Sorry everybody (or anyone) who has been visiting this blog in hope of keeping up with me. I have had a busy and busy month (december)! This month I have shed my dependence on daily living assistance! That means no more nurse bringing me my morning coffee and helping me go through my morning routine! Hip Hip Horay! That means I can dress all of me, wash all of me, make all my own meals, get in and out of bed, do my own laundry/dishes and such..solo! Sounds like simple stuff? Not so easy considering the ol' legs are still attached. They have gotten much skinnier and lighter, making them easier to deal with. The darn feet are still swollen (like most of my other spinal cord injury buddies are too) . But progress is being made, thank you. These tasks still take a incredible amounts of time compared to before. It feels good to know I won't die if left alone...Now I will also add, I do very much enjoy the help I do still recieve with some of these tasks some of the times! Thank God. Because It would not yet be fun to " Have to " do everything all of the time!
The shower upgrade in the bathing suite is now complete thanks to a very laborous tile and plumbing project performed by Mr Bob Fien, a Mister Tim Kupec, and a most helpful "jumping Joe Esmond". A huge improvement in my convienance and comfort level! Thanks to them and the financial donations made by you friends and blog buddies!

Wake Weekly story on Chris - October 29, 2009

Check out today's Wake Weekly newspaper. There's a story on Chris on page 11A.

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

Ok everyone, I guess it's time to tell you how old C.K. himself is doing....
I'm home now, after about 4 weeks in WakeMed Rehab (a place I had a love/hate relationship with). It was most important to participate all the same. I learned my basic skills all over again...starting with just sitting up and balance (just like a child I once taught) and moved on up to getting dressed on my own, etc. Basic, but important. Advantage is the wisdom of experience and having done it all before. We moved up the ladder to getting in and out of cars without leg control. Also very difficult at first, but do-able. Basic wheelchair skills were taught and learned including "wheelies". I was surprised that this was a "lesson" (one of the more enjoyable ones!)

So now back at home I have to continue this learning curve of survival. I am lucky to have my Mom right now with me and constant help from Joanne, whenever she has time, which she has been quite steadfast in sacrificing to me needs. So, I am in "good hands".

The front entrance and walk project turned out beautiful thanks to "the gang" and a sweet final finish by good ol' Joe Esmond. Thanks again to everyone who has helped in person or by their financial support. A wheelchair-suitable bathroom is now being established, as well, thanks to help from you folks.

I do still have challenges before me, both mental and physical. I hate seeing the leaves pile up. The landscaper in me is dying to rake them up! The little things everyone does everyday seem like big jobs all of a sudden. Just taking out the trash, for example. Never thought about it until now. But these challenges will force me to become more creative in my thinking and eventually doing. "Necessity is the mother of invention"! Off to "think" on things.....CK

Next post : Health insurance would have been much cheaper than these doctor/hospital bills!!! Learn from my mistake......Get some!

Thank you for donations!

Thanks again to all of the people who have donated through the mail and by the link below. We want to give a special thanks to Gerda and Friedel Beek from Hannover, Germany. They have supplied significant funds in order for Chris' home to be readied for him. You guys are great!

Christian Comes Home!

After 6 weeks in the hospital, Chris arrived home this weekend. It's good to have him close again. Joanne

The concrete has arrived!

No sooner than we thought, the hospital has decided to let Chris come home for good. Some folks would say he was kicked out of the hospital, but for those who have been in the hospital we usually feel as our stay is cut short. Pretty sure Chris feels this way about coming home. Nevertheless, home is a good thing. We have all joked about Chris being able to take a shower in the front yard as his bathroom is far from being completed. We could consider renting a room at the local hotel by the hour. Not! That just doesn't sound right. We will figure it out…
While just today Bob Kastl was able to donate a shower chair for him. We were able to purchase a hospital bed from Bill at Southeastern Free Will Baptist College. He was so kind to deliver and set it up for free, satisfaction guaranteed. It is truly amazing how gracious people are.
I want to thank every one who has donated time and money to Chris and his fund. Not all the financial donations have come through the ChipIn link as some people have simply given donations to me in person. Thank you again!
Take a look at the photos of finished sidewalk completed today by Joe, Pablo, Bob, Dave, and myself. Joe is the owner of Masonry Designs by Joe Esmond (919) 274 0179. http://www.esmondmasonry.com/

I encourage you to call him if you need any masonry work at your home or business. Joe is a longtime friend who also went to Onteroa Central High School back in the day.
Check back soon to see how an ordinary bedroom turns into a bathroom virtually overnight!

Para Bicycle

Christian got a chance to try out the para-bicycle last week at Spring Forest Park and went around the path for 1/2 mile. He said he liked the feeling of the "wind in his hair". Just goes to show, you can't keep a good man down. He's going to keep up with his friends no matter what.
Watch out all you, roller bladers and cyclists!