Friday – 8/20/2010

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”

Today’s positive quote just about sums up last night. The only thing missing is a big Thank You! I don’t even know where to begin. The outpouring of support was overwhelming. I am so grateful for all the friends I have and have met over the course of my life, especially this past year. Needless to say, last night’s fundraiser was a great success!  We were able to raise enough money to gain me therapy services for the next three months — every day for the next three months!

I would like to thank all of you — Around the Corner Saloon, the guest bartenders, those who donated baskets for the fundraiser, the very generous tippers, Reggie and Leo for the transportation, John and Amy for the photos, all of you who bought me drinks (and shots), Belmez for the tunes, and Kathy and Mary for arranging this wonderful event. But most of all, I would like to thank all of you who showed up as well as those who couldn’t be there but sent me wonderful notes. It is through your generosity that I’m able to continue the therapy I need on my path to getting better!

Yesterday, before I headed to the fundraiser, I went to visit Dr. Nemeh. He is the healing doctor whose service I went to a few weeks ago. This time I was able at to visit him at his office. This was the first time I visited him at his office and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I know he believes in a lot of alternative medicine as well as prayer. During my visit, he performed a type of electrical sensory on me. He was able to generate a current throughout different nerves in my body which triggered a muscle reaction. These reactions were much different than spasms as they were due directly to the nerves firing up. At times I was able to feel very strong contractions in my chest muscles. These were different than any type of feeling I’ve had there before. Hopefully, it is a sign of things to come.  He was pleased with what he saw, though he did comment that my left side seems to be stronger than my right side. He is a very positive man and left me with a feeling of determination and hope. I definitely plan to go back to him as I found it time well spent.

It’s been a pretty crazy week so far. Well, maybe not so much crazy, but very busy!  There have literally been days this week when people are lined up three deep outside my door to get at me. However, one of the most beneficial visits was from one of the employees at LEAP. They are part of the organization for vocational rehabilitation, whose aim is to help people get back to work after they have suffered a disability. We spent some time working on my Dragon Speak software which allows me to use a computer without any assistance. In fact, I am pleased to report that this is the very first journal entry I posted entirely by myself. I opened up Word, dictated my journal entry, saved it, and e-mailed to the webmaster for posting. I did all this on my own without any assistance. I can’t begin to tell you the feeling of independence it gives me to know that I can now use a computer in much the same way I did before my injury. This will allow me to get serious about working again now that I know I can do much more on my own. I’ve yet to try any fancy power point presentations. Although when I’m done with this journal entry I plan to go on the iTunes site to purchase some music. Pretty cool. What’s also great is that I can speak much faster than I type, so those of you know how wordy I can get… be prepared! Another great thing about this software is that those I rely on to help with my posts can now take a break, especially my mom.

Next week will be a busy week for me, even busier than this week. I am scheduled to have my cough assist surgery on September 7. Next week are all of the pre–op tests. I will be at Metro Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It will be a lot of back-and-forth that I’m sure will leave me exhausted. Speaking of exhausted, last night did not wear me out as much I thought it would. My voice was shot, and my neck was a little sore, but otherwise I felt great! I was in bed by about one o’clock and slept very soundly. I got up early and went outside to listen to my music before coming in to work on this post. It’s nice to know that my stamina is starting to come back more and more with each outing I take. Just an excuse for more parties!

I’ve received a lot of great comments about my website, but was surprised to find out that many of you are not aware that you can sign up to receive updates via e-mail. On the main page towards the bottom is an e-mail registry. It takes a few seconds to type in your e-mail to get signed up. Please be sure to sign up so that you are up-to-date every time there is a post. I plan to post some of the photos over the next few days so be sure to look for my update.

One of the things I have mentioned in the past is that I don’t find myself looking too far into the future anymore. Rather, I focus on a few days at a time. There is so much uncertainty and sometimes anxiety that it’s easier to not overwhelm my mind with far-off thoughts and worries that I can’t control anyway. Things are more manageable when you take them in small chunks. Don’t get me wrong, there are still things down the road I’m looking forward to like September 2 when the Buckeyes open up their season! I’m also looking forward to the Browns this year as well — I say that every year, but this year will be different. (I say that every year too).

I am also looking forward to next Monday. Pat, one of the therapists I work with, is married to Brian Henke, a very popular musician in northeast Ohio area. He has been kind enough to offer to play for me next Monday evening. I am really looking forward to this! Live music, good friends, dogs, plenty of wine and hopefully some great weather! Should be a great time!

In closing, I want to thank everyone again. Thank you for your support last night, the laughter we shared the donations you made, and your continued prayers and support. It is so appreciated!

Don’t forget to register on the website!!

Scott