I KNOW that it has been 6 weeks. And I know I said i would blog more, but I may have been overly optimistic! I hardly have time to check e-mail these days. I will fill you in on the family happenings, and then I will fill you in on all of the incredibld things Katy has been up to.
Arielle is growing so fast! She is “furniture surfing,” (pulling herself up on the furniture and walking while holding on to things) and she has skipped baby food all together. She still has a couple of bottles a day, but eats anything we put in front of her! She is quite the character, and LOVES, LOVES, LOVES music.
Jake is in 1st grade, and doing well. He has had a few friends over, and his room is the closest to being unpacked of anyone in the family. He is taking mixed martial art classes 3 days a week, and we have all noticed how much these classes have helped him go back to the “old Jake” that we all knew.
Amber is doing very well in school. She is also being a huge help with picking up her brother and taking him to MMA practice. Her homework load is heavier than it has ever been, but she is keeping up with it.
The new house is great, but is still filled to the ceiling with boxes! We are getting it done one day at a time, but it is a daunting task to try and organize while I am working and both kids are in school.
I want to say “THANKS” to Atascocita Methodist Church for all of their hard work in the yard, and building ramps for Katy. Thanks to Marion for all of her AMAZING efforts in getting paint, doors widened, coordinating volunteers, etc.
A HUGE “congratulations” to our friends Sarah and james on the birth of their first son!! I’m still waiting on pictures…hint, hint.
Oh well, I have saved the best for last. So much has happened with Katy, that it is hard to know where to begin. Katy started September by doing the castings for her leg prosthetics. Her “stubbies” are short prosthetics, with no knees, that are low to the ground, for safety. We were particularly excited about this development because we were told, initially, that she wouldn’t be able to be cast for legs for another 6 months to a year because of her wounds. Well, in typical Katy fashion, she healed quicker than anyone could have imagined.
Katy did 3 weeks of in-patient rehab at TIRR. The folks at TIRR were above amazing. Katy did occupational therapy, physical therapy, and function groups. Aside from her daily work outs practicing getting up, rolling over, sliding in and out of her wheel chair, etc, she also painted a bird house, painted some wooden kitties, played table tennis with a balloon, changed the diaper on a baby doll, drove her own wheel chair all over the hospital, and kneeded dough! She also, in spite of the doctors saying that no one walks in the first 2 weeks, walked on her first day with her legs! By the end of her stay, she walked 60 feet unassisted!
Since returning home, Katy has done some cool things. Last week she drove her chair to Jake’s school and picked him up….he was SOOO excited to see her! They are so cute together. He sits on her lap and gets to drive her around. It is truly a sight to behold. Today, Katy put up the silverware from the dish rack. She is doing so well, and I am so proud of her.
Last week, Katy and I got to attend the Case Managers Association meeting in Houston. Ted Muilenburg was giving a talk on prosthetics, and focused on Katy’s story. Katy got to get up and answer questions. The people were so nice, and Ted, as always, did a great job. Wednesday will see Katy talking to students at a school about what she is doing to overcome the loss of her limbs. Again, I am proud of her.
Anyone who has followed the blog from the beginning will know the name “Dr. Purdue.” Sadly, Dr. Purdue was killed by a drunk driver a week ago. Katy, the kids, and I drove to Dallas for the funeral. I would like to say that, in my limited time knowing Dr. Purdue, that Dr. Gary Purdue was the type of man that the world needs more of. He was a skilled surgeon, as we know, but he was also a great man. During the service we learned of his commitment to his family, his patients, and his staff. Every day, around 2pm, I would wait in the hall of the 6th floor for my meeting with Dr. Purdue. For some unexplainable reason, he had a way of giving me information in a way that made me trust him. As you know, I was not the most trusting of the doctors, but I always felt good about his advice. He was caring, informative, and respectful. Both Katy and I feel grateful for his work, and, at the same time, feel sad for all of those he will not be able to help. Rest in Peace.
Thanks, again, for your patience with me in not writing my blog. I will write as I can. Our family will forever be grateful to you all. Even if all you did was read my ramblings, at least we felt like weren’t alone in this. Thanks you.
Love to all,
Al
Oh that is so horrible about the doctor :< I am really sorry to read that. Gah.
Wonderful to read an update and so glad to hear that Katy is progressing so well! Looking forward to her first blog entry!
Dear Al,
So glad to hear your news. We think of you often and know you must have full lives. Thanks for writing.
Love, Susan & family
Al and Katy, I am almost speechless. I have followed your blog from the beginning and from those terrible nights while Katy was in a coma, and you, Al, were trying to make those gut-wrenching decisions, to where all of you are now, is just nearly unbelievable. I can’t tell you how my heart feels–like it will burst with gratitude and happiness for you. Part of me is incredulous, and part of me says, “Well, of course, that’s what Katy and Al do–incredible things.”
My daughter, Randi Blount, and I are coming to Houston this week end, 15th -17th on a combined business-pleasure trip. While we are there, if there is anything we could help you guys with, unpack boxes, clean up, babysit, run errands, whatever, we would be honored to be able to do so. I know that despite the fact we are relatives, Al, we are still essentially strangers to you guys, and you probably have tons of friends, neighbors that you already know to do those things. I just want you to know that if there is anything that “strange relatives” can do, we are available to do so Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday. My cell number is 214-641-7569. If you would like a reference, Al, call your father.
You guys continue to amaze. Peace and love to you all,
Rita Blackman-Bailey
OMG! Al, this news is so worth waiting for. Love hearing all that Katy is doing with her prostetics (sp), and had to laugh at her for going to the school to get Jake. Know that must have meant so much to him.
Glad that all is going well with all of you. Know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Margie
Wow! She has been a busy girl. Way to go Katy!!!!!!! You keep going. So glad to hear of her wonderful progress, she is saying to the world, “look out, here I COME!”. I see her doing wonderful things. I knowthat God has a plan for her.
Lucille has been filling me in a little on her progress and I am grateful. There are many of us at Dearborn Dynamic Toastmasters cheering for her.
So glad about all of your miracles, the house , and those who helped you get there. And of course, what Katy is accomplishing.
May God bless you all.
Gretchen Vroman >:)
Al:
I’m so glad to hear things are going well for you and Katy and your family. I’ve missed reading your blog and hope you get settled and continue to do so. Thrilled that Katy has come so far. She is an amazing lady no doubt.
God bless all of you!
Carla
Hello Al and Katy,
SO happy to finally see an update. I know you’re busy but like everyone else out there we love to hear how the family is doing. You all hold a place in our hearts and we love happy news. So very happy that your children are starting to become like they’re old self. You have a beautiful family. A movie of your lives should really be done. Such an inspiration to all.
Take care of each other and be happy.
Hi Al – It’s so good to hear how well you, the kids and Katy are doing. I’ve followed your blog since Katy’s story was first reported on AOL last spring. Katy’s amazing spirit is apparent through your posts. I know I speak for many people when I say we are all rooting for her.
Sharon from Florida
PS I understand you not blogging when you were so busy – it just means your priorities are in order
Thank you for the update, Al. I’m so proud of Katy and your whole family.
Al, Thank you so much for doing this Blog. we love katy and your family and its so good to hear about each one of them.
Please give a great big HUG to katy for me ! You are always in my prayers.
To His glory !
Carol Parga
Al, I am SO happy to hear all the wonderful updates. I have to say I am not the least bit surprised that Katy always exceeds the expectations her doctors and nurses set. She was an extraordinary woman before this experience, and if they had known her then, they would have MUCH higher expectations now.
Sending our love and best wishes always.
Suzanne Juel
I have been thinking about your family a lot lately. It is wonderful to hear of Katy’s milestone acheivements! And also glad to hear that the kids are doing well. My hat goes off to all of the volenteers who help with all of the charity functions and home renovations. Such wonderful people.
Dr. Purdue, may you rest in peace.
WOW! Amazing and wonderful news all around. I check back often hoping for updates, and this was a great one!! Take care and keep on dong amazing things! -Cheryl….a friend in western New York
Awesome news Al!!! I drop in on the blog often to check on you and Katy. Will let the Dallas prayer group know the good news. They will be so encourged to hear how well Katy is doing! Much love and blessings to you all.