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Today is Thursday the 9th… Dennis is heading for home, he is clearly sick and tired of China… Lucky him.
I am sure you are all curious as to my progress, things remain the same – little movement in my right hand and a little more strength in my legs… this has not deterred the acupuncturist one bit… add to the needle count 16, 18, and14 for today.
Everyday I still get a visit from massage therapist and spend time on the standing table and on the power bike.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I get to enjoy the company of Dr. Pain… I am sure you must be curious as to how he inflicts pain… it is a very simple bend any joint to its limit and then take is 10% farther…. when the tears start you are there…. “No pain, No gain!!” The only English he seems to know!!! But, he is increasing my range of motion.
The staff here did not take kindly to our fly killing competition, in the middle of the night they erased the score board… and followed up in the morning with the fly strips that we had been asking for…. the nurses win – yeah.
Really, really, really missing home,
Lyle and Angela
Hi Buddy,
Clearly, this is an older pic or you did some Photoshop retouching because you got tired of the Austin look. We are all glad to hear that you have progressed. Once you get back we’re going to have to do one of your favorites… Thai.
Steve C
Hi Lyle,
Bill wants to know where he can get some of your hair tonic! We are so hoping that Dr. Pain is making gains. It would be wonderful if the results were immediate but the body doesn’t always react that quickly. We’re glad that you can feel some changes already. We’re buried up to our hinies in snow but so far the promised repeat of a week ago hasn’t happened. Sounds like the lower mainland and island got their share of the really wet version though. Much milder this past couple of days so Bill has been able to get some more work done on the house. He’ll do what he can and then cover it over until spring. We may be living in the motor home for a few months but thank goodness the kids don’t want to take over this place until March. We look forward to your continuing reports.
Love,
Bill and Liz-Anna
Lyle…glad to hear that Dr. Pain isn’t letting up!! I love that all the English he knows is “No Pain, No Gain”!! I’m really liking your fancy boots, any chance you get to bring those home with you? You could be starting a whole new fashion trend. Thanks for the updates especially the fly situation…I know home misses you as much as you miss it and we all are praying and hoping you will be home soon, safe and sound. You need to come back before the end of November ’cause their is a chance I’ll get picked for “Deal or No Deal” and I need my gambling buddy there to support me!
Big Hugs,
Dianne & Stergios
Hi Pin Cushion Just to let you know that your Dad arrived safely at 1.00 PM today. Took about an hour to get off aircraft, through customs. and get luggage. He was in great shape because they fed him a Roast Beef Dinner on the Air Canada flight back, and then Scrambled Eggs for breakfast a few hours before landing. Your Aunt Marie said I should give him Chicken Noodle soup because he had been feeling unwell, but—-I didn’t want to mention “Noodles” to him. We had a big laugh over that. Seems like there is awesome shopping there. Liked what he brought back. The puppy Harry went nuts went he saw him, got so excited he even piddled on the floor, hasn’t done that for months. Anyway, your Dad has gone for about a 12 hour sleep. Says that you are doing well, which is great. Darren is all set for Sunday morning departure to China. He will bring the part that you need for your wheelchair with him. Has your hair started to grow back, kinda like the bald look. Love from Mary Lou x0×0x0×0
Hi baby
..and Angela!
This message is really for everyone out there reading your blog! We talk lots and therefore I have the inside scoop on things! So here is some stuff for all you readers to enjoy…
1. They call Lyle the “Wise” Canadian – and it’s not because the doctors have seen what’s inside his head….they just smile when they look at Angela and then a picture of me (his wife) and notice it’s not the same woman! (Cory – this is all in good fun).
2. Apparently you are allowed to drink beer in the hospital – they even keep the fridge stocked so “guests” can help themselves. You know what can happen when you’ve got too much time on your hands sitting around with others. I think the beer is so the “guests” forget about eating…and the bad food.
3. Speaking of food – apparently a hamburger there is a piece of ham between two slices of bread. Luckily, today Angela found a menu for an Italian restaurant, and she and Lyle are going to give it a try and order in. I have offered to treat them every night to an Italian dinner until they come home, if they prefer it over the hospital food. Any bets?
4. This is sort of funny…now. Lyle’s wheelchair charger was accidentally plugged into the wrong outlet and the charger fried! For the past two weeks Ang and Lyle have continued to use the charger…but the deal is when the smoke gets too thick and they can’t stand the smell…or the nurse comes running in.. they shut it off. (but not to worry, Darren is on his way on sunday with the replacement charger).
5. Lastly, something everyone should know is ….Angela has been taking awesome care of Lyle! With all the obstacles and frustrations she has had to endure on a daily basis, she’s been a real trooper and great company! Even during our brief hellos, (when she’s imagined every other word I was saying was some yummy food – like ‘chicken pannini” when what I said was “check out the seating”……she remained in great spirits! So a really big thank you Angela from the heart.. ..can’t wait until you both get back home!
That’s all for now….hang in there! And try not to get into more trouble once Darren arrives – like making a home made version of the horse race game – for gambling purposes.
Lots of love ~ G.
I loved reading that Gaby
– all of you are amazing! Thank you to everyone for updating this blog, it is such a great way to keep everyone informed!
Sending love and healing wishes to Beijing..
Love, Cheryl – Hannah – Julia
Hey, beer in the hospital— that’s my kinda place! Glad to hear that Harry’s Dad (Dennis) made it home safe. Lyle, you might want to think about trading in those fancy boots for a set of flippers before you come home— it’s raining like crazy, we might all be under water by the time you get here
Take care Janine
Gaby and Lyle,
All I can say is that you are both loved so much. Your positive attitude and sense of humour is incredible. We can all learn something from both you, and from Angela, what an amazing woman!
With love and prayers,
Adriana and kids
Hi Lyle and Angela FOOD FROM HOME IS ON THE WAY We are sending you a Care Package with Darren on Sunday, arriving Monday. Angela, if you are missing all your pens, they took a flyer across the Pacific in Dennis’s Carry On! I was unpacking his stuff and asked him about the bag of pens and he said he “must have picked them up by mistake” and threw them in his luggage, the thief! I found Harry chewing on chopsticks today that he found in the suitcase. Gaby is bringing the part for Lyle’s chair in tomorrow so I will send your pens home with her. We are all very grateful for your excellent care of Lyle, thank you so much!!! You are an angel!!
Take time out for a big shopping spree or whatever, when Darren arrives. We looked at all the pictures that Dennis took today, he has put them into the computer. Lyle, hang in there, it won’t be long until you will all be home, looking forward to seeing you. Take care and know that everyone is sending you best wishes, prayers, and healing intentions. Love Mary Lou xoxoxox
Just want you to know that there are an incredible number of people out in cyberland who are following your journey through your blog. Those of us living with ALS have a special appreciation for your courage as do all those people writing emails who are obviously so close to you. We think about you every day, (well maybe every other day) , we share your funny stories with friends, and some of the not so funny ones like getting dropped at the Elizabeth Concert of Hope, by the police officers. In any case we’re looking forward to hearing that you’re home, which should be soon, and also hearing that you’re doing a lot better (even if it’s just because you’re not getting stuck with needles any longer.
Take care,
Dave & Patty
Hi Lyle and Angela Darren left today for Beijing at 1250H, plane was late departing. He has FOOD and your battery charger with him. He will be there soon and is looking forward to seeing you. Hope you are not too bored, and we will see you home soon, Love Mary Lou x0×0x0×0x
Hi Lyle and Angela,
Glad to hear everything is going well. In no time you will all be home. I know, easy for me to say haha. I appreciate all the effort being put into this blog. What a great way to stay in touch. Take care of yourselves! Love, Dawna