Neil,
We are so glad to hear that you're home again and getting back to some state of normalcy. I wish we were nearby to visit but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Based on one of the blog entries, happy anniversary to both of you! Our 49th is coming up the 10th. My, how young we all look in those wedding pictures!
John's still trying to come up with some memories fit to put on your blog!
Our love to you and to the whole family. It sounds like everyone has stepped up to the plate in support.
Sherry & John
Monday, May 31, 2010
Piggy Ditch
Hey, Piggy Ditch,
It sure is good news to hear you are on the mend...I know it's been a nightmare and a struggle. You (and Kay) are really "tough" in the good way. Hang in there!
We are all praying and sending good thoughts your way. We all love you...yep, even me :)...in spite of "the 3 Musketeers" and their "making plans" and "piggy-ditching" days! Wow...how long ago was that?
Danny had to send me the instructions for blogging...as you can imagine, I am technically challenged...to say the least!
I am so grateful to Kay, your Kids, and your friends for keeping us "cuzs'" up to date...it means so much.
Keep up the good work!
Love,
Your beautiful, older cousin :)?
p.s. I have sure enjoyed being in touch with Ellen...we share our kitty cat stories, too.
It sure is good news to hear you are on the mend...I know it's been a nightmare and a struggle. You (and Kay) are really "tough" in the good way. Hang in there!
We are all praying and sending good thoughts your way. We all love you...yep, even me :)...in spite of "the 3 Musketeers" and their "making plans" and "piggy-ditching" days! Wow...how long ago was that?
Danny had to send me the instructions for blogging...as you can imagine, I am technically challenged...to say the least!
I am so grateful to Kay, your Kids, and your friends for keeping us "cuzs'" up to date...it means so much.
Keep up the good work!
Love,
Your beautiful, older cousin :)?
p.s. I have sure enjoyed being in touch with Ellen...we share our kitty cat stories, too.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Anniversary Wishes from Michigan
Hi Neil & all...................
Hope this note finds you at home over the memorial day holiday.
Turn the clock back to 1964, you were getting ready to be married tomorrow, and I was graduating from PU. Add one week and it finds you graduating from Earlham and my getting married. Here wishing you and Kay a happy 46th anniversary. Who would have thought these two women would have put up with us for that long.
We are enjoying a nice day, here in Sturgis. I (am)getting ready to cook some hamburgs on the grill. We finally had to turn the AC on this past week. It finally hit 85. Seems like we just turned off the furnace a couple of weeks ago.
I read Dean's summary of the 2+2. I remember that car. It was pretty quick. I did not remember that it had a 3 speed. I was thinking 4. The 66 chevy that I had was a 4 speed. The 1st gear was a bit doggy. Lots of torque, but not much speed. It had a mean 2nd gear though. Esther used to take it to school and scare all the old teachers riding with her.
I found a couple of pictures of the gang this week. I will get them scanned and sent to Dean. We'll see if you can remember when they were taken.
Take care of yourself. I will visit with you via email again later.
Larry H
(Editor's Note: Jungle Cruising and the 65 2+2 Story was not written by Dean, though he was in the back seat for many of the cruises.)
Hope this note finds you at home over the memorial day holiday.
Turn the clock back to 1964, you were getting ready to be married tomorrow, and I was graduating from PU. Add one week and it finds you graduating from Earlham and my getting married. Here wishing you and Kay a happy 46th anniversary. Who would have thought these two women would have put up with us for that long.
We are enjoying a nice day, here in Sturgis. I (am)getting ready to cook some hamburgs on the grill. We finally had to turn the AC on this past week. It finally hit 85. Seems like we just turned off the furnace a couple of weeks ago.
I read Dean's summary of the 2+2. I remember that car. It was pretty quick. I did not remember that it had a 3 speed. I was thinking 4. The 66 chevy that I had was a 4 speed. The 1st gear was a bit doggy. Lots of torque, but not much speed. It had a mean 2nd gear though. Esther used to take it to school and scare all the old teachers riding with her.
I found a couple of pictures of the gang this week. I will get them scanned and sent to Dean. We'll see if you can remember when they were taken.
Take care of yourself. I will visit with you via email again later.
Larry H
(Editor's Note: Jungle Cruising and the 65 2+2 Story was not written by Dean, though he was in the back seat for many of the cruises.)
Confusing motion with progress
In the 80s the US auto companies were in the early days of global competition with the Japanese. And it seemed that Ford was a step behind everyone else. They started a new policy that required all component drawings to be “dual dimensioned”; each dimension would be shown both in English units and in Metric units. I was commenting to Neil on how insane this was since the engines were still being designed and built using English units and there was really no need to put the equivalent Metric units on those drawings. It was an unnecessary complication. Neil thought for a few seconds and sagely replied that this was simply a ploy for the engineers to feel like they were gaining competitiveness with the Japanese by the appearance of using their measurement system. And then he added, and I’m paraphrasing, “it’s about as useful as stating a dimension as 3 35/64 mm. I got a big laugh out of that one, but find that I still use this story today to explain worthless efforts to achieve a result.
Chuck
Chuck
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Plant, Neil Style
Carolyn's mom, Shirley, lived with us for twenty three months before she passed away. Since she was legally blind, she had a clock which announced the time, in a somewhat mechanical voice, on the hour and whenever you pushed a button on the top of the clock. When her mother (one of the kindest souls I've ever met) died Carolyn kept the clock in a dresser drawer in "Mom's room" but removed the battery. End of story, right? Not quite. Not with Neil around. Actually, everything was normal for about a year, until we hosted the "card club". About an hour after everyone left we heard a voice: "The time is twelve A.M.!" Where did that come from? It was late. We were tired. We went to bed and to sleep. The next morning we hear: "The time is ten A.M.!" Carolyn found the clock where she had left it, in the dresser drawer. It still had no battery! What was going on? This continued throughout the day. The announcements were so brief it was hard to tell exactly where they were coming from. We relayed this mystery to Kay on the telephone. She relayed the story to Neil. Like a knows-all swami with a crystal ball, Neil suggested that we might want to look in a particular area near Mom's room. Well, what do you know, we found a second talking clock, and this one definitely had a battery! I don't have to tell you who planted it there. At least he was merciful; we only had to suffer for a day! --Dan S
May 28, 2010 Update HOME
Neil arrived home at 7 p.m. tonight...Friday. He is resting comfortably in his own chair in his "cave". He will later go to bed in his own Craftmatic bed with the massager. Later tonight oxygen will arrive since they did a sleep test and found that he really does have sleep apnea which his sister proclaimed 5 years ago while sitting with their mother at the hospital. He will at a later date have a sleep test.
Everything seems to happen at night. Last night his bed wouldn't go up and down so a new bed was brought in. The night before it was once again the leaking colonoscopy bag. No one really seems to do it right, even the wound care nurses. Kathy, could you fly in to Florida to give us guidance...I know you can't!! Another wound care nurse tried today so we'll see if she has it right. It's suppose to last at least 4 days and then it's my turn. I guess we don't have a visiting nurse any more as she was only for guidance on that. Dean is here now and will leave on the weekend with Ellen arriving for a day or so. Look out on Tuesday as I may be calling everyone I know.
Thanks so much to everyone for all your prayers, guidance, love, support, kindnesses, etc. I don't think Neil realized how much everyone cares about him until now. The money from the blog, if anyone clicks on those advertisements will eventually go to Hunters Creek Relay for Life. I've only read bits of the blog...don't really understand it yet...but it's meant a lot to Neil and especially to our kids as they've learned more about their dad. We've done a lot of bonding and reminiscing through all of this.
Now to get the house organized with easy access for everything.
Love, Kay, Neil, Ellen, Dean and Shelaine
Everything seems to happen at night. Last night his bed wouldn't go up and down so a new bed was brought in. The night before it was once again the leaking colonoscopy bag. No one really seems to do it right, even the wound care nurses. Kathy, could you fly in to Florida to give us guidance...I know you can't!! Another wound care nurse tried today so we'll see if she has it right. It's suppose to last at least 4 days and then it's my turn. I guess we don't have a visiting nurse any more as she was only for guidance on that. Dean is here now and will leave on the weekend with Ellen arriving for a day or so. Look out on Tuesday as I may be calling everyone I know.
Thanks so much to everyone for all your prayers, guidance, love, support, kindnesses, etc. I don't think Neil realized how much everyone cares about him until now. The money from the blog, if anyone clicks on those advertisements will eventually go to Hunters Creek Relay for Life. I've only read bits of the blog...don't really understand it yet...but it's meant a lot to Neil and especially to our kids as they've learned more about their dad. We've done a lot of bonding and reminiscing through all of this.
Now to get the house organized with easy access for everything.
Love, Kay, Neil, Ellen, Dean and Shelaine
Golf & Life
Neil -
As we duffers know, golf is filled with bogies (even doubles & triples !) but we keep on playing in search of those pars and even birdies ! Life is alot like golf in this regard so we look forward to your continued play and famous humor along the way . Welcome Home !!!
Steve & Nancy Z
As we duffers know, golf is filled with bogies (even doubles & triples !) but we keep on playing in search of those pars and even birdies ! Life is alot like golf in this regard so we look forward to your continued play and famous humor along the way . Welcome Home !!!
Steve & Nancy Z
Family and Friends have checked in! Round One nearing completion/victory.
Well Neil's health is up to Faith, Friends, Family and Modern Medicine.
It surely appears the Friends and Family have done their part through this first phase of the Battle. You guys have checked in on Neil 237 times just on the blog in the last week! This is amazing! (74 people have checked in at least once and returned 163 times.) It appears this first phase is nearing completion as he is headed home today, with any luck. Just one more blood test (to ensure no infection) and ready to go. He can not wait to get home. We are playing classical music for him to keep him calm and relaxed as he awaits and awaits final word to go home!
Thought you may enjoy some statistics on the people in various states that have been checking in on Neil on the blog just in the last week.
It may be a long and complicated road ahead, but all the support will make the road that much easier to travel upon. Thank you!
blog site stats:
state/site visits/avg page visits/avg time on site /%new visits
1.
Florida 111 2.36 00:05:49 22.52%
2.
Michigan 56 1.80 00:02:50 26.79%
3.
Indiana 41 3.78 00:08:37 34.15%
4.
New York
11 1.36 00:01:20 54.55%
5.
California
5 1.20 n/a 40.00%
6.
Ohio
4 1.00 n/a 100.00%
7.
North Carolina
3 1.00 n/a 66.67%
8.
Georgia
1 1.00 n/a 100.00%
9.
Alabama
1 6.00 00:32:38 100.00%
10.
Virginia
1 1.00 n/a 100.00%
It surely appears the Friends and Family have done their part through this first phase of the Battle. You guys have checked in on Neil 237 times just on the blog in the last week! This is amazing! (74 people have checked in at least once and returned 163 times.) It appears this first phase is nearing completion as he is headed home today, with any luck. Just one more blood test (to ensure no infection) and ready to go. He can not wait to get home. We are playing classical music for him to keep him calm and relaxed as he awaits and awaits final word to go home!
Thought you may enjoy some statistics on the people in various states that have been checking in on Neil on the blog just in the last week.
It may be a long and complicated road ahead, but all the support will make the road that much easier to travel upon. Thank you!
blog site stats:
state/site visits/avg page visits/avg time on site /%new visits
1.
Florida 111 2.36 00:05:49 22.52%
2.
Michigan 56 1.80 00:02:50 26.79%
3.
Indiana 41 3.78 00:08:37 34.15%
4.
New York
11 1.36 00:01:20 54.55%
5.
California
5 1.20 n/a 40.00%
6.
Ohio
4 1.00 n/a 100.00%
7.
North Carolina
3 1.00 n/a 66.67%
8.
Georgia
1 1.00 n/a 100.00%
9.
Alabama
1 6.00 00:32:38 100.00%
10.
Virginia
1 1.00 n/a 100.00%
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What lies ahead
The problem: Stage IV colon caner, that has spread to lymph nodes and liver
The cure: Faith, Friends, Family and modern medicine
What's Next: Going home (hopefully Friday) resting for six weeks, Chemotherapy for six months, potential liver surgery after chemotherapy, though we are hopeful chemo does the trick.
The cure: Faith, Friends, Family and modern medicine
What's Next: Going home (hopefully Friday) resting for six weeks, Chemotherapy for six months, potential liver surgery after chemotherapy, though we are hopeful chemo does the trick.
Day 20 Update May 26, 2010
We are so excited. The doctors were all in this morning...said he is doing great and will probably go home on Friday. It's like he is a different man than we saw yesterday. He's starting to eat a little more. Of course that's because Dean is bringing him what he wants and likes from the cafeteria. Dean walked with him six times yesterday and today he was strong enough to get in and out of bed by himself. I didn't want to take him home on a weekend again but with Dean's being with us it should be all right. We read a lot of the blog to him yesterday and last night he listened to Paul Potts on Utube. He loves music and so enjoyed that. He was even reading the newspaper!! Ellen may be coming on the weekend. Neil and I may be able to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary at home. Thanks to all of you for being with us throughout this first step in Neil's adventure. Kay
10 gauge fun
I am the youngest of 3 first cousins born within 7 months of each other. We were best known as trouble, especially when Neil was with us. He could always think of some pretty creative things to do to/with cats, dog, electric trains etc.
The story that comes to mind is the hunting expedition we experienced in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I drove my '86 Dodge 4-WD truck w/truck back camper from Indiana to Farmington Hills, Michigan, picked up Neil and I drove up to the UP. Chris was not with us until we picked him up at the Marquette airport. The flight had been a white knuckler for Chris and he was really glad to see us.
Neil and I hunted, Chris stayed in the camper and read. (Chris has no killer instinct), Neil and I went out in 10" of snow at 10 below and set up over an evergreen swamp at dawn. About 45 minutes later a car full of "idiots in orange" pulled in next to our truck, piled out with rifles and scattered over the hillside behind us. Any shot they would have taken would have been over us. We didn't like the odds and left. We went a couple of hundred yards in the truck. Neil stopped me, got out and shot several rounds from his 10 gauge goose gun. We figure they got deserved lead shower.
We shot nothing but saw lots of deer on top of cars and trucks. Neil said, "everybody gets a deer", and repeats it every time we recall the trip.
Hurry up and get back to the course Neil. The other golfers need a good laugh. Cousin Dan
The story that comes to mind is the hunting expedition we experienced in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I drove my '86 Dodge 4-WD truck w/truck back camper from Indiana to Farmington Hills, Michigan, picked up Neil and I drove up to the UP. Chris was not with us until we picked him up at the Marquette airport. The flight had been a white knuckler for Chris and he was really glad to see us.
Neil and I hunted, Chris stayed in the camper and read. (Chris has no killer instinct), Neil and I went out in 10" of snow at 10 below and set up over an evergreen swamp at dawn. About 45 minutes later a car full of "idiots in orange" pulled in next to our truck, piled out with rifles and scattered over the hillside behind us. Any shot they would have taken would have been over us. We didn't like the odds and left. We went a couple of hundred yards in the truck. Neil stopped me, got out and shot several rounds from his 10 gauge goose gun. We figure they got deserved lead shower.
We shot nothing but saw lots of deer on top of cars and trucks. Neil said, "everybody gets a deer", and repeats it every time we recall the trip.
Hurry up and get back to the course Neil. The other golfers need a good laugh. Cousin Dan
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Patient Speaks
Hi all!
It is a distinct honor to receive so many best wishes with this latest setback. I am deeply moved by all of our friends well wishes, prayers, and over all support. Little by little each day I am healing from the two surgeries and hope to be positioned with adequate strength and endurance for six months of chemotherapy. Needless to say being confined for 20 consecutive days creates a "twitch" of substantial proportion.
P.S. I did refuse to sign two of the hospital entry forms that prohibits young nurse hallway chases and a pinched arse here and there.
Neil
It is a distinct honor to receive so many best wishes with this latest setback. I am deeply moved by all of our friends well wishes, prayers, and over all support. Little by little each day I am healing from the two surgeries and hope to be positioned with adequate strength and endurance for six months of chemotherapy. Needless to say being confined for 20 consecutive days creates a "twitch" of substantial proportion.
P.S. I did refuse to sign two of the hospital entry forms that prohibits young nurse hallway chases and a pinched arse here and there.
Neil
Jungle Cruising with Neil 70s style
Way back in the early 70's, Neil would get an itch to go on a 'jungle' cruise. He would pile the kids, wife and friends in the black widow maker, a 65 Pontiac
Catalina 2+2. This 3 speed stick was the terror of Oakland County in Michigan. This jungle cruise would always take place in the evening on remote and almost inaccessible back roads that desperately needed exploring. We would be charting and exploring for possible Jaycee road rally events. At least that was the cover. Neil just enjoyed taking the beast out for some exercise and hoped that the kiddies would fall asleep before returning home, after numerous potty breaks.
J&H N
Catalina 2+2. This 3 speed stick was the terror of Oakland County in Michigan. This jungle cruise would always take place in the evening on remote and almost inaccessible back roads that desperately needed exploring. We would be charting and exploring for possible Jaycee road rally events. At least that was the cover. Neil just enjoyed taking the beast out for some exercise and hoped that the kiddies would fall asleep before returning home, after numerous potty breaks.
J&H N
"There is no substitute for dumb luck"- More Hunting with Neil
(Editor's note: Names changed to an initial to protect the innocent. Though I have no doubt Neil circulated this story at every chance he got- though it perhaps has not made its way to the internet yet.)
That reminds me of the story of Neil shooting a deer off the hood of the truck, while the deer was feasting on B's elegantly crafted rotting apple pile. B had researched deer habits for weeks to ensure that he would successfully lure a deer to his deer stand. B carefully crafted the pile of apples, which had been allowed to rot to a pre-determined temperature - just as the book recommended. B spent 2 days in the woods crouched in the confined space of his deer stand. After 2 days, (Neil) came to retrieve B from the woods (B had given up the hunt by then), and (Neil) calmly exited the truck, saw the deer approaching the apple pile and shot him over the hood of the truck from a long ways away. (Neil will know the exact distance.) By the way - (Neil) was smoking a cigarette and wearing sunglasses at the time - no - no's for successful deer hunting - B was covered in camouflage and scented with deer spray. Great story! And the coup de gras (as Neil would say) occurred when B called home to report his lack of success and B's wife informed him that she had just shot a nine point off the back of their porch!
S
That reminds me of the story of Neil shooting a deer off the hood of the truck, while the deer was feasting on B's elegantly crafted rotting apple pile. B had researched deer habits for weeks to ensure that he would successfully lure a deer to his deer stand. B carefully crafted the pile of apples, which had been allowed to rot to a pre-determined temperature - just as the book recommended. B spent 2 days in the woods crouched in the confined space of his deer stand. After 2 days, (Neil) came to retrieve B from the woods (B had given up the hunt by then), and (Neil) calmly exited the truck, saw the deer approaching the apple pile and shot him over the hood of the truck from a long ways away. (Neil will know the exact distance.) By the way - (Neil) was smoking a cigarette and wearing sunglasses at the time - no - no's for successful deer hunting - B was covered in camouflage and scented with deer spray. Great story! And the coup de gras (as Neil would say) occurred when B called home to report his lack of success and B's wife informed him that she had just shot a nine point off the back of their porch!
S
Gratitude
Dear Kay - my heart goes out to you at this time, because I know how challenging the recovery process can be for the family and the patient. My sister, Mother and I went through this many years ago with my Father. I just wanted you to know that I think of you both often and your many kindnesses to me and my children. Neil and you made it possible for my daughter Julie to attend the symphony (box seats, of course), go to Put-In Bay on the boat, and eat at great restaurants at a time when I could not provide these advantages. It was a great kindness on your part, and I have always been very grateful. Your recent email on Neilism's made me laugh, and reminded me of the wonderful times that Neil's wry sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing kept us all in stitches. Nobody can tell a story like Neil!! I am sure you will have many more good ones to share with us as the days go by... Neil's wit is unmatched, as is his strategic thinking, and I thank him every day for all that he taught me. Everything I know about business strategy I learned from Neil, and the lessons learned were infinitely more valuable than a Harvard MBA! Neil's strategies are not only brilliant, but they actually work! We have won many a contract using the things that he taught me, and that I am now trying to pound into the heads of the next generation.
I thought of a short story that has been helpful for me in my darkest moments over the past few years. And it involves money and strategy, so maybe Neil will like it, too. The Devil was having a garage sale. He was selling off some of the tools he had plenty of such as "greed", "murderous intentions", "selfishness", "dishonesty", "lies", "suffering", "envy", "depression", "hatred", etc. A potential buyer came by and checked out the prices. The buyer noticed that the most expensive item was "discouragement". He asked the Devil why "discouragement" had the highest price tag, and he Devil responded that "discouragement" was the tool he could use to get anybody to do any of the other serious offenses - stealing, murder, lies, etc. The buyer asked if the Devil was ever thwarted in his attempts to use "discouragement" to ruin a person's life, and the Devil replied that the only power against "discouragement" was "gratitude", because a person that was grateful was not susceptible to the worst forms of "discouragement" he could inflict.
At times like this "discouragement" is your enemy, and "gratitude" seems as far from your thought as the next galaxy, but even the smallest amount of "gratitude" can overcome "discouragement" and get you back on the path toward recovery. I am grateful for your kindness and friendship over the years.
With my prayers for your speedy recovery (and my respect for the dedication of your loving family to your well-being),
Sandy S
I thought of a short story that has been helpful for me in my darkest moments over the past few years. And it involves money and strategy, so maybe Neil will like it, too. The Devil was having a garage sale. He was selling off some of the tools he had plenty of such as "greed", "murderous intentions", "selfishness", "dishonesty", "lies", "suffering", "envy", "depression", "hatred", etc. A potential buyer came by and checked out the prices. The buyer noticed that the most expensive item was "discouragement". He asked the Devil why "discouragement" had the highest price tag, and he Devil responded that "discouragement" was the tool he could use to get anybody to do any of the other serious offenses - stealing, murder, lies, etc. The buyer asked if the Devil was ever thwarted in his attempts to use "discouragement" to ruin a person's life, and the Devil replied that the only power against "discouragement" was "gratitude", because a person that was grateful was not susceptible to the worst forms of "discouragement" he could inflict.
At times like this "discouragement" is your enemy, and "gratitude" seems as far from your thought as the next galaxy, but even the smallest amount of "gratitude" can overcome "discouragement" and get you back on the path toward recovery. I am grateful for your kindness and friendship over the years.
With my prayers for your speedy recovery (and my respect for the dedication of your loving family to your well-being),
Sandy S
Small steps...
A great update from Dean. I personally got a chance to visit with Neil on
Saturday. He is coming along slowly. It was so good to see him smile.
Small steps make for a successful journey.
John M
Saturday. He is coming along slowly. It was so good to see him smile.
Small steps make for a successful journey.
John M
"Change is good we can charge more for it."
A lesson Neil left out of his retirement works on business, that Kay wanted to add from a recent email, as Neil enjoyed it so.
Thanks Ward for reminding the "Big Guy" about this lesson.
Thanks Ward for reminding the "Big Guy" about this lesson.
Planning your next vacation in upstate New York?
Sorry to anyone that might enjoy vacationing here. But, I am guessing it is fairly well down on Dad's list of vacation hot spots. Though in the early 1980's he managed to use most of his frequent flyer miles and more to take me there TWICE! To visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Having had a huge passion for baseball, when he asked me where I wanted to go on a trip, this was the first thing that came to mind. And so we went. Without a question or suggestion we go elsewhere from him- twice- within just a few years. At the time I thought he shared the same enthusiasm for the sport and the legends that I did. Though he is casual fan- he was an enthusiast on our trips to Cooperstown. Bet we saw about every exhibit there. We spent considerable time in front of the baseball card exhibit there. Only many years later, and after having kids, does it become crystal clear that his enthusiasm was for me on those summer days in upstate New York and not so much baseball. Thanks Dad.
Dean
Dean
Monday, May 24, 2010
Update May 24, 2010 1:30 pm
Neil continues to recover. He has moved from more intense care to less care on the 11th floor, which is great, of course. 4 Doctors came in this morning, kidney, heart, surgeon, etc. All were very encouraged about his recovery after 2 major surgeries (perhaps even somewhat surprised.) We are hopeful that he will be home by weeks end. He has been removed from the IV fluids in large part, is eating (very little, but eating). He is taking many walks and primarily sitting in a chair throughout the day, though he has slept most of the day, as last night was a little rough.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
"It only costs a little more to go first class."
A very popular Neilism. And one I could not resist to write about as I had to make a decision at the AirTran desk on the flight down. Hmmmm, $69 and a big seat with a free luggage check in and free drinks. You can take this one literally and feel good about it, it really is only a little more after all, I deserve it. Of course, you can take it the other way $69 is like a 70% increase over the regular fare. This is one where Dad could always get a chuckle either way. "You sat with all the drones in coach?" or "Well, after all it only costs a little more to go first class! It's only money right."
In the end I had 2 free Bacardi's and Coke. Thanks Dad. Oh, that's right they weren't really free. Darn it.
Dean
In the end I had 2 free Bacardi's and Coke. Thanks Dad. Oh, that's right they weren't really free. Darn it.
Dean
Update May 22, 2010
Hello,
Dad is much better today than he has been for the last week or more. He is resting very well tonight. He is slowly being removed from various things coming from the IV in preparation for his move to less intensive care in the hospital. We have read out loud a number of everyone's emails and blog posts which solicited some welcoome smiles from him. We are looking forward to many better days ahead in the very near future.
If anyone wants to follow Neil's blog here is a link http://mrgilmeryouhaveablog.blogspot.com Please feel free to add any words of encouragement or stories in the comments section below any post. Also if you prefer to send an email just let us know if it is ok to put it on the blog for all to see as well.
Thanking everyone for their concern and prayers,
Dean
Dad is much better today than he has been for the last week or more. He is resting very well tonight. He is slowly being removed from various things coming from the IV in preparation for his move to less intensive care in the hospital. We have read out loud a number of everyone's emails and blog posts which solicited some welcoome smiles from him. We are looking forward to many better days ahead in the very near future.
If anyone wants to follow Neil's blog here is a link http://mrgilmeryouhaveablog.blogspot.com Please feel free to add any words of encouragement or stories in the comments section below any post. Also if you prefer to send an email just let us know if it is ok to put it on the blog for all to see as well.
Thanking everyone for their concern and prayers,
Dean
Update May 21, 2010
Neil had a better day. We are encouraged. Ellen and I went home for a few hours and found many greetings from all of you. Thanks so much. Kay
Friday, May 21, 2010
Things Just Seem to Be This Way (1-42), Selected Works, June 1999 (continued)
1. Competitors who give away samples are in the best possible position to judge their true worth. Samples that are sold at a reasonable price invariably indicate a funded customer program.
2. Prevention is well down the priority list.
3. Small daily applications of maintenance to seemingly mundane matters prevent panics at the most inappropriate times.
4. Closets and desks always somehow manage to be full.
5. Two birds in the bush are more than enough to initiate a development program.
6. Salespeople who allow expense reports to fall into arrears convince everyone that account coverage and price increases are probably in worse shape.
7. Thinking big generally scares everyone
8. An idea before its time is functionally equivalent to no idea at all.
9. People seem to always manage to do what they want to do.
10. Bright and shiny are frequently confused with quality. This can be exploited upon occasion.
11. When it comes to either the principle or the money, you can be 99% certain it's the money.
12. More is generally learned from a customer at lunch, dinner or a social event than all day in his or her office. The CIA and KGB know well this concept. Cloak and dagger is generally appealing anyway.
13. The bigger the customer, the more probably it is that someone there doesn't like you.
14. Associates may not have difficulty keeping secrets, it's just the people they tell that have trouble. Best kept secrets are generally not interesting.
15. Profits concern buyers much more than they bothered Karl Marx.
16. Paradoxically, most corporations secretly desire to be a monopoly while simultaneously extolling the virtues of a competitive market.
17. Rumors generally have some basis in fact.
18. Contingency plans generally imply that the prime path may be flawed. A show ticket is a kind of contingency plan. The scientific approach is almost always trial and error in clever disguise.
19. When more and more data are needed, you should be convinced that there is extreme difficulty in making a decision.
20. Grey is normally the shade. Black or white is easy pickin's, so it generally never gets to you.
21. A good memory is an excuse for a poor filing system.
22. Never use the word, "bottom line" in a negotiation unless you really mean it.
23. Whether it is or not, your buyer should always believe that he's getting a good deal.
24. The more specific the instructions, the more confused someone becomes.
25. Written instructions are seldom acted upon unless confirmed verbally.
26. To make sure that somewhat important written information is promptly read, put it in a confidential envelope.
27. "Rush" generally means someone screwed up somewhere. This is normally an opportunity in disguise.
28. Only B.S. when you know the subject inside and out.
29. A ringing phone will frequently pre-empt personal appearance.
30. A buyer will try to discount technical support, etc., to manipulate you into the price arena. That's his job -- expect it.
31. "What have you done for me today?", is frequently all that matter.
32. Beware of the deal that offers the buyer the honeymoon tonight for the marriage tomorrow.
33. Decision by intuition is generally: experience x insufficient information / time bind
34. Never forget that J-I-T really means almost late.
35. Finger pointing has become the norm in our culture.
36. Some people really enjoy being mad.
37. Animal behavior is remarkably familiar. Tired horses always manage to run to the barn at the end of the day.
38. The best plans generally overlook something.
39. We should avoid self-embarrassment by telling all we know.
40. Part of the story is always good for a snap judgment.
41. After carefully analyzing all the facts, it is normal to rush off and make an emotional decision.
42. "Getting even" generally has a higher price than expeted.
(more to come later on this post)
2. Prevention is well down the priority list.
3. Small daily applications of maintenance to seemingly mundane matters prevent panics at the most inappropriate times.
4. Closets and desks always somehow manage to be full.
5. Two birds in the bush are more than enough to initiate a development program.
6. Salespeople who allow expense reports to fall into arrears convince everyone that account coverage and price increases are probably in worse shape.
7. Thinking big generally scares everyone
8. An idea before its time is functionally equivalent to no idea at all.
9. People seem to always manage to do what they want to do.
10. Bright and shiny are frequently confused with quality. This can be exploited upon occasion.
11. When it comes to either the principle or the money, you can be 99% certain it's the money.
12. More is generally learned from a customer at lunch, dinner or a social event than all day in his or her office. The CIA and KGB know well this concept. Cloak and dagger is generally appealing anyway.
13. The bigger the customer, the more probably it is that someone there doesn't like you.
14. Associates may not have difficulty keeping secrets, it's just the people they tell that have trouble. Best kept secrets are generally not interesting.
15. Profits concern buyers much more than they bothered Karl Marx.
16. Paradoxically, most corporations secretly desire to be a monopoly while simultaneously extolling the virtues of a competitive market.
17. Rumors generally have some basis in fact.
18. Contingency plans generally imply that the prime path may be flawed. A show ticket is a kind of contingency plan. The scientific approach is almost always trial and error in clever disguise.
19. When more and more data are needed, you should be convinced that there is extreme difficulty in making a decision.
20. Grey is normally the shade. Black or white is easy pickin's, so it generally never gets to you.
21. A good memory is an excuse for a poor filing system.
22. Never use the word, "bottom line" in a negotiation unless you really mean it.
23. Whether it is or not, your buyer should always believe that he's getting a good deal.
24. The more specific the instructions, the more confused someone becomes.
25. Written instructions are seldom acted upon unless confirmed verbally.
26. To make sure that somewhat important written information is promptly read, put it in a confidential envelope.
27. "Rush" generally means someone screwed up somewhere. This is normally an opportunity in disguise.
28. Only B.S. when you know the subject inside and out.
29. A ringing phone will frequently pre-empt personal appearance.
30. A buyer will try to discount technical support, etc., to manipulate you into the price arena. That's his job -- expect it.
31. "What have you done for me today?", is frequently all that matter.
32. Beware of the deal that offers the buyer the honeymoon tonight for the marriage tomorrow.
33. Decision by intuition is generally: experience x insufficient information / time bind
34. Never forget that J-I-T really means almost late.
35. Finger pointing has become the norm in our culture.
36. Some people really enjoy being mad.
37. Animal behavior is remarkably familiar. Tired horses always manage to run to the barn at the end of the day.
38. The best plans generally overlook something.
39. We should avoid self-embarrassment by telling all we know.
40. Part of the story is always good for a snap judgment.
41. After carefully analyzing all the facts, it is normal to rush off and make an emotional decision.
42. "Getting even" generally has a higher price than expeted.
(more to come later on this post)
Hunting...
I learned some unique hunting techniques from Dad. Few of these have I read in any hunting books since. While I had heard of many hunters who where using things to mask one's scent or finding the perfect spot where deer may be naturally attracted was common. Dad had a more unique approach. Often we would find a large open field where Dad would smoke and I would have a candy bar or a coke. Of course the nearest tree was our urinal, so much for masking. I have a few different theories on this somewhat unorthodoxed approach to deer hunting:
1. Dad had no interest in dragging a deer out of the woods anyway
2. A Neilism may apply- "even a blind squirrel gets a few nuts."
or
3. The orthodoxed method is BS anyway as there is no such thing as a deer in its natural state in upper Michigan during deer season. It more resembles an NRA convention than anything seen on any Nature Channel. So you had at least as good of a shot at getting a passing deer in a large clearing, that was spooked or just passing by, as you did if you went through all the usual hunting gobeldigook.
I'm going to go with 3.) above for now.
Dean
1. Dad had no interest in dragging a deer out of the woods anyway
2. A Neilism may apply- "even a blind squirrel gets a few nuts."
or
3. The orthodoxed method is BS anyway as there is no such thing as a deer in its natural state in upper Michigan during deer season. It more resembles an NRA convention than anything seen on any Nature Channel. So you had at least as good of a shot at getting a passing deer in a large clearing, that was spooked or just passing by, as you did if you went through all the usual hunting gobeldigook.
I'm going to go with 3.) above for now.
Dean
May 20
Dear Friends and Family,
Everyone is offering to do things for us. John is helping us with updates. so we can get more sleep. We type and he sends. thanks John.
Today Neil received two pints of blood and had physical therapy. He is much improved from yesterday but remains in pain.He can now have jello and liquids in very small quantities.
we're optimistic that he's making progress. We may not be sending daily reports. They're teaching me about the "bag" care but also telling us to visit nursing homes and what to look for in case we need one.
ellen will go home on Sunday since Dean is coming in Sat. night.
Our grandkids are sad that their daddy is coming back to florida, especially since one rat and one guinea pig died today.Samantha sent me a sad e-mail.
Neil always told the kids to "keep their chins up" so that's what we're doing.
May 19 - Day 13
Neil finally had the Central Line put in his neck since the veins on his hands could take no more. In fact, one hand looked like the Pillsboro Dough Boy during the night with all the fluid build up. Ellen helped with the procedure which was done right in Neil's room. He had the line put in with some minor difficulty and a student in training with another specialist who had to scrub in to finish the job. So now Neil is getting some well needed nourishment.
Neil's ticker (heart) is causing a few problems, so the dr said this was a very critical day for him to see which direction he would go. We were very scared and shed some tears today but by 5:30pm we felt relieved when "our man" felt stronger and ready to sit up and yet a little groggy still we shared some times in between his sleeping moments of talking, reminiscing and laughing together.
Neil's latest Neilism when the TV clicker wasn't handy and claimed it needed a hook so it was handy. He said it's a NIH - Not Invented Here, therefore NIU = not in use. LOL
Ellen woke up to a fire alarm at Hubbard House and then had quite a whirlwind day!
Love to all (Keep Praying)
Ellen & Kay
PS - Thanks John for sending this on to everyone each night, it will save us lots of time when we are so exhausted.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Trains and Impatience
Anyone that knows Dad very well knows his legendary impatience and may appreciate this post. On the day of his colon cancer surgery on the way to the hospital he was caught behind a long train just a few miles from the hospital, with Mom sitting next to him in the car-- he drove, of course. In a car behind him, Ellen and I saw him grab the map, to plan a new route. Keep in mind this original route had been planned for days with his detailed hand written maps. Dad is as well prepared and prompt as he is impatient. We knew this delay was not good, we had only left to arrive one hour early! (and somehow arrived 40 minutes early still.) The original route didn't vary in the end.
Thanks for keeping him on track for 45+ years Mom!
We never will get out of here,
Dean
Thanks for keeping him on track for 45+ years Mom!
We never will get out of here,
Dean
Home Run Hitters
I remember clearly, still, not being able to wait to come home and tell Dad how dumb this boy was! He hit a home run over the fence but forgot to touch home plate and was called out by the umpire. Always looking to put together a good team for next year (he coached all my little league teams)-- he asked me the boys name. I told him his name to ensure he wouldn't choose him for our team. But much to my surprise, all those years ago, not missing even a second, he informed me "I can teach him to touch home plate! What's his name again."
I told this story to Dad again a few years ago, he had forgotten- he just laughed and said, "I'm glad you now know the value of a home run hitter."
Touch 'em all,
Dean
I told this story to Dad again a few years ago, he had forgotten- he just laughed and said, "I'm glad you now know the value of a home run hitter."
Touch 'em all,
Dean
Retirement Highligts, Selected Works, J Neil Gilmer, Part I June 1999 (Editor's note: fundamental reading if you sell anything)
1. Excellent customer service generally baffles most buyers, so baffle them. Remember, a good deal is normally a perception.
2. Never, never leave money on the table!
3. Charging what the market will bear is fundamentally a good idea! But don't make it obvious.
4. Price leaders generally fool themselves -- with help from the friendly buyer.
5. Two rules apply here:
a. We're here to make money
b. Never forget "A" above
6. Part number and design changes are our best friends.
7. Buyers generally do not give you the whole story -- only the portion that is favorable to them or a version that you'll use to defeat yourself.
8. Most engineers like to play buyer.
9. Remember, if you start a little high, you'll have some room to make the buyer look good. Plus, you will generally obtain a fair price or terms. We should not feel we are above this tactic.
10. Never reveal difficulties that go beyond the scope of the question or task at hand. Remember, perceptions are very important.
11. Price alone is not our game. Differentiate yourself from the pack. Find it and use it.
12. Your competitors have weakness. Find them and exploit them. Be careful, however, not to "bad mouth" your competitor.
13. Your competitor's communication problems are generally worse than yours. Why? You are more effective and persistent then he/she.
14. Most situations generally are a result of an improbable series of blunders and incredible oversights. This is the normal human condition throughout history. Small improvements here put you in a unique position relative to the pack. Plan ahead so screwups don't happen as much.
2. Never, never leave money on the table!
3. Charging what the market will bear is fundamentally a good idea! But don't make it obvious.
4. Price leaders generally fool themselves -- with help from the friendly buyer.
5. Two rules apply here:
a. We're here to make money
b. Never forget "A" above
6. Part number and design changes are our best friends.
7. Buyers generally do not give you the whole story -- only the portion that is favorable to them or a version that you'll use to defeat yourself.
8. Most engineers like to play buyer.
9. Remember, if you start a little high, you'll have some room to make the buyer look good. Plus, you will generally obtain a fair price or terms. We should not feel we are above this tactic.
10. Never reveal difficulties that go beyond the scope of the question or task at hand. Remember, perceptions are very important.
11. Price alone is not our game. Differentiate yourself from the pack. Find it and use it.
12. Your competitors have weakness. Find them and exploit them. Be careful, however, not to "bad mouth" your competitor.
13. Your competitor's communication problems are generally worse than yours. Why? You are more effective and persistent then he/she.
14. Most situations generally are a result of an improbable series of blunders and incredible oversights. This is the normal human condition throughout history. Small improvements here put you in a unique position relative to the pack. Plan ahead so screwups don't happen as much.
May 13
Thursday
I tried a new approach today rather than using the groups. just went down my address book. Again forgive me if you didn't want these updates or if you're getting two.
This morning we thought we were going home...Then ten minutes later we weren't!!
I saw one dr. at 7 a.m. Then two came in later. We are in for a much harder battle than we originally knew. We knew about the stage 4 colon cancer...had the surgery...Then we knew about chemo for several months. That's ok as we're familiar with that. then we knew the baseball size tumor in the liver would have to have surgery later.
What shocked us this morning is that the lymph nodes are VERY affected.
Our grandson Garrett who is four years old said a prayer for his Papa.
Papa Neil Won't be sick now, forever Amen.
The twinkle in Neil's eyes are back...looks good...eating a little...some pain...sharing a few jokes today..We think he's ready to go home and get some sleep.
Our doctors are great and very caring, thorough, and professional. The nurses and techs have all been great after our first complaint. We are still amazed at how much is required of the family members. We don't know what kind of care one would get if a friend or family member were not present.
We think he will go home tomorrow with a home health nurse coming once a day to pack the wound.
Once again we say thanks for your prayers and please continue for many months to come.
Love, Neil Kay, Ellen, Dean and Shelaine
May 17
Dear Friends & Family,
Neil had surgery today at 3pm and he is still in the recovery room since the hospital is full to overflowing. The surgery was a success, he now has a colostomy bag and the open wound from the original surgery on his stomach was sewn back closed after a good cleaning up from all the bacteria, we were told by the doctor. The colon was not in great health but the doctor feels it should hold up and Neil should be on the mend in no time, and eating solid food again in 3-4 days. He is finally sleeping due to all the medication he is on, for tonight at least, and being watched 24 x 7 tonight while recovering. on the step down floor.
Ellen stayed with her dad all night last night to make sure he was taken good care of. I have been up and with him since 7am til now 10pm, so we are both worn out from a long day of waiting. We spoke to many other families facing so many tough situations with loved ones. Praying tomorrow will be a good day for Neil and that healing is beginning
The dr keeps telling us what a major surgery this was and that he has a rough battle ahead. We can feel the love coming from all of you and with God's help he'll recover in God's time.
Thanks again to all of you. Dean is doing things we ask...research, etc. to see if there's corelation between rheumatoid arthritis and colon cancer.....the Florida Medical leave act for ellen, and daily support from Indianapolis.
We did not know that Neil's uncle in Maine had colon ccancer 10 years ago. We think some on his mother's side also might have had it. Get your colonoscopies often!!!!
Love to all, Neil, Kay, Ellen, Dean and Shelaine
A Man I Know...
Here's just what I wrote while waiting in the hospital one day, thoughts of a Man I know...
There was a man in the neighborhood who seemed to have it all going for him, you know, life! He worked as a salesman for a local car company usually Monday through Friday from what I could tell, with what seemed to be good hours to raise his young family, for all apparent observations he had good health, 2 kids, 1 dog, 2 cars, one for his wife who taught school at a local elementary school not far from their ranch home. This young couple was very good with their kids, I know because on the weekends you would see all 4 of them, one daughter and one son outside with their parents in the yard working together. They would rake leaves, play with the dog, play catch, and they would laugh! The man of this house would laugh the loudest, and that's when I would usually notice just how close they all seemed to be. They lived in the neighborhood like the rest of us, just a middle class family making a life for themselves and making friends all along their path.
As I watched this family through the years it was obvious this "man of the house" had many influences. When weekends and holidays came along he was right in the middle of the action. He was definitely admired by his many buddies and their wives and families too. The wives all thought he was just so cute and funny because he would have funny stories or nicknames for each of them based on their personalities, or "twitches" as he called them. One he even called "Twitchy" for her need to always be doing something, and usually it seemed to backfire, for instance one year she planted some flowers a bit too early and she had to carry them all back inside the house when a frost was coming one night. He will never let her forget that, of course, her side of the story is a bit different, but thats how the story goes!
He was not only the "brain" of many ordinary trips or holiday festivities he was also the one planning tricks on all his friends on these journeys, usuallly the "weak link" or the "squirmish" among the group was the one that was selected for his next plot of ornriness. His favorite thing with any group was to pull a good practical joke on any unassuming "victim" in order to get a reaction, which would cause him to "belly laugh" and let out a howl of pleasure like no one I have ever seen. He took pure joy in being able to pull it off, acting innocent only until he couldn't contain himself another moment, and he would then cover his mouth and let out little snickers until the big belly laugh would explode when they finally figured out who the one was that had "GOT THEM!"
Now this man seemed to work hard and he seemed to have such practical and wise insight into things, able to see through the "hog wash" as he'd call it to the "real deal" going on. As the stories go from all of his work buddies he had "Neil-isms" that shed light on so many things in the company. His latest famous Neil-ism was just this week while discussing hospital signs along the path to the employee area and how they were stating the mission statement, ISPIRE and how each letter stood for something.... and his line was; "I believe in mission statements as much as I believe in the little tooth fairy." Priceless lines like this were common coming from this man of wisdom and humor!
He worked hard and played hard too. He enjoyed those kids of his so much, I think he'd do anything for them within his power and he did too. He taught them both how to excel in sports, in school and in life! Although it must be said, his son seemed to get the business sense and the daughter the sense of humor and love for people and making them smile. He was so full of knowledge and tried to share it with every chance he got, often times beyond their interest or need to know. Everything from why is the sky blue, the stars and where they are located to directions to all kinds of history or politics and what he knew about each topic. There wasn't a topic around that he didn't know about, and believe me we all tried to "stump" him along the way and years of trying, to no avail.
Now back to his playing hard.... he loved a good vacation as much as the next guy and let me tell you, once off the ground he was ready to go. But in my observations it would seem that those summer trips with his family would take a while to get on the road, because he was so careful before leaving his home, he would usually go around the block not once but usually two or three times coming back to make sure everything was secure. Usually to check an iron, a closed garage door or something of the like. This is where the neighbors usually enjoyed getting back at him, and made sure to take notice when he would wave good bye not once but two or three times... but it didn't faze him, he would just chuckle at himself and tell the whole family to wave real big at the neighbors again. Life was always an adventure for this guy, and he made sure to enjoy every minute of it...
Well, that's all for now.. but more to come of the adventures of a "Man I know." Enjoy!
Ellen
There was a man in the neighborhood who seemed to have it all going for him, you know, life! He worked as a salesman for a local car company usually Monday through Friday from what I could tell, with what seemed to be good hours to raise his young family, for all apparent observations he had good health, 2 kids, 1 dog, 2 cars, one for his wife who taught school at a local elementary school not far from their ranch home. This young couple was very good with their kids, I know because on the weekends you would see all 4 of them, one daughter and one son outside with their parents in the yard working together. They would rake leaves, play with the dog, play catch, and they would laugh! The man of this house would laugh the loudest, and that's when I would usually notice just how close they all seemed to be. They lived in the neighborhood like the rest of us, just a middle class family making a life for themselves and making friends all along their path.
As I watched this family through the years it was obvious this "man of the house" had many influences. When weekends and holidays came along he was right in the middle of the action. He was definitely admired by his many buddies and their wives and families too. The wives all thought he was just so cute and funny because he would have funny stories or nicknames for each of them based on their personalities, or "twitches" as he called them. One he even called "Twitchy" for her need to always be doing something, and usually it seemed to backfire, for instance one year she planted some flowers a bit too early and she had to carry them all back inside the house when a frost was coming one night. He will never let her forget that, of course, her side of the story is a bit different, but thats how the story goes!
He was not only the "brain" of many ordinary trips or holiday festivities he was also the one planning tricks on all his friends on these journeys, usuallly the "weak link" or the "squirmish" among the group was the one that was selected for his next plot of ornriness. His favorite thing with any group was to pull a good practical joke on any unassuming "victim" in order to get a reaction, which would cause him to "belly laugh" and let out a howl of pleasure like no one I have ever seen. He took pure joy in being able to pull it off, acting innocent only until he couldn't contain himself another moment, and he would then cover his mouth and let out little snickers until the big belly laugh would explode when they finally figured out who the one was that had "GOT THEM!"
Now this man seemed to work hard and he seemed to have such practical and wise insight into things, able to see through the "hog wash" as he'd call it to the "real deal" going on. As the stories go from all of his work buddies he had "Neil-isms" that shed light on so many things in the company. His latest famous Neil-ism was just this week while discussing hospital signs along the path to the employee area and how they were stating the mission statement, ISPIRE and how each letter stood for something.... and his line was; "I believe in mission statements as much as I believe in the little tooth fairy." Priceless lines like this were common coming from this man of wisdom and humor!
He worked hard and played hard too. He enjoyed those kids of his so much, I think he'd do anything for them within his power and he did too. He taught them both how to excel in sports, in school and in life! Although it must be said, his son seemed to get the business sense and the daughter the sense of humor and love for people and making them smile. He was so full of knowledge and tried to share it with every chance he got, often times beyond their interest or need to know. Everything from why is the sky blue, the stars and where they are located to directions to all kinds of history or politics and what he knew about each topic. There wasn't a topic around that he didn't know about, and believe me we all tried to "stump" him along the way and years of trying, to no avail.
Now back to his playing hard.... he loved a good vacation as much as the next guy and let me tell you, once off the ground he was ready to go. But in my observations it would seem that those summer trips with his family would take a while to get on the road, because he was so careful before leaving his home, he would usually go around the block not once but usually two or three times coming back to make sure everything was secure. Usually to check an iron, a closed garage door or something of the like. This is where the neighbors usually enjoyed getting back at him, and made sure to take notice when he would wave good bye not once but two or three times... but it didn't faze him, he would just chuckle at himself and tell the whole family to wave real big at the neighbors again. Life was always an adventure for this guy, and he made sure to enjoy every minute of it...
Well, that's all for now.. but more to come of the adventures of a "Man I know." Enjoy!
Ellen
May 16 post 2
Friends and family, Thanks and he's a keeper indeed, we've shared so many wonderful laughs and times together through the years indeed, just the beginning more coming, while waiting in hospital for recovery. If you didnt' get my text dad went back to the hospital today since Mom and I were up all night trying to keep up with the open wound drainage, which we weren't sure was quite right. They couldn't get the wound vacuum to work right in the hospital so ordered one and it was to come on Monday, however, they showed us how to dress the open wound and we thought we could handle it, WRONG! OMG, I have never seen such a mess, and the smell, well you can imagine my dad's nose, it turned out to be waste from his bowels somehow coming out the open wound, so when the nurse this morning checked it out and re-dressed it and it oozed on her, she said in all of her 13 years she had never seen anything like it, she got he ball moving.... Dad of course didn't want an ambulance, so yours truly drove him and mom, since mom is sooooo exhausted from being at his beckon call for days now....they are still in ER waiting to get some tests to see what the problem is, I ran home to get my car and clean up the house a bit, and to let neighbors know what's happening, to stop some deliveries and so forth... headed back and I'm sure mom will email everyone when we know more. Anyway, just wanted you to know where it stands today. I left them off at ER and mom and I got back in to Hubbard House, and I will most likely be staying this week too, my boss has been amazing. He just lost his dad so he knows how important family is during times like this.... anyway, pray and I'll try to keep you updated. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support. Love you,
Ellen
Ellen
May 16
Well, I thought I was through with updates. However, last night was a hard night for the three of us with some complications. The visiting nurse came at 8 a.m. and with a phone consultation with the doctor we went to ER at the same hospital around 10:30. While there they gave him a catscan and he was able to sleep. About 7 he was admitted to the same floor as before and now the nurses are having fun with his wound. The doctors will decide tomorrow to keep packing the would or using a wound vac. the nurses are in for some fun tonight and I'm going to bed. ellen will be sleeping on a Murphy bed in his room and I'll return from the Hubbard House at 7am. to relieive her. Hopefully one of us will be able to talk to the doctors.
Thanks to all of you whom I've already depended upon for various things and I'll probably be needing help from many more in the months ahead. thanks to some of you who donated paper towels and toilet paper to the Hubbard House. It is a wonderful place away from home and I feel so fortunate to be here and not have to worry about driving. You all probably know about my directional dyslexia. Neil says I need a GPS for inside buildings as well as outside.
love to all....please keep praying for my man. Kay
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