Afternoon Folks,
Hope everything is going well for you. I found out yesterday that Ben Wilks is off the venilator at UAB and I guess that means he is on the trach collar, but either way he is doing much better. That is just great news and a blessing .
Well I got back to therapy today and it just went great. I walked more than I ever have in a day and was able to stand up by myself. Things are really progressing and my endurance is really, really coming along. The only major problem is about every 4th night I can't sleep and only get about 4 hours worth. If anybody knows how to solve this without using drugs please let me know.
I may not blog tomorrow because I'm going to the big town to go to the Wednesday Night Meeting that I haven't been to in a while. If I don't get around to it, I promise to catch you guys up on Thursday.
Talk later.
Fins up,
Jr.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
July 28 9:00 PM
Hey Guys,
I hope everybody had a great weekend. I was supposed to have one, but I got sick on friday night and just started to get back to 100% this afternoon. I missed rehab, but did get by AAL to get my leg. Tonight D and I went to Baptist South to see everybody, but the main reason for this visit was to see one of my nurses before he left to go back to school. Also I was able to stand up to get into DeAnn's Explorer. That was a milestone so I don't have to use that dang sliding board. While we were at the hospital I tried to reserve a room so when I go back next month we'll have that taken care of, but they wouldn't let me. Well that is pretty much all I have due to the extremely slow weekend and no therapy today. I'll try to have more manana.
Fins up,
Jr.
I hope everybody had a great weekend. I was supposed to have one, but I got sick on friday night and just started to get back to 100% this afternoon. I missed rehab, but did get by AAL to get my leg. Tonight D and I went to Baptist South to see everybody, but the main reason for this visit was to see one of my nurses before he left to go back to school. Also I was able to stand up to get into DeAnn's Explorer. That was a milestone so I don't have to use that dang sliding board. While we were at the hospital I tried to reserve a room so when I go back next month we'll have that taken care of, but they wouldn't let me. Well that is pretty much all I have due to the extremely slow weekend and no therapy today. I'll try to have more manana.
Fins up,
Jr.
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 25 2008
Hey Guys,
I'm so sorry for the lack of post. I guess I can't hide laziness. Rehab has been very good this week. I'm walking more and I really think my endurance is coming along. Although, we have decided to drop back to the total knee to help my steadiness and balance. I think we are making the right decision, but we'll see.
Wednesday Mom and I went to Cedar Crest to see Shanna. She is doing so much better, hopefully she'll be able to go to a rehab facility soon. We were also able to visit with Mrs. Linda. She said her and Mr. Stan are doing well.
Thank you guys for reading. I hope ya'll have a great weekend. We plan on resting. Today is our 11 month anniversary. I don't have to tell ya'll how much I love that girl. We'll talk soon.
Fins up,
Jr.
I'm so sorry for the lack of post. I guess I can't hide laziness. Rehab has been very good this week. I'm walking more and I really think my endurance is coming along. Although, we have decided to drop back to the total knee to help my steadiness and balance. I think we are making the right decision, but we'll see.
Wednesday Mom and I went to Cedar Crest to see Shanna. She is doing so much better, hopefully she'll be able to go to a rehab facility soon. We were also able to visit with Mrs. Linda. She said her and Mr. Stan are doing well.
Thank you guys for reading. I hope ya'll have a great weekend. We plan on resting. Today is our 11 month anniversary. I don't have to tell ya'll how much I love that girl. We'll talk soon.
Fins up,
Jr.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July 22, 2008 6:15 PM
Hey Guys,
Wow I've got so much to talk about. First, the BBQ was absolutely perfect. We had a great turnout and the food was delicious. Thanks to everyone that helped we couldn't have done it without you. I want to thank Pope Tent for the tent, table, and chairs. Also, Broken Strings for the special entertainment. They were great. If you missed them you might want to try and catch a show you will enjoy it. Also, I've got to thank uncle Daniel and his crew for starting the fire at around 5 am, I know that was pretty early. Lastly, thanks to the mayor and the city council for proclaiming Saturday as Neil Grantham Day in the city that was very surprising but very neat.
I forgot to mention last week that on Wednesday, Mom and I went to Baptist South to take candy to my awesome nurses in the unit and also on the floor. I hope you guys enjoyed it, it was great to see you all. Also, I finally got to meet on of my heroes, Ms. Sue. All of you will remember her from Mom's post. I see where Mrs. Susan got her sweet spirit from. Mrs. Tommi Lee must have been adopted, just kidding. Ms. Sue was everything I expected, just the nicest person and I just loved her. It was great to see she is doing better.
Also, I got the Rheo knee yesterday. It is so much different, but so much more like a real knee. Eventually it is going to be so great, but right now it is pretty difficult. It is just like everything else that is new, you just have to get used to it.
I know I have forgotten something. If any of you know that I have please let me know.
Thanks and good night.
Fins up,
Jr.
Wow I've got so much to talk about. First, the BBQ was absolutely perfect. We had a great turnout and the food was delicious. Thanks to everyone that helped we couldn't have done it without you. I want to thank Pope Tent for the tent, table, and chairs. Also, Broken Strings for the special entertainment. They were great. If you missed them you might want to try and catch a show you will enjoy it. Also, I've got to thank uncle Daniel and his crew for starting the fire at around 5 am, I know that was pretty early. Lastly, thanks to the mayor and the city council for proclaiming Saturday as Neil Grantham Day in the city that was very surprising but very neat.
I forgot to mention last week that on Wednesday, Mom and I went to Baptist South to take candy to my awesome nurses in the unit and also on the floor. I hope you guys enjoyed it, it was great to see you all. Also, I finally got to meet on of my heroes, Ms. Sue. All of you will remember her from Mom's post. I see where Mrs. Susan got her sweet spirit from. Mrs. Tommi Lee must have been adopted, just kidding. Ms. Sue was everything I expected, just the nicest person and I just loved her. It was great to see she is doing better.
Also, I got the Rheo knee yesterday. It is so much different, but so much more like a real knee. Eventually it is going to be so great, but right now it is pretty difficult. It is just like everything else that is new, you just have to get used to it.
I know I have forgotten something. If any of you know that I have please let me know.
Thanks and good night.
Fins up,
Jr.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
July 17, 2008 8:00 PM
Good evening guys,
I had a good day at therapy and continue to get more comfortable walking. Uncle John came up and spent the afternoon with me and we had a great time talking. I've got one more day at HealthSouth and then we are headed to the big town for the BBQ for all of you. When we get back to work on Monday we'll be working with the Rheo. That will be so much better because that will be the leg that I'll be walking with for the next few years.
I want to say an early congrats to my good friend Bradley Bowers who is getting hitched on Saturday. You deserve it man.
DeAnn, Jerry and I went to the Pub last night for J's Birthday. Wow, that meal was awesome as usual.
Hope to see you all on the square.
Fins up,
Jr.
I had a good day at therapy and continue to get more comfortable walking. Uncle John came up and spent the afternoon with me and we had a great time talking. I've got one more day at HealthSouth and then we are headed to the big town for the BBQ for all of you. When we get back to work on Monday we'll be working with the Rheo. That will be so much better because that will be the leg that I'll be walking with for the next few years.
I want to say an early congrats to my good friend Bradley Bowers who is getting hitched on Saturday. You deserve it man.
DeAnn, Jerry and I went to the Pub last night for J's Birthday. Wow, that meal was awesome as usual.
Hope to see you all on the square.
Fins up,
Jr.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 16, 2008 1:15 PM
Hey folks,
First, I want to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Jerry DuBose (The big 26). This morning I went to therapy and did some walking. I think I probably took aroung 100 steps. I had assistance from a walker, but I still think it was pretty good. We then went to my wound care Dr. and everything is great there with my abdomen closing fast. That's really all I have and don't forget about Saturday.
Fins up,
Jr.
First, I want to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Jerry DuBose (The big 26). This morning I went to therapy and did some walking. I think I probably took aroung 100 steps. I had assistance from a walker, but I still think it was pretty good. We then went to my wound care Dr. and everything is great there with my abdomen closing fast. That's really all I have and don't forget about Saturday.
Fins up,
Jr.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
July 15, 2008 5:15 PM
Afternoon Guys,
I'll try to recap everything. Friday afternoon after rehab Dad and I drove to Troy. We stopped by SanBuck and saw everybody I work with then we went to Creative Services on campus and saw everybody I used to work with. That was really fun and it fulfilled one of the things I wanted to do while I was in the hospital.
After we finished seeing everybody in Troy we stopped by Crowe's and headed to Elba. As we passed the Neil Grantham Drive sign, I had a tear in my eye because there was more than one night throughout this ordeal that I thought I would never see Elba again. I went to Mom's to rest a little before going to The Elba Country Club to see all my old friends. They were having a tournament last weekend so I got to see a bunch of people from south Alabama/northwest Florida that really helped pull me through with the thoughts and prayers.
Sunday morning we got up and went to Ham Church and intended to go to the Mehodist Church downtown but I was hurting to bad and had to miss it. I hope to go soon though. We then started our trek back home.
Yesterday I went to rehab and then on to AAL to get the leg. We tested it out and I stood up and after a lot of coaching I took a baby step. Today we did more work with the leg and stood more and worked on tranferring weight. Next Monday morning we go back to AAL and get fitted for the Reho? knee. Everything seems to be progressing pretty fast, so I'm trying to keep up.I don't know if she reads the blog, but our WC nurse Donna responded to AAL in 2 hours to let them know that the WC folks were on board with the new knee. We know that Donna is wonderful and now AAL knows. We couldn't do this without her.
That is basically all of my good news. Now it is my turn to help somebody else in need. I told you guys a little about Ben Wilks. They determined that he has yeast in his lungs that has caused a big infection, please keep this family in your prayers. Also, please keep Tesha Lee's family in your prayers.
As most of you have been reading the blog, Mom has told you all about Ms. Sue. Well she was having a little heart trouble and they put a stint in and she is doing much better. Thanks for reading. Don't forget the BBQ this Saturday. Ya'll come.
Fins up,
Jr.
I'll try to recap everything. Friday afternoon after rehab Dad and I drove to Troy. We stopped by SanBuck and saw everybody I work with then we went to Creative Services on campus and saw everybody I used to work with. That was really fun and it fulfilled one of the things I wanted to do while I was in the hospital.
After we finished seeing everybody in Troy we stopped by Crowe's and headed to Elba. As we passed the Neil Grantham Drive sign, I had a tear in my eye because there was more than one night throughout this ordeal that I thought I would never see Elba again. I went to Mom's to rest a little before going to The Elba Country Club to see all my old friends. They were having a tournament last weekend so I got to see a bunch of people from south Alabama/northwest Florida that really helped pull me through with the thoughts and prayers.
Sunday morning we got up and went to Ham Church and intended to go to the Mehodist Church downtown but I was hurting to bad and had to miss it. I hope to go soon though. We then started our trek back home.
Yesterday I went to rehab and then on to AAL to get the leg. We tested it out and I stood up and after a lot of coaching I took a baby step. Today we did more work with the leg and stood more and worked on tranferring weight. Next Monday morning we go back to AAL and get fitted for the Reho? knee. Everything seems to be progressing pretty fast, so I'm trying to keep up.I don't know if she reads the blog, but our WC nurse Donna responded to AAL in 2 hours to let them know that the WC folks were on board with the new knee. We know that Donna is wonderful and now AAL knows. We couldn't do this without her.
That is basically all of my good news. Now it is my turn to help somebody else in need. I told you guys a little about Ben Wilks. They determined that he has yeast in his lungs that has caused a big infection, please keep this family in your prayers. Also, please keep Tesha Lee's family in your prayers.
As most of you have been reading the blog, Mom has told you all about Ms. Sue. Well she was having a little heart trouble and they put a stint in and she is doing much better. Thanks for reading. Don't forget the BBQ this Saturday. Ya'll come.
Fins up,
Jr.
Monday, July 14, 2008
July 14, 2008 9:00 PM
Hey Guys,
I want to apologize for the lack of blogs lately. I will catch up but it is going to have to be tomorrow because I'm sooooo tired. I do have a lot to tell and catch you up on, but it must be later.
Fins Up,
Jr.
I want to apologize for the lack of blogs lately. I will catch up but it is going to have to be tomorrow because I'm sooooo tired. I do have a lot to tell and catch you up on, but it must be later.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
July 10, 2008 4:20 PM
Good Afternoon Folks,
I'm really looking forward to going to Elba tomorrow. I'll be stopping by SanBuck to see everybody and that will be fun.
Rehab went very well this morning. I really felt like I worked pretty hard and really feel like I'm getting stronger. The support you guys keep giving me really helps and makes me want to keep working hard. THANKS.
Rene Wambles, Ronnie and Ramona's daughter, graduated with me. Her husband is going through the fight for his life right now. Ben Wilks? is at UAB and is basically having the same lung problems I had. I will try to find out more and will do my best to keep you updated.
Fins Up,
Jr.
I'm really looking forward to going to Elba tomorrow. I'll be stopping by SanBuck to see everybody and that will be fun.
Rehab went very well this morning. I really felt like I worked pretty hard and really feel like I'm getting stronger. The support you guys keep giving me really helps and makes me want to keep working hard. THANKS.
Rene Wambles, Ronnie and Ramona's daughter, graduated with me. Her husband is going through the fight for his life right now. Ben Wilks? is at UAB and is basically having the same lung problems I had. I will try to find out more and will do my best to keep you updated.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
July 9, 2008 6:20
Hey Guys,
Sorry about the short post yesterday, I was so tired. Anyway, we had a very busy day with the visit to the wound doc and then on to rehab. Everything was great at the doc's and, not to be too graphic, my abdomen looks amazing. The skin graph is actually pulling the sides together. Hopefully we are close to a month before the greatest surgeon in the land, works his magic maybe just one more time, and I'll be whole again. I found out this afternoon that next Monday morning at 8:45 we will be working with the new(used) knee before we move on to the bad boy in a few more weeks. Rehab went well this afternoon. It's just extremely exhausting, but that is such a good thing. They aren't in the business to pamper, and I really like that. I hope all is well with everybody. I'm also trying to repay all the prayers, so let me know of any request. Love you guys.
Fins up and the sailing IS getting smoother,
Jr.
Sorry about the short post yesterday, I was so tired. Anyway, we had a very busy day with the visit to the wound doc and then on to rehab. Everything was great at the doc's and, not to be too graphic, my abdomen looks amazing. The skin graph is actually pulling the sides together. Hopefully we are close to a month before the greatest surgeon in the land, works his magic maybe just one more time, and I'll be whole again. I found out this afternoon that next Monday morning at 8:45 we will be working with the new(used) knee before we move on to the bad boy in a few more weeks. Rehab went well this afternoon. It's just extremely exhausting, but that is such a good thing. They aren't in the business to pamper, and I really like that. I hope all is well with everybody. I'm also trying to repay all the prayers, so let me know of any request. Love you guys.
Fins up and the sailing IS getting smoother,
Jr.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
July 8, 8:45 PM
Hey Guys,
I hope all of you had a good day. I had a socket fitting today and it looks like I will get to use my first leg either Monday or Tuesday. That is very exciting. Also, I stood up today on the parallel bars with very little help. Mom saw me stand at Alabama Artificial Limb during the fitting.
DeAnn and I are going to Elba this weekend. I am so ready to go to the Country Club and see all of my pals out there. We are also putting things together for the 19th.
I am definitely getting stronger by the day. Thanks for all the continued support.
Fins Up,
Jr.
I hope all of you had a good day. I had a socket fitting today and it looks like I will get to use my first leg either Monday or Tuesday. That is very exciting. Also, I stood up today on the parallel bars with very little help. Mom saw me stand at Alabama Artificial Limb during the fitting.
DeAnn and I are going to Elba this weekend. I am so ready to go to the Country Club and see all of my pals out there. We are also putting things together for the 19th.
I am definitely getting stronger by the day. Thanks for all the continued support.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Monday, July 7, 2008
July 7, 2008 8:30
Good evening everybody,
I hope everybody had as good a weekend as we did. DeAnn and I made a surprise visit to the beach on Saturday. I did make my goal of getting to the beach on the 4th even though it looked very unattainable at times. We got to see all the DuBoses and I must say it was very great seeing all of my brothers, Heather Beth, Bessie, and the kids. That night we went to Uncle V and Judy Karen's to eat supper, and we had a great time and good food. At rehab this morning we got all the evaluations out of the way and did a little work. It also looks like I may be getting my leg a little quicker than what we thought we should know more soon. As soon as we know you guys know I'll pass the word along.
We are also going to have a BBQ on the Square in Elba on the 19th of this month from 11:00 to around 4:00. This is an appreciation to all of you for your love and support through this tough time in our lives. We couldn't have made it through this without you guys.
Also, a lot of you have questioned me about my closing of "Fins up, Jr". Well the Fins up is a little tribute to my favorite artist Mr James D. Buffett and JR is the fact that I am a Jr. and is shorter than writing Neil I guess. I hope this answers all the questions. If there are any more I'll be glad to answer them if I can. Take care and good night.
Fins Up,
JR
I hope everybody had as good a weekend as we did. DeAnn and I made a surprise visit to the beach on Saturday. I did make my goal of getting to the beach on the 4th even though it looked very unattainable at times. We got to see all the DuBoses and I must say it was very great seeing all of my brothers, Heather Beth, Bessie, and the kids. That night we went to Uncle V and Judy Karen's to eat supper, and we had a great time and good food. At rehab this morning we got all the evaluations out of the way and did a little work. It also looks like I may be getting my leg a little quicker than what we thought we should know more soon. As soon as we know you guys know I'll pass the word along.
We are also going to have a BBQ on the Square in Elba on the 19th of this month from 11:00 to around 4:00. This is an appreciation to all of you for your love and support through this tough time in our lives. We couldn't have made it through this without you guys.
Also, a lot of you have questioned me about my closing of "Fins up, Jr". Well the Fins up is a little tribute to my favorite artist Mr James D. Buffett and JR is the fact that I am a Jr. and is shorter than writing Neil I guess. I hope this answers all the questions. If there are any more I'll be glad to answer them if I can. Take care and good night.
Fins Up,
JR
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4, 2008 7:00 PM
Happy 4th Everyone,
DeAnn and I have had a pretty lazy day today. We watched American Gangster, that is one movie I missed while I was down. If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, just not with small children. We went to eat at Jim N' Nick's. This was the first time we have gone out to eat and the transferring in and out of the car is getting easier and easier, thank goodness. Last night we went to buy me a new pair of sunglasses to replace the pair I lost in the wreck. Things are good in Montgomery and I hope everyone is having a great day.
On another note, today 26 years ago the world lost Lewey Stephens, Jr. This was another great man I never had the opportunity to meet and if half of the stories are true Iissed one hell of a man. It is only fitting that a man that served and loved his country the way he obviously did would leave this world on a day as important as the 4th. Papa, I hope to see you someday and for you to tell me your side of the stories.
Fins up,
JR
DeAnn and I have had a pretty lazy day today. We watched American Gangster, that is one movie I missed while I was down. If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, just not with small children. We went to eat at Jim N' Nick's. This was the first time we have gone out to eat and the transferring in and out of the car is getting easier and easier, thank goodness. Last night we went to buy me a new pair of sunglasses to replace the pair I lost in the wreck. Things are good in Montgomery and I hope everyone is having a great day.
On another note, today 26 years ago the world lost Lewey Stephens, Jr. This was another great man I never had the opportunity to meet and if half of the stories are true Iissed one hell of a man. It is only fitting that a man that served and loved his country the way he obviously did would leave this world on a day as important as the 4th. Papa, I hope to see you someday and for you to tell me your side of the stories.
Fins up,
JR
Thursday, July 3, 2008
July 3 1pm
Yea!!! Neil in his recliner at home.
Hello everyone, You all tell us you know which family member is writing this and that makes us smile. We cannot pull anything on you. Well, as I write I have the biggest smile imaginable. Yesterday Uncle Daniel came to hang out with Neil as DeAnn went to work. As we have learned over the last four months, things change quickly. Instead of DeAnn going to work, she DROVE Neil home. Yes, he was discharged from Health South after lunch to go home. There was a parade and Daniel's daughters and his grandsons were there. Neil and DeAnn will celebrate the 4th of July at home. On Saturday Neil will go to Health South for out-patient rehab and will determine his schedule. Then he will go Monday-Friday for therapy. They hope DeAnn will be able to drop him off before she goes to work and pick him up during her lunch hour. (We will have to make some plans for her to eat a snack.) All of the "older adults" are jockeying for position to stay with Neil in the afternoons. HA!! I have the pleasure of visiting with Neil while DeAnn is working today. I must brag on her as she has everything arranged comfortable for them as they figure out the best way to manage. All of us, Neil most of all, are blessed to have DeAnn as a Grantham. Please continue to pray for Neil as he completes his rehab.
While I have this opportunity I want to give you a couple of updates. I was able to visit Sue and Shanna Saturday. It is so exciting to see progress with all of our friends. Both of these women are remarkable. They are surrounded by loving families who celebrate each step of recovery and progress. Please continue to keep them high on your prayer list.
Another praise report is the progress Laurie Killingsworth is making as she heads the class in the NIC Unit at UAB. I know Leah and Todd are bursting with pride. Please continue to pray for Laurie's growth and development.
We continue to remember all of our friends who are recovering at home all over the state. We know that Scott and Cindy are going to have the best 4th of July ever. We pray the patients we left at Baptist South will soon go home.
We can never thank all of you properly for all you have done for us. Your prayers sustained us. You fed us and loved us. Each of you plays a huge part in Neil's recovery and we are so thankful.
Please remember the Andress family as they get ready to welcome their new baby. What a blessing.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
GREAT NEWS 7/1/08
Good afternoon everybody,
Sorry I didn't post yesterday, the reception here isn't that great for the internet, DeAnn and I were slacking also. The great news is I'm going home tomorrow and will be doing out-patient starting next week. We are very excited but we also know I have a long way to go. We will find out my schedule for next week tomorrow. Therapy yesterday and today went very well, I can almost tell daily my strength is coming back. It's not just my strength, but also my endurance that I'm trying to restore. This afternoon in PT we practiced transferring into Mom's car and it went very well and was surprising fairly easy. I cannot say it enough, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I probably here it once a day that somebody can't start their day before first checking the blog. That means so much. I guess i'll quit posting when ya'll tell me to. I'll talk later.
Fins up,
JR
Sorry I didn't post yesterday, the reception here isn't that great for the internet, DeAnn and I were slacking also. The great news is I'm going home tomorrow and will be doing out-patient starting next week. We are very excited but we also know I have a long way to go. We will find out my schedule for next week tomorrow. Therapy yesterday and today went very well, I can almost tell daily my strength is coming back. It's not just my strength, but also my endurance that I'm trying to restore. This afternoon in PT we practiced transferring into Mom's car and it went very well and was surprising fairly easy. I cannot say it enough, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I probably here it once a day that somebody can't start their day before first checking the blog. That means so much. I guess i'll quit posting when ya'll tell me to. I'll talk later.
Fins up,
JR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
