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School has opened and Soccer season has begun. Kevin went to Ryne’s first soccer game and will try and make as many as the weather allows him to. It was nice to go as a family to the soccer field and route on Ryne and his team. Kevin got a new remote control for the TV that works off of voice commands, he and Mike figured out how to program it. We need to work out some of the kinks but once we do it will be a good tool for Kevin. He also got a voice activated phone from Dawn, Steve and William Crainer, thank you. We need to program the phone but once we do Kevin will have the ability to answer the phone for himself and even place calls without assistance. The new technology that exists for individuals with disabilities is amazing. Kevin began begun outpatient rehab, in downtown Danbury. We met with the PT and OT. They are impressed with the return Kevin has made so far in his left bicep and triceps. They have set some goals for Kevin and will continue to work with him to push to the next level of rehab. He continues to be positive and remains his good natured self. This has all been a huge part of his progress. We appreciate the support and continued well wishes for Kevin and the rest of us in the family. Thank you all so very much Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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On Saturday, Kevin, Ryne and I went back to the rehab hospital for a spinal cord patient reunion. We listened to a doctor from Yale speak about stem cell research and the advances that are being made using stem cells from adult bone marrow. Then there was a bar-b-que where we met with others who have been through similar situations to us. We met a very nice family from here in New Fairfield whose son was injured a few years back. They were very nice and their son has made tremendous strides in improving his quality of life. This is nice to see, it shows you a great positive that is ahead for Kevin. We had a good weekend and went shopping with Ryne to get him ready for first grade. It is nice to get Kevin out of the house and around to places he went before. Kevin will begin his out patient therapy next week. This is great. Kevin pushes himself hard to reach the next level of improvement. At home he is getting some rehab but nothing intense like he needs to be getting. Kevin has been getting visitors and more cards congratulating that he is home. Thank you this is all so great and wonderful for Kevin to see how many people are pulling and praying for him. Thank you to all of you for your support Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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Thank you for a wonderful effort to Paul Rao, Bill Lynch, Ron Lodi, Tim McDonald, Jim Hatch and their families. The skating event at Westchester Skating Academy on Sunday was a great day with a tremendous turn out. Thank you to all those who did come skate and wish Kevin well. It is a good form of rehab to see all the people who care show up and support Kevin. Work is still in progress at the house but is coming along. Kevin has adjusted well to the new looser schedule of being home. He has gone out a few times with our neighbor, Beth Morrison. She took Kevin out to lunch and to the store while helping us by sitting with Kevin while I work. Our biggest challenge still remains the home care for Kevin during work hours. We are working on resolving this issue. Kevin’s appetite is back. He is now eating and drinking, coffee, like he did before the accident. Ryne is very pleased to have dad home and sleeps on the pull out couch every night in the family room where Kevin’s hospital bed is. The whole family sleeps in the one room, Kevin, Robin, Ryne and the three dogs. Ryne is very helpful and is learning how to take care of his father in many ways. Kevin has enjoyed the visitors and we are trying to have burgers and hot dogs available for you if you are hungry. If you are planning on stopping by great, anytime after 11:00am in the morning seven days a week is good for Kevin. Our family feels like we are where we are suppose to be, together. Well wishes from our family to yours. Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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Welcome home Kevin. On Friday, August 4, 2006 Kevin was ready to come home from the rehab hospital. On Thursday night, Ryne and I spent the night at the hospital with Kevin in an apartment in the hospital. I was given all of his medication and a list to follow on how and when to do all the meds. Everything went well. On Friday, Kevin told Ryne he was going home. Ryne was surprised and not sure he heard Kevin correctly. After Ryne realized he went and told everyone his dad was going home. We left the hospital about 2:00pm and arrived home shortly after 3:00pm. Kevin is happy to be home. The bathroom is almost done, thanks to Mike Berte, Joe Berte and Dave Pereira. They have all worked on the bathroom after working all day. Kevin did not tell anyone but family that he was home. He took the weekend to rest and get acclimated to being home. His dad and brother were in town for the golf outing, and were at the house on Saturday to spend time with Kevin. In the evenings Kevin has been getting up to sit in the recliner rather than his wheel chair. He is happy sitting and relaxing in the comfort of his own home. Monday, August 7 was the golf outing. What a good day for golf on a course Kevin liked to play. No one knew Kevin was coming to the outing. What a surprise for everyone when they saw the guest of honor in person. The outing was a great success, thank you to all those who participated and volunteered. At the dinner Kevin was given a standing ovation and many applause. The auction of sports memorabilia was a huge success, thank you to all those who pledged on the many items. A special thank you to Jim Hatch, Ron Lodi, Bill Lynch and Paul Rao for their tireless dedication and hard work to make the golf outing a great day for all. Thank you to all those who spent the day volunteering and working hard during the day. We wish there was other words to express our gratitude and appreciation for all the continued support and encouragement from everyone other than, Thank you. It just does not seem like enough. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you all so very much Kevin, Robin, Ryne and the whole extended Cleary family |
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Well we found a van Kevin won’t bump his head on. We all met at the van place to try out a bunch of vans. The best fit for Kevin is a rear entry full cut. The one we were able to test drive had a DVD player, Ryne was excited. When we had to tell him that one was sold and the one we are getting will not have the DVD player he was a little upset but ok. He is just happy he can drive with his Dad again. They will sit next to each other in the van in the center. Both are in safe positions in the van. Kevin was a right hand dominate person before the accident. He would refer to the left side as his worthless side, with very little ability with his left hand. He is now starting to get bicep and tricep movement on his left arm. This is all good but will be a slow process for him to get what they consider functional return. Functional return can take a few years. With continued therapy, hard work and determination Kevin will overcome the odds. He needs to remain focused and not get discouraged with the slow process. The doctor and therapists are all pleased with Kevin and his response to the therapy. Kevin is a strong and determined person with the ability to do his best. The visits from friends and family along with the emails and cards continue to be a positive for Kevin and his spirits. He had a visit from an “old” college friend and her husband this past weekend. What a nice treat for Kevin to see someone he has not seen in years. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us. Thank you all for everything. Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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It is all about goals and keeping a positive outlook. Kevin continues to make the small steps he is expected to make. He remains positive and focused with the ultimate goal in getting home. I am working with the state and an attorney to accomplish the ultimate goal. Thank you to Thuesen Mechanical, the bathroom has been started. We are trying to make the house as safe as possible for Kevin to come home. Part of making it safe is having the home care issues resolved and the PCA waiver in place. With every step forward we have experienced side steps, never say backwards. These are learning steps and are making us stronger and more knowledgeable in Kevin’s care and the system. On Tuesday, July 18, 2006 Ryne and I went to look for a handicap van. We test drove a few, Ryne was a trooper as the day was really hot. Ride-away vans are very nice and helpful. On Wednesday I returned to the van place to pick up a van to drive down to Kevin at the hospital, to check how Kevin fit and see how safe he would be in the van Ryne and I were considering for Kevin. The van did not work. The height of the door opening was to low and Kevin hit his head. Then once he was in the van no one else could fit. The passenger seat was pulled all the way forward and Kevin still hit his foot on the seat. There was room for me to drive but not really for anyone to push the seat back any more. Ryne would fit in the back seat but that would be it. We are exploring new options. Kevin had a few visitors this week during his rehab time and boy were they impressed with how hard Kevin is busting his butt. He does not give up. Kevin did reach another positive mile stone; he no longer has to wear the compression nylons when he gets out of bed. He was wearing these to help regulate his blood pressure, but he his system seems to have stabled its self off to where his blood pressure is on the low side but safe for a person in his situation. Way to go Kevin, the little steps are huge. Thank you everyone for all your support and encouragement. Kevin, Robin, Ryne |
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It was a quiet weekend. Kevin had a handful of people visit with him. Kevin and Ryne along with our neighbors became celebrities when the Saturday edition of the News Times had pictures of them on the front page. Our neighbors had held a tag sale a few weeks back but the weather did not cooperate to well and they decided to try again. They had run a small article in the local paper and a gentlemen from the News Times picked up the story and made it front page news for Saturday. The article was a nice article about Kevin and Ryne along with our neighbor Margaret and her daughter Emily who lost Emily’s dad, Margaret’s husband earlier this year. The article helped; the tag sale was a success. People came from all around. We are very lucky to live in a neighborhood such as ours. The whole community has been wonderful ever since all this has happened. We will never truly be able to thank everyone for all the support and efforts to help us. Kevin is now pillow free in his wheel chair. He was using pillows to keep his arms in front of him and keep them from dropping. On Wednesday Kerry from the wheel chair company came to the hospital and installed arm troughs for Kevin. This allows Kevin to sit in the chair with no pillows on his lap. This made him happy. He feels as though he has a little more balance with the arm troughs. They also installed a cup holder with a special cup with a long straw for him to be able to carry his own drink. The little things make us happy. I was with Kevin on Wednesday in therapy. Boy do they push him. Two therapists had him sit up on the edge of a flat table with a mat. As Kevin has no trunk control this is a challenge. One therapist was behind him and one in front. They made him lean on his elbow and push himself back up. They did this to each side, and then they got a big ball and made him roll forward and back up. Both the therapists are impressed as Kevin pushes himself and always does the extra one for good measure. The purposes of these exercises are to help strengthen, and stretch his shoulders and abdomen area. I attended his doctors meeting and in review they are pleased with his progress, slow as it is he is doing better than expected for the extent of his injury. Kevin remains positive. We as a family along with his friends all have the same goal, to get Kevin home safely in an environment suited for his new life. We are all working hard to achieve this goal. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and encouragement. Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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On Friday, June 30 Kevin went with two of his therapists to the local Blockbuster video and Dunkin Donuts. They wanted to see how well he would get around in the stores. He did just fine. Only one hitch, when they went back to the van to leave for the hospital the lift would not work. Karen, one of the therapists had to use a hand crank to get the lift to work and get Kevin in the van. When they returned to the hospital the lift worked and Kevin was able to get out easy. It was a nice holiday weekend. Ryne spent three days with his father. Ryne has started to help on shower nights and comes in the shower to help rinse his father off. Kevin and Ryne are building a closer bond than they had before the accident. Kevin has always been there for Ryne and now Ryne is there for his father. When it comes time to leave the hospital Ryne always goes back in the room to say good night one last time. Our big challenge still remains getting the PCA waiver in place and getting the bathroom downstairs redone. The plumber has ordered the part he would need to use for the floor of the shower but the part is still not in. Once the part arrives we are hoping to get the bathroom done. Kevin remains positive while pushing himself to strengthen as much as possible. We are very truly lucky to have the friends and neighbors we have as the support has truly helped to ease some of the tough times. Thank you all so much for being there for Kevin and the rest of the family. Thank You Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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Kevin is doing well adjusting to his new challenges. On Monday, the therapist set up an obstacle course for him to try and maneuver through to see how well he is doing with his wheel chair. He went through the course with no problems and quicker then they expected. Then in Kevin style when the case worker came in to check on him he plowed down the first barrier, winking at the case worker. He has adjusted to using the head controls. On Tuesday they gave Kevin a new chair. The chair he is now learning to use will be the chair he comes home with until his chair is manufactured. This chair is a little more sensitive and needs to be adjusted a little more to accommodate Kevin. We are still working with the state to qualify for home care and hope to have some answers within the next few weeks. Until that happens Kevin will remain at the Rehab hospital. This is good as he is getting pushed in rehab. I watched his session on Tuesday and the therapists are gentle but do not have sympathy for Kevin. Kevin was laid on his stomach first on top of a wedge (soft wedge like pillow). They then propped him up on his elbows; two therapists supporting him and made him lift his head up. The more strength he can regain in his neck and shoulder area are all to his advantage. The therapist then helped him lift his head and shoulders together, similar to the butterfly stroke in swimming. I give Kevin credit he never complains even when he is being pushed. His strength and determination are an inspiration. All your continued support is very much appreciated by all of the Cleary family. Thank you Robin, Kevin and Ryne |
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Kevin had a nice Father’s Day. The weather was a little on the hot side but we still got Kevin outside and sat him in the shade as he watched Ryne ride his bike around. Even Ryne was not riding as much as normal, it was just too warm. Ryne gave his father a small pillow that he made him with his pictures on it. Kevin uses small pillows to prop his arms up and to keep his hands up at night. It was a good day. Tuesday, June 20, Kevin had recreational therapy again with Karen, the therapist. This time we took Ryne with us. We did not tell Ryne what was happening that day, all he knew was that he was going to the hospital to work with the therapist to learn how to help his Dad. Once there and we were getting ready to leave we told him what was going to happen, he was excited. Ryne was good and helped Kevin get in and out of the van by directing him. We went to the West Farms Mall where there is a Rain Forest Café. We walked around the mall until we got to the Rain Forest Café. Ryne was excited by the look of the place. We all went in and had an appetizer along with a soda. Kevin had some tight turns to maneuver to get to the table we were seated at but he managed just fine. The power wheel chair is still not quite right and veers now to the right. This is good practice for Kevin. On the way back to the hospital Ryne told me he had a good day. We are all so blessed to have the support of everyone and wish there was some way to thank everyone personally. Please know you have all meant so much to us in these past few months and without all of you we would not be in the spirits we are in. Thank you Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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What a great weekend. Consolidated School held a music festival at the Village green on Sunday. The music was great and we lucked out with a perfect weather day. The turn out of support was overwhelming. The community support has been nothing but wonderful ever since this all happened. We are grateful to live among such caring people. Over the weekend Kevin had a lot of visitors and was able to spend quite a bit of time outside visiting with everyone. The cards and support from emails keep coming and he keeps reading them, laughing and smiling at the jokes or stories from old friends, this has all continued to be perfect medicine. Ryne has had a busy schedule this week starting last weekend and continuing through this weekend. We were not sure when he would get to go to the hospital and see Kevin. The only night he could go I needed to be at the hospital early that day and meet with a representative from the state. With the help of Beth, our neighbor, Ryne surprised his dad with a visit on Wednesday. Kevin and Ryne both enjoyed the surprise. Ryne has truly been a big part of Kevin’s recovery. As Kevin only has movement from his shoulders up he has started to over use his one shoulder. The doctors and therapists are going to try a few things with him to alleviate the pain. This weekend he may be on rest so he can relax his shoulder as best as possible. The doctors will make that determination by weeks end. With positive thoughts and support from all Kevin is remaining in good spirits. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, support and encouragement. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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A good Tuesday afternoon for Kevin. Tuesday, June 6, Kevin and I went out for Kevin’s first road trip since the accident happened. Part of the therapy at the hospital is recreational therapy. The therapist who runs the program took us to Dairy Queen a few towns away. As we are both not familiar with the area Karen, the therapist had suggested ice cream. The purpose of the recreational therapy is to help get Kevin comfortable with going out in public and maneuvering the wheel chair is different situations. This was the first time Kevin had boarded a van to travel in and he was a pro the first time out. The therapist was very impressed with his ability to maneuver himself with the head controls and board the van from the lift. This showed me how tight it will be for Kevin to ride in a van and still have room for Ryne and others if we are traveling with anyone. I am now thinking of looking at two different size vans to see what will work best for Kevin. The day was a success. Kevin will now work with the therapist and a van when possible to practice getting in and out so he can be as independent as possible. The wheel chair was realigned but is still veering to the left and not turning as it was before. Kevin is learning to deal with this but does get frustrated at times. We had a good weekend as well. Ryne brings his bicycle up and rides around outside on the pathways, looking out for patients and other people while Kevin watches him race around. This has been good for both Kevin and Ryne as they both ask for the other and need to be with each other when possible. Kevin had a number of visitors and a special meal prepared by a friend of his from work. Kevin and I along with the whole family wish to extend to all of you a special thank you for your continued concern and support. Thank you Kevin, Robin and Ryne |
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Thank you all so very much for your continued support. Kevin has been told that the Dunne’s Pub gathering was a great success with a lot of people showing up to continue their support. Kevin along with me and the rest of the family are grateful to all of you for everything. This past week there is not much progress to report. Kevin continues to get therapy for all aspects of his new life. He is getting time each day to practice using an electric wheel chair. The chair he is practicing with is off alignment, this is making him go straight then stop to correct the chair then go straight again. The company who has loaned Kevin the chair is due at the hospital later this week to fix the alignment plus add a few new features to the controls he operates through the head controls. The therapists also have the chair programmed at a low speed for practicing purposes. Kevin is getting good and can navigate the chair very well. When you have to put the chair in manual it is tough to push as the chair weighs about 300lbs without Kevin. I try to get Kevin outside in the evenings when the sun is not so strong. He is not supposed to be in the sun for any length of time, this can cause other issues. Kevin continues to enjoy the visits along with the emails and cards from all. This is all very good for his spirits. He is dealing well and accepting his new life challenges with an open and positive mind set. Thank you Robin, Kevin and Ryne |
