Last week we were visited by Bob's sister Mary Ann and her family.  They had previously attended a gaming convention in Austin.  They must have really enjoyed it.  The kids said it was the best vacation they ever had. It must have been fun for them considering they are a family that goes to Disney World every year. We enjoyed having them here.  It was nice to have some one on one time with everyone. When we do see them it's only about once a year and for two or three hours.  The photos below are of an evening at Eagle Mountain Lake.

The one year anniversary of Bob's stroke was last week.  Bob is doing really well.  He walks more smoothly and most of the time he goes without a cane around the house.  His speech is much better but he still sounds like he has an accent because he has trouble pronouncing his L's and R's.  The speech therapist graduated him a couple of weeks ago. There is more work to be done with his hand and arm but he makes improvements every day.  He works diligently and is so inspiring to everyone he meets.  It is starting to seem normal again.  Sometimes I forget he can not do certain things.  He started driving himself everywhere and I can't even say how much help that was to me and how much of a sense of freedom it gave Bob. When Bob and I look back on this time last year and realize everything he has been though and where he is now we are both so thankful and grateful to God for giving both of us strength and for His healing power.

Mary Ann, Barb (me) and Joyce

Rob and Andy

Joy

Bill

Andy

I just want to take a moment to say "rest in peace" to Becky and to Bill who passed away last week.   They were classmates of mine from high school.  I went to an extremely small school. We were close and although we went our separate ways all of these years we kept in contact and also attended a few reunions to catch up. Their families are in my thoughts and prayers.  

Happy Birthday Joy!

Today is Joy's birthday.  I was looking for a picture of just her.  It's hard to find.  Joy is always with someone.  She is really a people person.  I thought this was a nice photo of her and Rob.  They went on vacation to Galveston for a few days so we will celebrate when she returns. She is due a nice get away.  Joy, have a great vacation and birthday.  We love you.

Happy Birthday Rob!

Our son-in-law Rob had a birthday yesterday.  I would say 45 looks pretty good on him.  Some of us went out to a Mexican restaurant last night to celebrate.  It is always nice to take some time to give special attention to those we love.  And, we love you Rob, lots and lots.

Congrats To Our Niece Joyce for Graduating From High School This Year!

I mentioned previously I would post a picture of our niece Joyce.  She Graduated this year from High School.  We wish you the best Joyce as you further your education and enter into a new phase of your life. We are proud of you.

Did You Ever Wonder Why People With Amnesia Can Still Talk

The above video will show improvements to Bob's speech during the past few months since his stroke.  He is explaining why the speech part of his brain is causing difficulties with pronouncing words.

July 4th 2015

How was your July 4th weekend?  Ours was low keyed but relaxing.  We went out the lake house on Eagle Mountain Lake and had a barbecue with family and a few friends.  There is not a place I would rather be than sitting on the porch watching the fireworks on the 4th.  It is so awesome!  There are fireworks all up and down the lake and they can be seen near and far. The only thing is, no one knows when to stop.  They are going well into the early morning.  I can't help but think of the cost of all of that shooting into the air and then, GONE!

Bob continues to work very hard going to therapists, getting various kinds of massages, working out at the NRH Rec Center and going to doctors.  He saw a specialist this week regarding his pinkie finger. There may be a torn ligament in the finger but they are not sure.  It is just kind of floppy and doesn't move like the other fingers.  He is wearing a figure eight splint to see if that will help before they do anything else.
Bob has found several machines that are helpful to his leg, arm and hand at the NRH Rec Center.  I usually go twice a week to walk in the current pool but Bob goes almost everyday. He seems to really enjoy it and has made a few friends.  He was telling me that a young man ran up to him as he was walking up the stairs and said " I just want to say that you are such an inspiration to me."  There have been several incidents similar to that and I think that though these people are encouraged by Bob, Bob is encouraged to see that his struggles are encouraging to others. It's funny how that works.  I am so delighted by his progress and so happy for him. I really need to do a video of that progress to show the difference and I will soon.  Even Bob's speech is improving dramatically.

This has allowed more time for me also. I have been busy with some paintings for some shows coming up.  It feels so good to feel almost normal again.   I am so thankful.