Home Again!!!

After 4 months in Atlanta at the Shepherd Center, we finally headed back home on February 18th!  There is no way to say how it feels but this picture comes close.  This was taken in the car on the way back to Franklin.  You can tell we had to drag him kicking and screaming from Shepherd.

Our experience at Shepherd was wonderful. It's a great place to be in recovery and rehab. The facilities are designed for its expertise. Not only is the building meant to be cheerful but also the staff. The building on the left is the hospital portion and on the right is the Woodruff Residence Center providing apartments for family staying with patients and for patients and caregivers in the Day Program.

While at Shepherd, we took advantage of the garden area whenever it was not too chilly outside for Bill. It was one of our favorite places. This was taken 2/6/11. As long as he was in the sun and there was no wind, he enjoyed it.

The day before we were to leave we went one last time into the garden. Even on Feb 17, you could see the beginning signs of spring and it was warm...

Bill had 2 graduations. The 1st was from the Hospital Therapy Program on 1/12, the day before we moved from the hospital to the Residence Center to begin the Day program. Pictured are some of his nurses and therapists. Surrounding Bill left to right: Serena (PCT), Erin (OT), Melanie (nurse), Me, Beth (charge nurse), Chris (TR), and Drew (PT). Are they smiling because they're finally getting rid of him? Be sure and ask Bill about his Shepherd Grad t-shirt

Then there was the 2nd graduation on 2/18 from the Day Program. Pictured left to right around Bill: Dan (PT), Darcy (OT), Rachel (nurse), and Amanda (PT). There was, of course, the traditional presenting of the Shepherd Grad t-shirt but this time it was given to Claudia for all her hard work! Almost immediately after this we were on the road heading home.

Do these dogs look like they're glad to see us? Actually they were but I think we wore them out.They were a little leary of Bill's wheelchair. Pepper has been sharing Xena's bed since Shadow has been gone.

Everyone gathered when we got home and it felt so good to be in our own surroundings. The house was in good shape thanks to the kids' keeping everything up.

Here Tami &; Tony are hard at work finishing up on the bathroom that Adam and Tony remodeled for Bill. It turned out pretty good. The three of them have worked really hard. It was very small and they increased the size for wheelchair access plus making a larger accessible shower area.

We are so glad to be home but look forward to a trip back to Atlanta probably in the Fall for more therapy. Meantime we are busy with doctors' appointments, acupuncture, and physical and occupational therapy.

Holidays at the Shepherd Center--December 2010

It has been a long time since my last entry and a lot has happened. I was remiss in adding to the blog between August to December so here are some highlights. In September Tami and Connor went with Bill and I to Huntsville Botanical Gardens to see the Scarecrow exhibit and have a last view of the tree houses. We were there on a day when the weather was perfect even for the amount of walking necessary. Of course the grandkids got to ride. Connor & Rory enjoyed the scarecrow exhibits which were quite creative. Some however were too scary for Rory, like the spider; not for Connor though. Bill & I enjoyed the fountains and gardens while the grandkids had fun in their fountains. There are so many areas for kids to explore and play in.

Family Retreat at friend Jeremy's Lake House 8/13-16/10

Kendra, Josh and Rory arrived in Franklin before lunch on the day beginning the Kan Family Retreat. We had lunch together, with Granpa grilling hamburgers for us, then Kendra and Josh left Rory with Grandma and Grandpa while they took in a movie. Needless to say, we had a good time with Rory sans parents.

After meeting Kendra and Josh at the theatre with Rory, we caravaned (about 1.5-2 hrs) to Cadiz, KY where a friend/colleague of Tony's had lent us his lake house and use of his pontoon boat. Josh quickly decided it was better for him to be in the lead than follow me after a "why did she turn there"? We arrived just about suppertime.

The house was beautifully located overlooking the lake with the dock below.

Then it was on to a restaurant Tony remembered from a past life. We were all hungry and it seemed to take forever to get there and even longer before we got our food but the food was good.

You can see Rory's reaction when the food finally came!

Connor's problem was too many hands trying to help him.

Back at the lake house, Rory and Connor settled in with their toys and played together.

One of Rory's favorite things was going to the stairway and taunting us that she was going to climb up. Look at that "think you can stop me?" expression.

She also liked trying on everyone's shoes.

Yes, we did get out on the lake. We took both Tony's boat and the pontoon boat out to a spot out of the way of other traffic and jumped in. Although all of us, except Connor and Rory, could swim, we all preferred to use flotation devices--that is we were lazy, it is vacation after all. See Adam, Aliza, Tami and Connor below.

Some of us tired faster than others and enjoyed just sitting in the pontoon. Bill, Josh, Rory, Kendra and me (taking the picture).

After a hard day on the lake, we returned and the crew spent time competing at Mario Cart: Tami, Josh, Adam and Aliza hard at it with Kendra looking on. It was more fun for me watching their contortions as they played.

At it again!

Bill fixed one of our favorite meals--barbecue chicken--it was delicious. Poor guy had to stand out in the heat, and it was hot, while the rest of us stayed inside in air conditioning. We sure enjoyed the chicken though, some of his best.

When we had free time we not only played with the Wii but also gathered around the dining table for Phaze Ten. It's worth the trip just to see Josh come alive at that game. No longer the mild-mannered pharmacist, he plays a mean and hilarious hand of cards which keeps us all in stitches.

After the rain one day, Adam decided to do a little fishing down at the dock. His pole left a lot to be desired--about a foot long--but it was better than nothing. The fishing lure turned out to be too big and an attempt to find worms and/or bugs was unsuccessful but it was fun just trying. Tony and Connor joined him hoping to observe a catch. Oh and FYI, pieces of hot dog didn't work either.

Good 'ole Uncle Adam showing Connor how to fish.

I think I can safely say a good time was had by all. It was peaceful and a time to be thankful for family and all God's blessings.

KENDRA AND RORY VISIT 7/24/10

Kendra made her regular every third week trip to Franklin arriving early in the morning. Rory arrived in her Auburn dress and staked out her claim to the rocking chair.

Before she got sleepy and it got too hot, we went to the Parks & Recreation pool around the corner to cool off and let Rory enjoy the water. She wanted to show off her gymnastic skills balancing on Grandpa's hand. Grandpa did a little showing off too.

The water was cool and Rory had a good time splashing around with Grandma & Grandpa while Mom took the pictures.

Mid afternoon it was hot as an oven so we took a popsicle break. Rory picked a strawberry one sitting on the back steps.

Not to be left out, Xena came up and asked for one too, or rather indicated if we didn't give her some she would try to get Rory's. When the popsicle fell on the ground, Xena got her wish. Ummm, good.

After getting cleaned up we went back in to cool off and Rory sat down in the rocker to watch one of her favorite shows.

Grandpa said he'd give me some ice cream but he's eating it all himself. Make him give me some Grandma!

Rease Family Reunion June 27, 2010

Kendra, Rory and I arrived in Columbia just before noon on Saturday June 19 and met up with Tami, Tony and Connor at the hotel. After a quick lunch the six of us drove on to Eastover for a stopover at Aunt Betty's house where we visited with Iris Helena and Aunt Toots as well as Betty's grandson Ron Jr. After leaving there we headed on over to Arthur Wells' house where a number of people had gathered under the carport. Melanie and Arthur Wells and others provided supper for everyone. The kids enjoyed playing in a water table.

Connor and Rory are front and center enjoying the water and staying cool. In the back are:

far back--Sharon and Pat; middle--David and Arthur Wells; front--Nikki and Kendra.

All reunions have traditionally been held at Grandma Rease's house because of all the memories it bears. This is the front of Grandma Rease's house which was completely renovated by Wayne and his wife Tracey. Still bearing a close resemblance to the way it we remember it but in much better shape.

The side yard of the house now with lovely landscaping used to be pretty bare.

The back of the house where Grandma Rease's calves used to come up to the back door for their bottles and where Ruby once threw a panful of burnt squash and water out for the chickens just as Sheryl came running around the side of the house. Surprise, Surprise. The looks on "thrower" and "throwee" were equally priceless.

Here are gathered the elder Reases. Ruth (Toots) far left, Marie, Wilbur and Betty.

Time for the meal and everyone lines up after the blessing.

Connor is very ready as you can see and he loves having a table just his size.

This is the real Play Station.

After the meal group pictures were taken quickly before a quick thunderstorm rolled in. These are the Grandchildren of Grandma Rease. You will notice several are missing who didn't hear their names called, notably Pat, Cloyd Albert and Charlie.

Rory and I took the opportunity to enjoy the tree swing.

I love seeing everyone at the reunions but it is hard to visit because of the number of people. There is something very comforting though about just being in the location of so many good memories and seeing the people that helped make them that way.

Visiting with Margaret & Steve in Atlanta 6/24-26/10

Kendra and I had the opportunity to stop by our former neighbors in Snellville, GA for a short visit on our way to the Rease Reunion in SC. Bill had opted to stay home and save having to kennel our 3 dogs. It was my first trip back in a little over a year. In fact, the last time I was there was just a few days before Rory was born on May 3, 2009.

Such fond memories of the neighborhood, neighbors and the house we had there.

Margaret had not seen Rory since she was about a week old when she picked up Grandpa Bill from the Atlanta airport and drove him to Auburn, AL so he could meet his new granddaughter.

Steve kept us well fed while we were there. He stayed busy in the kitchen.

By the way, the dog biscuits were for the dog not us.

Rory got to meet Sozie, the 4-month-old Golden Doodle addition to the Collins family.

It was an experience for both dog and child.

Rory didn't like Sozie's kisses and Sozie didn't like Rory's crying.

Steve helped Rory develop her flying skills--after all he did use to work for Delta.

Before leaving, one more picture with Steve who hates getting his picture taken. After that it was on to the family reunion.

Father's Day 6/20/10

Sunday after church Bill and I were invited to Tami's for lunch to celebrate Father's Day. Adam was also there. We had grilled tuna, corn on the cob, pasta salad, pea salad and blueberry pie. Unfortunately Bill didn't arrive until almost 3:3o because of a meeting right after church so Tony was the only Father celebrated at the meal. Tami & I were quite peeved that such a meeting was planned for Father's Day. At least we did have our pie together after Bill had eaten his lunch all by himself.

It was a good meal, Dad Tony is ready for a nap but not son Connor.

Are you sure you don't want to take a nap?

Here they are Fathers and Sons working on a lawn mower. You might notice only the non-father is keeping an eye on what Connor is doing with the screwdrivers!