Patty says: Thursday (January 31st) is Walter's birthday. I thought that it would be fun for him to get birthday wishes through the blog. If you are reading this blog, please send him birthday wishes. It is a really good way to celebrate his fight to have another birthday. He is a real winner and a true fighter. He is getting better every day and I am witnessing a miracle!!
Happy Birthday Walter and may you live to 100!! I love you!!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Engage those abs!
Hi, Rick here. I popped into the blog to do some adminstrative housekeeping and thought I would make this quick post. My Aunt Anna and I paid a visit to Walt and Patty yesterday. I'm not going to make things sound all rosy and wonderful, but I am encouraged by what I witnessed and participated in.
Having just completed a four week intensive personal training regime, I have been searching for an unsuspecting soul to which I can impart some of the same pain/gain exchange that I have been so fortunate (is the sarcasm bleeding through?) to experience.
I found that soul yesterday.
Yes, Walter is up to counting reps out loud and receptive to challenge. Here's the workout: Three sets of ten bed-rail pullups, three sets of six left knee bends and three sets of six left leg raises. The last set of leg raises had some resistance applied by the trainer. Then some right leg stretching and a couple of right leg raises.
The piece de resistance - that's french for "really cool thing" - was the right hand move. I held a ball about three inches away from Walt's right hand. I told him to touch the ball. He said "I can't". I said "you can". Then I yelled "you can". And Aunt Anna said "oh yes you can Walter". And he moved his hand unassisted about a half way to the ball. Alot to be said for the power of the will.
So for those of you who, like me, have no idea what to do when you go visit Walt I suggest playing personal trainer. He's to a point now where he's able to participate.
I know I got at least as much out of the experience as Walt did.
Having just completed a four week intensive personal training regime, I have been searching for an unsuspecting soul to which I can impart some of the same pain/gain exchange that I have been so fortunate (is the sarcasm bleeding through?) to experience.
I found that soul yesterday.
Yes, Walter is up to counting reps out loud and receptive to challenge. Here's the workout: Three sets of ten bed-rail pullups, three sets of six left knee bends and three sets of six left leg raises. The last set of leg raises had some resistance applied by the trainer. Then some right leg stretching and a couple of right leg raises.
The piece de resistance - that's french for "really cool thing" - was the right hand move. I held a ball about three inches away from Walt's right hand. I told him to touch the ball. He said "I can't". I said "you can". Then I yelled "you can". And Aunt Anna said "oh yes you can Walter". And he moved his hand unassisted about a half way to the ball. Alot to be said for the power of the will.
So for those of you who, like me, have no idea what to do when you go visit Walt I suggest playing personal trainer. He's to a point now where he's able to participate.
I know I got at least as much out of the experience as Walt did.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
New Year New Beginnings
From Patty
Happy New Year to our Walter watchers! I read over my last entry a month ago and I am happy to say that Walter is progressing every day slowly and things are the same as they were then. He is aware, alert and soo funny. Every day he makes me smile with his Walter isms. He is progressing with his home therapy, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. The therapists seem pleased with his progress and hopefully he will go to therapy outside the home soon.
He is talking more english every day too but is still ephasic. His appetite is still tremendous and Tom bought him his first garbage plate-which he ate with no swallowing problems-and with no heartburn? He has had pizza and was in his glory eating this too!! He is still infection free except for the same eye infection since his Strong days. When he does not approve of my tv taste (especially QVC) he flicks his tv fingers vigorously. He is soo funny. Do I change the channel? No not really. Oh maybe sometimes. I did tell him next week when idol returns I will go upstairs. What a sap I am.
I hope all of the bloggers had a great holiday! We had our Walter xmas present home and we were lovin our time with him!!
I will not have lots of time to blog but will try to do a monthly report. I have an aid 3 days a week for now. I will soon cut that to 2 days.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their love and support!! Thanks to Joanne for her continuous love and humor and for helping me to laugh. Marsha, Danny, Tracy, Gail, Norma, Nan, Mom, Cheryl, Donna, Lori, Jean, Noreen, Melissa, Bernie, Sue, Geno, Gary-Thanks for you wonderful visits and for your delicious food!! Thanks to Tim my for stretching Walter's arm and for all who visit and give Walter strength to go on and fight. He needs to see his friends to get better. The guys really make Walter happy!! You all are welcome to come over and see him!! Work friends especially-Walter would love to see!!
Happy New Year to all and keep praying that our Walter will one day walk, talk and be able to have that beer! If I know him, that time will come-and I will see that it does!!!
January 11, 2008 7:23 PM
Hi Patty and all the Walter Watch folk. I have been checking the blog from Australia and have been missing the regular updates on my mate Walt. I keep planning to call and speak to him but as you can see from this time stamp the time difference gets a little dificult to manage.
I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year. I have been spending every minute with various Family members in various parts of Eastern Australia. It is a veeery hot summer here. For example under the verandah on my brothers farm (Ranch) near Denniliquin NSW was 115 F. It is going to be a shock to the system returning to the snow and cold, but I am looking forward to catching up with you all,
Much love
Corinne
Happy New Year to our Walter watchers! I read over my last entry a month ago and I am happy to say that Walter is progressing every day slowly and things are the same as they were then. He is aware, alert and soo funny. Every day he makes me smile with his Walter isms. He is progressing with his home therapy, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. The therapists seem pleased with his progress and hopefully he will go to therapy outside the home soon.
He is talking more english every day too but is still ephasic. His appetite is still tremendous and Tom bought him his first garbage plate-which he ate with no swallowing problems-and with no heartburn? He has had pizza and was in his glory eating this too!! He is still infection free except for the same eye infection since his Strong days. When he does not approve of my tv taste (especially QVC) he flicks his tv fingers vigorously. He is soo funny. Do I change the channel? No not really. Oh maybe sometimes. I did tell him next week when idol returns I will go upstairs. What a sap I am.
I hope all of the bloggers had a great holiday! We had our Walter xmas present home and we were lovin our time with him!!
I will not have lots of time to blog but will try to do a monthly report. I have an aid 3 days a week for now. I will soon cut that to 2 days.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their love and support!! Thanks to Joanne for her continuous love and humor and for helping me to laugh. Marsha, Danny, Tracy, Gail, Norma, Nan, Mom, Cheryl, Donna, Lori, Jean, Noreen, Melissa, Bernie, Sue, Geno, Gary-Thanks for you wonderful visits and for your delicious food!! Thanks to Tim my for stretching Walter's arm and for all who visit and give Walter strength to go on and fight. He needs to see his friends to get better. The guys really make Walter happy!! You all are welcome to come over and see him!! Work friends especially-Walter would love to see!!
Happy New Year to all and keep praying that our Walter will one day walk, talk and be able to have that beer! If I know him, that time will come-and I will see that it does!!!
January 11, 2008 7:23 PM
Hi Patty and all the Walter Watch folk. I have been checking the blog from Australia and have been missing the regular updates on my mate Walt. I keep planning to call and speak to him but as you can see from this time stamp the time difference gets a little dificult to manage.
I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year. I have been spending every minute with various Family members in various parts of Eastern Australia. It is a veeery hot summer here. For example under the verandah on my brothers farm (Ranch) near Denniliquin NSW was 115 F. It is going to be a shock to the system returning to the snow and cold, but I am looking forward to catching up with you all,
Much love
Corinne
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