End of the day and just a great day. Snippy here and there but during the process are all learning to just love unconditionally. That means that we know we are doing the right thing to the best of our ability with love and commitment - we have to take our own feelings out of the way. When you just love her and humor her she seems to respond very well and if you can keep you voice even it seems to go better.
We met with the speech therapist today and Allie did great. She got along with her and she will be coming to the house twice a week. We also met with the director of Home Health and she had some great people in mind to work with Allie twice a week. She went over Allie's likes and dislikes, what she felt she needed help with and tried to get a feel for Allie's personality and temprement so she could make the best possible match for her. So guess what everyone? Dr. Nancy will be coming back two full days a week. Yahoo!!!
We went to the pool for a little while and Allie helped me in the kitchen tonight. We sauteed chicken together and then prepared a spanish chicken and rice dish together. This is awesome - she askes me everytime I cook if I need help. I always enjoy cooking with her and Matthew.
After dinner we just sat on the couch and watched TV and she went to bed so now its Matt and I and it's great to get time with each of them.
Blessings and goodnight
Allie's Dad
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Tuesday Morning, August 7th
Once again my schedule is a little messed up. Having Allie home and gettng used to the routine is great but throws off my blogging.
Yesterday was an experience. I was at work and it was the first time Nancy was the nurse, mom, caretaker, security guard, doctor and therapist. Phew, a hard task for anyone and it was no different for her. Allie was super mean to her and Nancy decided it would be best if we could hire a nurse to take care of her two days a week and Nancy would come back to work. A WONDERFUL idea. They both need a break from each other and we could really use her back in the office. I will be great for her to get back to a routine of doing what she loves and seeing the people that love her again.
We made a lot of calls to therapist and home health aides and we will be meeting with some of them today. We would love to get Allie to out patient therpy but she is still not happy riding in cars as Nancy found out yesterday. I seem to have better luck with her, Maybe I have thicker skin or maybe we are both two peas in a pod - whatever it is it is easier when we are both together and I am so glad I can be there for both of them. It still makes me misty as I write these things and feel (and) expose the love and emotions I have for them.
Allies friends came by last night and hung out for a while. Thank God, they have stuck by her and continue to do so. SO often you hear about friends falling away, but not Allie's. We never really know our children and the friendships they have made. For those of you who want to call Allie but don't know how, email me and I will give you our phone number or a way to personally contact her. She wants to talk to you. She would respond on my space but she can not remember her passsword. Imagine that!
Now for some really AMAZING NEWS. Allie wanted to go to Wal-Mart this morning so we got in the car and headed out. SLOWLY AND IN MY OWN LANE!!!! When we got to town I asked if she wanted to stop at the coffee shop. I am trying to get her back to familiar palces where she used to hang out and she said sure. Her friend Ashley was working behing the counter and Allie got her favorite - a Mark Twain Coffee Toffee topped with whipped cream. When we got in the car I asked if she wanted to stop and see Kimmie, her boss, great friend and one of the nicest people ever. Allie wored for the Oddo's, one of the nicest families who have really taken Allie into their family. We all adore them. She said sure and we drove over to the Inn. What a great reception she received!! After a few minuted Kim asked Allie if she was ready to get back to work and Allie put on an apron and with Kimmies instruction, started slowly getting back to work. (See picture of Allie and Kimmie). Well of I just broke down (on the inside) to see her interaction with the other waitresses and just having fun. I told her not to overdo it as we still had to talk to therapists (teachers) this afternoon but she wanted to stay, so they kicked me out and gave the the opportunity to get this posted immediately.
To all of the hospital people reading this, don't worry, Allie is extremely safe as the entire Oddo family is very well versed in owrking with brain injury and I am completely comfortable, anxious but comfortable.
Well I just couldn't wait to post this.
Allie's Dad
Yesterday was an experience. I was at work and it was the first time Nancy was the nurse, mom, caretaker, security guard, doctor and therapist. Phew, a hard task for anyone and it was no different for her. Allie was super mean to her and Nancy decided it would be best if we could hire a nurse to take care of her two days a week and Nancy would come back to work. A WONDERFUL idea. They both need a break from each other and we could really use her back in the office. I will be great for her to get back to a routine of doing what she loves and seeing the people that love her again.
We made a lot of calls to therapist and home health aides and we will be meeting with some of them today. We would love to get Allie to out patient therpy but she is still not happy riding in cars as Nancy found out yesterday. I seem to have better luck with her, Maybe I have thicker skin or maybe we are both two peas in a pod - whatever it is it is easier when we are both together and I am so glad I can be there for both of them. It still makes me misty as I write these things and feel (and) expose the love and emotions I have for them.
Allies friends came by last night and hung out for a while. Thank God, they have stuck by her and continue to do so. SO often you hear about friends falling away, but not Allie's. We never really know our children and the friendships they have made. For those of you who want to call Allie but don't know how, email me and I will give you our phone number or a way to personally contact her. She wants to talk to you. She would respond on my space but she can not remember her passsword. Imagine that!
Now for some really AMAZING NEWS. Allie wanted to go to Wal-Mart this morning so we got in the car and headed out. SLOWLY AND IN MY OWN LANE!!!! When we got to town I asked if she wanted to stop at the coffee shop. I am trying to get her back to familiar palces where she used to hang out and she said sure. Her friend Ashley was working behing the counter and Allie got her favorite - a Mark Twain Coffee Toffee topped with whipped cream. When we got in the car I asked if she wanted to stop and see Kimmie, her boss, great friend and one of the nicest people ever. Allie wored for the Oddo's, one of the nicest families who have really taken Allie into their family. We all adore them. She said sure and we drove over to the Inn. What a great reception she received!! After a few minuted Kim asked Allie if she was ready to get back to work and Allie put on an apron and with Kimmies instruction, started slowly getting back to work. (See picture of Allie and Kimmie). Well of I just broke down (on the inside) to see her interaction with the other waitresses and just having fun. I told her not to overdo it as we still had to talk to therapists (teachers) this afternoon but she wanted to stay, so they kicked me out and gave the the opportunity to get this posted immediately.
To all of the hospital people reading this, don't worry, Allie is extremely safe as the entire Oddo family is very well versed in owrking with brain injury and I am completely comfortable, anxious but comfortable.
Well I just couldn't wait to post this.
Allie's Dad
Monday, August 6, 2007
Monday Morning, August 6th
Sunday was good - well most of it was. I went flying early in the morning so Allie was still sleeping but when I got home I found out the she and Nancy went to the pool and spent an hour and a half there. One of Allie's friends was there and they just stood in the pool and chatted for a long time. Unfortunately many of her friend and support system will be heading off to college in the next few days. Hopefully that will not be to traumatic for her.
Today or tomorrow we will be finding out about her in home therapies and hopefully she will begin voice and piano lessons again next week also.
It's really different having her at home - it is great and she is really accellerating will in her recovery but still, there are no doctors or nurses there and thus no authority figure that she will take direction from without question. Mom and dad she can talk back to and defy and that is something we are learning to deal with. We are used to the back talk and the defiance but this is different. You know, serenity to accept the things .......
Allie gave me quite a scare yesterday, I told her I was going to my bedroom for a while and would be back out - she was watching Millie. I came out 30 minutes later and could't find her anywhere. I was going from room to room screaming for her and I was banging on her bedroom door and screaming her name. Her door was locked and of course when she was not answering I thought the worst and banged into the door. It sid not open and there was still no answer when I called so I banged it again and broke the door open and there she was lying in bed. I asked her why she did not answer and she said she was sleeping. I told her she must have heard me screaming and she just said she was sleeping and she did not have to answer if she didn't want to. Lesson learned - after I fix the door, no locks. I also found her roaming around the house at 3:30 this mornig. She said she couldn't sleep - another lesson learned - get those alarms in the windows. Phew, all is well.
Another lesson learned. I was flying back into Asheville airport yesterday when the haze really closed in as I was flying over the mountains bringing visability to 3 miles the lowest amount of visability for my rating and pretty much a yucky situation. From 6,ooo feet, three miles is not very much visability. I called the control tower to let them know our position and that we would be coming in for a full landing. They picked me up on radar and vectored me into position behing two other planes setting me up for landing in the third position letting me know the airport was seven miles ahead. With 3 miles visability that doesn't mean very much! After a few moments I knew the situation could get out of control with the mountains and low visability. I was already scheduled for landing but could not see the airport so I did what came naturally, I asked the tower (my higher power) for more direction and was guided by them until I could see the airport. Made the best landing ever by the way but what is the lesson? If you are lost, confused and cant see your way home; if you are in a dangerous situation or one that could get out of control; if you are in a situation that could be over your head just reach our and start speaking to your higher power, then listen and take action on the directions until you are in the clearing and back in control.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Today or tomorrow we will be finding out about her in home therapies and hopefully she will begin voice and piano lessons again next week also.
It's really different having her at home - it is great and she is really accellerating will in her recovery but still, there are no doctors or nurses there and thus no authority figure that she will take direction from without question. Mom and dad she can talk back to and defy and that is something we are learning to deal with. We are used to the back talk and the defiance but this is different. You know, serenity to accept the things .......
Allie gave me quite a scare yesterday, I told her I was going to my bedroom for a while and would be back out - she was watching Millie. I came out 30 minutes later and could't find her anywhere. I was going from room to room screaming for her and I was banging on her bedroom door and screaming her name. Her door was locked and of course when she was not answering I thought the worst and banged into the door. It sid not open and there was still no answer when I called so I banged it again and broke the door open and there she was lying in bed. I asked her why she did not answer and she said she was sleeping. I told her she must have heard me screaming and she just said she was sleeping and she did not have to answer if she didn't want to. Lesson learned - after I fix the door, no locks. I also found her roaming around the house at 3:30 this mornig. She said she couldn't sleep - another lesson learned - get those alarms in the windows. Phew, all is well.
Another lesson learned. I was flying back into Asheville airport yesterday when the haze really closed in as I was flying over the mountains bringing visability to 3 miles the lowest amount of visability for my rating and pretty much a yucky situation. From 6,ooo feet, three miles is not very much visability. I called the control tower to let them know our position and that we would be coming in for a full landing. They picked me up on radar and vectored me into position behing two other planes setting me up for landing in the third position letting me know the airport was seven miles ahead. With 3 miles visability that doesn't mean very much! After a few moments I knew the situation could get out of control with the mountains and low visability. I was already scheduled for landing but could not see the airport so I did what came naturally, I asked the tower (my higher power) for more direction and was guided by them until I could see the airport. Made the best landing ever by the way but what is the lesson? If you are lost, confused and cant see your way home; if you are in a dangerous situation or one that could get out of control; if you are in a situation that could be over your head just reach our and start speaking to your higher power, then listen and take action on the directions until you are in the clearing and back in control.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Saturday Evening, August 5th
What a difference a day and being at home can make!!! Full Recovery is on the horizon - Never a Doubt.
Last night ended beautifully with Allie telling me she loved me and then going to bed and it was just as good this morning. I got up at 7:30 and it was quite wierd and wonderful not having to go to the hospital. Five minutes later Allie cam eout of her room and was just as chipper and happy as one could be. She sat down and we talked for a few minutes before breaking out the Millie video and watching it three times but her memory and awareness seems to have taken a huge leap in just 24 hours.
Matt and I went to the movies at 1:00 Bourne Identify (a huge so what) and ALlie's friends Madeline and Rachael came over just past one and spent 7 wonderful hours with Allie bringing her again to a complete new level of healing. They talked and did computers and watched videos and laughed alot. They could not believe how far she has come in the past two weeks. It's so different when you are with someone 24/7, you don;t see the daily growth but when someone comes in who has not seen her in a while it's great to get their feedback. They all went to the culbhouse in our development and got chickenfingers and then walked around the track for a while. I think they could have spent the entire night together but we had to give them the sign that it was time to go - we have to be ever vigelant that she does not over do it. Allie is accepting visitors but she still is not crazy about talking on the phone and she can not do my space because she can not remember her password so if any other friend would like to visit, just give us a call, we are in the phone book.
After the drive home episode, all has been great. Well tomorrow morning I get back in the plane to see how much I remember about being a pilot, then I will come home and relieve Nancy so she can get out for a few hours - getting things back to normal will take time but we are looking forward to it.
God Bless you all. We are so greateful for your love and prayers and so thankful to have Allie home again.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Last night ended beautifully with Allie telling me she loved me and then going to bed and it was just as good this morning. I got up at 7:30 and it was quite wierd and wonderful not having to go to the hospital. Five minutes later Allie cam eout of her room and was just as chipper and happy as one could be. She sat down and we talked for a few minutes before breaking out the Millie video and watching it three times but her memory and awareness seems to have taken a huge leap in just 24 hours.
Matt and I went to the movies at 1:00 Bourne Identify (a huge so what) and ALlie's friends Madeline and Rachael came over just past one and spent 7 wonderful hours with Allie bringing her again to a complete new level of healing. They talked and did computers and watched videos and laughed alot. They could not believe how far she has come in the past two weeks. It's so different when you are with someone 24/7, you don;t see the daily growth but when someone comes in who has not seen her in a while it's great to get their feedback. They all went to the culbhouse in our development and got chickenfingers and then walked around the track for a while. I think they could have spent the entire night together but we had to give them the sign that it was time to go - we have to be ever vigelant that she does not over do it. Allie is accepting visitors but she still is not crazy about talking on the phone and she can not do my space because she can not remember her password so if any other friend would like to visit, just give us a call, we are in the phone book.
After the drive home episode, all has been great. Well tomorrow morning I get back in the plane to see how much I remember about being a pilot, then I will come home and relieve Nancy so she can get out for a few hours - getting things back to normal will take time but we are looking forward to it.
God Bless you all. We are so greateful for your love and prayers and so thankful to have Allie home again.
Full Recovery - Never a Doubt
Allie's Dad
Friday, August 3, 2007
Friday Evening, August 4th
Well Allie is home, safe and sound and we couldn't be happier. IT wasn't easy - the ride home was HORRIBLE, but one we got close to the house, Allie calmed down and has been great every since.
The day started great for a minute. Matt and I got to the hospital before Nancy and when Allie saw us she jumped up and sid in spanish, my family is here, then she said it's my final day here. Then after a few minutes she started to go off. It had to be the anxiety of making a transition - even though she was excited to go home, the was so very nervous as the hospital was her safe haven and she screamed and creid the whole way ome that she wanted to go back to the hospital and I mean ear shattering screams - I'm surprised you didn;t hear them.
Anyhow, as soon as we got home Allie wanted to go swimming so matt and Nancy took her to the lake and then to the pool while I took care of a few things around here. Nancy said she did great in the pool and dove around in the water. They only stayed a few minutes (20) - donl't want to over do it. Anyhow I thought it was quite amazing. Imagine only a few short weeks ago where we were. Hard to believe!!
Leaving the hospital was made even better when we realized upon saying goodbye to everyone (doctors, nurses and staff) how much they loved Allie and our family and much we had come to love them. Hugs and kisses all around. It will be great to see them again in a month or two at Allie's next checkup . She has come so far in the last six weeks, it incredible to think of how well she will be in another 8 weeks.
We had a celebration dinner tonight to beat the band and now we are sitting around watching what else, you guessed it Millie. It has been an exhausting day and it really becomes hard and emotional because bless her heart our little girl speaks and asks questions non-stop, small price to pay. She also sang again today so life is beautiful. We have her voice coach coming next week and a friend who has worked on Broadway will be coming over to work on her piano and her pitch using the computer and many other tricks he has.
It's hard to believe that we don;t have to set the clock tomorrow for the first time in months nor so we have to drive to Greenville and sit aroungd a hospital all day instead we will enjoy being home and being a family in our own house just how it is supposed to be.
God Bless you all. The blog will will continue until Allie is in college and we still have a long way to go so please keep your prayers coming and keep checking the blog. I wanted to get a picture of Allie leaving the hospital but there was no way that was going to happen.
It's 9:15 right now and the most amazing thing just happened. Allie just stood up, said she was tired and announced she was going to bed, then she goodnight dad, I'm going to bed, I love you and all at once the world was right again.
Have a great night and stay tuned for even greater things to come.
We love you all.
Allie's Dad
The day started great for a minute. Matt and I got to the hospital before Nancy and when Allie saw us she jumped up and sid in spanish, my family is here, then she said it's my final day here. Then after a few minutes she started to go off. It had to be the anxiety of making a transition - even though she was excited to go home, the was so very nervous as the hospital was her safe haven and she screamed and creid the whole way ome that she wanted to go back to the hospital and I mean ear shattering screams - I'm surprised you didn;t hear them.
Anyhow, as soon as we got home Allie wanted to go swimming so matt and Nancy took her to the lake and then to the pool while I took care of a few things around here. Nancy said she did great in the pool and dove around in the water. They only stayed a few minutes (20) - donl't want to over do it. Anyhow I thought it was quite amazing. Imagine only a few short weeks ago where we were. Hard to believe!!
Leaving the hospital was made even better when we realized upon saying goodbye to everyone (doctors, nurses and staff) how much they loved Allie and our family and much we had come to love them. Hugs and kisses all around. It will be great to see them again in a month or two at Allie's next checkup . She has come so far in the last six weeks, it incredible to think of how well she will be in another 8 weeks.
We had a celebration dinner tonight to beat the band and now we are sitting around watching what else, you guessed it Millie. It has been an exhausting day and it really becomes hard and emotional because bless her heart our little girl speaks and asks questions non-stop, small price to pay. She also sang again today so life is beautiful. We have her voice coach coming next week and a friend who has worked on Broadway will be coming over to work on her piano and her pitch using the computer and many other tricks he has.
It's hard to believe that we don;t have to set the clock tomorrow for the first time in months nor so we have to drive to Greenville and sit aroungd a hospital all day instead we will enjoy being home and being a family in our own house just how it is supposed to be.
God Bless you all. The blog will will continue until Allie is in college and we still have a long way to go so please keep your prayers coming and keep checking the blog. I wanted to get a picture of Allie leaving the hospital but there was no way that was going to happen.
It's 9:15 right now and the most amazing thing just happened. Allie just stood up, said she was tired and announced she was going to bed, then she goodnight dad, I'm going to bed, I love you and all at once the world was right again.
Have a great night and stay tuned for even greater things to come.
We love you all.
Allie's Dad
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thursday Mornig, August 2
Hi Everyone
Sorry about the morning posts, just the way it works out sometimes.
Just one thing to report from yesterday - Nancy said Allie had a great day and that she and Allie got along all day long. Now that's soemthing to write home about.
Big smiles
Allie's Dad
Sorry about the morning posts, just the way it works out sometimes.
Just one thing to report from yesterday - Nancy said Allie had a great day and that she and Allie got along all day long. Now that's soemthing to write home about.
Big smiles
Allie's Dad
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Wednesday Afternoon, August 1
Holy cow - it's August! Sorry about not blogging, just too tired and wanted to rest for a while - still really tired today - I wonder why?
You know, yesterday was just Ok and I don't say that to mean that things are not going well, only that some days are just OK. Allie is a miracle and in that sense things are beyond great and we feel like the luckiest people alive but still, some days are just Ahhh.
The little girl was hornery and at times gets very vocal - I don't care but she can be so mean to Nancy the person who is there with her the most and we know why but still the same with her coming home Friday it can be scary as all get out. Are we equipped to handle this - heck yes we are and I can say that boldly because I am not the one there everyday but I know that Gad has given us the stregnth, aptitude and attitude to take care of this in a loving, caring manner which will bring Allie to her highest level of recovery - Full Recovery.
All of us went to breakfast yesterday morning and had a great time but something set her off and phew, got kind of rough. At times you just want to shake her or speak loudly to her and say come on Allie wake up but you don't - you let it roll off your back and speak to her in your most loving manner and distract her onto another subject.
After we got back Allie had some therapies so MAtt, Nancy and I went to the mall to look for ways to alarm the house so we know where Allie is and if she has left the house. She gets lost very easily. No luck with the alarm but we had fun and Mat got some sneakers.
Lats night we threw pizza party for the people on her floor and it was fun. A lot of people are leaving over the next few days and it was fun to get everyone together on last time. Goodbye Issac, Allie will miss you and Jonathon and Adam. The night did not end well but that's the OK part, fortunately we have her for another day to try it again. I am sure today will be great.
Talk to you all later.
Allie's Dad
You know, yesterday was just Ok and I don't say that to mean that things are not going well, only that some days are just OK. Allie is a miracle and in that sense things are beyond great and we feel like the luckiest people alive but still, some days are just Ahhh.
The little girl was hornery and at times gets very vocal - I don't care but she can be so mean to Nancy the person who is there with her the most and we know why but still the same with her coming home Friday it can be scary as all get out. Are we equipped to handle this - heck yes we are and I can say that boldly because I am not the one there everyday but I know that Gad has given us the stregnth, aptitude and attitude to take care of this in a loving, caring manner which will bring Allie to her highest level of recovery - Full Recovery.
All of us went to breakfast yesterday morning and had a great time but something set her off and phew, got kind of rough. At times you just want to shake her or speak loudly to her and say come on Allie wake up but you don't - you let it roll off your back and speak to her in your most loving manner and distract her onto another subject.
After we got back Allie had some therapies so MAtt, Nancy and I went to the mall to look for ways to alarm the house so we know where Allie is and if she has left the house. She gets lost very easily. No luck with the alarm but we had fun and Mat got some sneakers.
Lats night we threw pizza party for the people on her floor and it was fun. A lot of people are leaving over the next few days and it was fun to get everyone together on last time. Goodbye Issac, Allie will miss you and Jonathon and Adam. The night did not end well but that's the OK part, fortunately we have her for another day to try it again. I am sure today will be great.
Talk to you all later.
Allie's Dad
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