Happy Thanksgiving to All!
It is hard to know where to start sometimes, as so much happens, and so much stays the same.
From the heart, here are some words from me, a family tradition to move around the table explaining what everyone is Thankful for:
I am Thankful for~
My husband who held his head up high and co-lead the touching and memorable Memorial Services for both of his parents, just four weeks apart.
My wonderful, courageous and loving children.
My family near, far, immediate, in laws and extended, I love you.
I am thankful for the friends that have been by our side through an incredible journey, loved our children as their own, and still are here with us today.
I am so, so very Thankful that Brett is here with us to help decorate the Christmas tree and tell the "Santa Story" to Cole when he forgets the details of naughty and nice lists, navigating chimneys and elf participation and will be in the front row of the audience for Caroline's first Christmas pageant.
I am Thankful that I have a husband like no other. He is strong, determined, loving, compassionate, driven and generous.
Sometimes we have to stop and breathe and remember what is important and what we are Thankful for, even after the official Thanksgiving Day.
Much Love~Kelly
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wow! What a Party!
Hey There!
Well, Brett finally got his name in lights! And had an interview aired on a local TV station! He is still waiting for his invitation to sing the national anthem at a CU Buffalo's home game. May sound far fetched, but give this guy a goal and watch the magic happen!
Tuesday night was Brett's Birthday Bash/Fundraiser for a hand bike. Organized and hosted by his wonderful friends, that proposed the idea months ago. Brett discovered through Recreation Therapy at Craig Hospital, that a hand bike was something that was a workout, but a long term physical activity for him. Friends Dr. Michelle Wolcott from CU Sports Medicine, Joy Anderson (Brett's former co worker at CU Sports Medicine Physical Therapy and now HIS Physical Therapist!) and a host of friends from the CU and DU communities had the idea for a fundraiser/concert/birthday bash!!
Why a Birthday Bash you may wonder? Well, I had planned and invited friends to a 40th Birthday Party for Brett, the Saturday after we would have returned from Washington. The party was to be at a cool spot, catered, with cupcakes, a large group of his friends and the whole nine yards. He turned 40 on May 16! He and I ran the Colfax Half Marathon on May 17 and the accident happened May 25. Fortunately his friends remembered we were not able to celebrate the momentous milestone and included a cake and singing at his party last Tuesday!!!
During the event we were re energized by the love and support for Brett! Fun was had by all!! I felt a little like we were in a reception line after a wedding. Brett didn't get past the doorway for hours, but found a spot that he was able to greet folks as they rolled in the door. And what a turn out!!! Friends from near and far attended the event.
The goal was attained by ticket sales, generous donations, and a drawing for Bronco tickets (the tickets were donated by a coworker of mine from Qwest and my Qwest family jumped in to organize and facilitate the drawing that exceeded everyone's expectations!!)
In fact, the goal to purchase a bike was exceeded, and we are able to purchase some necessary accessories-a "trainer" to allow Brett to use the bike indoors, much like a stationary bike, special gloves to protect his hands and wrists, etc etc.
And not to leave out the Band- Ten Tiers! They were awesome, and so very generously donated their amazing music to entertain the crowd!
As this is the week of thanks...we humbly wonder where to begin thanking all those that have helped us to keep our heads up high through this ordeal and now the homecoming transitions.
Hug your friends, kiss your family and be thankful. We are oh so very, very thankful, just to be planning Thanksgiving dinner with Brett seated at the head of the table.
Much Love~Kelly
PS, I have also added some new photos from the event, see the left side column. Our friend, Jeff Panis, a photographer for 5280 Magazine heard about the event and attended with his camera. Some of his wonderful pictures are included, and those pictures that look like a complete armature took them, that is my work, with my trusty little pocket size camera.
Well, Brett finally got his name in lights! And had an interview aired on a local TV station! He is still waiting for his invitation to sing the national anthem at a CU Buffalo's home game. May sound far fetched, but give this guy a goal and watch the magic happen!
Tuesday night was Brett's Birthday Bash/Fundraiser for a hand bike. Organized and hosted by his wonderful friends, that proposed the idea months ago. Brett discovered through Recreation Therapy at Craig Hospital, that a hand bike was something that was a workout, but a long term physical activity for him. Friends Dr. Michelle Wolcott from CU Sports Medicine, Joy Anderson (Brett's former co worker at CU Sports Medicine Physical Therapy and now HIS Physical Therapist!) and a host of friends from the CU and DU communities had the idea for a fundraiser/concert/birthday bash!!
Why a Birthday Bash you may wonder? Well, I had planned and invited friends to a 40th Birthday Party for Brett, the Saturday after we would have returned from Washington. The party was to be at a cool spot, catered, with cupcakes, a large group of his friends and the whole nine yards. He turned 40 on May 16! He and I ran the Colfax Half Marathon on May 17 and the accident happened May 25. Fortunately his friends remembered we were not able to celebrate the momentous milestone and included a cake and singing at his party last Tuesday!!!
During the event we were re energized by the love and support for Brett! Fun was had by all!! I felt a little like we were in a reception line after a wedding. Brett didn't get past the doorway for hours, but found a spot that he was able to greet folks as they rolled in the door. And what a turn out!!! Friends from near and far attended the event.
The goal was attained by ticket sales, generous donations, and a drawing for Bronco tickets (the tickets were donated by a coworker of mine from Qwest and my Qwest family jumped in to organize and facilitate the drawing that exceeded everyone's expectations!!)
In fact, the goal to purchase a bike was exceeded, and we are able to purchase some necessary accessories-a "trainer" to allow Brett to use the bike indoors, much like a stationary bike, special gloves to protect his hands and wrists, etc etc.
And not to leave out the Band- Ten Tiers! They were awesome, and so very generously donated their amazing music to entertain the crowd!
As this is the week of thanks...we humbly wonder where to begin thanking all those that have helped us to keep our heads up high through this ordeal and now the homecoming transitions.
Hug your friends, kiss your family and be thankful. We are oh so very, very thankful, just to be planning Thanksgiving dinner with Brett seated at the head of the table.
Much Love~Kelly
PS, I have also added some new photos from the event, see the left side column. Our friend, Jeff Panis, a photographer for 5280 Magazine heard about the event and attended with his camera. Some of his wonderful pictures are included, and those pictures that look like a complete armature took them, that is my work, with my trusty little pocket size camera.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Hello!
Well, we seem to have settled into a bit of a routine at home (whew!) Brett spends the day in his office on the phone (buy stock in Verizon, with all his talking the stock is bound to go up) and working on the computer.
Christmas Tree season is near. He is busy organizing, ordering, delegating (the best he knows how) and marketing. We are not certain how much he can actually be out selling trees due to the cold weather and the environmentals of navigating a tree lot. Some are dirt, some are parking lots, but they are usually covered with snow, and hopefully crowds of people. He has visions of being driven around to the four tree lots, dressed in a Santa suit, rolling down the car window, puffing a cigar, nodding with approval at the activity and productivity, and moving to the next one. Just kidding (I hope).
Brett continues to get stronger, but hasn't seen significant changes in sensation or movement for a few weeks. Do not lose hope!! This healing process takes months, and even up to a few years. We all need to be patient, optimistic and determined.
The homecoming was wonderful, but so bittersweet. There are days that are full of fun and laughter and smiles, and some days that really suck. Fortunately, we have always had a great balance between the two of us. If he is having a super crappy day, or frustration levels are brimming, I am the calm. And the opposite is very true. If I seem to be boiling over with negative emotion, he can put things in perspective and together we know we will weather this storm.
The kids have found a new routine with their Dad. It is a little sad to see how quickly they are having to grow up and take on responsibilities that are usually reserved for kids a little older, but they are living up to the expectations and needs of the family. They collect the electric blanket for Brett and turn on and off his wheelchair at any chance. They watch for bumps in the sidewalk, and look for doorways that are wide enough for Daddy. They can move his feet so they fit in the elevator gate, climb up on his lap without stepping on his feet or disconnecting any of the buttons, switches or cords. They love to heat up food in the microwave-pushing buttons, and popping the door open. They have taken to drinking with a straw for all meals as Brett has to. Cole especially finds comfort in the lap of his Daddy when things aren't turning out the way a three year old expects they should. Caroline is ever the caretaker. She is always concerned if Brett is complaining of pain, cold, or discomfort. She anticipates how she can help, and beams that huge smile when she has helped make her Daddy feel better.
We have been told the first year home is really the hardest time of transition. I would have to say, based on all the changes, adaptations, and limitations we would agree. This is tough. We know together, we will get through this. Whatever "this" turns out to be. In the meantime, we really do try to live in moment, breathe, and look forward to tomorrow.
Many of you know Brett's Mom's Bizzy's Birthday was yesterday, November 2. It was a tough, tough day for Brett and our whole (extended) family. Here's to you Bizzy, We love you and miss you.
Much Love~Kelly
Well, we seem to have settled into a bit of a routine at home (whew!) Brett spends the day in his office on the phone (buy stock in Verizon, with all his talking the stock is bound to go up) and working on the computer.
Christmas Tree season is near. He is busy organizing, ordering, delegating (the best he knows how) and marketing. We are not certain how much he can actually be out selling trees due to the cold weather and the environmentals of navigating a tree lot. Some are dirt, some are parking lots, but they are usually covered with snow, and hopefully crowds of people. He has visions of being driven around to the four tree lots, dressed in a Santa suit, rolling down the car window, puffing a cigar, nodding with approval at the activity and productivity, and moving to the next one. Just kidding (I hope).
Brett continues to get stronger, but hasn't seen significant changes in sensation or movement for a few weeks. Do not lose hope!! This healing process takes months, and even up to a few years. We all need to be patient, optimistic and determined.
The homecoming was wonderful, but so bittersweet. There are days that are full of fun and laughter and smiles, and some days that really suck. Fortunately, we have always had a great balance between the two of us. If he is having a super crappy day, or frustration levels are brimming, I am the calm. And the opposite is very true. If I seem to be boiling over with negative emotion, he can put things in perspective and together we know we will weather this storm.
The kids have found a new routine with their Dad. It is a little sad to see how quickly they are having to grow up and take on responsibilities that are usually reserved for kids a little older, but they are living up to the expectations and needs of the family. They collect the electric blanket for Brett and turn on and off his wheelchair at any chance. They watch for bumps in the sidewalk, and look for doorways that are wide enough for Daddy. They can move his feet so they fit in the elevator gate, climb up on his lap without stepping on his feet or disconnecting any of the buttons, switches or cords. They love to heat up food in the microwave-pushing buttons, and popping the door open. They have taken to drinking with a straw for all meals as Brett has to. Cole especially finds comfort in the lap of his Daddy when things aren't turning out the way a three year old expects they should. Caroline is ever the caretaker. She is always concerned if Brett is complaining of pain, cold, or discomfort. She anticipates how she can help, and beams that huge smile when she has helped make her Daddy feel better.
We have been told the first year home is really the hardest time of transition. I would have to say, based on all the changes, adaptations, and limitations we would agree. This is tough. We know together, we will get through this. Whatever "this" turns out to be. In the meantime, we really do try to live in moment, breathe, and look forward to tomorrow.
Many of you know Brett's Mom's Bizzy's Birthday was yesterday, November 2. It was a tough, tough day for Brett and our whole (extended) family. Here's to you Bizzy, We love you and miss you.
Much Love~Kelly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)