Friday, November 2, 2007

In a week's time..

An extraordinary week has gone by. Last Friday, the 26th of October Marilyn was finally well enough to begin eating pureed food with assistance. Today we sat at a table and she ate regular food next to me on her own, no assistance. Last Friday she would generally only speak if someone called on the phone or if a nurse or therapist made her angry. Verbalization in itself, was clearly a struggle for her. Today she spoke most of the day asking questions about her injury and weakness on the left, telling us about her confusion, answering questions for each therapist. In short, coming back to life. We are excited to be at Craig Hospital- and not a day too late, given her progress this week. It is a very special place with a strong aura that immediately lets you know that good things happen here. She will excel here.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marilyn, I was in your '89 graduating class at MS and I remember you as a vivacious, intelligent, funloving girl. I've lost touch with pretty much everyone from school, which is sad. By chance I checked out the alumni MS site and saw the blog about your accident. I was horrified, and I am so very sorry! It looks like you have a wondeful man named Gareth looking out for you. I wish you a quick, full recovery. I will check back at the MS alumni site to find out how you are doing. In the meantime, lots of love and prayers being sent your way.

Jen (Miller) Collins, class of '89

Stephanie, Rob & Rowin Peterka said...

We just got off the phone with you, Marilyn. It was so great to talk to you!! You said you were awake a lot, tired and cold. We hope Gareth can get you an extra blanket! Rowin even said "Hi" to you. That's a first -- he hasn't even done that for Grandma's yet!! We will see you soon. Until then, keep up the great progress.

Steph, Rowin and "Roberta"

Anonymous said...

Mar Hi,

I have been checking this blog several times daily. It is so excellent that you are recovering so well. I'm certain recovery seems a snails pace to you. Hang in there, take in all of the support & love surrounding you, and trust that you will walk out of there on your own 2 feet.

love you,
Jen

Sarah P said...

Melissa Brock and I have been here at Craig, along with her brother Steve and his wife Alicia for the last three days. In just this short time Marilyn has made some amazing gains in all regards. As I sit here typing this I am realizing there are so many remarkable things there are to share. Her ability to recognize the people around her,correctly place them in her life and carry on short conversations has been amazing to behold. Truly. Her vocabulary is quite articulate considering the circumstances, and especially since she has not really begun speech therapy yet, the cadence and rhythm to her voice is totally apparent even when she has some difficulty speaking, and her sense of humor and sarcasm is alive and well (yeah!!!!). Physically the left side is really improving, and when she is moving from her bed to her fancy wheelchair she is really putting some weight on her her legs. As expected, there are moments of confusion and she is really tired by the end of the day, but the strength she has within and all the therapy she will get here at Craig will give her the tools to heal.
This weekend has been an inspiration to behold. Gareth, you are remarkable! You have such Peace through all of this, and i hope to channel your spirit in my own life. The next time I see you two Marilyn will be charging through life and taking it all on with a beautiful smile on her face.
So much love.......Sarah

barbandmichael said...

Hello Marilyn and Gareth!
Wow, wow, wow! What wonderful news to read this day! We loved your note last week and can see both your wonderful smiles (along with so many here and as the blogs indicate...so many others!)

Max called to say that the Bark River folks are wrapping you in prayers also and following your progress as we did theirs at the Iditarod (with Osprey's wonderful support).

So looking forward to the day when we see you both coming home "healed, strong, and together"! Michael & Barb

Steve said...

My wife Alicia and myself just spent the last 2 days with Marilyn and Gareth, and I couldn't be any more proud of anything my sister has accomplished than what I have seen Friday and Saturday. She graduated High School and College with honors, excelled in sports, worked in hospitals and has accomplished just about everything she has set her mind to do. This past weekend was just something that is really hard to put into words.

First let me start by saying that when I walked into the Hospital I wasn't expecting much. Maybe a "Hi", or a hand squeeze. Maybe a small spurt of being awake and alot more sleeping. Maybe someone spoon-feeding her food that was run through a blender. But once again my little sister had proven me wrong. She smiled when we walked in the room, which was right after lunch. Then asked about our kids, Justin and Kyle. Further asked about all her neices and nephews. Asked a ton of questions and answered just as many. Then at dinner she ate. By herself.
The next morning Alicia and myself spent breakfast with Marilyn. Beside the fact that she was eating and drinking by herself she did something that just blew me away. As I was trying to talk to her, she put up a finger, basically motioning to stop talking. So I stopped and watched her. I saw something I couldn't believe I was seeing. Marilyn was turning her head toward the door and eavsdropping on the Nurse and the Tech talking about Marilyn. Anyone who knows her can just picture her doing this. I was truly amazed.
Anyway, later, I figured I had to do something Big Brother-like and hit a McDonalds to get her french fries and a milk shake for lunch which she ate. Later while listening to the radio, Alicia asked her if she recognized the song that was playing and again, Marilyn raised the bar by singing along to R.E.M.'s "Radio Free Europe".
Hats off to the Craig Hospital and it's staff. It is an absolutely remarkable facility, that Marilyn will thrive at. Oh and let's not forget that the staff will be challenged as they will be dealing with someone that can critique, correct and even at times teach them along the way as they rebuild another life.
Finally, the last thing that I am proud of Marilyn is in her choice of Gareth. You were everything I expected and more. I promise that I will try to get out, just to give you a well deserved day off to go and do whatever you need or want to do. Again, thank you!!!

Anonymous said...

Gareth and Marilyn,
What incredible news! I can't believe the transformation since I saw you both 10 days or so ago. I am so glad to hear you are happily installed at Craig. I'd love to see you both again soon and make sure you locate my friend, Terry, at Craig, who will surely be a fun and loving person to go through this healing process with.
All my best,
Julie Carey

Alex Prime said...

Wow, that's great news! Marilyn, I'm so happy to hear that you have made such incredible progress in only a week. I look forward to talking to you soon! Chris and I will also be coming up for a visit around November 18-19. Can't wait to see you!!!
Love, Alex

Tracy said...

Yeah Marilyn!!! You go girl! What fantastic news. Craig sounds like a great place for both you and Gareth! I know you'll be keeping your nurses on their toes! Steve and Alicia's relating of their time with you is so exciting to hear! Made me cry too. And I am so happy that the gear sale went so well!! I wish I could have attended, but will be at the silent auction (and I am a sucker for silent auctions). Thanks for that news Alex, and for all you and everyone involved contributed to make it happen. (Scott filled me in earlier on the sale success too). What an amazing community. I am really looking forward to you both coming home to Dolores, and it sounds like with the progress you are making that could be sooner than anyone would have expected! Keeping fingers and toes crossed that we will all have you both home soon!!
Big hugs!
Tracy

Pam H. said...

It gives me chills to read the accounts from this weekend- way to go Marilyn!
Just as Alex shared, many folks came out to support the gear sale. Many donated 'extra' onto their checks and credit cards- this really is a good community we all live in.
I just had to rub in that my Patriots won AGAIN, against the Colts and well...your Broncos didn't fare so well. Looking forward to watching a rival game together in the future!
Pam

Anonymous said...

Gareth & Marilyn- Russ and I just heard the news about the accident! I have read the postings and just want you to know that we are thinking of you with much loving care and sending healing prayers your way. You are both a wonderful part of our community and you are missed and cared for.
sincerely,
Renee Podunovich & Russ Patten

Anonymous said...

Marilyn and Gareth,

We want you to know that we have been thinking, hoping and praying for you both out here. It is a relief and great news to hear of your positive progress. You both are such strong people and are truly being tested by soooooo much. It is inspiring to see how you both are dealing with the challenges and witnessing through this great blog, how your attitude and strength are pulling you through this.

Much love to you from Santa Cruz.
Rachel, Steve, Cole and Nikko

Anonymous said...

Hi Gareth and Marilyn,
I learned about Marilyn's accident just a couple of days ago, and read through this blog. I don't know if you remember meeting me, Marilyn, at the CDTA trail fest in Buena Vista two summers ago. I am so glad to hear of your progress - keep going, girl! Gareth, if you need anything while you're in the Denver area, please let me know. I'm pulling for you guys!
Love,
Sarah Gorecki

Anonymous said...

Hi Gareth and Marilyn,

Marilyn, It sounds like you are doing awesome! Keep up the good work. I'm glad Annabelle and Ella can help! We think of you both often and are thrilled that you are progressing so fast.

Nancy Wegner

Kris said...

Hi Marilyn and Gareth,

I'm so happy to hear of Marilyn's increasing awareness and speech. I knew in my heart that Marilyn would be back to her old self again because I kept seeing her smiling, but it is good to read it for myself on her blog site. Like the minister at my church always used to say to me, "Keep on keeping on!" I pray for you both everyday. Remember, since this is only a dream anyway, anything is possible. It starts with believing!
I will keep on with my prayers. God bless you both. Love, Kris

Anonymous said...

Hi Marilyn,
You go girl.......Yeah !!
Good Going !
I'll be honoring YOU and all
your GREAT FRIENDS at festivites
this Saturday night-Nov. 10th
in Cortez. I look forward to
seeing you and Gareth SOON.
Love is a Great and Powerful Friend
Jerry Gunter

Anonymous said...

I hope you get well soon,my prayers are with you guys. Hope to see you soon. Diane Beyette