November 21st, 2008

Hi everyone, it is 5:42 pm. I have to apologize for my slacking on getting the next entry in. We have been busy getting things done for Christmas around here, as I am sure that all of you have also. So far, Mary is doing very well at home. She is doing very well on our stairs, and still seems to get a little stronger every day. We did go to St. Louis for Mary's CT scan on Friday. The doctor said that the scan looked good. Most all of her swelling was down, and everything else looked the way it should. That was what we wanted to hear! One of the other important things we went to hear was when she might get the bone flap put back in. It looks like it will be in about 6 more weeks. It would have been sooner, but she still had a scab on the incision that wasn't healed up properly yet, with could lead to infection if they cut into it. So, we wait a little longer. Her spirit is up for the holiday's, as we have been out shopping quite a few times. Mary and I actually just got back from a quick trip out to do some last minute stuff. Mary will start in again on therapy tomorrow, and I am sure she will work hard as always. It is definitely wonderful to have her here with the whole family for Christmas. I hope everyone has a great holiday. At the Berryman house, I can guarantee it will be a special one. Thanks to all, and please keep Mary in your thoughts.

December 17th, 2008

Hi everyone, it is 9:30 pm. I just wanted to give an update on how Mary has been doing over the last couple of days. It seems that she has taken well to the therapists that are working with her. She is working very hard while she is there, which makes for a worn out kind of evening. That's OK though. Her walking is getting better, still real slow but her form is improving. It also seems like she continues to get stronger each day. Her hair is growing back pretty quick too. Mary's speech therapist today was impressed on how she is doing with her memory and cognitive skills. We continue to do work on exercises here at home also. Sometimes I still annoy Mary with my persistence on doing things, but it is only to get her better. I am going to keep it short tonight, as I am getting pretty tired myself and bed sounds pretty good right now. Have a great day tomorrow, and as always, thanks.

December 15, 2008 pm

Hi everyone, it is 3:20 pm. Sorry I missed yesterday, it just got a little busy around here, and I forgot, to be honest. Mary had her first day of rehab here at Quincy. She had OT at Blessing and PT at Advance. She did well at both. Her PT person was Natalie Stratton, and she seemed to be real good. I have heard nothing but good things about her, so I requested her personally. We'll see how Mary responds to her therapy. I did see Mary walk without her cane while she was in there today. I haven't seen that before today! We will go to therapy a couple more times this week, so I will let you know of the progress. We are making arrangements for people to stay here with Mary during the times when we can't be, because of work mainly. A lot of people have offered their time for her. It is so much appreciated. She is getting back to a little bit of normal here at home. She just feels more comfortable, and is definitely sleeping better. I will be getting back to work on a more permanent basis now that we are home. My heartfelt thanks are out to the people at my workplace. Everyone has stepped up to cover me while I was away, and I can't thank you all enough. Mary's co-workers have been so supportive of her, and have shown her how much they care. She has been so overwhelmed with all the generosity and caring. We all have. Thank you, and please keep the prayers coming.

December 13th, 2008 am

Good morning, it is 9:29 am. First of all, I apologize for not getting a blog together last night. Got a little bit busy around here just getting Mary back to a routine here. We got home around 3:30 or so. That was after doing a little bit of shopping in St. Louis. First, we went to Target and got a few things. Mary went in the wheelchair during that visit, and she did real well. I thought after the Target trip we would be done. Oh no, not with Mary in the car. Then she has to call Rita for directions to REI. (I think that's what it was). We find that store, and Mary did that whole store with just her cane. We walked in and went directly up the stairs, 2 flights, and began our search for what she wanted. She did well, but got a little tired by the time we left. She is doing well this morning, and I know she is very happy to be home. It definitely seems a little more normal around here. We will beginning doing her exercises here pretty soon, just trying to get into a normal routine of therapy. Some of her actual therapy starts on Monday, so we are just trying to keep her doing some things up until then. Thanks you all for your comments. Mary will start reading them all real soon. I know she will be as touched I was reading them all. Thanks.

December 11th, 2008 pm

It is 8:13 pm. I am writing this installment for the last time from Rick Cookson's place. Again my thanks for the use of his apartment. Also, again I thank Elaine Greiner for the use of her house a couple of weeks ago. It has a been a wonderful thing to have a place to go. Well, tomorrow is the day! I will be taking Mary home with me to be with us again. She can't wait to get there, and obviously we are thrilled to have her back. We will be leaving the facility around noon or so. Mary has already requested that we stop at Target on the way back. She's back. Just so you know, I am going to continue writing this blog until we are at the finish line of Mary's road. I am going to try to have Mary start writing some of the entries herself. She is having some trouble right now on her typing, mainly because of finger dexterity. It is coming back though. That is Mary's next big motivation. She wants to be back to her job very badly. I know she will get there. She has shown us that there is always hope. I know that she will love to see everyone soon. It will be a beautiful sight to see her walking in the house tomorrow. Also, thanks to Doug for installing the new hand rails in our home. It means a lot Doug, thanks. Please keep Mary in your prayers. Thanks to all.

December 9th, 2008 pm

It is 8:06 pm. I have talked to Mary a few times today, and it seems like she has had another one of her good days. Working hard, getting a little rest, and coming back and working hard again. She knows her count down is on, and as is working so very hard while she is still there. Today, Mary said the occupational therapist (OT) worked with her on getting to the bathroom with just a cane. All this time she has had to be assisted in the wheelchair, taken into the bathroom, assisted out of the chair, and so forth. Today, she did it by herself, on foot! Awesome! She also sent me a text this afternoon saying she gets to go on another outing tomorrow. It happens to be at one of Mary's favorite places. The Mall! She gets to go with a small group to the Galleria Mall for another shopping trip. This is worked in with physical therapy (PT), so she will be walking, reaching for things on shelves, etc... She told me on the phone later that she was "very es sited"! I hope to get her out to the mall when we get back home also. I still have a lot to do! I just finished putting up the Christmas tree in our home tonight. As I was setting it up, I started thinking out how this Christmas could have had a completely different ending than what we are going to have. I got sad for a short while thinking about it. But then, I was so thankful that our Christmas will be complete with our Wife and Mom her with us. When I walked around our house tonight, I really saw how beautiful the decorations were that Mary's (and mine) dear friends set up for her. Carrie, Sara, Mary and Rita, thank you so much! It is beautiful. I am in Quincy again for a few days, but will be heading back Thursday morning. Thanks to all, and please keep Mary in your prayers. I know you will.

December 8, 2008 pm

Hello again, it is 7:31 pm. I just arrived at home in Quincy a little earlier this evening. Once again I decided to come back for a few days and let Mary really concentrate on her therapy. She did not want me to go, but last week she did so good, we agreed it would be good to do it again. She understands that I need to start getting myself back to work, and other normal stuff around here. Mary had a pretty good weekend, as she really did well in her walking. This morning she walked about 350 ft. before having to rest. Keep in mind that this was after climbing 2 flights of stairs 3 different times. Way to go Mary! Also, the most important news of the day, came in about 2:00 pm. The results of the team meeting were given to us by Mary's case Manager and one of her therapist. Although there are still some issues with her balance, and barring no changes of any ones minds, my girl is coming home this Friday!!!!! She has fought so hard to get to this moment, and it seems like it is finally coming. Mary, I am so proud of you. You have not only inspired me, but lots of others also. I can't believe you have come so far in so little time. Thinking about where you were just 5 short weeks ago, it is a miracle that you are going to be home for Christmas. Our kids are so happy that their Mom will be home for the holiday's. We have been on them a little bit to get some sort of a Christmas shopping list together, as I have some people waiting to help me shop. (shopping is not my forte'). But, both Alex and Regan agree that for some reason, presents just don't seem to be very important to them this year. I have already gotten what I hoped for. My wife will be sitting next to the tree, just like the 25 years before this one. It will be wonderful. She cannot wait to get home and see everyone, and we cannot wait to get her back home. This house just isn't the same with Mary not here. But soon, that will change. In our minds, it can't be soon enough. Mary will begin rehab as soon as she is back. We don't want to lose ground on the progress that she has made. Please pray for her continued progress. As always, thanks.

December 7, 2008 pm

Hello all, It is 9:13 pm. I just got back to my, I mean Rick's, apartment. I spent the whole day with Mary, as I always do. She had a small amount of therapy today, but what she did was very productive. During her physical therapy she walked with very minimal assistance, a total of around 400ft. Her best up until today was around 250ft. This distance is what she is able to go without sitting down because of fatigue. Without a doubt, she is getting stronger each and every day. It is so nice to hear her talk about how she's feeling like she is making improvements and getting stronger. Today while she was walking, the therapist asked me if I wanted to step in and take her place. Without hesitation, I jumped in and walked with Mary. It felt really nice. Her walking form and cadence has dramatically improved along with her speed. We also went to the fire escape staircase and climbed 2 flights of stairs, then came back down. Mary basically does these all by herself, as we are just there for support in case she becomes unstable. She wants to practice on this staircase, because it is about the same amount of stairs we have at our house. She is really working to get home. I really am starting to feel that her days here may be numbered now. The staff is having their team meeting tomorrw morning on Mary's progress, and what they recommend on her remaining stay. I am going to stay around tomorrow for the results of their meeting. I know that they will not send Mary home until they feel she is completely ready. Whatever they say tomorrow, we will accept, and keep pluggin' away. Mary told me pass on the following; "Please say thank you to everyone for praying for me and thinking about me. It is so nice." I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks.

December 6, 2008

Hello everyone! It's Regan writing tonight. Dad thought it would be a good idea for me to do the blog tonight since I haven't written in a while, and since I was with Mom today. Overall I think that Mom had a pretty good day. My parents were telling me about how she takes a balance test with her physical trainer and the highest score you can get is a 56. And last week she got a 7. Which obviously isn't all that great. But she took the test again today and she got a 31! I just thought that was amazing. How in just 1 week she can improve that much. I was so happy! And then dad was having her do her homework that HE asked for. (She didn't like that too much.) Any who, he had her stand in one place for 2 minutes, by herself, and without her holding on to his hand for balance. She got pretty tired pretty quick. But then she tried again, and she did it for the whole time, but she was wanting to do other things, because just standing there was boring. Haha. But she stuck it out, and she started to do some squats. And while I was sitting there watching her do all of this, I was just amazed, and I didn't exactly know what to say, because I was speechless of how much improvement she has made since the last time I saw her, which was only a week ago. And every time I talk to her on the phone she tells me how much she just wants to come home. And I think that since Christmas is coming up that's more of a motivation for her to keep working so that she can come home sooner. And I've told her that, so she knows that's what she needs to do. But she's doing great from what I can tell, she's still cracking those jokes, and is able to keep that pretty smile on her face, and is able to keep up all the other smiles on the faces of everyone that loves her! Thanks mom! You're doing amazing, I'm really proud of you! Thanks! Keep reading, keep praying, keep loving.

December 5, 2008 pm

Hi everyone, it is 8:51 pm. I left Mary a little early tonight, as she was pretty tired from her busy day today. She once again had a lot of therapy today. I think they are throwing more at her because she is really starting to improve in all aspects of her rehab. She walked again today a little more than 150ft, which is very good. Her reading is improving, as well as her problems with the left neglect. It all is starting to come around. Even the doctors see it. Her attitude, and just the expression on her face has improved dramatically. Mary had a few visitors today and she was very happy to see them. Heidi, Mary's supervisor from her work came to visit at lunch time today, and Mary was so happy to see her. My parents also came later in the day, and we all had a wonderful visit. They hadn't seen Mary in about a week and a half, and they could not believe the progress that she has made. Everyone is starting to see it. Even Mary herself said tonight that she is seeing the progress that she is making. What a wonderful sight it is to see my wife with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face, even laughing at times. I have talked in this blog the whole time about the road to recovery that Mary is on. We are still on that road and have a long way to go to get to the finish line. Even though Mary has been going the right direction this whole time, I think she has turned a corner in her journey. She is with out a doubt getting stronger everyday. I love it! A special thanks to Carrie, Mary, Sara, and Rita, for all your work yesterday. It means a lot to both of us. Thanks to all for the prayers. Please continue them for Mary. It does mean so much to her. Have a great night. Thanks.

December 4, 2008 pm

It is 9:55 pm. I am back in St. Louis with my girl. I am sorry that I missed a day of writing. For those of you who follow this everyday, please forgive me! While it was hard to be away for a few days, it was nice to get back home for a little "normal". I went to work for a few days and got some other things done at home that were on my plate. Even though I was home, guess where my mind was. I talked to Mary a few times each day, but it wasn't the same as being there. However, if being away for a few days results in what I saw today, I am more than happy to do it again. Keep in mind that I have only been gone for 3 days. The first thing that I notice was the strength and flexibility in her left hand. When I left Monday, she could barely open up her hand. When I asked her to do it this morning, she opened it up all the way, with out putting forth much effort. (at least it seemed that way). Then we went to physical therapy. When I left Monday, she was still doing her walking with what I consider "heavy assistance". Today, Mary got up out of her wheelchair, grabbed the cane, and began to do her walking with basically very light, to no assistance! She looked so much stronger, and steadier than just 3 short days ago. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. On Saturday of last week, she walked about 50 feet or so. Today, Brooke (her therapist), said she went at least 150 feet or more. Keep in mind, with hardly any help! (a little though). I was so happy to see that. In speech therapy, she was reading so much better than when I left also. Even the therapist said that was the best she had done. She said she was reading at a 95% level. I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I know it was pretty good in her therapy terms. Her attitude was good, she was smiling and making jokes with the therapists, and working really hard to impress everyone involved. I think even herself. Oh, I forgot, she also climbed a flight of 12 stairs at least 3 times, up and down. This was with no help, just the therapist next to her in case she fell. Needless to say, I was so impressed with Mary today, and the improvements that she made in such a short time. She still has a long, long way to go, but from what I witnessed today, I really feel that Mary is up to the challenge. I thank you all for your prayers, and thank God for listening. Please keep 'em coming! Hopefully, she will have another banner day tomorrow. Thanks.

December 3, 2008 am

Good morning, it's 8:41 am. Sorry I didn't get a chance to get the blog on last night. I was able to speak to Mary a few times yesterday, and it seemed like she had a productive day as far as rehab goes. She said she worked hard. I can tell in her voice that she wants to be home very badly. She is working hard to make sure that happens soon. She did give me some news that I was very happy about. She was one of 6 people in the facility to be asked to go on an outing today. And the exciting part for Mary... there going to Target! I am so happy for her to be able to go out and do something normal that she does in everyday life. Mary's parents are visiting her today, so they are going to go along with her. She already left me a message early this morning saying she couldn't find her debit card, and did I know where it was. She is ready to go shopping! The other exciting part for me, is that she is actually progressed far enough to be included in on the outing. I am itching to get back with her tomorrow and see how she is doing. I will write again soon to keep all informed. Please keep praying for Mary. Thanks, and have a great day.

December 1, 2008 pm

It is 9:17 pm. I am writing tonight from my own computer at home for the first time in a month. To be honest, it feels a little weird. Regan and I are here tonight, but it's just not the same without Mary here. (or Alex either!) I have talked to Mary a couple of times today, and she seems to doing well. She told me she worked very hard today, and she promised me she would continue to work hard the next few days. She wants to be home so bad. The doctors did their weekly evaluation of Mary's progress this morning. They called me and said she is definitely making good progress. The biggest thing that she needs to improve on is her balance. She did not rate very high on their scale of progress. I know she will work hard to improve those numbers. She is getting stronger on her left side, and it is starting to show. She has just got to continue to work extra hard to get where she wants. As of today, she will be at the rehab facility for another week. Honestly, that is not a surprise to me. Even though she has come a very long way in a short amount of time, I too do not feel she is quite ready to come home. For those of you who have been visiting Mary pretty regular, I know that you can also see the improvements she has made. I do know that it will be sooner than later when she does get to come back to us. For all of us, it really can't be quick enough. I think that everyone is ready to get her back and begin the rehab that will have to be done here. What she is doing now though is going to make that rehab go smoother, and she will function much better at home. I will keep in touch with Mary daily, and will let you know of her reports to me. I will be here in Quincy until Thursday, (if I can stay away that long), and I hope I can see a few friends while I am here. Please keep praying for Mary's recovery and for her strength. Thanks to all.