Hello there, where does the time go? March crept up on me and before I blink-BAM, I am two weeks into the month before I post again. I'm at the point that if I say, "Every day, I get better and better," I recognize it as an over used line. I am making progress, but its not as evident as a trip home from the hospital, or a definate date as to when I will return to work. Alas, those signs are not posted on the road I have been traveling.

I am driving in a limited fashion and enjoy the freedom. While many of my previous adult activities have been curbed, because of my injury, this is not how I envisioned my midlife crisis. A red sports car or a mink lined bomber jacket would definately be way more cool. Forget an affair with a young pool boy, and an unexpected trip to New York for a new wardrobe; I have more practical skills I need to sharpen.

I continue to shop for groceries, not nail polish, because it is what needs to be done. I have also been cooking dinner on a regular basis. I have come to the conclusion that I will never compete with the food channel chefs on the basis of variety and complexity. The girls found out right away that there's no way I am Wendy's, Taco Bell, or Dominos, so they might find themselves Head Cook one or two nights a week in our house very soon.

Laundry continues to be repeat offender for jobs that I am in charge of, and alas, there always seems to be enough of it. I continue to envision my time at home as simular to an enforced summer vacation, as Iam healthy, have my mobility and have yet to display altimers. Did I mention that I don't have much patience? My determination has yet to put me where I would like to be. I am ever hopeful that my doctor will soon be under my spell of, "yes, I am competent," and sign my release.

Every day is my opportunity to continue to improve. Some improvements are better than others, but each gain is precious. This week was much better than my week of doom (two weeks ago) where my doctor took 30 minutes to explain that I was not going back to work just yet. I didn't get a written report concerning those results.

This week I requested my report and wrote the request in letter form. I also talked to my doctor to ensure that my other therapists and "the team" have more of a collaborative approach to the direction of treatment. I also communicated that I needed to be a part of that team. "Of course you are a part of the team," he replied, but I wasn't going to assume that I was. I figure that I will communicate with "the experts" as much as possible.

My occupational therapist said that I did very well at my last appointment and will see me again when I am back at work. I was so excited to hear that. We went to the grocery store to see how I shopped and she said I did very well. We had developed a shopping list that is arranged by food category and the route I use to shop. (I am so thankful for my long term memory.) I also used my computer to re-make the list so I can also use it later.

On another note, I also read TWO books. My first book was one that I've read before so that I wouldn't forget the major plot, but my second one was a new book. Both books were over two hundred pages long.

My final thought I will leave you with is a picture of me making my favorite food: pizza. I've made hundreds of them from scratch over the last ten years and this Friday I made my first post accident pie. It wasn't the prettiest one I've made, but it was my hardest fought cooking accomplishment. I even cleaned up afterward. Take care. Michele

Unfortunately the news was what I suspected. She can not go back to work at this time. The Dr was very non committal about when she could go back to work. He said with this kind of severe brain trauma people usually stay in the rehab hospital a minimum of 30 days. He also said people with this injury normally do not recovery very quickly or not all the way. We are very encouraged because Michele has improved at such a fast rate. With that in mind she will beat all expectations and will recover faster than most. -Scotty

There are many ways to describe a person and most of mine do not begin with the word, "unfortunately." While we are fortunate that this last Doctor specializes in treating people with tramatic brain injury, this man cannot predict how long it will take for me to recover. I have a set of goals, and determination. Because of the nature and severity of my injury, I am fortunate to be out of rehab and not under 24/7 supervision. I am improving daily and weekly. As to when I will drive; this is not a question I even bother to answer to family members as any fool can get behind the wheel and "drive." It is not an indicator of my cognative functioning or sanity. To say that this last medical news is "happy," is a vast understatement. Normally I am positive and upbeat, and this has given me pause. Once I have adjusted, I might just go out and kick some doctor's butt. While I follow "all the rules," it is not a gaurentee that my recovery happens in my own timeframe. Such is life, but I will not let this stop me. -Michele

Michele is doing good but she heard from the Doctor earlier that she cant go back to work. We will find out tomorrow when she might be able to go back to work.

Her Dr. appointment went well but we will not know anything until next Thursday. Go Arizona !!
Scott

Thursday was a big day for me and hopefully things went well. I took a variety of standardized cognitive tests, and of course, a number of tests involving memory. My long term memory if ok, but new information needs to first be in short-term memory. My short term memory is a weak point. I look forward to hearing about the test results. Mornings are still my best time for thinking and working, but napping might not be one of my easiest hobbies much longer. Perhaps my brain and thinking is changing, but I wait for independent confirmation. Everyday I try to keep positive and keep active.

Quick thanks to the person/people who brought a meal (Spaghetti and bread sticks) this Saturday morning. My apology about still being in bed. If anyone knows who it was, please post and I will get a note of thanks out. All the meals donated are so appreciated. Hope every one's weekend is a great one and be sure to check out the Super Bowl and be sure to eat plenty of chips and dip. (At least that is one of our traditions)

Take care,
Michele

Today was a good day. I went grocery shopping for the first time and shopped for Super Bowl supplies and other items we need in the house. Scott will have to pick up some items that I missed, but this was one of the harder tasks that I have completed since coming home from the hospital. We are still getting wonderful deliveries from friends and co-workers bringing meals. They all are so appreciated, thank you everyone. I have some thank you cards that will be completed soon. It might take me awhile, but I am excited to get started.

Take care everyone and thanks for reading this.

Michele Williams

Every day she has made progress. Thursday is a huge day, she meets with the Clinical Neuropsychologist. They will test her all day. This is the place that can clear her to work and drive. I don't think she will be cleared for work but i have been been wrong before. I think we will find out what her goals will be to get back to work. She becoming more and more active everyday.

Kathy,

Michele would love to see you guys on Friday or Saturday please call me at 302-4437.

Thanks,

Scott