6/19/10

Paul had surgery on his left wrist this week. He had a rough few days following the surgery due to side effects from the anesthesia, but is feeling better today. He is scheduled to have surgery on his right wrist in 6 weeks and then will have a titanium plate put in his head in July to replace where the forehead bone is missing. Overall, he is in good spirits. He has a specialist from the NJ Commission for the Blind that has been teaching him Braille and she says he is doing really well with it. He's been a bit bored lately. He hasn't been able to go to therapy in a while because he couldn't do much with his wrists. The surgeon hopes that these surgeries will increase his mobility and ability to tolerate therapy.

Paul's dog Bear has been with us for a while now. Paul enjoys having him around; however, their relationship has changed since his accident. The other day, Paul told me that he was thinking about sending Bear back to Washington with Joe. He said Bear doesn't acknowledge him or respond to him anymore. He understands that he's a dog and that he is unable to care for him right now, but he's worried that Bear may be happier there where he has the freedom to roam freely. It broke my heart to hear him say that, but Bear appears to have adjusted well to life in NJ. We just hired a dog walker so that he could get out while I am at work. My Mom is going to install a large fence in the backyard so that he has some room to run and we won't have to worry about him wondering into the road while hunting rabbits! Bear and Murphy, my parents dog, have become best buddies - I take them on frequent hikes which they love. I enjoy hiking with Bear, his sense of adventure and fearless spirit remind me a lot of Paul. I feel like Paul's by my side when I have Bear with me.

I hope to post some pictures on here soon. While Kelsey was visiting we took some great photos of Paul in front of the Rocky statue at the Art Museum in Philadelphia. Paul and I plan to attend his friend Kesi's 4th of July Party as long as he's feeling physically up to it; right now, he's really looking forward to spending time with his friends and I'm looking forward to taking him there. He really loves having visitors and reminiscing with friends, so please come when you can!

xo Tara