June 07, 2006
Update #23
Good Morning Friends,

Its definitely time for an update so here is goes….

Since my last update much has transpired, changes are in the works!!!

At the end of January, Mom had a “revelation” and decided moving home was best for her and Dad. We took their house off the market in Iowa and put a new plan in progress to figure out what changes needed to be made in order to accommodate Dad’s needs.

Lori and Mom flew back in February and again in May to meet with contractors, doctors, acupuncturists, look at facilities, take measurements, create ideas for ramps etc…and the plan has been in progress ever since. Fred Rose, a former athlete of Dad’s, has stepped up to take on the project and has ensued the help of many…Thank you Fred for all your efforts and patience as we continue to make changes J!! AND thank you to those of you who are on our “Construction Dream Team”; we couldn’t do it without you.

For those of you who live in CF/W’loo, you may have seen the article in the paper regarding Mom and Dad’s return, unfortunately they won’t make it home by Sturgis Falls, looks like they will arrive sometime in Mid-July (at least they escape some of our summer heat…110 today-June 5th; Ugh).

Many of you have asked why the return to Iowa? For many reasons, but mostly because it’s “home” to our parents. It’s not easy to leave your everyday life, house, friends, familiar places and people, family etc… on a Friday morning and for my Dad, never return to any of it. My parents have spent 40 years building relationships in CF and it’s not easy for either of them to just walk away. There will be challenges ahead, but after learning all that we have over the course of the past two years, not much will come as a surprise and we are well equipped at problem solving.

We are aware that not everything or everyone will be the same when they return, but so much of their life can be reassembled, just with a different approach. We know the attitudes of the people in the Midwest and are sure that plenty of people will rally around to help them reestablish their lives! Thank you to those of you who have sent your well wishes and anticipated desire for them to come home, it makes them feel like you’re still in their corner!

Most of you know, I (Lori) am 33 weeks pregnant with my second child, a boy, to be named “Blake Henry” and my due date is at the end of July…going to try and have this baby before Mom and Dad leave. Dad’s birthday is July 20th, that would be a great day to give birth, of course it’s out of my hands!!

Lisa will be accompanying our parents on their return and will stay as long as needed to get them adjusted. She is busy working out the details of Dad’s return trip. Lance or possibly Bob Peters (who has volunteered) will drive the UHaul and mom’s car back to CF. The great news is, Dad’s 6 day a week nurse, Janette, is coming to Iowa with Mom and Dad for an indefinite amount of time. This will make their transition so much smoother knowing Dad’s main caretaker will be with them. She will be an intricle part of training the new staff and helping them settle in. We are looking for temporary housing for her, if anyone has any ideas, places for rent, etc…please email me. lahenry@bolotogroup.com Thank you Janette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the meantime, Dad has continued his therapies; acupuncture and home workout routines and we are seeing progress, one of these days he’s going to get use of those arms. Our Clinical Exercise Physiologist from LA, Taylor Kevin Isaacs, has been here twice since the last update and definitely sees progress. He continues to add to Dad’s workload in accordance with what he can handle physically and get the best results. We will continue to work with him when Dad gets to Iowa.

A big thank you to Glen Jr, Sandy and the boys for all they have done the past two years in keeping mom and dads house/yard together, getting their mail, being mom’s personal chauffer, camera man, “MR. Fix It”, cleaning crew, planter caretaker, all of Sandy’s wonderful meal, moral support, love etc….we love you, you are a big part of our Dream Team!!!! And thank you to Nancy Peters and Paula Larson for the love and care of Mom’s yard and flower beds, they will be a great source of her therapy in the coming months. Thanks to all the neighbors as well who have contributed to the upkeep!

Keep those thoughts coming…. they are something to look forward to, inspiring and fun to read !!

Be happy and healthy!

The Dream Team (Lori)