Dear Friends and Family:
As promised, less time between updates.
Steph and I switched places again over the weekend. I・m home in Salt Lake. She・s home in Phoenix, as it were. We had a whole 24 hours together this time, filled with Seminary Graduations and Awards Assemblies and designing Preston・s future room. Then she was back on a plane to Phoenix Monday.
Before I returned to Salt Lake, Preston and I had an especially nice day together that I・d like to share with you. Bright and early Saturday, as part of his morning therapy session, we went outside and passed off the coveted Car Transfer. That was big. Very big. Sure, it symbolically represented vastly expanded freedom and amplified mobility for Preston. But more importantly, it meant that we could get a pass, leave the hospital, and hit the town. So we did just that.
We stopped by his apartment to grab a few personal items, picked up his paycheck at his work place, had lunch at Red Robin and hit the afternoon matinee. Later we grabbed sushi for dinner. We pooped each other out. But it was a grand day to remember for a long time.
We also stopped by the place where Preston was shot. Yeah, I know, a bit morose. But I think we both needed to go there. When we arrived he described the incident in detail and neither of us freaked out. It・s actually a nice area・ Lined with professional buildings, a nice shopping plaza and theaters; notwithstanding, we didn・t hang out too awfully long. I think it did us both good to face it.
So, back to news about Preston・s progress. Of all the updates written to date, this contains news that is perhaps the most exciting・ and the most terrifying.
Preston is coming home.
He is schedule to be discharged from the Barrow Neurological Institute Friday, June 6. We are now making arrangements to fly back to Salt Lake some time Friday evening. We are pleased with the progress he・s made and he is looking forward to being close to family. Nevertheless, we haven・t been this unsettled since we drove away from the hospital 24 years ago as brand-new parents with our first born in Steph・s arms・ Leaving behind the safety of the hospital and the security of having doctors and nurses just a push of a button away, and realizing it was now all on our shoulders. Unsettling may be an understatement.
We・ll definitely miss the staff at Barrows. Which reminds me, I never did tell you about Robert as I promised a few updates ago. Robert is Preston・s technician (I think they used to call them orderlies.). His job is not an easy one. He changes beds, brings food trays, bathes patients, sometimes having to carry them, helps with bowel care, cleans up accidents, and generally assists the nurses. Here・s what impressed me about him. As difficult and undesirable (at least as I see it) as his job appears, he takes immense pride and satisfaction in his work and executes his duties with deliberate thoroughness. He engages the patients in conversation and explains the reasons why he does things a certain way, and continually reassures the patients (and the parents for that matter) that he is there to take good care them. Watching him work made me want to do everything I do better.
The same might be said about Janet, his occupational therapist, and Brianna, his physical therapist, and the nurses, and doctors and caseworkers. As horrific as the circumstances were that brought us here, I・m glad we・ve had the privilege of knowing these people.
So now we move on to the next phase. Preston will start out patient rehab at the University of Utah sometime next week. We have a lot of work to do around the house and yard to accommodate Preston・s needs; but we are blessed to have the support of family and friends and neighbors to help make that happen.
Preston too has a lot of work to do. He・s made good progress and has the basics down, but up until now it・s all been done with doctors and nurses just a push of a button away. It・s on his shoulders now. But they are broad and they are strong. I think he is anxious to prove himself even more. And we all look forward to the challenges and triumphs that await us in the weeks and months to come.
Best to all of you.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
New update from Todd
Dear Friends and Family:
Too many days have passed since I last reported on Preston’s progress. For that I apologize. I know many of you have been anxiously waiting to hear more about how Preston is fairing. Thank you for caring so much.
I have been away from Preston since May 10. I returned home to join his siblings who were on their own for more than a week. I’m so proud of how well they did. They accepted the responsibility of taking care of themselves with uncanny maturity and continued to get up, have breakfast together and get themselves to school, early morning seminary, music lessons, art classes, wrestling practice, mutual and even the temple at 0-dark-30 on Tuesday mornings, plus do the laundry and clean the house. They are remarkable kids. Of course there was a drama or two, but nothing that couldn’t be resolved with cell phones and texting.
Steph stayed with Preston until Skyler’s wedding on May 24. By the way it was a great day and we are so happy to have Heather join our family. She has been such a tremendous help through this experience and we love her dearly… (And we still like Skyler a lot too.) As I said, the wedding was lovely and even though Skyler’s best man lay in a hospital bed some 650 miles away, they had a very touching conversation just moments before the ceremony.
All of this to say that it’s a wonderful challenge blending our old world with the new world to which we were abruptly introduced a few weeks ago. But with the help and prayers offered by so many friends and family and the daily blessings we receive as a result, we are managing… Surely there will be lots more blending required in the days and weeks ahead.
Sorry to go on about things that do not pertain directly to Preston, but when something like this happens there are so many unsung heroes. Skyler, Heather, Anikah, Stacy and Eddie fit that category, as do many neighbors, friends and other family members. Thanks for indulging me.
So. Maybe you’d like to hear a little about Preston.
He remains at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, despite the fact that our insurance company has tried their best to have him transferred, long before he was ready. It makes reason stare, but they seemed intent on forcing our hand. We have maintained that any decision regarding Preston is to be made with Preston’s best interest in mind, not what some nimble-minded caseworker thinks from inside her 8 x 8 cubicle-sized universe. (My apologies to competent caseworkers of the world.)
I digress… again. Sorry… again
Preston has made great strides in rehab. Learning and relearning skills he will need to thrive on wheels in a largely bipedal world. Some of the accomplishments include:
Rolling over properly
Sitting up on his own
Balancing in a sitting position
Putting on his own shoes
Dressing himself
Transferring to and from a variety of surfaces
Flirting with the therapists and nurses
Mastering proper technique in weight training
Showering
Performing personal care procedures
The list goes on… the list of things yet to be learned may be even longer; but he perseveres.
He maintains the hope of getting back on his feet. But he is coming to understand that before he accomplishes that, he must first master the world of paraplegia. He must learn a thousand details that allow him to live independently in a wheelchair. But perhaps the most difficult battlefield is concealed, inside his heart and in his mind. He must accept where he is in his abilities today, while not allowing that to suggest he is forfeiting recovery. It is a precarious balance to maintain. Precarious indeed. But he is smart. He is strong. He is courageous. I know he can succeed.
Warm wishes and many thanks to all of you.
PS. There is so much more to share. But I hate to make these updates so long. I promise to write more often. “yeah right” I can hear my little sister say.
Too many days have passed since I last reported on Preston’s progress. For that I apologize. I know many of you have been anxiously waiting to hear more about how Preston is fairing. Thank you for caring so much.
I have been away from Preston since May 10. I returned home to join his siblings who were on their own for more than a week. I’m so proud of how well they did. They accepted the responsibility of taking care of themselves with uncanny maturity and continued to get up, have breakfast together and get themselves to school, early morning seminary, music lessons, art classes, wrestling practice, mutual and even the temple at 0-dark-30 on Tuesday mornings, plus do the laundry and clean the house. They are remarkable kids. Of course there was a drama or two, but nothing that couldn’t be resolved with cell phones and texting.
Steph stayed with Preston until Skyler’s wedding on May 24. By the way it was a great day and we are so happy to have Heather join our family. She has been such a tremendous help through this experience and we love her dearly… (And we still like Skyler a lot too.) As I said, the wedding was lovely and even though Skyler’s best man lay in a hospital bed some 650 miles away, they had a very touching conversation just moments before the ceremony.
All of this to say that it’s a wonderful challenge blending our old world with the new world to which we were abruptly introduced a few weeks ago. But with the help and prayers offered by so many friends and family and the daily blessings we receive as a result, we are managing… Surely there will be lots more blending required in the days and weeks ahead.
Sorry to go on about things that do not pertain directly to Preston, but when something like this happens there are so many unsung heroes. Skyler, Heather, Anikah, Stacy and Eddie fit that category, as do many neighbors, friends and other family members. Thanks for indulging me.
So. Maybe you’d like to hear a little about Preston.
He remains at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, despite the fact that our insurance company has tried their best to have him transferred, long before he was ready. It makes reason stare, but they seemed intent on forcing our hand. We have maintained that any decision regarding Preston is to be made with Preston’s best interest in mind, not what some nimble-minded caseworker thinks from inside her 8 x 8 cubicle-sized universe. (My apologies to competent caseworkers of the world.)
I digress… again. Sorry… again
Preston has made great strides in rehab. Learning and relearning skills he will need to thrive on wheels in a largely bipedal world. Some of the accomplishments include:
Rolling over properly
Sitting up on his own
Balancing in a sitting position
Putting on his own shoes
Dressing himself
Transferring to and from a variety of surfaces
Flirting with the therapists and nurses
Mastering proper technique in weight training
Showering
Performing personal care procedures
The list goes on… the list of things yet to be learned may be even longer; but he perseveres.
He maintains the hope of getting back on his feet. But he is coming to understand that before he accomplishes that, he must first master the world of paraplegia. He must learn a thousand details that allow him to live independently in a wheelchair. But perhaps the most difficult battlefield is concealed, inside his heart and in his mind. He must accept where he is in his abilities today, while not allowing that to suggest he is forfeiting recovery. It is a precarious balance to maintain. Precarious indeed. But he is smart. He is strong. He is courageous. I know he can succeed.
Warm wishes and many thanks to all of you.
PS. There is so much more to share. But I hate to make these updates so long. I promise to write more often. “yeah right” I can hear my little sister say.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Fundraiser
I have opened an account for Preston at Wells Fargo. This account is a fund in the name of Preston Maurer Donation fund. Right now the hope is to help Preston replace his computer and cell phone so that he can feel more connected. Anyone who would like to help Preston this way is welcome to do so. I am hoping to get a paypal connected to this site set up soon. For now you can go to any Wells Fargo bank and tell them you would like to deposit into the Preston Maurer Donation Fund account.
Latest Update
Here is another update from Steph and Todd.
**************************************
Dear Friends and Family:
Thank you all for your interest in Preston’s progress and your concern for his welfare. It’s time for an update.
The last time I wrote, Preston was on the Acute Therapy floor uncertain how long his stay there might be. Estimates were as long as two weeks. In reality it was four days. We moved him to the Downey Rehabilitation Center of the Barrow Neurological Institute late yesterday. Today was his first full day at the center. (Barrow is attached to St. Joseph’s Hospital) Together we decided to stay here for rehab, partly because Barrow is one of the best rehabilitation facilities in the world, but also because during this intense rehabilitation period he will gain the skills, knowledge and strength he needs to be functionally independent… The very skills he would need to return home in his current condition.
We’re told Preston might expect to be here four to six weeks. Our team of therapists, his doctor and caseworker, will meet early next week to discuss his situation and make better estimates. Preston has made significant progress in this short time. But make no mistake. This is hard, at times extremely hard, a thousand little details hard. Which is why we appreciate your thoughts and prayers so much.
We’ve had a couple tough days since the last update, marked by pain, nausea, long sleepless nights… more pain. And though today first appeared that it might be another day of struggling, as the day came to a peaceful end, we realized it was a high water mark since leaving Critical Care.
It started early with our Occupational Therapist, Janet, waking us and introducing herself. She dressed Preston for the day and oriented us on what to expect. We met our Recreational Therapist and spent time with our Physical Therapist, Barbara. With some assistance Preston maneuvered into a wheel chair for the first time. He spent a couple hours in the gym stretching and lifting weights along with maybe a dozen other spinal injury patients. And with the help of Robert, our tech, Preston had his first shower since the incident. (Yes it was much needed and left him two shades lighter and squeaky clean.)
I’m extremely impressed with the staff here. From the doctors to the technicians, I want to tell you a little more about them, especially, Robert, but that will come in another letter.
Today I want to tell you about Luis, a former patient.
He stopped by this afternoon to visit and we were fortunate enough to spend some time with him. Luis had worked as a fireman, a police officer and most recently, a federal agent. One day, during in a high-speed pursuit of a criminal, his vehicle rolled 6 times, during which his neck was broken just below the base of his skull. Though he survived the accident it left him completely paralyzed. He could not eat. He could not breath. He could not move. He actually died 4 times. (His rehab nurse was with him today and she affectionately refers to Luis as her “train wreck.”)
He’s been out of rehab for 7 months now. He is in a wheel chair, but has movement in his arms and upper torso (I guess the eating and breathing on his own part goes without saying.) Though his physical recovery is nothing less than miraculous, it is his spirit and energy that inspired everyone who listened to him share his experiences and thoughts. A man of obvious faith and determination his message was of hope and promise. The room seemed to vibrate on some unseen frequency. And it appeared to me that Preston and his roommate were tuned to that very frequency. They were totally engaged, mesmerized by his message and, I think, inspired. I know I was. Thank you, Luis, for being part of the best day yet.
More later.
Todd, Stephanie & Family
**************************************
Dear Friends and Family:
Thank you all for your interest in Preston’s progress and your concern for his welfare. It’s time for an update.
The last time I wrote, Preston was on the Acute Therapy floor uncertain how long his stay there might be. Estimates were as long as two weeks. In reality it was four days. We moved him to the Downey Rehabilitation Center of the Barrow Neurological Institute late yesterday. Today was his first full day at the center. (Barrow is attached to St. Joseph’s Hospital) Together we decided to stay here for rehab, partly because Barrow is one of the best rehabilitation facilities in the world, but also because during this intense rehabilitation period he will gain the skills, knowledge and strength he needs to be functionally independent… The very skills he would need to return home in his current condition.
We’re told Preston might expect to be here four to six weeks. Our team of therapists, his doctor and caseworker, will meet early next week to discuss his situation and make better estimates. Preston has made significant progress in this short time. But make no mistake. This is hard, at times extremely hard, a thousand little details hard. Which is why we appreciate your thoughts and prayers so much.
We’ve had a couple tough days since the last update, marked by pain, nausea, long sleepless nights… more pain. And though today first appeared that it might be another day of struggling, as the day came to a peaceful end, we realized it was a high water mark since leaving Critical Care.
It started early with our Occupational Therapist, Janet, waking us and introducing herself. She dressed Preston for the day and oriented us on what to expect. We met our Recreational Therapist and spent time with our Physical Therapist, Barbara. With some assistance Preston maneuvered into a wheel chair for the first time. He spent a couple hours in the gym stretching and lifting weights along with maybe a dozen other spinal injury patients. And with the help of Robert, our tech, Preston had his first shower since the incident. (Yes it was much needed and left him two shades lighter and squeaky clean.)
I’m extremely impressed with the staff here. From the doctors to the technicians, I want to tell you a little more about them, especially, Robert, but that will come in another letter.
Today I want to tell you about Luis, a former patient.
He stopped by this afternoon to visit and we were fortunate enough to spend some time with him. Luis had worked as a fireman, a police officer and most recently, a federal agent. One day, during in a high-speed pursuit of a criminal, his vehicle rolled 6 times, during which his neck was broken just below the base of his skull. Though he survived the accident it left him completely paralyzed. He could not eat. He could not breath. He could not move. He actually died 4 times. (His rehab nurse was with him today and she affectionately refers to Luis as her “train wreck.”)
He’s been out of rehab for 7 months now. He is in a wheel chair, but has movement in his arms and upper torso (I guess the eating and breathing on his own part goes without saying.) Though his physical recovery is nothing less than miraculous, it is his spirit and energy that inspired everyone who listened to him share his experiences and thoughts. A man of obvious faith and determination his message was of hope and promise. The room seemed to vibrate on some unseen frequency. And it appeared to me that Preston and his roommate were tuned to that very frequency. They were totally engaged, mesmerized by his message and, I think, inspired. I know I was. Thank you, Luis, for being part of the best day yet.
More later.
Todd, Stephanie & Family
Friday, May 9, 2008
How to use this blog
I hope this post will help. For some of you this is common knowledge for others it is not.
1. Visit the blog
2. Make comments
To make comments: at the bottom of the post it lists the author the date and time, then it says 0 comments. Click on comments. A pop-up will appear, there you make your comments. It will ask for word verification ( that is to keep computer generated spam out). It will ask you to sign in (it's free to set up a google or blogger account I have not received extra junk mail after doing this). Next publish comment, now it will show up on the blog and where it said 0 comments it will now say 1 comment or 2 etc. and Preston can click on it and read your message.
1. Visit the blog
2. Make comments
To make comments: at the bottom of the post it lists the author the date and time, then it says 0 comments. Click on comments. A pop-up will appear, there you make your comments. It will ask for word verification ( that is to keep computer generated spam out). It will ask you to sign in (it's free to set up a google or blogger account I have not received extra junk mail after doing this). Next publish comment, now it will show up on the blog and where it said 0 comments it will now say 1 comment or 2 etc. and Preston can click on it and read your message.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Good Direction
Here is another update email from Todd
****************************
Dear Friends and Family:
The outpouring of love and support has been humbling to say the least. Thank you. We feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. We can literally feel your thoughts and prayers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Don’t stop.)
Here’s an update: My original note was written about 36 hours after the incident: it is now Tuesday, May 6. Preston is making what we feel is excellent progress. He has been moved from Critical Care to his own room on the Acute Therapy floor. He begins Physical and Occupational Therapy today. There is still a significant amount of pain, but it’s being managed well. When he is awake he is lucid, conversational and very upbeat. And he maintains a cute sense of humor. I can’t express how proud I am of him. He has demonstrated superb character throughout this ordeal.
Though his official prognosis is still paralysis from the waist down, his mind is in the right place. Preston is determined to work hard and get back on his feet. (That attitude alone will ensure success, regardless...) And we are 100 percent behind him, as I know all of you are. Thank you. Many of you have shared inspiring stories of people you know that have overcome incredible odds. Thank you. Most all of you have expressed your own belief in miracles and the power of the mind to heal the body. Again, thank you. As I see it, Preston has a lot going for him… faith, the right attitude and so many friends and family all of one mind and heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Don’t stop.)
Now the real works begins. We made it through the initial crisis; we now turn down the arduous road of therapy and then onto rehab. We are not certain how long he will be in Acute Therapy, some have said maybe two weeks. Then he moves to Rehab. Again, we’re uncertain for how long, as it depends on progress.
My family is incredible, quickly adapting to this new (and temporary) normal and preparing for the next phase of normal that will surely come, but always pulling together on this incredible, albeit inconceivable, journey. I am so proud of them.
Best to all of you,
Todd and Stephanie & Family
PS. I can’t say much about the crime investigation, (some have asked) but know that the Avondale police department is pursuing it; and they are determined to apprehend the perpetrators. They have been very compassionate and a pleasure to work with.
****************************************
Preston sounds like he is moving in the right direction no matter the outcome or hard road.
Also I spoke with Steph today and she said that it might be good for us to direct our prayers to asking the Lord to bless Preston with a therapist that he can connect with. Someone that will motivate him when it feels too hard to keep trying.
****************************
Dear Friends and Family:
The outpouring of love and support has been humbling to say the least. Thank you. We feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. We can literally feel your thoughts and prayers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Don’t stop.)
Here’s an update: My original note was written about 36 hours after the incident: it is now Tuesday, May 6. Preston is making what we feel is excellent progress. He has been moved from Critical Care to his own room on the Acute Therapy floor. He begins Physical and Occupational Therapy today. There is still a significant amount of pain, but it’s being managed well. When he is awake he is lucid, conversational and very upbeat. And he maintains a cute sense of humor. I can’t express how proud I am of him. He has demonstrated superb character throughout this ordeal.
Though his official prognosis is still paralysis from the waist down, his mind is in the right place. Preston is determined to work hard and get back on his feet. (That attitude alone will ensure success, regardless...) And we are 100 percent behind him, as I know all of you are. Thank you. Many of you have shared inspiring stories of people you know that have overcome incredible odds. Thank you. Most all of you have expressed your own belief in miracles and the power of the mind to heal the body. Again, thank you. As I see it, Preston has a lot going for him… faith, the right attitude and so many friends and family all of one mind and heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Don’t stop.)
Now the real works begins. We made it through the initial crisis; we now turn down the arduous road of therapy and then onto rehab. We are not certain how long he will be in Acute Therapy, some have said maybe two weeks. Then he moves to Rehab. Again, we’re uncertain for how long, as it depends on progress.
My family is incredible, quickly adapting to this new (and temporary) normal and preparing for the next phase of normal that will surely come, but always pulling together on this incredible, albeit inconceivable, journey. I am so proud of them.
Best to all of you,
Todd and Stephanie & Family
PS. I can’t say much about the crime investigation, (some have asked) but know that the Avondale police department is pursuing it; and they are determined to apprehend the perpetrators. They have been very compassionate and a pleasure to work with.
****************************************
Preston sounds like he is moving in the right direction no matter the outcome or hard road.
Also I spoke with Steph today and she said that it might be good for us to direct our prayers to asking the Lord to bless Preston with a therapist that he can connect with. Someone that will motivate him when it feels too hard to keep trying.
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