North To Alaska

It is hard to believe that today is Saturday May 26, 2007 and just how far things have come in such a short time.

Nathan finished the school year last Thursday May 18, 2007. He had to be out of his dorm room by 8:00 AM (his choice) Friday the 19th. He packed up all his stuff and moved it to storage by himself. Mind you I wasn't a happy camper about that since he has a 2 lb. weight limit on his arm. I know how much all that stuff in his dorm weighs as I moved it in to the dorm in February. Needless to say, he got it done and into storage. Whew!

On Friday morning he took off for Las Vegas as two of his closest friends got married on the 20th. Congratulation Derrick & Rebecca! Love you both!!! Sounds like fun was had by all and the wedding was a beautiful success. See Derrick and Rebecca, nothing to worry about. It all comes together.

Nathan left Vegas and headed to Tahoe to visit my Dad, Henrie (his partner) and my Auntie Alice who are there vacationing. He had lunch with them and then headed to Klamath Falls to visit with Steve's parents and some sleep. Tuesday he headed to Eugene and had a quick visit with his Papa Mellon. He arrived home shortly after 7:00 that night. He was one tired guy. Think he could have headed for bed right when he walked in the door.

We got to have him home until Thursday. It was a great visit although short. I'll take it anyway I can get it. We just love it when he comes home.

Thursday night shortly after 10:00 PM he boarded a plane for Alaska. I think he was flying into Anchorage headed for Denali National Park Resort for the summer. His flight arrived sometime around 1:30 AM and then he had to wait, and wait, and wait until about 7:00 or so for the shuttle tom pick him up for the long, long ride to the park. It was all a little confusing and he was getting a little crabby due to lack of sleep. I know hard to believe that Nathan would get crabby, but I guess it does happen on occasion....

He's arrived at the lodge and found out that everything is up hill. He told me he was going to get his exercise this summer that was for sure. He has a room to himself, so far but shares a bath. No fridge or microwave in the room and it doesn't sound like there is much TV to watch. Not sure how he'll survive that.

He has orientation today and isn't suppose to start until Monday but they are really short staffed and he is hoping to start tomorrow.

His elbow is doing well. Most of his pain is down by his wrist. Not sure what that is all about. Hoping that with use it will become more flexible and that he'll be able to put his hand palm side up or down. Still struggling with that. But all in all, he's fabulous. At least to us. He's most certainly my walking miracle.

We hope that all is well with you out there and that you have a wonderful 3 day weekend. Steve and I are embarking on a huge project. We've ordered in a storage unit and we are unloading the entire garage into it. Steve will be able to finish the drywall, insulation, install new windows and finish up the wiring and then most of the stuff goes back into the garage where it will all have a home. Can't wait. We are on vacation next week and are going to be busy. I think I'd rather be lounging by a pool drinking a cold adult beverage but I know we'll both be happy when this is completed. Then we can move onto the next project... %-} which are many...

Just wanted to keep you up on what is happening and let you know that we are still here and we think of you often. Love you all very much! Steve, Bev & Nathan

5/3/07 Elbow Surgery

Almost 7 months to the day Nathan had surgery on his elbow.

Of course there was much waiting which seems to be the norm. He was taken to surgery about 5:00 (Denver time). I got a call from Dr. Morgan at 6:40 and he said that the surgery went really well. He was able to take all but one screw out of his arm. I'm so amazed. To think that 7 months ago it took 5 doctors 9 days to even start to figure out how they were going to put it back together and now he only has 1 screw left. Incredible!!! He said that he has great range of motion and is able to twist his wrist (which he hasn't been able to do). He told me that there was some risk to a nerve and that Nathan was aware of this going in. Not really much choice there. If you hold your arm out straight with your palm down and then lift your wrist back toward your elbow that is what he may not be able to do. He said he'd know when he woke up but Nathan says he's so bandaged up that he has know idea if he can do it or not.

The doc was going to numb him up for 6 to 12 hours after the surgery. However, when I talked to Nathan at 8:00 (Denver time) he was still in recovery and having a great deal of pain. They were having a real problem getting it under control. I guess they considered admitting him but he wanted to go back to the dorm. Diana took him back to the dorm, she said he looked like death warmed over. Sounds like he got back to the dorm close to 11:00 his time. Long day, short night.

Didn't talk to him again until 3:00 today and he'd been sleeping off and on. Was still in terrible pain but was dealing with it.

I feel terrible that I can't be there to mother him. But I guess he's surviving.

He starts hand therapy next week. Doesn't that sound like fun.....

Just wanted to keep you all up todate and what is happening. Hopefully this will be the last surgery. Wouldn't that be great!!!! Ever the optimist that I am %-}

Love to you all, Steve, Bev & Nathan