Tuesday Walk

Ceil and I took a walk this morning after the rain moved away. It was very nice, and the sun was coming out as we made our way around the neighborhoods. We stopped at the park to look at the new rubber surface that was put in last week. I had to take a couple of pictures at the playground. We will be going to the ING cafe to have lunch with Linda today. Ceil enjoys going downtown to the cafe to visit Linda. It is also a nice break from the day-to-day routine. It is great to be a part of Ceil's life at this time. The simple things, like going downtown, on a walk, or to the mall bring joy to Ceil. At this phase of the stroke recovery, Ceil's energy level allows for only short moments of activity, and we want each of them to count. It may not be the best of times, but every day offers new hope, and new challenges that make them all special. First OT session at the plaza tomorrow! Stay tuned!

The beautiful sunset on another day with Ceil.

Monday Came Early

With Linda working overtime today, and having to leave earlier than normal. Ceil was up before the crack of dawn. After breakfast, Ceil did her spinning, and then we did ROM on her right arm for about 20 minutes. I usually do the complete arm, including scapular rotation to promote circulation and keep the shoulder loose. After the morning snack, we did ups and downs at the sink. I have Ceil pull herself up from the chair, stand a bit and then sit down in a controlled manner. This helps to increase strength and circulation in the right leg, as well as to promote better balance when standing. This exercise also teaches Ceil how to control her hips and legs when sitting down. More to come.

Sunday Morning with Kevin and an Afternoon Visit, and an Evening Visit...

Kevin came this morning to spend some quality time with Ceil. They went to the Beaver Island trail, Barnes and Noble, and had lunch at Culver's. Couldn't get the pictures off Ceil's cell phone. Sorry. Well, shortly after this posting, Lori called and asked if she could come and visit with Ceil for a bit. Of course we encourage visitors to come over so that Ceil can have the benefit of different faces and healthy interaction with her friends and family. Lori and Duane arrived, and boy was Ceil excited to see them! Ceil was all smiles and hugs. They visited and caught up on all the recent events. It was a very nice visit, which Ceil obviously enjoyed. We look forward to their next visit. Just when we thought the day was done, up to the door came Claude. Claude has been a friend for many years, and has helped Ceil numerous times with repairs and odd jobs around her house. It had been a while since he had come to visit Ceil. Again, there was much news to catch up on and some new stories and jokes to tell. After a nice visit, Claude was on his way, and Ceil was ready for bed. See you tomorrow.

Saturday Morning at the Vineyard

This morning we went to Millner Heritage vineyard just south of Kimball. Denise had been there two weeks earlier and told us of her experience, so we thought it would be a great outing for Ceil. It was a beautiful morning for the trip and we arrive just as they were opening for the day. There were no other visitors there at that time, so we had a personal wine tasting experience with Cheri, the hostess. Ceil and I sampled nine different wines, which were all very good. We then went into the vineyard for pictures and to explore a bit. Afterward, we purchased a bottle of a sweeter red wine that Ceil really enjoyed. What a wonderful time we had at Millner Heritage vineyard this morning. Here is the Millner Heritage Vineyard and Winery link: http://www.millnerheritage.com/







Ceil enjoying some sweet red wine

Cheri and Ceil

In the vineyard

The Plaza - At Last!

Ceil had her first PT session at the plaza today. It was more of an assessment of function and filling out paperwork, but Ceil did take two walks with the therapist. John is Ceil's new PT and is a very caring professional, who knows his stuff. She will be in good hands with John. The facility is also impressive, with state-of-the-art equipment. Steve came to the first session to give a report and show John how well Ceil is walking. Ceil worked very hard to show John her abilities. I am excited for Ceil and think this will be a great experience for her, as she will have access to both modern equipment and the latest PT procedures. Welcome to the plaza! More stories to come.

Ceil at the plaza. Finally!

Walking with Steve

Walking with John

Ceil even met a friend as we were leaving.

The Best PT Session Yet!

Ceil walked three different rounds today during her final in-home PT session with Steve. That is the best Ceil has done since she started PT at home! Steve was so impressed with Ceil's determination and drive. Steve will join us for our first out-patient therapy to provide information and also demonstrate how well Ceil is doing in her recovery and walking.

Look! No hands!



Ceil was delighted with the great cards she received from Chris and Ann today.

Saying Goodbye

Ceil had her last in-home speech therapy and aide visit today. I could see that Ceil understood that it would be the last time she would be seeing these individuals, and she was a little emotional, but kept her chin up during the goodbyes. It has been great working the therapists, nurses, and aides from home care services. They have provided professional therapy and care, with a human touch that has made all the difference in Ceil's recovery to-date. Thursday will be Ceil's last in-home PT session and Friday will begin out-patient therapy at the plaza.

Tuesday Update

What a beautiful morning it was. Ceil and I took a nice long walk in cool of the morning. Ceil was so expressive and really enjoyed the walk. When we got back, I did range of motion exercises on her right arm, and then we did naming and word finding to help with Ceil's aphasia recovery. These are simple things that can help with Ceil's recovery and gives her some hope as she sees the progress she is making from day to day.

After dinner, we all took a long evening walk. Ceil is now enjoying some popcorn with peanuts, and getting ready to watch Man v Food. See you tomorrow.

Just a Closer Walk with Steve...

It was apparent that Ceil had a great time over the weekend, due to the fact that she had a "fun" hangover. She had so much fun with her family that she did not want it to end. There was visiting, shopping, great food, and a cameo appearance by "Uncle Fester" to round out the weekend.

At Savers with the girls, and tea time with the gregarious Uncle Fester, Ceil, and Denise.

Well, today was Monday for all of us. Back to work and back to therapy for Ceil. Despite the weekend of fun, Ceil did really great walking with Steve this morning. She walked the entire distance of the living room, dining room, and kitchen, twice! And she also mastered turning around with the cane. Ceil is so determined to walk again, and it shows in the effort she puts into every step.

Saturday and Sunday

As you know, Linda and I were taking the weekend off as Ceil's daughters and grand daughters were here for a girls weekend. I will have a story and pictures of the weekend tomorrow. From what I heard it was a fun weekend for Ceil and the girls. See you tomorrow.

Friday Update

This is the last full week of home care therapy. Next Wednesday will be the last day for in-home therapy, and Friday will begin the next phase with out-patient therapy at the plaza. Dana was here for Steve today. Dana brings a great deal of energy and motivates Ceil to do a little bit more. We are grateful for the great job home care has done with Ceil. Without there quality therapy and care, we would not be seeing the gains we have seen over the last three months.
Dana stretching Ceil's leg for her therapy session.


This weekend, Ceil will be joined by Annie, Karen, Chris, Denise, Hannah, and Cecelia for an all girls weekend. Linda and I will be off for the weekend for a little break. I will continue the blog on Monday with details of the wild weekend. See you then!


Ceil, Karen, and the giant cabbage head.

Blog 100!

Wow! I can't believe this is the 100th blog. What an amazing time Linda and I have had being the full-time caregivers for Ceil at home. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of Ceil's recovery. She has come so far in her recovery since leaving St. Ben's. And with all of the great care and therapy from home health, it has been truly amazing to watch Ceil make so much progress. When writing the blog, I mainly focus on the positive, but as you may know, not every day is perfect, but every day is a gift. Linda and I work hard to ensure that Ceil has a quality of life that is all about good health, healthy eating, lots of laughing and fun, and recovery. We look forward to the next 100 blogs that will continue the story of every day with Ceil. Thanks to all of you for your support and taking the time to stop by and read the blog! Below are just a few of the 100s of pictures that I've taken during the many wonderful visits and outings Ceil has had since coming home. Many more to come!

Ceil when she first came home from St. Ben's and Ceil today. What a difference being home makes!