About Dave Kingston
Friday, April 30, 2004
Dave Stands Up
Things have been moving along for Dave and Jan, as the new daily routines have become the rhythm of weeks. There hasn't been much happening to report, a few small accomplishments and smoothing out of some administrative/insurance issues. Jan is still looking at options for people who can relieve her for a few hours once or twice a week. She's started to be busy with real estate again, and in the last few weeks has needed coverage so she could attend closings.
The biggest news with Dave happened today. Dave's physical therapist, Doug, brought an assistant with him today so the two of them could help Dave to stand up. With their assistance, Dave stood up for about 30 seconds. They will keep working on this, building up both the length of time Dave stands, and helping him to regain his posture so he can stand tall. It's a small step, but one that Dave is glad has arrived.
Things have been moving along for Dave and Jan, as the new daily routines have become the rhythm of weeks. There hasn't been much happening to report, a few small accomplishments and smoothing out of some administrative/insurance issues. Jan is still looking at options for people who can relieve her for a few hours once or twice a week. She's started to be busy with real estate again, and in the last few weeks has needed coverage so she could attend closings.
The biggest news with Dave happened today. Dave's physical therapist, Doug, brought an assistant with him today so the two of them could help Dave to stand up. With their assistance, Dave stood up for about 30 seconds. They will keep working on this, building up both the length of time Dave stands, and helping him to regain his posture so he can stand tall. It's a small step, but one that Dave is glad has arrived.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Dave Springs Out
Dave took advantage of the beautiful spring weather today to venture out of the house for the first time. It was a family affair, with Michelle, Andy, Dave Jr. and Jan all taking part. It was also the first time Dave has used the ramp to his front door.
Once outside, Dave drove around the house, from the top of the hill on Routzong, to their driveway down on Poplar. When he reached the driveway to turn around, he was spotted by the neighbors, Kathy and Wayne Neel, who came out to talk with him.
Dave loves his yard, and has always enjoyed working in it. The magnolia tree in the front yard has been especially beautiful this year, and the Bradford pears are also blooming. He didn't make it today to the backyard, where his pond sits, but that trip should happen soon. Jan has been maintaining his pond through this whole time, and it is looking great with the fish out of hibernation and the plants starting to grow again. I'm sure that Dave will spend a lot of time out by the pond in the future.
There hasn't been much to report in the last week. Dave has had some really great days, days when he seems to be making dramatic progress, mixed in with regular days where he is tired. It's always encouraging to the family when he has one of these great days because we know it is a sign of even better days to come.
Dave continues to make progress in all of his therapies, physical, occupational, and speech. It's slow progress, but that's what we were told to expect through this phase. Dad is rebuilding his strength, and when he is stronger, he will be traveling back to Miami Valley for outpatient therapy a few times a week. We have been told that he will resume making big strides of progress during this outpatient therapy phase.
Thanks again to everyone who has written to Dave in the last month. Your cards and gifts have lifted his spirits. Things around the house are still a challenge for Jan with all of the therapists and assistants coming in and out of the house, and her care daily care and medicine plans. We will let you know when things are settled down enough for visitors.
Dave took advantage of the beautiful spring weather today to venture out of the house for the first time. It was a family affair, with Michelle, Andy, Dave Jr. and Jan all taking part. It was also the first time Dave has used the ramp to his front door.
Once outside, Dave drove around the house, from the top of the hill on Routzong, to their driveway down on Poplar. When he reached the driveway to turn around, he was spotted by the neighbors, Kathy and Wayne Neel, who came out to talk with him.
Dave loves his yard, and has always enjoyed working in it. The magnolia tree in the front yard has been especially beautiful this year, and the Bradford pears are also blooming. He didn't make it today to the backyard, where his pond sits, but that trip should happen soon. Jan has been maintaining his pond through this whole time, and it is looking great with the fish out of hibernation and the plants starting to grow again. I'm sure that Dave will spend a lot of time out by the pond in the future.
There hasn't been much to report in the last week. Dave has had some really great days, days when he seems to be making dramatic progress, mixed in with regular days where he is tired. It's always encouraging to the family when he has one of these great days because we know it is a sign of even better days to come.
Dave continues to make progress in all of his therapies, physical, occupational, and speech. It's slow progress, but that's what we were told to expect through this phase. Dad is rebuilding his strength, and when he is stronger, he will be traveling back to Miami Valley for outpatient therapy a few times a week. We have been told that he will resume making big strides of progress during this outpatient therapy phase.
Thanks again to everyone who has written to Dave in the last month. Your cards and gifts have lifted his spirits. Things around the house are still a challenge for Jan with all of the therapists and assistants coming in and out of the house, and her care daily care and medicine plans. We will let you know when things are settled down enough for visitors.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
The Lights are Off, and Everyone is Home
It's been an interesting few days at the Kingston household. Dave has been feeling a bit out of sorts, and Dave Jr. was wondering if he might be coming down with something. Dave's nurse took a few days off to attend a funeral. Dave's doctor was on vacation. Jan ended up calling back to the hospital to talk to one of Dave's former nurses to get some advice about what to do to help him feel better. It seems to be behind him now, but on Monday, Jan cancelled his therapists so he could just have a day to rest.
Monday was a tough day all of the way around. In the afternoon, part of the power in the house went out. Not because of any sort of DP&L problem, it was something inside their house. It affected the family room TV, the basement stairs and hallway, and the front porch and street lights. It seems that all of these are on the same circuit. An electrician came out, fearing the worst—that part of the house's wiring had failed and would need to be replaced. The Sony TV wouldn't come back on, either. Dave Jr. brought a small portable in to replace it, temporarily, until they can buy a new one.
But the electrician ended up having good news for Jan. The problem seems to be a broken wire caused by the ramp installation. The electrician is going to come back and fix that wire, and move some of the things off of this circuit. Even the TV decided to start working again, after Dave Jr. was out at BestBuy.com and selected its replacement. It seems that the old one will stay for a while longer, as long as it keeps working.
So, if you drive by in the next few days and notice that the porch lights aren't on -- never fear! Everyone is really at home.
It's been an interesting few days at the Kingston household. Dave has been feeling a bit out of sorts, and Dave Jr. was wondering if he might be coming down with something. Dave's nurse took a few days off to attend a funeral. Dave's doctor was on vacation. Jan ended up calling back to the hospital to talk to one of Dave's former nurses to get some advice about what to do to help him feel better. It seems to be behind him now, but on Monday, Jan cancelled his therapists so he could just have a day to rest.
Monday was a tough day all of the way around. In the afternoon, part of the power in the house went out. Not because of any sort of DP&L problem, it was something inside their house. It affected the family room TV, the basement stairs and hallway, and the front porch and street lights. It seems that all of these are on the same circuit. An electrician came out, fearing the worst—that part of the house's wiring had failed and would need to be replaced. The Sony TV wouldn't come back on, either. Dave Jr. brought a small portable in to replace it, temporarily, until they can buy a new one.
But the electrician ended up having good news for Jan. The problem seems to be a broken wire caused by the ramp installation. The electrician is going to come back and fix that wire, and move some of the things off of this circuit. Even the TV decided to start working again, after Dave Jr. was out at BestBuy.com and selected its replacement. It seems that the old one will stay for a while longer, as long as it keeps working.
So, if you drive by in the next few days and notice that the porch lights aren't on -- never fear! Everyone is really at home.
