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Letters

July 23, 2006

I wish I could send out an email every day to keep you updated on Dirk's progress, but that would be a bit challenging for me as you can imagine. Finding a minute to sit down and not fall asleep takes some effort. But I came in early this am and Dirk is sleeping, so I have a moment.

I can't believe we have been back almost two weeks. I am still trying to settle into being home and developing some type of routine with Dirk. Dirk is progressing well at Kentfield Rehab Hospital. For being on bedrest for 5 weeks, he's doing fantastic. He has all of his lines out, is walking with min-moderate assistance and is dressing himself. And he's looking pretty sporty with his DS trainers on. His major deficits right now are his strength, balance/coordination, endurance, and speech. He is working so hard in all of those areas. He has six 30 minute therapy sessions a day focusing on each of those areas.

Cognitively, Dirk is with us- thank God. He is becoming more and more aware of what happened and the ramifications. He expresses his emotions well and told me how sad he is for me that this happened. So, we talk a lot about how we are a team and we're going to get through this together and be better because of it. Through all of this, though, his personality is shining through; actually, I think he's developed quite a sense of humor. He laughs, cracks jokes, flirts with elderly ladies, and waves to everbody he sees.

With regards to how long Dirk may stay in the hospital, I don't know. Initially I wanted to rush him home. Everyday he tells me he wants to go home. However, after having dinner with Hans, his physical therapist, I am changing my mind. Dirk is receiving excellent care and we should try to keep him here as long as possible to maximize his rehab so that when he comes home he is really safe- both physically and cognitively. I mention cognitively because his safety awareness is decreased. For example, we keep him in a "tent" at night which "locks" him in his bed b/c I think if he woke up in the middle of the night and had to go to the bathroom he would try to get up. He is NOT safe to go alone and a fall is the last thing we need to add to our list of curve balls. So, my plan is to talk with Dirk about focusing on the big picture and a few more weeks here is only a bleep in our life together. Also, we can get a pass to leave the hospital for a few hours at a time. We actually took Dirk to the bank yesterday to add me onto his account and briefly parked outside our home so that he could visit with our cats. This is something we could contiune to do.

I have to run off and get Dirk his breakfast, but I wanted to thank everyone again for your contiued support and good wishes. I still don't think this has all really sunk in. As someone said to me the other day, I have a peloton following me. I am so blessed that I do have such amazing support, but eventually I need to sit down alone at home and really start to absorb what has happened since June 3rd. I know we are going to be okay, but it's a long road and I am giving it every ounce of energy, love and patience I can muster up.

I will write again soon. THANK YOU.

Love, Kelsey

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