never be the same and this is true. I have Rick at home with me on a daily basis - some times that is good - some times - it is not - but I have him and I will be forever grateful for that. His Occupational Therapist has just released him, she says that there is no new improvement, even though - he had a great improvement since the 1st of December - she has to base it on the month of the testing. Rick will continue with his Physical Therapy - he has had some good improvement in his walking - he is now walking without a cane and doing pretty good - of coarse he doesn't have the same gait as a man - that doesn't have any trouble with his leg or ankle - but the improvement is double the speed as he was in October, too. He is no longer going to Speech Therapy as that was just for a month to get his memory going again, after the seizures in November. We still have no insurance and are getting by for the time being. I have recently been blessed with the assistance of a program that comes into the home and sits with Rick while I am able to get out of the house and do errands or have some ME time. They also do a little light housekeeping or fixing a meal - if the need is there. I am not sure how long that program will run - but I have to tell you - I love it. So CUTE family - thank you for being you and being such a great place to come to, as it takes my mind off of all that is going on here. Unconditional Love, Shirlene

Well this is the first i have been to personals in a long time i am very glad you got some me time& that Rick is improving tell him he needs to give you a big hug from me ok!!carolyn

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Shirlene, I have not been into Personals for some time. You and Rick are still on my prayer list. I was so glad to hear that you at least get some Me time. I see you have been able to do some embroidery again, that is great. So glad to hear that Rick has improved. Hugs to you both. Love Yvonne

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by shirlener88 12 Feb 2011

Yvonne, thank you so much - we appreciate the prayers more than I can ever express. It has been good - to get back to some embroidery now and again. *4u

Dear Shirlene, I read only this morning those news of Rick. It is well that you have improvements for walking and memory, and I hope that they continue. His problem of health have be so serious and you can be grateful that he is yet with you
Hugs and love
Claude

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by shirlener88 11 Feb 2011

Claude, thank you dear - I am very grateful that I still have him and he is a great husband, too. *4U

by shirlener88 11 Feb 2011

Claude, thank you dear - I am very grateful that I still have him and he is a great husband, too. *4U

Shirlene I haven't been in personal for a while so I haven't read your update until today. I keep on praying that improvements with Rick continue and you find solutions to all the difficulties you have. Hugs...

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by shirlener88 08 Feb 2011

Angie dear - thank you so very much - we sure appreciate it *4U

Shirlene. Thank the Lord for such good progress during this past year of trials. God is Good and has truly been your guide. I appreciate you and Rick making a stand for His Word... Continuing to keep you both in prayer. Hugs, Terre

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by shirlener88 08 Feb 2011

Tahnk you Terre, we sure appreciate it. *4U

dear Shirlene, it was a hard year for you but I realy love the way you handle. You are a lovely person and it's so great you still have eachother, and an angel always near. good thing you can go your own way enjoy the "me-time"you deserve it. hugs and prayers for the both of you.

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by shirlener88 05 Feb 2011

Gerry, thank you dear - we sure appreicate it - today - I was able to get out to lunch with Terri (twee from CUTE) and that was also great. *4U

Dear Shirlene, I am happy to hear of the improvements that Rick has made. I hope and pray he continues to do so. I am especially glad to hear that you are getting some "me" time for yourself. It is important that you have that help. I know it has been a very difficult year for you. I think I speak for everyone when I say you are always in our continuous prayers every day and we will continue to keep you and Rick in our prayers. Hugs, Mary

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by shirlener88 05 Feb 2011

Mary thank you - how very sweet of you to say so - I feel the love and support you all have shown us. *4U

I was thinking about this, and we know that it has been a rough year. But, as you say, there are some improvements. Each day will be a challenge for both of you Hugs.

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by shirlener88 05 Feb 2011

Thank you so much Beth - you have been a great support and always sending your love - we appreciate it. *4U

My dear Shirlene, what a year this has been for both of you. Happy to hear Rick is doing so well. Lets all pray that this year is the best you and Rick have ever had. Keeping you both in my daily prayers. Take care. Hugs Lynn

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Lynn, thankyou and how sweet of you. *4U

I hope he continues to improve. My prayers are with you Glad you get some me time. God Bless you both

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Thank you Dee - we appreciate the prayers and the ME time is so rewarding. *4U

Shirlene, it is hard to believe it has been a year since Rick's stroke. I'm glad he is improving and know it is only by God's grace that you all have been able to carry on. I'm sure the bad times seem like forever, but it is great that you can see the good times through it all. Glad you are able to get some time for yourself so that you can think of other things for awhile. Stay strong in the Lord and He will continue to carry you and Rick even when you think you can no longer deal with some of the difficult times. We all need to lean on the Lord and when we turn things over to Him leave them there, but we all know that is easier said than done. I will remember you all in prayer. Hugs, Judy

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Judy, dear - thank you - we do turn our lives over to his care - we couldn't be here - if we had not. *4U

Thanks for the update on you and Rick. I am glad to see the improvement in walking. It is hard to live with 1 usable hand. Ask the therapist about activities he could do with just 1 hand. He would still need help in getting set up but who knows what he might do. Hmm, painting, drawing. I know he was right-handed but trust me I learned to ue my left hand when I spent a year unable to do much with my right hand.

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Karen, thank ou my dear - we are trying to find options for Rick - around every corner we can turn - time will tell. Thanks for the encouragement. *4u

Dear Shirlene,

So glad to see you have survived the year since Rick's stroke. I hope that his mobility and speech continue to improve too. Mum and Dad had home help when Dad was sick and Mum just loved it. So I am so happy to read that you are receiving this aid.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers love Chris

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Chris, thank you - we appreciate your thoughts and especially your prayers - the little time away - is very rewarding - even though it is just a short time - it helps. *4U

Shirlene, thank you for the update. Remember you are only one person and need to take care of yourself as well...Hugs sally

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Sally, thank you - I do know how hard it is to try to do more than I possibly can - I will heed your words, dear one. *4u

Thanks for the update..You also need to look after yourself. Because if you don't then you can't look after anyone else..Take care

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Raelene, thank you so much - I am trying - it feels good to get a little time away for me. *4U

Thank you for your update on Rick. I hope he goes from strength to strength. Big hugs for you Shirleen - you certainly deserve it. Love Sarah.

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Sarah, thank you dear - I do believe he is getting stronger - on of the U of U students commented on how strong he was in a class he was in - just on Monday. *4U

Shirlene thanks for the update on Rick. The two of you have been to a place in your lifes this last year that would have set most of us back on our heels but you have remained strong in your faith and Rick. I am thankful you are able to have some ME time as this is important for your well being also. Will continue to pray for the both of you and that Rick will get better with each passing day. Hugs, Karen

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Thank you Karen, for such sweet words and especailly for the continued prayers. It is amazing when you look at how strong you can become throught the Grace of God *4U

I so glad Rick has made improvements....I know what it's like being a care giver for a hubby, so I'm glad you can now get out some....I also know what it's like to have your hubby around all the time, but I'm with you at least their with us.....God always brings us through in His perfect timing.....I will continue to keep you and Rick in my prayers......Gods blessings to your both....Janet

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by shirlener88 04 Feb 2011

Janet, thank you dear - we will keep on trudging and know that God is guiding us. Thanks for your Gods blessings. *4U

After being a care giver to both my parents the alone time is important to have. The improvements that Rick has made and will continue to slowly make has no doubt improved his quality of life and freed up some of the constant care you were giving him. Life will never be the same as before his stroke but it sounds like you are coping as best as you can. Will continue to send healing prayers.

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by shirlener88 03 Feb 2011

Anita, thank you der - it will never be the same - but it is what it is and I am grateful that I have him - even when times are tough and they have been many times - we are coping and getting on with life. Thanks for the coninued prayers. *4U

Hi Shirlene, thanks for the update. You have had a very tough year and have survived. I am sure that having someone in to help is brilliant and gives you great piece of mind. Long may it last. Glad to hear that Rick is slowly improving, he has come a long way, long may it keep on. Take care both of you

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by shirlener88 03 Feb 2011

Caroline, thank you so very much and you are right - he has come a long way. *4U

Dear Shirlene ,I am happy to hear that Rick is getting about.You are fortunate to have someone to be there so you can get your Me time,and other company must be good for him too.I would like to know what other activities does he have/do to keep him occupied.
You and Rick are in my daily prayers.
God bless
Hugs Bev

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by shirlener88 03 Feb 2011

Bev, thank you dear - Rick hasn't wanted to do much of anything except watch tv or movies - we go for rides - over the mountain and through the woods and along the river. We used to tandam bike ride for fun, so it will be great - if he ever gets back to being able to use his hand to change gears and brake, again. He hasn't found things to occupy his time, as he can't manage most things that people do - with only the use of his left hand and yes, he was right handed before. He is in the process of learning how to use a BookGem so he can start reading books on his own. Thanks for your prayers.