge helping of OJ... damn the kid can eat. We talked this AM and Ty is a bit sad about returning to Traurig. He's completely aware of the necessity, but he feels in a way he's been robbed. Not just of a fun Summer at home with friends and family, but of his appearance, and many abilities. I can only assure him, with hard work he will get better and better over time, while I hug the stuffing out of him.
Speaking of the Hayes family (close friends of ours), Seth Hayes came by yesterday bearing gifts. Seth is in Army ROTC at Norwich, and knows how much Ty likes to eat, and his special,if not bizarre affinity for military MREs (meals ready to eat). So Tyler now has a bag of these delectable treats to feast on at his leisure. Thanks, you made him smile.

Man has no claim upon God. Even Moses came before God only with an appeal for grace.

-Rabbi Johanan, Deuteronomy Rabbah

July 17-3 0600

One drawback of keeping Ty hydrated is the resulting need for many Pee breaks. Ty slept well, and the dog had taken over his bed upon our return. Capone was glad to share, and I left the 2 of them snuggling and watching "Bugs Bunny" together.

To sleep perchance to dream, ay there's the rub.
-Shakespeare

July 17-2 0220

When tired, especially in the middle of the night, Tyler can be unstable while walking. It's reminiscent of old college days, escorting a wasted friend somewhere. The difference being, I don't feel like laughing or harassing Tyler. I tucked him back in bed, Capone jumped up and laid by his side with his head on Ty's tummy. Diva said "goodnight" to Tyler and went with me upstairs. He has come so far, even though the apparent nature of this is sometimes less obvious to those of us who see Ty often. I hope Tyler is aware of just how much progress he's made, and doesn't get discouraged knowing how far there is left to travel.

Jly 17-1 0005

Just checked on Tyler, glad I did. He's always been a squirming worm, tonight he was right on the edge of the bed. I just woke him up and helped him scoot over. I was kidding him about how he hasn't changed in this regard since he was a little , he thought that was pretty funny. Overall, Ty is doing well at home, but his balance and strength are still marginal as he tires. His appetite, not surprisingly, is amazing (a good sign, but bad news for the Nation's grocery supply). We all love having our boy home, especially the dogs, and specifically Capone. He can be found patrolling the hall outside his room, snuggling next to him in bed, laying on the floor nearby, or searching for food scraps around Ty. As far as Tyler has come on this surreal journey, this visit home is evidence to the fact of how much farther he has yet to go. I fully understand the "little steps" theory to reach the goal, but the parent in me is impatient and constantly concerned.