Today is the 1st anniversary of the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Heck, almost half the state was affected. I was at the gym when Tuscaloosa was hit and Dad was keeping me informed. Later, at a poker game I was playing I saw a video on-line that showed how it narrowly missed Bryant-Denny. Later on I was still at the game when I saw a quote from Mayor Maddox on twitter that said "Our infrastructure has been decimated". It began to set in that this was not a small storm and the casualties would be numerous.
I know that anyone in the state will not be able to read a paper or watch the news without seeing images from the storm. All I am really asking is to keep everyone that went through that rough day in you thoughts and prayers.
Neil
Friday, April 27, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Happy Birthday DeAnn!
Hey Guys,
As you can see from the title, today is DeAnn's 27 birthday. As I sit here in the office looking back, most people do not realize that at the time of my accident she was only 22. It still wonder a lot what was going through here mind that first month at Baptist South. In fact, she was writing thank you notes in the waiting room not knowing if was going to pull through. (Sidenote: She still hangs the fact over my head she penned the last million notes.) I can not imagine the thoughts that run rampant about the future when all you see is tubes, wires and monitors. At our wedding 6 months prior the preacher spoke of sickness and health. I'm DeAnn was thinking what have I got myself into.
I say all that not to go down memory lane, but to give an illustration about how special she is to me. The last 4 yours have certainly had there ups and downs. However, we survived them together.
DeAnn, I hope you have a wonderful day. I love you!
Neil
As you can see from the title, today is DeAnn's 27 birthday. As I sit here in the office looking back, most people do not realize that at the time of my accident she was only 22. It still wonder a lot what was going through here mind that first month at Baptist South. In fact, she was writing thank you notes in the waiting room not knowing if was going to pull through. (Sidenote: She still hangs the fact over my head she penned the last million notes.) I can not imagine the thoughts that run rampant about the future when all you see is tubes, wires and monitors. At our wedding 6 months prior the preacher spoke of sickness and health. I'm DeAnn was thinking what have I got myself into.
I say all that not to go down memory lane, but to give an illustration about how special she is to me. The last 4 yours have certainly had there ups and downs. However, we survived them together.
DeAnn, I hope you have a wonderful day. I love you!
Neil
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Time
Since I last posted here, a ton of things have happened. The Madness ended with a Kentucky victory. I saw my old orthopedic doctor with a little leg pain. Finally, as I type this the Masters has just ended with an amazing victory by Bubba Watson.
As far as the tournament goes, it was a great last few games that I really enjoyed watching. I thought Ohio State was a better team than Kansas. However, I don't think anyone was beating Kentucky.
I recently won the weight loss bet with Dad. On our weigh in day of April 1st I weighed 214 and change while he was at 215 That seems close but since I started 8 lbs heavier I won with ease.
I have been having some pretty significant pain in my stump and after a month I decided I might want to have it checked out. I consulted with WC and they got me an appointment with Dr. Fletcher. I wasn't real sure he would remember me as I haven't seen or spoken with him in four years. I was walking down the hall to get x-rays and met him at the door. He absolutely shocked me when he said "Hey boy we have to get you ready for the Masters". I couldn't believe he remembered that my initial goal was to make it back to Augusta National. After looking at the films of my leg and me seeing the huge rod in my stump he said that my weight loss was probably the cause for the pain. I am currently working with the guys at Alabama Limb to solve the problem.
Lastly, my beloved Masters week has just ended. Anyone that knows me understands how enamored I am with the club, course, and tournament. I truly look forward to this week more than any other week of the year. It's the equivalent of getting a raise, a week off, and a promotion rolled into one glorious week. My fascination with it stems from hours with my dad on the subject. For four days every year we watched the coverage from beginning to end. Dad and I have a ton of things in common that we share, but Augusta may be the biggest as we literally can't get enough of the place. It was certainly special going to sunrise at Whitewater with sweet wife and ending the day with Dad as Jimmy Nantz signed off at AGNC.
I know this blog has been long, but I hope it semi got you bguys caught up in the lives of the Granthams'.
Fins Up,
Jr.
As far as the tournament goes, it was a great last few games that I really enjoyed watching. I thought Ohio State was a better team than Kansas. However, I don't think anyone was beating Kentucky.
I recently won the weight loss bet with Dad. On our weigh in day of April 1st I weighed 214 and change while he was at 215 That seems close but since I started 8 lbs heavier I won with ease.
I have been having some pretty significant pain in my stump and after a month I decided I might want to have it checked out. I consulted with WC and they got me an appointment with Dr. Fletcher. I wasn't real sure he would remember me as I haven't seen or spoken with him in four years. I was walking down the hall to get x-rays and met him at the door. He absolutely shocked me when he said "Hey boy we have to get you ready for the Masters". I couldn't believe he remembered that my initial goal was to make it back to Augusta National. After looking at the films of my leg and me seeing the huge rod in my stump he said that my weight loss was probably the cause for the pain. I am currently working with the guys at Alabama Limb to solve the problem.
Lastly, my beloved Masters week has just ended. Anyone that knows me understands how enamored I am with the club, course, and tournament. I truly look forward to this week more than any other week of the year. It's the equivalent of getting a raise, a week off, and a promotion rolled into one glorious week. My fascination with it stems from hours with my dad on the subject. For four days every year we watched the coverage from beginning to end. Dad and I have a ton of things in common that we share, but Augusta may be the biggest as we literally can't get enough of the place. It was certainly special going to sunrise at Whitewater with sweet wife and ending the day with Dad as Jimmy Nantz signed off at AGNC.
I know this blog has been long, but I hope it semi got you bguys caught up in the lives of the Granthams'.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Madness Begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have probably written this post the last 3 years. However, as long as I update this blog I will continue to do it every year. Today 4 years ago was my best day in the hospital. I had been awake for exactly one week and I was still very sick. Also, I was not exactly sure what was going on. The only thing I did know was the NCAA basketball tournament was starting and the 1st game tipped at 11:15. Even though I had only been awake for a week I was bored and was starting to see if the wreck they told me I was in didn't kill me the daily programming of the cable company certainly would.
For the next 4 days It was wall-to-wall basketball and I loved it. All the male nurses on night shift gathered in my room when they could to get scores and sweat their wagers. It almost seemed like we were in a living room drinking beers and watching games except I could moved only my right hand and the liquid I was taking was a heckava lot strong than Coors Light.
The tournament last about a month, but starting that 1st week the games are cut in half until the Monday before the Masters when they crown the winner. Every time this comes up in conversation with Uncle John or Daniel we always laugh about the events that surrounded that week. I hope whoever you have in your bracket wins!
Fins Up,
Jr
For the next 4 days It was wall-to-wall basketball and I loved it. All the male nurses on night shift gathered in my room when they could to get scores and sweat their wagers. It almost seemed like we were in a living room drinking beers and watching games except I could moved only my right hand and the liquid I was taking was a heckava lot strong than Coors Light.
The tournament last about a month, but starting that 1st week the games are cut in half until the Monday before the Masters when they crown the winner. Every time this comes up in conversation with Uncle John or Daniel we always laugh about the events that surrounded that week. I hope whoever you have in your bracket wins!
Fins Up,
Jr
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Hello there!
Before we get into the meat of the blog I just want you to know this is the 600th post. Wow! 4 years, 600 posts, and only 1 missing leg. Those are some pretty incredible stats on a lot of levels.
A couple weeks ago D and I had the opportunity to see Vince Gill. I grew up on his music, but had no idea he was such a talented musician. The show and weekend were relaxing and fun.
This past weekend we laid pretty low as DeAnn had to work the Miss Elba pageant with the study club. I on the other hand worked Saturday morning then spent the afternoon with Mom. On Friday night we ate with DeAnn's parents and had a nice evening.
Today is election day in the State of Alabama. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that the citizens of this fine state are going to elect a crusader that uses the Commandments as a prop or so it appears. However, this is the same place that found 12 people that favored some of the most crooked people of our time and gave them walking papers.
I'm off the political soapbox. In other news, Dad and I have 17 days until the "official" weigh-in. We both got on the scales at the gym today and we both weighed 220 lbs. Which means I have an 8 pound advantage as we start to see the end. I'm pretty pumped I must admit. I still have 5 lbs to go to meet my target weight for this bet. 200 is where I want to ultimately end up. We will see what happens.
Fins Up,
Jr.
A couple weeks ago D and I had the opportunity to see Vince Gill. I grew up on his music, but had no idea he was such a talented musician. The show and weekend were relaxing and fun.
This past weekend we laid pretty low as DeAnn had to work the Miss Elba pageant with the study club. I on the other hand worked Saturday morning then spent the afternoon with Mom. On Friday night we ate with DeAnn's parents and had a nice evening.
Today is election day in the State of Alabama. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that the citizens of this fine state are going to elect a crusader that uses the Commandments as a prop or so it appears. However, this is the same place that found 12 people that favored some of the most crooked people of our time and gave them walking papers.
I'm off the political soapbox. In other news, Dad and I have 17 days until the "official" weigh-in. We both got on the scales at the gym today and we both weighed 220 lbs. Which means I have an 8 pound advantage as we start to see the end. I'm pretty pumped I must admit. I still have 5 lbs to go to meet my target weight for this bet. 200 is where I want to ultimately end up. We will see what happens.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Great Weekend!
Yesterday DeAnn and I went to Birmingham to see Jimmy Buffett at BJCC. Uncle Daniel was supposed to go, but had something come up so DeAnn filled in for him. I worked until around 10:30 and we headed out pretty quick after that. One thing that I love about a Buffett Show is the atmosphere in the parking lot before it starts. Well, Wicked was playing at BJCC on Saturday so there was a bunch of people in dress casual that didn't know what to think. Kathy, Jenni, and "No Fun" Bobby Waters showed up around 3 and we sat around hanging around until 6:30 or so. It was there first Jimmy concert so I was trying to tell them what to expect.
Once we got to the door we hugged them bye as we were going into a different gate. DeAnn and I finally got settled as there was some confusion about our seats. We ended up being right by the left side of the stage. The seats were great. The show started a little slow, but picked up steam real quick. In the middle he did about 4 Alabama themed songs complete with scenes of the Flora-bama and the NC game to cap it off. He played a full 3-hours with a little help which was the longest in a few of the latest tours I've seen. He did a 5 song encore that included a good rendition of "Stars Fell on Alabama". Overall it was a different, but a great concert. We pulled back into Elba right at 2 A.M.
Today is the 4 year anniversary of my accident. As this day has gone by I can't help but think of all the people that have helped me return to a normal life. Yesterday as we were laughing with great friends I was thinking about how far we have come. Right now 4 years ago I was undergoing the first of a couple life-saving surgeries. Typing that and knowing I'm talking about myself is very surreal. To all of you that prayed. came by, sent cards if I haven't said thank you with words please know how thankful our family has been for the support.
Have a wonderful week and Fins Up,
Neil
Once we got to the door we hugged them bye as we were going into a different gate. DeAnn and I finally got settled as there was some confusion about our seats. We ended up being right by the left side of the stage. The seats were great. The show started a little slow, but picked up steam real quick. In the middle he did about 4 Alabama themed songs complete with scenes of the Flora-bama and the NC game to cap it off. He played a full 3-hours with a little help which was the longest in a few of the latest tours I've seen. He did a 5 song encore that included a good rendition of "Stars Fell on Alabama". Overall it was a different, but a great concert. We pulled back into Elba right at 2 A.M.
Today is the 4 year anniversary of my accident. As this day has gone by I can't help but think of all the people that have helped me return to a normal life. Yesterday as we were laughing with great friends I was thinking about how far we have come. Right now 4 years ago I was undergoing the first of a couple life-saving surgeries. Typing that and knowing I'm talking about myself is very surreal. To all of you that prayed. came by, sent cards if I haven't said thank you with words please know how thankful our family has been for the support.
Have a wonderful week and Fins Up,
Neil
Monday, February 13, 2012
Many things to discuss
I know its been a while. I pumped out a pretty good blog last Wednesday, but it was deleted somehow and I was so mad that I just closed the computer.
A few weeks ago DeAnn and I went to Frogz with the Stephens and the Stewart for Elizabeth's birthday. It was a very good meal and it was good to catch up with everybody. We planned on going on to Enterprise afterwards, but after that wonderful I was done.
That next Wednesday Billy, Wynn, Dad and I went to Tuscaloosa for the signing day party. We got there a little early and had a late lunch with John at Phil's and then made our way to the Zone at BDS. It is an amazing time to be a Bama fan and listening to Saban you can just tell he's not done. I will make a wager with anyone that we will win another one in the next 4 years. Our class was very top heavy. After that was over we mt Reese's crew for Mexican.
We had a lazy weekend as we were gearing up for our almost annual trip to Daphne for the Mardi Gras Ball. This year we had Jerry and Kerri tag along with the rest of the usual suspects. The Velcro Pigmyes were the band for the night and I hadn't seen them since college so that was a fun surprise. The food, fellowship and band made for an awesome time. DeAnn and I didn't go last year and missing a year made it that much more fun. Kerri had a great time as the rookie and I'm pretty sure she was ready to go back.
We pretty much rested on Saturday and Sunday until DeAnn decided we were going to the movies. We went to Hunan's for a little Chinese before "the Vow". So predictable, but she liked it so that was all that matters I guess.
Some of you may know that Dad and I have a weight loss bet that ends on April 1st. I'm down 12 pounds and will get VERY strict in the next week or so. I want to lose about 12 more before the 1st. It's been a little easier than I expected, but I know I must put work in to reach my goal.
I hope you enjoyed getting caught up in the lives of the Grantham's. I promise it won't be another month before I post again.
Fins Up,
Jr
A few weeks ago DeAnn and I went to Frogz with the Stephens and the Stewart for Elizabeth's birthday. It was a very good meal and it was good to catch up with everybody. We planned on going on to Enterprise afterwards, but after that wonderful I was done.
That next Wednesday Billy, Wynn, Dad and I went to Tuscaloosa for the signing day party. We got there a little early and had a late lunch with John at Phil's and then made our way to the Zone at BDS. It is an amazing time to be a Bama fan and listening to Saban you can just tell he's not done. I will make a wager with anyone that we will win another one in the next 4 years. Our class was very top heavy. After that was over we mt Reese's crew for Mexican.
We had a lazy weekend as we were gearing up for our almost annual trip to Daphne for the Mardi Gras Ball. This year we had Jerry and Kerri tag along with the rest of the usual suspects. The Velcro Pigmyes were the band for the night and I hadn't seen them since college so that was a fun surprise. The food, fellowship and band made for an awesome time. DeAnn and I didn't go last year and missing a year made it that much more fun. Kerri had a great time as the rookie and I'm pretty sure she was ready to go back.
We pretty much rested on Saturday and Sunday until DeAnn decided we were going to the movies. We went to Hunan's for a little Chinese before "the Vow". So predictable, but she liked it so that was all that matters I guess.
Some of you may know that Dad and I have a weight loss bet that ends on April 1st. I'm down 12 pounds and will get VERY strict in the next week or so. I want to lose about 12 more before the 1st. It's been a little easier than I expected, but I know I must put work in to reach my goal.
I hope you enjoyed getting caught up in the lives of the Grantham's. I promise it won't be another month before I post again.
Fins Up,
Jr
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