Trauma Survivors Reunion November 6, 2010

Dani getting her face painted with a rainbow


Eric got a really cool spider on his arm

Leonard checking out the helicopter

Jaason, Dani and Leonard having lunch - "what's with the funny face".

Noemi, Brian

Lunch time

L -R - Piper, Michelle and Noemi enjoying our box lunch

Piper and Dani getting acquainted with the therapy dog

Dr. Marc Levinson, Leonard and Michelle

Dr. Levinson and Leonard

Today was a great day as we revisited John C Lincoln Hospital Trauma Center where Leonard received excellent care after his accident. They hosted a reunion for trauma survivors with a nice lunch and activities. There were fire trucks, ambulances, and a helicopter to get up close and personal with. Leonard's trauma doctor was there and we enjoy visiting with him. Our kids and grandkids joined in on the fun as well. Leonard was asked to share his experience which was filmed. We found out that all but one of his ICU nurses still worked there, so we went up to ICU to see them and not one of them was on duty. Disappointed about that.

April 2009

It's been a couple of months since my last update, but good news..................Leonard is amazing and doing well. The insurance company said "no more therapy" so he joined an aqua therapy group and he goes twice a week for an hour and he's liking it. It's only $5 a session. The group consists of aging women who talk about things that he doesn't want to hear. He calls them As the Pool Turns (soap opera). Discussions range from their divorces, marriages, intimate topics that make the man blush. At least it's not boring!!!

He has been driving back and forth from therapy for the past couple of weeks. It makes him feel good and somewhat free I'm sure to be able to do that. It's only a 10 minute drive so I try not to worry too much about him.

Since there is nothing to report any longer, which I'm thankful for, this will be my last posting. It's been 15 months since the accident and he has done so well in his recovery and will continue to get stronger and hopefully we will be able to get rid of the wheelchair in the near distant future.

Thanks again to all of you for being there for me and him throughout this whole ordeal. We love you.

February 16, 2008

Good news from the surgeon. Leonard can now bear full weight and can start walking again with the walker or cane. It appears that his ankle is healing and the bone graft is doing what it is supposed to do. We are so excited about this. He will have xrays again in 6 weeks to see what happens while he is bearing all weight. He is now back to where he was in his progress last summer. His PT has increased from 2 times a week to 3.

February 2009

The one year anniversary of Leonard's accident has just passed and he has certainly come a long way since that horrific day. We have managed to get past most of the speed bumps and pray there are no more. He is gettting stronger all the time with his physical therapy and God willing at his next check up on 2/16 he will get some good news about his ankle with some or all of the weight restrictions removed and then watch out, he will be walking again. Thank goodness he's a fairly patient man.

He did get some good news this past week that he no longer has to have those dreadful shots in his stomach. The blood clots are still in the legs but are greatly reduced and the blood is flowing normally. He has a recheck in 3 months.

We got a new addition to our family 2 weeks ago. Landon a 2 1/2 year old beagle came to live with us. Jaason has been asking for his very own dog for the past couple of years and I finally gave in. Very sweet disposition but he has some issues that we have to work through. We don't have a doggie door and he's used to one so we just have to figure out how to train him to go to the door and let us know. We have only heard him bark only 3 times in the entire 2 weeks.

Jaason and Landon

January 2009

Happy New Year. Our wish is for everyone to have a healthy year and we'll all pray that our retirements funds will recover somewhat over this new year.

Leonard is doing well. He has been doing physical therapy two days a week and it was just increased to 3 days a week. He goes to the surgeon on Thursday Jan 8th and we hope to get some good news on his ankle that he can bear more weight and the ankle is healing. He has become more independent lately which is a big help to me. He's not calling my name as often to come and assist him.

We had a wonderful Christmas at our son Brian's home with the entire family present. It was fun watching Dani, Eric and Jaason open their gifts. Santa was good to all of us. Leonard is always hard to buy for and when I saw this gift I knew he had to have it. He loves popcorn especially while he is watching his Phoenix Suns!

Not much else to report. He's being a good boy and he feels good.

December 2008

I'm a little behind this month for this update but alas I'm behind on everything. Only 15 more days until Christmas and I have only bought 2 gifts and a few stocking stuffers. I'm seriously in trouble!


Leonard is doing well. At his last doctor's visit he was told the x-rays looked good on his ankle but he wanted him to wait 6 more weeks before walking on it. We said we would wait as long as it took to heal so we didn't have to do the fusion. We go back to see him the first week of January. He also went to the vascular doc and after he found out that he had 2 more surgeries from the last visit and he was non active again, he said he had to stay on the Lovenox shots for 3 more months. Lord have mercy, this man's belly is so bruised and has hard lumps from all the injections I have given him.


One good thing is that he has become more independent recently, doing more for himself and not relying on Jaason and me so much. We only get asked to do something once in awhile instead of every 10 minutes like in the early phases of his recovery. Sure helps me a lot.


We hope and pray that each of you has a very Merry Christmas. May God bless you all as you have blessed us with your love and support.

November 2008

Dr. Dani washing Papa's feet and tending to his boo boo's.

Dr. Dani enjoying a little break after accomplishing all her tasks

He is healing nicely after this last surgery and hopefully we'll get some good news on his next doctor's visit that he can start walking and doing his therapy once again. He is very bored as he's so limited to what he can do. Lays in bed, sits at the computer, sits in his recliner and back to bed. He's loving daytime TV with all the judge shows and Steinfield and Frazier repeats. Drives me nuts!

Leonard and his bedmate Babes

October 12th

Leonard was able to come home from the hospital yesterday and he's doing quit well. His spirits are good. He learned how to hop on one foot with the walker so he could pivot around and sit on his wheelchair. We had ordered a battery operated wheelchair as we thought we would have to use a slideboard for him to get out of bed as the seat raises up and down on those kind of chairs but we are going to send it back. He was able to get into the car without too much difficulty. With the battery operated chair we would have had to rely on medical transport once again and we both dreaded the thoughts of that. He will be unable to walk for 2 - 3 months depending on how he heals.

Continued prayers are appreciated. Thank you for your love and support.

October 10, 2008

Leonard's surgery went well this morning. The surgeon did some repairs, replacing some of the screws and did a couple of bone grafts and was pleased that he didn't have to remove all the hardware and fuse the ankle. He does have some arthritis setting in but that was expected. Should be out of the hospital in a couple of days.

October 2008

Well.................he got through the infection after 25 days of IV antibotics and has a clean bill of health. Michelle was able to take good care of him while I was on my much needed vacation to MN. I had a wonderful visit with my family, attended my HS reunion and actually was able to relax somewhat. Even though I was on the go constantly there was no stress. Noemi stayed with the 2 grandkids and Leonard during the day and Michelle had the night shift. They did well in my absence.

On Friday October 10th at 7:30 AM Leonard will have his 8th and I hope last operation on his ankle. We are praying that the surgeon will be able to do the bone grafts and fix what hardware he can. We have to sign a consent form prior to surgery stating that if things are worse in there than expected that he can fuse the ankle.

I will try and update again next weekend after his surgery. We appreciate your prayers.

September 2008

Water therapy - working for his gold medal!


Having way too much fun............."are you sure you're working?"


Leonard was doing so well with his water therapy 3 times a week and was feeling more like himself until this past week. On Sunday August 24th we drove to Apache Jct to visit a friend and by the time we got there Leonard was having the chills. His hip hurt and he was feeling pretty punk. When we got home he went to bed and I took his temp....it was 101. By morning it was 103.4 and I went into panic mode. I called his orthopedic surgeon and was advised to bring him into the ER at Scottsdale Osborn which is a good one hour drive in off peak time and during rush hour an hour and a half. But that's where he practices out of and I wouldn't have anyone else take care of him.

By Tuesday he was in the operating room. He had developed an infection in the hip area which was actually in the fat, not the muscle or bone. The surgeon was able to clean it all out and put some antibiotic beads into the open area and he gets IV antibiotics everyday. Also while he was in the hospital he asked Dr. Miller if he could get rid of his cam boot on his right leg so they did a CT scan and found out that the hardware was shifting and he will have to go through with another operation after he heals from this one. He is back to light weight bearing on that leg which is difficult to walk that way. Very discouraging and he's quite depressed about this latest development. The surgeon was talking about possibly doing bone grafts or if it's really bad fusing the ankle which we hope to avoid. We're hoping he can repair the hardware.

We are still thankful to God each and every day that he was spared and all things are fixable just takes a long time. Patience hasn't been one of his strong suits which I can attest to!

He came home on Friday August 29th but I will have to give him his IV antibiotics every day at least for the next week and then our daughter Michelle will be taking over for me as I will be leaving on 9/9 for my home state of Minnesota for my 45th class reunion and a long overdue visit to my family. Our daughter-in-law Noemi will be watching the grand kids and Leonard during the day and Michelle by night. I felt I should cancel my trip but everyone is insisting I go and I sure could use a vacation from all this stress. I'm worn out.

Please continue to keep Leonard in your prayers that he will regain his strength, heal quickly and get ready for the next round.

August 2008

Papa checking out Dani's new flip flops

Afternoon TV time with refreshing drinks

Morning crafts with Dani....love that Playdough

July has been hot and steamy but Leonard is trying to keep his cool. He has gone to outpatient therapy at Del Webb usually twice a week and is doing quite well. His right ankle still aches if he's on his feet too long and the left leg and foot is still experiencing weakness. This past week we went to a new rehab doctor who will oversee his PT. She ordered an MRI of his lumbar to see if there is nerve damage which would be causing the weakness. This will happen on 8/1. Hopefully they won't find anything that we need to be concerned about. He starts at the new rehab center on 8/7 which I'm excited about. It will be more aggressive than in the past and there is a therapy pool which he's been approved for. He'll be getting a little more cardio workouts so he should get stronger.

He attended a Diamondback's baseball game along with 250 red hatters on 7/22 and we beat the Cubbies so it was a fun evening. One of our friends sang Take me out to the Ballgame in the 7th inning and then we left to avoid the traffic.

On July 24th, he turned 65 and this past Saturday I had a birthday party to celebrate him making it to this birthday. His family and friends are very grateful we had a reason to party. Please click on my complete profile on the right side of this screen and view some his pictures. He knew I had arranged a party but he thought only the immediate family was coming so with each new guest he was pleasantly surprised. It was a fun time. Thanks to those of you who came and making this a day he will remember always.

158 Days - Friday Report

Happy 4th of July to all.

We spent it with some dear friends at a BBQ. No fireworks this year but most places had difficulties anyway as there were wind storms all over the valley.

Leonard was encouraged by his therapists to start walking with a cane instead of the walker this week. He uses it off and on but it's easier using the walker. Everything takes time. His ankles and knees get tired so easily.

Since the news is slim these days, I think I will start going to once a month updates. Since I don't get many comments on the posts any more I think I've lost most of my followers. If anyone wants to email us you can reach us at llindsey10@cox.net. I'll report again on August 1st.

Thanks again to all of you for your love and continued support.

151 Days - Friday Report

Dani and Papa watching a little TV

Good news from the vascular surgeon.....the blood clots are shrinking in his legs and we don't have to go back for a follow-up until November. We still have to continue with the 2 shots every day but we knew that wouldn't change. His belly get so black and blue because I jab him so much.

He works very hard every day with his therapy at home and at rehab 2 to 3 times a week and today Jaason introduced him to the Wii. Jaason plays so many video and computer games that he's an old pro but us older generation are a little slow in learning all these things. Leonard played for awhile and got bored with it. I think it was because Jaason was so much better and he hates to admit that.

144 Days - Fridays Report

I'm doing the Friday blog on Monday because the weekend just flew by and I couldn't catch my breath long enough to sit down and write.

He had a good week going to his outpatient therapy 3 times at Del E Webb Hospital. The facility is very small but he seems to be doing well with it. I was thinking he might need more challenge in his excercising but he seems to think it's okay for now.

He surprised me a couple of days ago and had me pull the walker away from him and he took some steps on his own. I was thrilled to say the least. He is becoming quite the independent one and doing almost everything without assistance from me. I still give him his shots, help him with his boots and fetch things for him but he does everything else on his own. We have come a long way in the last 5 months.

Tomorrow we go to the vascular surgeon to see how the blood clots are doing and therapy on Wednesday and that will be all the excitement we have for the week.

137 Days - Friday Repot

This was an uneventual week with Leonard's progress,but at least we didn't have any setbacks which is a good thing. We miss Heather coming to do Leonard's PT and he's been slacking somewhat. Jerry is still coming a couple of times a week but I'm thinking this will be his last week. I got a hairbrained idea to rearrange our office furniture on Wednesday and Jerry was the lucky guy to help me put it back together at least reconnecting the computer wires. Our son Brian helped us too with reconnecting the Internet and installing our new TIVO unit. I just started pulling cords and cables and then couldn't figure out how to put them back together.

On Monday we will be going to Del Webb Rehabilitation Center for an evaluation and then he will start his OT and PT as an outpatient 2 - 3 times a week. Luckily this center is only a ten minute drive from the house. We're anxious to get started as I know it will be more intensive than it was with home therapy because they have machines that will work him harder.

That's it for now. All you fathers out there - have a great Father's Day.

130 Days - Friday Report

Today was a very tearful day as Leonard graduated from home therapy to outpatient therapy and we had to say farewell to our wonderful, sweet Heather who has been with us the past 2 months getting Leonard to where he is today. She has been great and has become a friend to both of us. We will miss you and will hold you to your promise that you will come and see us when you can.

Leonard has an appointment with Del Webb Hospital Rehab Center for an evaluation on 6/16 and hopefully we will start right away with therapy for his hand and his legs. We'll be on our own next week so I guess I'll have to get out my whip and keep him in line with his walking and exercises.

He continues to be more self sufficient every day and things I used to do for him automatically I'm now told "I can do it myself". I'm more than willing to let him do it himself as that helps me.

We continue to get emails and greeting cards and we really appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your support and prayers as he moves along this path of recovery.

123 Days - Friday Report

After all his "firsts" last week this week seemed kind of routine. Doing his daily excercises, therapy when the girls come to work with him and he works some with Jerry his caregiver. Menchet his OT released him to outpatient therapy as he proved to her that he could do everything that she had challenged him to do.

We did have some concerns about his left hip so we went to the orthopedic surgeon 2 weeks earlier than scheduled. There seemed to be either a muscle that had atrophied or a hematoma and the doc wasn't sure which. As long as the ball is in the socket and he's healing we are not going to worry about it. The doc had hoped for more bone growth in the ankle but he's very pleased with his progress. The swelling has come down in his left leg which is good. He had the ultrasound done on his blood clot filter and it appears to be okay. He doesn't have to go back to the orthopedic doc for 3 months. He got his prescription for outpatient therapy which will probably start within a week or so. Heather will keep coming until that is set up. Luckily there is a facility only 10 minutes away from home.

He no longer uses his battery operated wheelchair and we ordered him a manual one but it was too heavy for me to lift up into our SUV so Heather suggested we get a companion chair which is lightweight and easy for me to get in and out of the car. We are now free to go anywhere we need to go w/o relying on a medical transport. That in itself is a great feeling.

Leonard is talking about going out to dinner some day very soon which will be nice for him to get out and feel somewhat normal. Gets pretty boring staying at home all the time. I've taken him out a couple of times in the car just driving around to give him a change of scenery. He was naughty one day by trying to get into the car w/o any assistance and almost fell. He got a good chewing out by Heather and myself.

He moved out of the guest room Thursday night as we had a full house with Michelle, Dani, Noemi and Eric all staying with us so we ran out of beds, so he moved back into our room. I don't think he's happy there just yet as Baby our 16 year old dog and me both snore and it's keeping him awake. I think he likes sleeping in his own room. We'll see how this plays out..................After 4 months I think we are both used to sleeping by ourselves and enjoy the peace.

Memorial Day weekend we had some friends over and had a very enjoyable day. This is our group of friends that we used to camp together with on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Now we just do BBQ's. Some of our kids and grand kids joined in the fun too. Leonard was able to join in the festivities for the better part of the day but eventually gave out after dinner.

116 Days - Friday Report

Noemi and Eric watching Heather and Papa

First shower at home

Heather and Leonard taking a stroll

Taking a little rest on the front porch

Sitting in the car ready to go!

This has been a week of firsts.

• Brushes his teeth at the sink rather than in bed.


• Got into our SUV without too much difficulty.


• Uses the walker all the time except when he has to be transported to a medical facility and then he uses his wheelchair. Now that his hand surgeon has removed all restrictions with his hand he can now push a regular chair which in turn will give him more strength in his upper body. The exchange will take place next Tuesday.


• Takes most meals at the kitchen table where before he was eating all meals in his bed. He actually walks to the kitchen and sits in a chair.


• Took his first shower since coming home. Thank goodness as he was getting really ripe! Just kidding, he was getting sponge baths all along.


• Continues to use the "big boy" potty without my assistance.


• Walked down the sidewalk

I'd say we had a very productive and successful week. He only has one appointment next week to have an ultrasound down on his stomach to make sure the blood clot filter that was placed in him when he was first in ICU is still in place because if one of the clots in his legs travel we want to make sure it does its job and stops it. Kind of scary to say the least.

109th Day - Friday Report

Leonard had a good week with more exercises, more walking and my biggest highlight of the week was when he was able to use the "big boy" potty and not the bedpan. My prayers have been answered, hallelujah! He can walk into the bathroom with the walker and do his business.

On Thursday he got his AFO (ankle, foot orthotic) and it makes it easier for him to walk as it gives him that extra support. He got fitted for it last week when I was out so I didn't see what he ordered and it's quite cute. He has cartoon animal figures on it as he thought he might as well have some fun with it.

Here is Eric trying on the AFO.



Dani got into the action helping Minchet with Papa's hand exercises.



Today he walked into the office and sat in an office chair for the first time instead of sitting in the wheelchair. Heather the PT told him yesterday that in 3 weeks she expects him to be walking around the house with the walker w/o any help from any of us and he won't be using the wheelchair. She doesn't see any reason why he can't reach those goals. His spirits are good and he's trying very hard to do everything that is expected of him.

Leonard hard at work