Thanksgiving 2008

I just moved into my first condo. It's been a long time coming - I bought it pre-construction, so I've known about it for about two years. During all of my Dad's health issues, the impending move was on the back burner. Something on my mind, but also a great lesson in patience and goal setting. Putting away a good chunk of my paycheck each month in savings. Living in a group house setting.

Every time my brother and I have moved - yes, even when Carter and Lisanna moved to Belltown last year - my parents have been a part of that process. I knew, obviously, that they wouldn't be up to helping me move this time around. I'm impressed by their health - but that's a pretty stressful thing to do. Moving isn't fun for an able-bodied 28 year old!

I moved into my place the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Yes, a little ambitious, but I wanted to host Thanksgiving. It was a fantastic motivator to at least try to get the place in working order quickly.

My parents were able to come!

Here's Dad and I on Thanksgiving:



Here's my very first turkey - I brined it and it turned out well:



Carter carved the turkey:



Here's my mom and me:


(Isn't she beautiful??)

Here are my parents, showing off their Bob sweatshirts, courtesy of AML:



And a great family photo:

Friends and Family,

My Mom asked me to send all the emails from the past year to my first grade teacher. First, I admit this is a fairly remarkable thing. The very fact that my parents are still in contact with my brother's and my first grade teacher is an incredible insight to their character. I'm so humbled and honored by their presence in my life on a regular basis. They are truly remarkable people.

In thinking about that task, I decided that instead of forwarding each and every email, it might make more sense to just create an online archive of them. We had considered this originally, but it just clicked today how much sense this makes. By creating a blog, people can easily see what the family is up to and my Dad's continued progress. It's more interactive and creates a nice sense of our family's community.

So I've posted all of the emails as an archive of sorts. This is, in essence, a tribute to my father, Robert Smithhart. Or, as his sweatshirt says, "Bob: The Man, The Myth, The Legend."

Lots of Love,

Noelle

From Joseph Atak, from Sudan

HEY NOELLE,

I was caught by surprise when I was told that your dad was admitted many days in VMC intensive ward.I run there with George I called his name he open his eye to give me a signal that he recognise my voice but inside me it tore me apart.I wish I have time to talk to him,to told him how much I proud of him, for everything he did to me and for all of us,he was figure father,we prayer for him and we love him too.
with much LOVE,

Joseph

Joseph,

Thank you for your email. These last couple weeks have been very hard for me and my family. And I consider you and George part of my family too. My Dad's health has been very unstable and knowing how much energy he used to have, it is very difficult to see him in this state. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I know your presence in my Dad's life has meant a lot to him - and that my parents love you very much.

I've been gathering pictures of my Dad and wanted to share them with you. If you click on this link, you should be able to look at them. It is a work in progress - there are many that are not included yet. But I think you might find these interesting - especially the older ones!

http://www.flickr.com/gp/69894039@N00/MM50VX

With much love,

Noelle

HEY NOELLE,

Thank you so much,Noelle I really understand the pain they whole family go throught we are really with you at this time of pain and I take a look at each picture I understand the reallity of what a momory means to you at these movement and thank you for sharing your dad photos with us.

with much
LOVE

Greetings Everyone,

A year ago today Bob was brought home from the hospital and we were told he had two days, three at the most to live------Wow, what a year this has been---to see the progress he has made is really phenomenal. It has been a couple months since I have written an update; my excuse is that I have been too busy and/or too tired.

About six weeks ago he started climbing stairs, (beginning with two or three and working up to now the entire 14!) first one at a time with both feet and then about three weeks ago one stair after the other. He would back down---always with an assistant about two steps behind him. About three weeks ago he began coming down the stairs face forward, one at a time, (wearing the belt) also with assist. Both Connie and Kay have worked with him on falling techniques. If he is going up and becomes unsteady, fall on his knees, if coming down face forward, fall on his bottom. His balance is improving so much that I am not too worried anymore. About two months ago he was sitting on the side of the bed trying to reach his shoes and slid off the bed and hit his right rib on the corner of the night stand. Kay and her husband helped me get him into the wheelchair where he went into shock. That called for an ambulance ride to the ER, where we spent the afternoon---X-rays showed no lung puncture, interior bleeding, cracked or broken bones. He had a bruised rib which healed in a couple weeks. It did slow down the progress he was making, but he is once again determined to move forward.

He has had a couple other falls, one, we forgot to put the brakes on the wheelchair and as he was sitting down, it moved away from him. Another, as he was moving from the wheelchair to the bed by himself, he slipped----these were lessons for all of us, but he did not get hurt. The rug is pretty well padded. He is doing so well, it is easy to become complacent.

He walks with the four wheel (big wheel) walker down the driveway and almost to the end of the street (that runs by our kitchen window) and back---that is well over a block---he does this twice a day most days--with Connie, Kay, me or anyone else who will walk with him!! Yesterday he walked without the walker, Kay was holding on the belt. He did not walk quite as far as his posture was different without the walker and he was totally exhausted. Even he said that he over did it!

He also walks with the regular walker, but he complains that the tennis balls wear out too fast and make him skid! He also walks from the fireplace to the carport door with the "quad" cane---four footed cane. Always with an assistant or me. He has also walked a few steps all by himself! It was great seeing the smile on his face! Connie Birse and Kay Simon are so very good with him---he does different exercises with them that he will not do with me!

These ladies are so patient and very innovative. I know that they are responsible for much of his progress----and we are so appreciative. They alternate days and times.

Bob is able to eat everything now, once in a while will choke a little---I told him that he has to chew every mouthful 28 times, he has slowed down and tries to do that!! Apple skins, walnuts and peanuts were the last hurdle and he does well with them now.

Bob is also reading more (even the daily paper which he lost interest in a couple years ago!) and taking interest in scientific TV shows---all progress--. "JAG"is still the favorite! (on DVD's) "NCIS" a close second!
I am getting a bit more sleep, he usually wakes me once, sometimes twice a night. If I sleep three hours or less at one time, I basically take care of Bob the next day---if it is three to four or four and a half, I will get dishes and some laundry done. When it reaches a five to six hour point, I actually get the floor vacuumed!! And over six hours---life is almost normal----those days are few and far between tho, so I still ask that we receive no phone calls until after 1:30 so that I can take a morning nap when Bob does. And I almost always take an afternoon nap when he does----

Better close for now, thanks to everyone for the prayers and encouragement, and we are still getting goodies!!! Thank you!

Priscilla

Greetings Everyone,

It is hard to believe that a month has gone by since Bob's birthday party. The party was wonderful!! His greatest desire for a long time was to reach the age of 80, and to walk! And he accomplished both!! He was so pleased with all the people who came to celebrate with and honor him, he still gets emotional when we talk about it. Thank you, all of you who participated in any way to make it the successful day that it was. And a big thank you to the neighbors and friends that helped with the yard, food and house the couple days before the party---you all helped make the day very special!!

We also want to thank everyone that sent cards, notes and letters, and those of you that traveled long distances---wow--what a compliment to him!! (Thanks, DiDi!!)

A couple days before the party I found out that several people had not received an e-vite, I am so sorry, I understand that some receivers are not able to receive them. But it was too late to rectify that because I had no idea who did or did not get an invite.

Bob is getting stronger every day, and more mobile. He walks with the walker two or three times every day--through the house, into the carport, down the ramp and outside in front of the hangar and around the apron for 150 or more paces---Eli (physical therapist) has measured 150 feet several times now. His arm, shoulder and leg strength are noticeably stronger every few days. Getting in and out of bed and into the wheelchair is easier ----as well as bath mobility. He is so determined, it is inspirational to work with him. The therapists and Connie and Kay do a tremendous job with exercising him. The difference just since coming home from rehab is so noticeable. He takes some really good naps after these workouts!

Well, here it is a week later and I need to finish this! Bob has gained even more strength, dexterity, etc... since last week. He buttoned all the buttons on his dress shirt by himself this morning----impressive! Prior to this he would button about half and his fingers would get too tired.

Three different people have said to me in the last month---what do you do with your time now that Bob is walking----well----I have been trying to think of an answer that doesn't sound like I am whining or complaining, so I will give you a sketch of my day---please feel free to skip this!! We get up at 7:30 (7:00 if the therapist is coming at 8:30)--take the BFS (fasting blood sugar reading) help Bob (assist or minimal assist) out of bed, help him dress, go to the bathroom---He wheels to the breakfast table and takes him own blood pressure reading and shaves. I prep freshly cut fruit or juice and a balanced protein, carb and fat breakfast----usually pretty healthy. After that, the morning meds and the long term (24 hr) insulin and a few supplements. Depending on therapist schedules, he may take an hour nap or read the paper until the OT, PT or helper has arrived. During that time, I eat breakfast, then empty the urinals, spray, wash and rinse them (sterilize them about once a week)--he uses three or four a night. Therapy is usually at 1030--1100. After an hour of therapy, he takes a nap, About 1230--1:00 I start with lunch, fresh fruit, healthy combination---we eat, then- depending on how well we have slept, it is nap time for Bob or both of us until the exercise lady arrives---4 or 4:30. Then dinner prep, eat, take meds and supplements and maybe go for a walk with the walker---watch TV, get ready for bed, he brushes his teeth, I check his BS reading and give him his insulin. While Bob is having his therapy, exercises and naps, I run the dishwasher almost every day, some hand wash; about 5-6 loads of laundry a week, clean Bob's bathroom a couple times a week, vacuum two-three times a week---the area we use most----if I have enough energy, do some cleaning in the rest of the house.
Also, this is full assist; give Bob two shower/shampoos a week, and one sitz bath a day, sometime more. Also, make sure he has at least two pitchers of cold water a day, clean cups and straws. Every week to ten days, cut fingernails and toe nails, clip mustache, other facial hair---an occasional Epsom salts foot bath, and lavender oil foot rub.

I give partial or stand by assist about seven times a day to the bathroom, also several assists a day into and out of bed, morning and night and two or three naps a day. His legs and arms are getting stronger all the time and he is almost able to raise himself out of bed on his own.

In addition to this, I am trying to muddle my way through medicare and insurance forms, do the bills, go thru mail, plan healthy menus and all the other things that all of you do every day! Nothing extraordinary, but I am really tired at the end of the day.

Now, I have to address another issue---in the last couple months, several of you wonderful people have asked me to go to movies, concerts, plays, lunches and /or shopping with you. At this time, that would be more stress than I could handle; maybe in six months or a year. Some of you have even offered a "Bobby sitter"! I so much appreciate your offers----- but I would take a sitter for a couple hours and go up and sleep undisturbed for two-three hours or take advantage of your generosity to run errands; pharmacy, bank, post office, groceries etc..... Bob still wakes me from one to four times a night. Many days I take as many naps as he does to try to catch up. His reasons for waking me are as varied as his pillows being uncomfortable, being too hot or cold or having to change some bedding or clothing, to his feeling vulnerable---what would happen in case of a fire, etc.... He usually falls right back asleep while I , after having been up, stare at the ceiling for minutes to hours!!

My sister, Delphine, has stayed overnight several times and given me a welcome break; my sister-in-law Mary Lou, (from Brea, CA) has stayed here two weeks (one each in JAN and July). They answer the phone, door and deal with any other item while I sleep!! Also help with Bob's needs during the night. And fold clothes and iron, etc..... Kay Hanson, Carter and Noelle have also helped with the overnights. In August, I hired my great nephew, Jonathan Kampa, (David's son) [Brea, also] to help for a week. What a responsible, helpful and gentle person he is! It was so great being able to go up to sleep knowing Bob was in such capable hands. I caught up on enough sleep that I have not fallen asleep at any red lights since then!! In addition to taking such good care of Bob, Jonathan helped with various things that needed doing. Wish he lived closer------

Better close, this has become much too long!!!

Priscilla

Bob's Birthday

These are exactly 1 month and 1 day after the big event... these are pictures from Lisanna and from my camera. Enjoy!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/umbra98/sets/72157606524210351/

Thank you for everyone's birthday wishes and for those who were able to make it! I know my Dad was very honored and humbled by the celebration.

Love,

Noelle

Dear everyone,

Just a quick update before I call it a night. Bob has been home from the Acute Rehab Unit since June 26th. They really worked with him, he is so much stronger it is amazing. He can walk with the walker at least 100 feet before he falters, and is able to stand for several minutes. (with the walker or an "assist" person".) Getting in and out of the wheelchair is going very smoothly as well as up and down with (into) the walker. This makes all the bath activities so much easier for both of us, and any aides. It is taking a while getting used to another new schedule, therapists, aides, a more normal eating schedule, new meds, etc...., but the new regime is falling into place.

We are still under Medicare's "Home Health Program", which means a physical therapist and an occupational therapist twice a week each for about an hour----They are coming up with all kinds of exercises---like tossing a small pillow to him when he is standing in the walker---and he tosses it back---he can toss ten times before he gets a bit unsteady. Both his balance and strength are improving daily. We also have hired two ladies to take turns exercising with him twice a day (sometime once). They both go to our church and also are neighbors. They are doing a wonderful job.

This last Sunday, the 6th, He went to church for the first time in almost a year for the "Silver Servant's Service"---we thought an appropriate first. He really enjoyed it---Carter and Doug and Jenny were able to join us. They brought the mike over to him and he thanked everyone for all the prayers and help in getting him to where he is. When he got home he slept almost all day and again slept well all night---a first. I think all the getting up, standing and singing totally exhausted him---I didn't know "How Great Thou Art" and "God Bless America" each had five or six verses!!!

I am getting a bit more sleep and that means I am actually accomplishing a few things around here that have been neglected for two, three years---good feeling! Still could use more sleep, tho!

On Saturday, August 2nd, we are having an open house to celebrate Bob's 80th birthday---(July 16th) and "I can walk"!! Noelle is handling the e-vites----hope all of you can come and celebrate with us. Bob is so pleased that he can walk----it was so iffy for so long.

Need to go to bed----Thank you again for all the positive prayers, thoughts, cards, and all the items I can't think of right now!!

Priscilla