It is amazing to me that last Monday I titled the blog “Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays,” and now I am asking you to keep your fingers crossed. It is like some shot off the starting gun 5 days ago, and Katy just started running! Today was no different. Though I am always trying to hold back 20% of my excitement, I will conservatively say that I am happy with today’s progress.
Katy was wide awake and in a good mood this morning. She was enjoying her Ensure, though upset that she hasn’t had a chocolate one since Saturday. She asked for, and got to eat, some fruit. She was overjoyed to taste fruit! The PT/OT team wirked her out for an hour today, and gave me a list of exercises that I can do with her while I am visiting. They started off working her lower body while she was laying in the bed, and even got her to try and roll over on each of her sides. Then they moved her to the wheelchair and worked with her arms and shoulders. She was in the chair for an hour yesterday, and was in it for 2 hours today. Tomorrow they are going to create a soft cast with a dowel attached to it for Katy’s right arm. She will use this to control her bed. So much progress in 5 days!
I have spent quite a few hours trying to figure out the who, what, when, where, and why regarding Katy’s move back to Houston. After much discussion, and talking with a few different people, it makes sense that Katy stays at Parkland for her in-patient rehab. She is already on the waiting list for moving to the 8th floor, and probably will move in the next week. The good news is that, unless anything unexpected happens, and as long as she progresses as we expect she will, there is no reason that she will not be back at OUR HOUSE by June 1st! Once she is home, then she will start going to in-patient rehab in Houston. There is still a lot to do. The staff will be looking for funding for a wheelchair, and prosthetics, and we will need to step up the search for a van, but these are all very do-able. Like I said…keep your fingers crossed.
To all of my music students, be on the look our for an e-mail from Matt Foster and Mike Grove. They will be sending info on the Summer Band Camps. If you are interested, and do not see an e-mail in the next 2 days, please e-mail me your contact info. Camps will go on as usual, and I will be there for a day or two each week to see all of my kids! I am also planning on playing the gigs with my wonderful band of friends. A VERY special thanks to the Weasters. Their support of 4/4 Music over the years has been the reason that our Summer programs have been such asuccess. Though I cannot be there in my full capacity this year, I do plan on being there 100% next year. Until that time, rock on! I can’t wait to jam with all of you again.
I promise to write more stories about Katy soon, but I am doing a bunch of admin stuff tonight, and time is of the essence. I hope you all have a great week. Remember that every day is a miracle.
Love to all,
Al
Such wonderful progress! We have been following your saga with much love and prayer and it looks as if they have been answered.
We are now full time residents at the bayou just a few miles from Surfside, so will plan to take in the student shows each weekend they occur.
Grace & Peace
oh wow!! That is so exciting!! She is off & running! I bet she’s going to be doing those exercises in her sleep so she can get home & see her kids:) So happy for you all!
How exciting! Nothing is going to kee her down! Look out world, HERE COMES KATY! I am so very happy for you and of course Katy. Bet you and she can’t wait to get home again. You continue in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you.
Love & Hugs Gretchen in MI
Sooo happy to hear the progress! She’ll be home for her birthday! Hurray!:-)
I am sooooo happy to hear about Katy’s progress! The thought of her being home June 1st is so so wonderful! I will keep my fingers crossed, but it doesn’t sound like she needs it – she’s doing great! Yay Katy!!
This is so incredible. You must count the minutes to your visits. I am so proud of Katy for fighting so hard and defying all the grim odds. I knew that her personality was too strong to be affected by this!! What a beautiful day it will be when you are all back in Kingwood- so many people have missed you.
Remind Katy that the love that you get is equal to the love that you give- you two have always given so much and now people are going out of their way to give back.
You have got a great family Al- I have really enjoyed meeting some more of them the past few weeks.
Give my love to Katy and put some pressure on the nurses to get some more chocolate Ensures brought to Katy!!
Once again thanks for your vivid blogs- I know that many more people than you or I are aware of read it daily.
Jane
I believe in Miracles & Katy is one of them!!! I see the smile on her face, on yours & your entire family!
This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time!
God is good every day!
Al:
Speaking from 5 years of experience since my Lisa endured very similar circumstances (with almost identical results), make sure Katy’s hydration is watched closely – now while she is in the hospital and for the rest of her life. I can tell almost immediately just by looking at Lisa when she needs to take in more fluids.
Just some helpful advice for moving forward.
Lisa and I have a lot more tips that we’d be happy to share for the asking – like making sure medical staff unfamiliar with Lisa adjust any needed doses of medication to her weight (she’s only about 90 pounds now) and not her age – as you well know, you gotta watch those guys.
We’re an email or phone call away. With Lisa’s 20+ years of experience as an ER nurse, I’d try contacting her first for any medical-related questions/concerns.
Otherwise, reading this blog brings back for me a lot of bittersweet memories of Lisa’s struggles and successes early on as I follow Katy’s progress.
I recall taping photographs of our girls to the ceiling in the burn unit while she was flat on her back for so long. There was her first visit outside in the warm spring air amidst the blooming tulips. I remember date nights watching movies as hospital staff gave us time alone. And our girls’ first visit to see Mom in the hospital after losing her legs and right arm (not to mention several organs).
Celebrate and rejoice in these times of rebirth and renewal, the baby steps, those small victories, like being able to drink lemonade for the first time, eat real food, to speak without having to mouth the words, removing one more line or tube or getting off of one more med!
Despite all that has happened, so much opportunity, potential and so many possibilities lie ahead for Katy!
Steve
Great news once again! We’ll keep on praying for a speedy move to Houston. Way to go, Katy!
Wow! All I can say is wonderful!
A few weeks ago I met a man who converted a small truck or station wagon, I’m not really sure what it was, into a vehicle that would carry him in his wheelchair in the rear area. The ramp opened up in the back of the vehicle, instead of the side. I am sure I could find out more about it if you are interested.
Lots of love your way, Susan
ps Dillon will be ‘Oliver’ in the upcoming Houston Boychoir Spring Concert!!
God is sooooooooo GOOD!!!
Such wonderfully amazing news, Al.
I’ll continue praying and expecting one miracle after another … again… God is so very, very good.
With love,
The Mitchell’s
Hi Ya’ll
I’ve not written yet, but I’ve followed along everyday and pray for Katy and for all of you every day.
I’m Katy’s short, chubby, “older” cousin in Wilmington NC. (Aunt Martie’s baby girl) I was watching movies with my grandson this past weekend and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie came on and once again I was reminded of Katy.
It breaks my heart that Katy (and ya’ll) are having to go through this. But if there has ever been a person who can envision possibilities and transform those visions into reality; who can live and experience life to its fullest regardless of circumstances, it’s Katy McNaughton. Fearless, funny, beautiful, generous, clever, kind…..
I thank God daily that she has a commited and loving advocate (YOU) in her corner. I pray that He will continue to bless you both, and to bless everyone who knows and loves Katy.
Bear Hugs & Dog Kisses to Katy from me!!
I am SOOO HAPPYYYY!!! What great news and such accomplishments!! I never doubted yall for a minute! You are ALL AMAZING!!! I am so thrilled ya’ll got to have family time! Family time makes everything better! Tears of happiness and hugs, smiles, and wishes! Love you Katy! Stay Strong! Can’t wait to see you! Love you too Al!!
Al,
I continue to follow Katy (and your) progress every few days. I am so heartened by her great strides this past week; and I cannot wait to share it with my children. Every night we say special prayers for “Miss Katy, mommy’s friend who got really sick after she had her baby” (my children are 8, 6, 3, and 8 months). They have asked lots of questions about Katy and her illness and her progress – and I have shared some of the joys and frustrations with them.
Katy has given me occasional massages over the past many years -we met through MOYC; and I’ve seen you all through a few houses. 🙂
I am eagerly anticipating Katy’s return to Houston – and if/when needed am here for support and help – from errands to whatever!
Until then – you all will continue to be in my prayers (and my children’s) and I will say that I can only hope that every woman is so lucky and blessed to be married to their best friends as Katy and I are (not only do we share that; but also our daughters share the name of Amber!). You have been an amazing strength, advocate and caregiver for Katy. Please tell Katy hello for me…and if she wants a chocolate Ensure – make sure she gets one!!
🙂
Love & Prayers,
Jennifer Jozwiak
Al,
Thank you so much for taking time from your life to blog about this. I am amazed by both you and Katy. I am a Reiki practitioner and as I started to read your blog my hands ached to touch Katy and give her some Reiki. Since I’m in Massachusetts I can’t provide hands on, but I promise to send her distance Reiki daily. You are an amazing writer and I thank you again for sharing this very difficult part of your life with the world.
Sarah
Hey Al,
Oh my goodness! I am so thrilled. It feels like I am reading a totally different blog she has made so much progress in such a short period of time. Both of you keep up the good work and I look forward to the day you are both headed HOME!
E
Al, Katy, your whole family-
All of you and especially Katy are a testimony to what it really means to be fully human! That we are far, far greater beings than our physical bodies- (not knocking the physical- it too is wonderful), yet possibilities are ALWAYS there. I am awed when early on you lived in sheer possibility that Katy has so much still to give and contribute, that she would continue to be an expert healer, natropath, whatever she chooses- and you are 1,000 % there for her. What incredible love you share and you give out to others! You so truly portray Katy to us who have not been blessed to meet her. She has given and healed others so much, in many many ways- even just by her pure presence. For Katy to be so grounded and such an incredibly strong and beautiful human being, I am awed and overwhelmed. And equally awed by you, your tenacity, love, perceptiveness of what is truly best for Katy- and your family! You show what real community can be like, the out pouring of care, even by strangers. Tears of joy to know Katy held Arielle, and Jake, Amber, that she is up in the wheelchair, eating, talking, plans for prosthesis, self care- you go Katy!!
Al,
Wow! So much progress in such a short time! I will continue to pray for all of you!
Blessings,
Kathy
Those photos are priceless. Especially the one with Katy and Jake. Sweet little Arielle is growing so fast.