This post is from Pete to answer the first question most people ask, "How's Dewie". The simple answer is, "She's well." Medically, she is stable. Its been a little more than a year since Dewie got her ventilator and up until that time our lives were constantly changing as her ALS progressed. But in the last year things have really settled down and we have gotten used to our new lives.
There are many things for us to be thankful for but I'll mention three that seem important. First she has no pain. Many people with ALS have significant pain but not all. Second, we were lucky to quickly find two very special women who have become excellent caregivers for Dewie. Without them, things would be very different. And finally, Dewie's gift for happiness is the one thing that makes everything else possible. Her positive personality not only helps her continue to enjoy life but it rubs off on the rest of us. She's a joy to take care of.
Our biggest challenge is communication. Since she got her trach last year, Dewie can't talk so we use an "alphabet board" and we've gotten pretty good at it but we still would like to find a way for her to use a computer like Stephen Hawking. Dewie's friend Feather is working on an idea that might just allow that.
Anyway, that's an overview and I'm happy to report the good news. Thanks for reading. Whenever there is an update here, we plan to send out an email saying so. Dewie's greatest joy has always been the people in her life and that's what this blog is all about - allowing her to stay close to you.
-Pete
The Blog is a gr8 idea…God Bless Al Gore for inventing the Internet.
ReplyDeleteSo glad this Blog is here...thank you. Sending love and joy to you Dewie and you Pete. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteGreat that you've set up the blog! I would love to hear Dewie's (and Pete's!) take on world happenings -- the BP oil spill, the Gaza blockade, political polarization and the government in general, the economy, and any other opinions either of you would like to air. I'm certain anybody reading this blog would be able to respond as a rational, thoughtful adult!
ReplyDeleteYea! I've been waiting to see signs that this was up and running...it is a joy to see your smiling face on the computer!
ReplyDeleteHope you keep the alphabet board "hot" with your thoughts and ideas, Dewie. Looking forward to hearing from both of you whenever...
Nancy Haines :)
Dewie - It is an absolute pleasure to essentially have you right here in my home. We would be lost without the Internet! Thank you Pete for the updates. We think of you often... and just as Pete remarked upon your positive ways, it always leaves us feeling better. We, too, would love to hear your thoughts on the world... and relationships...etc. And now I am off to my 83-yr-old mother's Bridal Shower party! What a world!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear from you, Dewie and Pete. We too think of you often. The Bixby Canyon Bridge seems to be in ads frequently again. I think always of you then -- Dewie singing, Pete's fly-over, John and Missie . . . (Never mind the ads. It's all about us!) Looking forward very much to seeing Dewie's words, too, along with that incredible smile. Thanks so much for setting up the blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Dewie! It's so good to be able to communicate with you via the internet! I just love it!!! We missed you at the Plano suppport group this past week, but I know that Pete was traveling. Doris and I plan to come visit with you and Pete in the coming weeks. Would love to see your beautiful home!!
ReplyDeleteTake Care and I'll be waiting for the next update to your blog!
Hello to Pete and Dewie!!
ReplyDeleteI was just calling Obie the other day to ask about you two...I
Love having this option now to stay in touch. I gain strenth
Myself from you two...and am so happy to hear about all of
The positive energy being generated by you guys....
Keep posting!
Love to you guys....lisa m.
PS. Pete...hope you got the message that nurse george from germany clinic was interested in getting hold of you..
Lisa.merkle@gmail.com
Dewie & Pete,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! So good to read your postings. Looking forward to many more.
Love to you both. Barbara
I posted "anonymous" but I'm here as CISSY - so glad you have a blog. I heard from Claire that you & co. attended Noah's graduation, another milestone. You know we are getting ready to take off for Scotland and it will be interesting to see how Noah likes being with the infamous "Impatient Travelers." I think we'll have fun. Duval is at camp heading up the riding program while his girlfriend Chaney is in Italy. Hope to see you sometime this summer in your beautiful house. Love, Cissy
ReplyDeleteHi Dewie,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a busy couple of weeks so I thought I'd check in. The big news is that Casey graduated from Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) on June 12th. He was incredibly fortunate to land a job right away (I still can't quite believe it and I'm not sure it has really sunk in completely for him). He's in Santa Barbara working for a construction company that is taking over a remodel on an older motel near the mission there. Casey's major was construction management.
I hope things are continuing to go well for you there.
Much love,
Debba