Whatta Year ! ! !

Christmas week HOOK REHAB gave La Donna her final report ... she has completed all of her work/assignments, her progress has been extraordinary, and she is dismissed from all other services they can perform! We have nothing but the highest praise for HOOK REHAB, Dr. Ed Haskins (Director) and his wonderful staff! We recommend it to any persons whose doctors are willing to refer them to HOOKS and who can pass their needs assessment program.

Later (next year) she may pursue some in depth therapy to improve her walking ability, but she has demonstrated her ability to walk with and without her cane. She wants to be rid of the cane permanently.

Christmas was celebrated at her house with great joy. Each member of the family expressed at the dinner table (1) some gift they were most grateful for, and (2) what gift they would like to give Jesus in the next year. Almost unanimously the gift they chose to be most grateful for was the gift of still having MOMMO with us again this year. Last Christmas she was just surviving a 5-bypass heart surgery performed a week before, and then she suffered a stroke within the next month. She is a model of determination and perseverance, and as one member of the family has put it "There just isn't an ounce of 'quit' in that woman's body!"

When she awoke this morning, one of the first things she said was "I am so happy!" The joy is back and in spite of the lingering limitations she is positive and optimistic in her approach to life.

So all thanks to our Wonderful Creator, and also to HOOK REHAB and to our many friends who have stuck by us through it all.

LOVE -- POPPO

Happy Birthday, MOM! You're 80!!

Wednesday, December 17th was Mom's 80th birthday! She was showered with cards and letters from family and friends near and far. Even the President of the United States, George Dubya, sent her a card! Thanks to all of you who sent your happy birthday wishes! She called today in tears saying what a great birthday she had!

Lori and I fixed dinner and we had a wonderful time! Butchie (Art) and Fishie (Dave) were also there, giving Mom their usual hard time...lots of laughs were had by all. Later, Monte and most of his family (Caitie went home because she had a rough week) stopped by, too. And so it was, "Let the Wii games begin!!"

I don't know who likes the Wii the most: Gpa or the Grandkids. Well, really, I think Gpa does. He does Wii Fit almost everyday for his work out now since they don't go to the web. It's a great thing - that Wii is! What's even greater is that Mom/Dad and all there friends are staying young by playing it and having Wii Parties!

Last year at this time, Mom was just a few days post 5-bypass surgery. It was by God's grace that we got to keep her with us for some more time. As usual, we thank you for your prayers and your loving attention. And thank you for making her 80th birthday special for her...

Love,

Audi

GRADUATION DAY HAS COME

Monday, November 24th was a significant day in La Donna's stroke recovery. Dr. Ed Haskins and his rehab therapists met with La Donna, her family, and fellow members of her ORANGE TEAM to celebrate her completion of four months of intensive therapy and declare her GRADUATED with honors. Dr. Haskins indicated that La Donna had surpassed with flying colors the goals they had set for her, and noted her determination and perseverance as being chief factors in her recovery. He also said with a smile that her "perfectionist tendencies" had driven her to keep going when the work was hard until the results were satisfactorily accomplished.

Refreshments were provided for all in attendance, and her whole family expressed their profound gratitude for the marvelous work that HOOK REHAB had accomplished on her behalf. Her Physical Therapist (Shannon) confided that when she first came to HOOK REHAB they were in doubt that she would ever be able to walk again. But Shannon has worked tirelessly with her to the point that La Donna was able to walk a considerable distance without the aid of the cane. She walks with a four-wheel cane unassisted (with a family member trailing close by just to make sure she does not lose her balance).

After a week off from the rigors of intensive all-day therapy, she returns during the month of December two days a week for just two hours of speech and physical therapy. We are grateful to the staff at HOOKs, to the neighbors and friends who have cared for her so diligently. AMAZING ... OVER 3600 HITS ON THIS BLOG BY PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT HER. THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT.

LOVE -- POPPO