Rick's Remarkable Recovery

RICK'S REMARKABLE RECOVERY - UPDATE 6/24/20

We would like to thank you so very much for your support these past few months during Rick's illness and recovery. From meals, transportation to/from rehab appointments, helping with speech and writing, general visits, occasional lunch outing, lawn care, and building of ramps for wheelchair accessibility, it is all greatly appreciated.  

Rick has made tremendous progress in rehab from walking with a quad cane (4 tip--and home, donated), and now with a single cane; two on order for home use.  He is taking small steps walking in the house, without a cane, but must use one when walking outside. Gradually, he has even begun helping with meal planning and preparation by assisting in seasoning meats to grilling! Click here https://youtu.be/kNdg_JY2JdA for a quick awesome video of Rick's work in the kitchen! 

 On April 11th, Rick received his permanent Assistive Technology Device to help with his speech and communication at home and away. With some assistance, he is able to communicate his name, date of birth, and address. His vocabulary consists of “Hello”, “Good Morning”, Good Night”, “I Love You More Than Life Itself”, “I Love You”, “I Want to Thank You”, and Pam's all time favorite, “Well”. The latter is used frequently when he is caught doing something sneaky! ;)

On April 27th, the ramp was removed from the garage because he has to manage steps and they are small in number and size which is appropriate for him at this time; rails will be installed later this month. Rick is learning to do small tasks such as laundry and dishes (his preference).  He is humorous at times, especially when he sprints around the house when he becomes excited. On May 2nd, he thought he was going to drive to Kroger and pick up the groceries and his prescriptions! 

In May, the family enjoyed a special beach week together in the Outer Banks thanks to a friend sharing their home with us. We all loved the sea and salt air and time away relaxing together. Rick got up extra early one morning (like 5:45!!) to catch the sunrise and even enjoyed a dip in the pool! The photo above is of the family during our beach week. We treasured this time together.

Unfortunately, the day after returning from the beach, June 7th, Rick had a seizure at home and was transported to Johnston-Willis hospital by paramedics. While in CT and the ER, additional episodes occurred but the medication provided was not able to manage them, so Rick was admitted to the hospital. Thankfully, the medical personnel were able to manage the seizures and Rick was released on Friday, June 12th. This was certainly a minor setback, but Rick will triumph through this as before and will come back stronger than ever! God has him!

Since March 17th, Pam has been working remotely and is expected to return to the office in June. Your love has allowed management of his medical bills/prescriptions, purchase of approved home health aids, including the Assistive Technology Device, college tuition, house payments, car maintenance and other financial commitments, and now due to the pandemic, meals.  All of this assistance is truly helping our family during this time.

Again, we thank you very much for the love and support shown to us at this time. It is truly making all the difference during a very difficult time.

                             Together and with God, all is possible. ✝️