Debbie's Thanksgiving Update.....November 26, 2011.......by Charlie

Our Debbie has had an awesome week! Her right leg and ankle have not been noticeably swollen the last few days and she is walking with a walker more easily and for longer distances. (160 feet on Wed.) Deb's memory is still coming along slowly but her attitude and smile are at 100%!
On Wednesday Deb and I took a drive around Cookeville. This was her first time to ride in a regular car since her injury in June. And she seemed to really enjoy it.
So on Thanksgiving Day, Debbie got to come home for a few hours for the first time since we left on May 30 for our vacation. It was questionable as to how much she really remembered but I think she knew she belonged here by her comments and the way she looked at different things. Even as we were traveling home and I went a different way from the normal, Deb asked "why are we going here?" So I knew she remembered the roads to home also. Such a blessing to have Debbie home!
One funny thing happened while we were walking through the house when we went into the kitchen. As I made a point about her redecoration of the room, I suggested we walk over to the kitchen sink and wash some dishes. To which Deb replied "no, not today". Couldn't talk her into any work that day!
We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving meal supplied by dear friends Billy and Mary Ann Jolley and had a wonderful day at home together. Sure was hard to let Debbie go back to NHC and I pray she is home on a permanent basis very soon. Deb's therapists commented that she was more alert and responsive on Friday after her trip and told one of them she had been to her "real" home. So much to be thankful for!
Many of you helped me to be prepared for Debbie's visit and many of you prayed for her to handle the trip and visit well and we thank you so much. Our Lord Jesus is so good and so are his helpers. May God bless each of you and I pray you all had as blessed a Thanksgiving Day as Deb and I.

Debbie's Update....November 19, 2011.......by Charlie

Debbie has had another good week. She is responding well to her therapy and, using a walker, walked 140 feet on Friday. After that she played bingo again and won three games. There is no therapy on week-ends but she and I walked again today.
Deb's memory recovery continues but improvement seems slower now...........I guess it seems that way since I'm with her daily and want her to be well now, not later. She is doing great and we are so proud of her.
I plan for Debbie to have a day trip this week. We're planning a visit to our home to let her enjoy some familiar surroundings. She hasn't been home since May 30 when we started our vacation. Debbie getting to be home, even for a short time, will make a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.
We have so much to be thankful for and wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving Day.
May our Lord bless each of you and thank you so much for your continued prayers.

Debbie's Update......November 12, 2011.......by Charlie

It's been two months today since Debbie was well enough to move from MUSC in Charleston to NHC in Cookeville. Looking back to September 12, I'm amazed at the progress Debbie has made in those two months and so very, very thankful.
Deb's condition continues to improve. She is walking more using the bars and with guidance uses a walker at times. I can also see more improvement in her memory and her therapists are pleased with her progress. She still has some swelling and stiffness in her right leg due to the clot but has had no setbacks since the previous post. Deb also has improved usage of her right arm and hand. And her attitude is wonderful! She really wants to complete her exercises. Debbie is ready to be able to go home.

We also attended the bi-weekly jamboree at NHC today where she listened and sang along to many of the hymns. She still enjoys religious music and I think she smiled the entire time we were there. Amazing Grace is still her favorite old hymn.
All I can say this week is "praise the Lord" for His continued blessings in Deb's healing and thank Him for each of you who continue to pray for her. May God bless you all!

Update on Debbie.....Nov. 5, 2011......by Charlie

Debbie had a good first part of last week but suffered a strong seizure at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. We were about to have dinner when the seizure occured. She was taken to Cookeville Regional Hospital Emergency and admitted that night and immediately given Keppra, a seizure preventing drug. Deb seemed to recover fully from the seizure in about 30 minutes but was hospitalized for tests and treatment. Drs said tests showed no additional damage from the seizure......praise the Lord! However she was diagnosed as being anemic and given two units of blood Friday. Dr said this was normal for patients who have been hospitalized for long periods, especially when several blood tests are performed. Dr also said Debbie would need to take the Keppra always to prevent future seizures. I pray she never has another.
Debbie was released from the hospital this afternoon and transported back to NHC of Cookeville. I think she was happy to be back with her caregivers there. After a good dinner, Deb was resting comfortably and had that beautiful smile. God is good!
Thank each of you for keeping her in your prayers and we wish you all a blessed week.