“The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping stone in the pathway of the strong.”

I wanted to give a quick thank you to everyone who has purchased an awareness bracelet. Your support has been so appreciated and I am very grateful!

I had another appointment at Metro yesterday regarding the cough assist system. My performance continues to get stronger and stronger. I was able to get a few new settings added to it, including a series of coughs — this way I can now cough multiple times at once. The next step will be to remove the trache. I also plan to have my diaphragmatic pacing system removed soon. Now that I’m fully capable of breathing on my own, and no longer use it, I’ve decided to remove it. This is a pretty big step that I am excited about!

I recently completed my application for Kennedy Krieger rehab facility in Baltimore. Kennedy Krieger is an intensive physical therapy rehabilitation clinic for spinal cord patients. It is a highly respected facility, one that Christopher Reeve spent some time at. What is great about Kennedy Krieger is that they design a program for you that you’re able to take with you when you leave in order to continue rehab at home. Since I already own the standing machine and hope to soon purchase the exercise bike, I’ll have some of the equipment that they recommend. I hope to hear from them over the next few weeks regarding my application. I am very eager to get back into some type of therapy routine. I am also looking into another program in Mason, Ohio that is a weeklong rehab program.

I got a call from the organization that trains therapy dogs. I submitted an application several months ago and they would now like to meet with me to discuss my needs. I think I would benefit tremendously from having a therapy dog, not to mention how much I enjoy animals. Believe it or not, I am also looking into a therapy monkey. It might sound crazy, but the things that they train these monkeys to do are unbelievable. Unfortunately, if it comes down to it I may have to choose between a monkey or a dog. I can honestly say that I never expected a life in which I might be forced to make a choice between having a dog or a monkey for a housemate. I guess stranger things have happened!

It sounds like a lot has been going on, but I am still growing restless. I want to get out of this place and into a house. The fact that I want to build a brand-new home brings with it a certain amount of patience I need to find. I am in the process of trying to find a suitable lot on which to build, but the idea of looking at a picture of trees on the computer screen does not exactly convey the proper sense of “home sweet home.” I think I would like to stay on the west side of Cleveland near the water, so have focused my search to that area. I had a visit this morning from a priest at St. Ignatius high school. He asked me if there is anything in particular I wanted him to pray for and I told him my family needs help finding the right lot.

I had a great visit with a former coworker from Trex this past Monday. He lives out-of-town, but was passing through on business. We had an awesome conversation about everything going on in our lives. In a way, we have both found ourselves in a spot we might not have predicted a few years ago. It was really nice to catch up with him.

Again, I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and support! It is so greatly appreciated!

Scott

Thursday – 11/4/2010

0 thoughts on “Thursday – 11/4/2010

  • November 14, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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    Hi Scott,

    You may not know me but I am one of the neighbors up at the lake. I also live near Mason, OH. If you send me some info about that facility I could look into it also. I am a physical therapist asst. in the area… I focus in outpatient ortho but can ask around about the facility. Let me know if I can help

    Reply
  • November 5, 2010 at 11:53 am
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    Sounds like a lot is going onmonkey’s,dogs and house let alone the Kennedy Kreiger thing

    We are rooting for you from NC
    Keep strong as you are. Freinds are here to support your needs.Please keep us tuned in for your needs

    Fred K

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  • November 5, 2010 at 10:20 am
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    Hey you know that I live in Mason Ohio! Let me know if you want me to head over and check anything out for you at the facility. Just email the address and what I should look for. I would love to hangout again and the wife wants to see you too since she missed you last time at Kevin’s.

    Reply
  • November 5, 2010 at 7:48 am
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    I was so pleased to read that many positive things are happening. I will certainly pray that you find the right lot to build your new home.

    You so inpsire – you have so many positive thoughts. I can only imagine the number of people you continue to inspire.

    I’m anxious to hear what animal gets the nod.

    God Bless You,
    (Bobbi’s friend)

    Reply
  • November 4, 2010 at 5:05 pm
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    ‘The block of granite which was an OBSTACLE in the pathway of the weak, became a stepping stone in the pathway of the strong.”
    What a co-incidental message!
    I ordered the book on CD “The boy who went to heaven” that we talked about and should have it for you I think by Monday.
    See you soon.

    Reply
  • November 4, 2010 at 4:55 pm
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    Scott,
    If you’re taking votes, I say go with the Monkey. There are too many moments of hilarity waiting for you not mention the capabilities a monkey has over “man’s best friend. There is another option as well; get both! Call it a X-mas present “from me, to me, for me.” All kiddin aside, there is tremendous upside to both and you’ll make the right choice. So glad to hear you are making great progress on the breathing and coughing. Keep it up, brother. As for the “field of dreams”, don’t let the “staring at a lot on a computer screen cloud the visions your wonderful mind can create. You are the artist…the lot is your canvas….not get going and create something beautiful.

    Love you,
    Ricky-Bobby

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  • November 4, 2010 at 4:51 pm
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    Hi Scott,
    So many good things going on and you must be so excited about the possibilities. I would think you would be a good candidate for either program.
    Would love to see you with a dog. I not heard about using monkeys but it makes sense.
    You will be so happy to have the trach out and being able to use the standing machine.
    You continue to go guy! And, I’m sure you will find the perfect lot.
    Love to you,
    Cherry

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  • November 4, 2010 at 4:18 pm
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    Have to laugh at the dog and monkey choice.
    A cousin suggested the monkey for my husband. He thinks I can just be his monkey!
    It is really amazing what they can do.
    It is great you are able to use the standing frame. Did not work out for him.
    Thanks for the updates. We are rooting for you from MN.

    Reply

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