Thursday, November 30

Sorry for the big gap in blogs. George and I have been busy attending what is called "Key" training at Shepherd in Atlanta.

Today we did shower training and attended several classroom training sessions. Sam's treac opening has closed enough that he can use the shower.

Sam was photographed for a presentation that Shepherd staff will be doing in the future. The the focus of the photo shoot was to demonstrate how a person without finger movement can retrieve, load and play a cd on a portable player. I never thought that Sam would have the opportunity to be a "hand model".

The Sam is scheduled to leave the hospital and start the Shepherd Day Program on December 21. We'll be staying with Sam in an apartment across Peachtree from the hospital. Each day we'll get dressed and go training sessions that teach the patient how to get along out in the real world. It should be quite an adventure!

Friday, November 24th, 10:00 a.m.

Well I hope everyone had a great Turkey day! I'm sure everybody's rubbing their bellies. We had a wonderful thanksgiving. Sam only rolled down the driveway backwards once, just kidding. Lan and I got to Shepherds about 10:00 and Dad and Jaime weren't far behind us. Sam told me what all to pack him and we were off around 12:00. We made a flawless transfer from the chair to the front seat of my van with Sam. Dad, Jaime, and Lan sat in the back seat. In normal Sam fashion we rode to our Aunt Susan's with his shades on listening to some gnarles barkley, chili peppers, and nellie furtaco's "Permiscuous". Once we got their we made another flawless transfer to his chair from the van, until we realized that we didn't lock the brakes and he started rolling down the driveway. Again, just kidding, no people or animals were hurt (except maybe the turkey). We ate a delicious meal prepared by our Aunt Susan. Sam had seconds of turkey, dressing, and gravy. He even ate a piece of all three pies that she cooked. With it being such a beautiful day we ate outside on the back deck and after our meal went inside to watch a little football and darts (yes they actually televise darts, go figure). Dad took pictures of Lan, Sam and myself for Xmas cards. After that we headed back to Shepherd. On the way back we listened to Panic's Halloween show at the MGM Grand. Sam agrees with probably the rest of the world that G-mac needed to go and that Jimmy Herring is a great fit after listening to a few tracks. Again flawless transfer to and from the van. Sam got back to Shepherd and started making his rounds to different rooms, plugging his music by giving people cd's of his latest project that he worked on before his accident. We had a great Thanksgiving. At Aunt Susan's he got to visit with Aunt Sis, Gran and Granpappy, Uncle Brooks, Aunt Susan, Jennings, Robert, Dad and Jaime, and Lan and myself. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and had safe travels.
George

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam III will be going over to Aunt Susan's for Thanksgiving today. There are so many to thank who have helped to make this visit possible. A special thank you to all of you who have monitored Sam's progress and have written comments and included him in your prayers. I went throught the archives and here are the names of those that commented during the past three months.

Mike, Vicky, Pollock, Hays and Michael Davis, Bobby S., drbongo, mando, will dockery, janis, larry c, rebecca and eduardo, skydog leigh, leigh, dr. sullivan,Kacey Crosby, Meg (Mary Margaret), Candace and Jeremy, erin, josh and heather, George and LeeAnne, Jason and Lisa Ezzell, Page, Nickey Selfe, Rick Dukes, "Holliewood", Sandra and Allen, Leigh Anne & Clay, Daniel Griffith, Randy, Gina and Lindsey, Bubba Redding, Duby, Gogo, Gillian, thamailman, "Miss" Ginger, Rick, Payton and Nolan, John Phillips, Hope and Faith, Ame, David and Charlie's Aunt & your Grandmother's fishing buddies Ellen, Bob and Robert, Kelli, Jenny (and Kali), Jon Godfrey, DUSTIN, Nickey, debbie, Jordan, Pavy, Sanchez and Sasia, Ms Beth, Ashley, DIXIE, DAVID AND LESLIE, Mike Landis, David and Charlie's AuntEllen, Courtney, Amanda and Clayton, Marsha and Bill Singer/Dallas, Noelle, Georgia, Shelley and Dick, Johnny and Wanda, steve, Little Hollis, Ivy, Ann-michele, Mickey and Frank, Grandin Eakle, SimBob, Kelly, Amy, and Cameron Selfe, Godfrey, Chris and Erin, Van Bradford, Kelli J, Josh Blankenship, Curtis, Jimmy Babb family, CRAWFORD, Lainie, Troy Kelley, Slade, David Van, Polly-wog Wiggins, Kyle Nichols, JULIE AND RICK, Reg, Cindy DePlonty, Rick C, Kimberly A. Bass T.C. and Kenna/ clerk, Kasi Mason, Anne Schaeffer, Luther and Diane Yates, Van Bradford and Susanna, Nikki Smith, -J, JACKIE JO, Julian and Joan, MATT, Captain and Rebecca Fort, Patrick W. Hopkins, Jeff, Dennis, Jenny, Robbie Wright, George B., Tripp, Mike Farrington, Matt's Nana, Jeff and Noelle, glen giles, Mitch Hedburg, Jason Wink, Patrick Taylor, Jack Handy, Mr. Man, ashley w., Peter Griffin, Jenny, Elizabeth Hollomon, kevin, Donald, Billy Kleinhoff, TN Sleadds: Robert, Sandra, Rob and Will, Kyle N., Khaki and Pepper, eileen, Lainie, Jay, Talley, and Jess, mothershed, Shelley, Dick and the boys, Charlie and Ava Smith, Blair & Jeremy, Paypay, Tiddles, david wellons, don, tiffanny.

Thanks to everyone!!!!!

Sunday, November19th

What's up guys. Sorry I didn't post yesterday but we had a really good time. Sam played poker in PT and won. We watched Auburn win and Sam roamed the halls hanging out with a lot of the friends that he's met up here. Mom came up and with Lan picked us all up lunch at Ted's Restaurant. Sam got to munch on some chili cheese fries. After Mom left, Mailman and Tiffany showed up and we had a really good time hanging out with them. Uncle Brooks and cousin Jennings dropped in with special brownies for Sam. While Jennings and Uncle Brooks were here we got R2D2 out and as usual he was giving us all a hard time (we might just keep him locked up in the closet like a gimp if he doesn't get his attitude together). Chrissy, a good friend of all of ours that we haven't seen in a while came by yesterday and we all hung out. George Bateman also came in Saturday night. Dad came up last night for some training and that was about all. Today we got to Shepherds and couldn't find Sam. He was out and about making the rounds. It's been Lan, Bateman, Chrissy, Sam and myself hanging out today and Lan and Bateman have gone to get groceries to fire up the grill today. We're having fun and we'll talk to you guys soon. George

Friday October 16th 10:00

Well I don't know where to begin with this post. The improvement that our main man has made is unbelievable!!! Lan and I are still here at Shepherd, that haven't kicked us out yet. But you guys gotta hear what's goin' on. Sam is shaving himself, working on his own IC training, able to hold up to eat hamburgers and sandwiches, working his Ipod and cellphone by himself, and is also now part of the Peer Support team. He's movement on the mat is awesome. He's attitude is unbelievable and he exumes confidence. He's working his charm on all the ladies still (nurses and patients). He's been telling all the nurses that Christmas came early with his sly smile. He's got a lot of street cred around hear with his seniority. All in all, he's doing whatever the hell he wants to and is just as happy as he can be. I didn't know how start this post and I don't know how to end it, all I know that I want to get back to hanging out with my brother b/c all of this is too good to be true. Keep the prayers coming and much love.
George

Wednesday November 15

I went to Alalanta to see Sam III today. He was doing fine. The doctor has removed the button from his treac and it is healing up. As a result of removing the button, air escapes though the gause bandage when Sam speaks. He is using his hand to cover the bandage to force the air through his throat. Of course this makes it hard for him to talk for a few days until it fully closes.

I went to PT and Kelly showed me how to get Sam into and out of a car. Sam is almost ready to travel out of the hospital on a day pass.

Sam a couple of baby Krystal burgers for lunch. He can use his hands to eat them.

Thank you all of the prayers. Please keep them coming!

Monday, November 13th 5:00

Hey everyone, Just got off the phone with Sam and he said that today about 12:30 they removed his button from his throat. This button was the step down from the trac and now that the button is out it should take 1 to 3 days for the hole to heal. This was really good news. Also Sam rode a bike for 55 minutes which was about 10 miles! Well, he didn't actually ride a bike. They put a wheel at the bottom of his wheel chair, strap his feet in pedals, and use electrodes to power the wheel. I believe it's the motion of pedaling that is beneficial. His therapists were surprised that he rode it for as long as he did. Great day to start off a week. Also thank you to everyone that came out this weekend to help with the music room. So much work was accomplished! Thanks everybody.
George

Monday November 13

Sorry for the delay in posts. There are several things going on. George and a number of Sam's friends worked on Sam's "Man Room" over the the weekend. They built a deck in front of the room, changed out the door, demolished the existing interior, added studs as needed, removed and added new electrical wiring, outlets and switches, new lights. The insulation folks are due later this week. After that comes sheetrock. Uncle Lew came down from Atlanta to head up the project. Sam should really enjoy this room. It is really going to serve his needs.

I visited Sam on Saturday. I went to PT with him and work with him to do leg stretches. He is in great spirits and is working hard! I saw him dial on his cell phone and use his Ipod. So much progress in just a few weeks!

Ya'll keep commenting and praying. Sam does enjoy hearing from you.

Thursday November 9

George was in Atlanta training at Shepherd with Sam today. George reports that he learned how to use the Hoya lift to move Sam from his chair to the front seat of a Saturn automobile. He has also completed IC training.

I was in training yesterday and learn about leg and shoulder stretching. I also used the lift to move Sam from his bed to chair and from chair to mat. Sam was working on putting on and taking off his t-shirt by himself.

I met with Jane who is with the Shepherd's Bridge Program. She will be working with Sam a year after he leaves Shepherd. She gave me a lot of great information.

Sam also had a visit yesterday from cousin Reg from New York.

Wednesday November 8

Here is the photo! Sam is a cow on a silver platter. Pictured also are Gran and Grandpappy.

Wednesday, October 8th 9:00

Hello everybody, It's George, just giving an update for today. Dad came up this morning for some additional training with Sam's PT and OT therapists. I was able to get away from work and participate in Sam's OT session with Dad. We worked on arm stretches. Sam also got a little shave. His wheelchair controls have been moved to his right side to strengthen his right hand. He's still eating and drinking great on his own. The trac came out yesterday and has been replaced with a button which is a step towards the right direction. His voice already sounds a lot better. I took tomorrow off, so I'll have a chance to work with his therapists all day tomorrow. I wanted to mention that this Saturday will be Phase I of converting our workshop into Sam's music room (he refers to it as his "Man Room"). We will have ribs, burgers and lots of beverages for everyone and will also have all the football games on, so please come on out and help pitch in. We'll get started pretty early Saturday but whenever you guys can show all help will be greatly appreciated. Visitors today included: Dad, Mom, Aunt Sue, our cousin Reg. I'll talk to you guys soon. Take care. Love, George

Tuesday November 7

You may have noticed that the site has a new look. After 100 posts during the past couple of years, I figured it was time for a new look. Like it or not? Let me know.

Monday November 6

Sam III is to be a guest on Trisha Patterson's radio show today between 5 and 6 p.m. Here is the url for internet reception:
http://radiosandysprings.com/
Then click on listen to Radio Sandy Springs online.

I just listened to the show, Public Access on Radio Sandy Springs 1620 AM. Chase, Trish's son, was also on air. Marshall Hamilton was also on the show. Trish called Sam and he answered questions from the show's host. Sam sounded great. He also said that his treac is scheduled to come out on Thursday. Thanks Trish for having Sam on with you.

11/07/2006 If you want to listen to a recorded version of the show, go to this link and select the show date of 11/06/2006 http://radiosandysprings.com/PublicAccess/index.html

SAM GOES WIRELESS!!!!

That's right, as of Sunday, Sam is no longer connected to anything. He no longer has the telimetry box attached to him. This box was always on Sam and had several wires that ran out of it that stuck to his chest with those little suction patches. His vital signs were monitored from this box. They obviously feel that he is healthy enough now to the point where they do not need to monitor him. He was very happy to have this removed. Another step in the right direction. He had a really good day yesterday. He got a shower for the first time. Some of you may be wondering if I mean the first time as in his life, but no it's the first shower since being at Shepherd. They've been just giving him sponge baths (which they will continue to do). He had Claybo and Bob come visit and Aunt Sue came by. He and I both napped for a little while yesterday. We also raced wheelchairs. When Bobby, Claybo, and Lan were there, we were hanging out in the gym. I was popping wheelies in Sam's manual chair when he looked at me and said "You wanna race?" How could I turn down such bold challenge. Claybo was the flag girl who says "Ready, Set, Go!" and Sam and I took off. I had him at first but his electric chair certainly does gain momentum because he ended beating me. Not by too much. Anyways, we had a really good weekend and Sam is ready for another hard working week of therapy. Talk to you all soon,
George

Saturday, November 4th, 3:30

Hey everybody it's George, just hanging out with Sam and Lan. It's a good time to post now because Sam is resting in his chair and Lan is asleep in his bed. He has made so much progress from last weekend when we were here. He's feeding himself and drinking by himself. He's also brushing his teeth by himself. His muscle control has increased. You can tell he has really been working hard in PT and OT b/c it has paid off. He's a bit sore this weekend but that's just from working his butt off this week. Just to recap some of Sam's Milestones this week: On Monday, Sam ate and drank by himself for the first time. With a couple of straps and a bent fork and spoon, Sam goes to town on some food. On Tuesday, Sam came off the vent. completely. He had been put on the vent for a few hours each night but he no longer needs that assistance. On Wednesday, his feeding tube came out. He was joking and said the nurse tied a piece of string to the tube and the other end to the door and then slammed the door, but that's not exactly the way they operate up here. Thursday and Friday were very productive days in PT and OT. Once on the mat, Sam is able to hold himself up with his arms and various other exercises that he has not been able to do on his own until then. Overall, it was a extraordinary week for Sam. He had many visitors this week. I'm not sure exactly who all stopped in but I do know some of his visitors this week include: Gogo, Gillian, Tara, Gran and Granpappy. Of course Dad, Mom, Hollis, Aunt Sue and family, and Aunt Susan and family. Also cousins Sara, Julian, and Fred came by on Thursday. Today we played with R2D2 robot from Dustin with Aunt Sue, Uncle Lewis, and Suzy. Sam wanted to thank Jaime Simmons (I'm sorry I only know your maiden name) for the really good looking junk food basket. Sam, Lan, and I would also like to send our love to our step-mom Jaime since she had back surgery yesterday. We love you and hope you get to feeling better. Well, that's all for now. Tomorrow Sam wants to reply to some posts so you guys will hear from him soon. Until then, we love you all and thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Oh yeah, don't think we've forgotten to post Sam's Halloween picture, it's coming soon.
George