It's Been A Long Time!

So, I was going through some of my old research on Andrew's recovery over the past 5 1/2 years and opened his blog and it brought back so much for me. I am so glad I was talked into doing this blog for him when he was first injured. I had forgotten so much and it was nice to have this diary to bring back some memories. It has inspired me to blog some more about where we have been and where we are headed.

I will bring you up to date on Andrew's status as well as what I'm doing and what our kids have been up to.

ANDREW: We now live in the North Phoenix area. We have modified our home for Andrew's needs and set up a living situation that accommodates both his and my needs as we live our lives. Andrew is now unable to do a lot of the alternative therapies as we have learned that his spine has further damage, and this type of exercise can really harm him. There are no regrets in him having done the alternative therapies, in fact . . . we believe these therapies directly contribute to the health he enjoys to this day. Andrew's lungs are very healthy and he breaths just like an able bodied person. He still does not have a 100% cough, but at this time, I cannot tell you the last time I had to manually "cough" him. Andrew has not had one single infection since he went through his alternative therapies. We believe the way his body was exercised as an able bodied person is the reason his body is so healthy now. Andrew spends most of his day watching his favorite shows. He streams Netflix, has all the movie channels and he LOVES his Dish HOPPER. He also likes to spend some time outside in our courtyard listening to his music. He says he is quite fulfilled in his life and is happy on a daily basis, which still to this day is quite amazing to me. Andrew still has some core pain in his lower back, which is attributed to the spinal damage that is still occurring. He still enjoys a normal diet and he sleeps really well every night. We have a full-time caregiver who also lives in our home (Tim) and a part-time caregiver (Heidi) that works about 15 hours a week. Andrew's mom makes two trips out per year, and usually stays about a month each time. They enjoy their TV shows together and he really enjoys the Caribbean cuisine she cooks for him. Last Christmas, his aunt Narrine was also able to visit for about 10 days. Andrew would sill like to have more visitors!!

ME: I was recently able to return to the workforce. It was very difficult to get everyone to the point where I could be away from the house on a full-time basis . . . but, everyone pitched in and made it happen. I work in Carefree as a Project Manager for an addiction therapies and research company/foundation and author (Dr. Patrick Carnes). He was in need of someone to come in and get their Intellectual Property needs in order, as well as begin archiving many years of articles, manuscripts, and research for a future museum. I am loving the work and really loving being able to get out of the house. A few years ago, I began work on a book about Andrew's life and recently have decided to dust it off and finish my work on it. I will keep you posted on my progress.

THE KIDS: In 2010, my oldest (Bobbi) married her high school sweetheart (Chance). They very quickly made me a Nana with their first born son, Connor, who is the light of my life. Connor just turned three last week and just before that, on July 1st, his baby sister Pyper was born. She is the most precious little baby girl and I just cannot get enough of her sweet little face. I was informed very soon after her birth that they are not done . . . I can expect more beautiful grandbabies from them in the future, which elates me. C.J. and Drew graduated Wickenburg High School in May and they both began classes this Fall semester at Glendale Community College. They are sharing an apartment together right near the college . . . and are doing great. C.J. is pursuing Criminal Justice, like his dad . . . and Drew is pursuing Physical Therapy, most likely because of her dad.

I do regret that I set this blog aside, but as we learned how to live in our new life situation . . . there came a moment when I had to set it aside and make my way through some trial and error. I can remember when we went through our Life classes at Craig Hospital during his acute therapy, we were told that these years of trial and error would happen and we would eventually find our way and way of being. They were so right with that prediction. It took a while to get settled, but we are very settled in our life now, and it is my intention to take this journey we've been on and turn it into something really great. More on THAT to come!

We hope all is well with our friends who we've not had contact with in a while. You are not forgotten! Drop us a line on here anytime . . . I will be checking and blogging often.

Take Care and God Bless,
Joye