Good morning all….and good night to those of you still up!
I swear you can’t turn your back on Todd and the hospital for 2 minutes. I had a meeting with our social worker and as we left Todd’s bed I had noticed things were different with his IV (set up for travel), so inquired as to where he had been this morning. New tests? No one seems to have anything to report, so we went down the hall, planning to revisit this after our conversation. So while we were away from Todd’s beside they removed the trach! Totally didn’t see that one coming…… and for good reason. The night before the neurosurgeon had told me it was their (team of 3) recommendation to leave the trach until after we were flown home…. well in their big thurs team meeting apparently they came to a very different conclusion! This is good for us, while his throat is sore Todd seems happy to move forward and he was already making grunts and sounds warming up that voice of his and swallowing. Of course we all know how HUGE and informative hearing Todd speak will be, whenever he is ready! S,o every day or two we have a new goal, simple way to look ahead without being overwhelmed….. First it was out of the getting out of the ICU, then it was swallowing, then having the trach removed. That sort of thing…. so I set a new goal. “So lovey, now that the trach is out our next goal is to smile.” The response was immediate and in no way half ass! I was jumpin’ my eyes watering, kissing him, and yup I got another one too!”
During the day he raised his eyebrows to the nurse & Ellen ( social worker) in a greeting and acknowledgement. We had the coolest conversation (twice) about work with Johnny on the two art projects. He totally thinks it is a great plan and I explained to him that one way or another we were going to start up on this even before he was out of the hospital. If he could’ve, I would have gotten a high five, but the high-brow raise is his version! We were having fun finally looking together at the cards, and the super bitchin horsey pictures, and cool kid art that were sent our way….. I don’t know if any of you noticed but Wendi Flybutter, the Jenkies, Judy & Brian et all were on card making overdrive! We had a couple jokes about that one, never underestimate the power of those artsy girls and all that joined in! So VERY VERY cool, we are really really enjoying them! He went to sleep when I read him Jenn Barr’s letter, I guess I was going on and on and on….. It was three pages after all! He totally focused intently on each card and we took our time enjoying it so by all means send more! We can’t keep reading the same stuff everyday, it will be of course me that he finds annoying, you all sweet people will be off the hook…..but not for long.
I lot of you have asked and spoken of music…..I have not been able to figure out a polite way of sharing music without putting headphones on him. I do not have a portable system for the cds – have some great ones, do have ipod, but still trying to think of a polite way to include music without disturbing the other patients in the ward. It could be a super cool part of our plane ride home….HMMM. New good idea. So I am singing “You are My Sunshine” way too many times a day, my internal jukebox is completely wacked and I only remember the chorus to any of these songs so the repetition is brutal at best, Johhny Nash “I can See Clearly Now”, then worst of all Chicago “If You Leave Me Now” and that is it! I think we should consider this a major issue….I believe his first word may just be please STOP!!! with a smile of course.
As for our return…..yup we are almost out of these woods here. The word on the street is Todd and Alex are taking an air ambulance home. Cannot tell you yet where or when, but know it is soon and we will be returning to the Bay Area. Most likely San Francisco or East bay……all up to some Blair family strength and insurance policies……So fill up our mail box with reading material!
Time to start thinking about rehabilitation, our next step. Babalou and I were talking again, and here is a great way to move forward. We should all think of the most valuable thing Todd has taught us each, individually, and be prepared to teach it to him. We all carry a different piece of Todd and therefore can stimulate a different part of this amazing human. Through art, bodywork, water, and much much more we can bring a great deal of pleasure to this process. Todd has always found something amazing in each and every day, like the sunset or a glass of wine or a blooming flower and knowledge, and I think this part will not change.
AND HERE IS BABA…
Yes things are moving forward and I can verify the fact that Todd is in there and working things out in his mind. He looks the most like himself when he does his totally body yawn. It’s great. I am not one to mince words (as many of you know) or go on with false hope….but yesterday I saw our Todd in there. He is still hidden a bit and will need to have his memory refreshed (to put it mindly). So everyone get your lists together of your favorite Todd fun facts and info. How you can help most, once Todd returns, is to give him consistant input and knowledge. A strong support team is indeed what he has going for him. Think in terms of the long haul or perhaps a class you took from him.
We did have a couple gurggles and grunts yesterday and I am certain that words will come soon. He is looking somewhat confused and dazed still which is to be expected.
Now both Alex and I are working on the joys in life and finding laughter around hidden corners. Alex is once again laughing and I think enjoying a bit of Amsterdam despite all she has been through. She is a strong creature our Alex. I am happy to be on the support team and close at the moment.
Thank you all.
Todd + Alex and Baba…. and soon Levon who is on a train from the airport so I better get dressed and pick him up.
October 19, 2007 at 2:09 am
ooooo-oooo-oooo ooo-oooh girl(s), just got to have you by (Todd’s) siiii-ee-ide!!!
October 19, 2007 at 2:54 am
Fantastic!! I hope that we have the pleasure of hearing about Todd’s progress when you return home. 🙂 It’s really great to share in his daily challenges and celebrations!
Thanks for keeping us posted!
October 19, 2007 at 3:33 am
I hope this helps. It seems odd to me that I fell into this story, perhaps it has something to do with my own brain injury road trips(I have 4 t-shirts). You will get your Todd back; perhaps new and improved.
Below is a link to a wonderful group of humans who rebuild broken brains. Their specialty is more spinal injury, but they can guide you on your path. They are in Atlanta, so I would not advise going there, but they can tell you who and where to go to on home base in CA.
Good luck and Godspeed
http://www.shepherd.org/
October 19, 2007 at 4:45 am
Alex, Todd & Babalou…each day is a step closer to Todd’s recovery. Way to go Alex for ALL your support that YOU have given him, and way to go Todd for each day that you heal. I too hope that when you get home that you will continue this blog about his recovery. I feel that part of me knows you both from reading each day, maybe some day we will cross paths and meet. Sending positive energy your way.
Thanks Alex & babalou for the update.
A caring reader from Michigan
October 19, 2007 at 4:50 am
More great news, that is wonderful Alex. What a strong man your Todd is. Each day he is getting stronger. I am so excited for you all that your day of bring him back to CA is getting closer. I too hope that you will continue to blog about his recovery progress. Sending positive energy your way. Thanks Alex & Bablou for the update, how exciting !!
a caring reader from Michigan
October 19, 2007 at 7:01 am
hmmm – what has Todd taught me??? Well, how this for starters .. – that it was safe to love Mark.
Thats a biggun
I hope UCSF (projecting and keeping the eye on the prize and creating space for the US insurancce industry to do the right thing) is ready for us – cuz here we come!
JakeEddie got his hair cut.
I rode the bus to the chocolate factory from a block away from my new home in Petaluma today.
Mark is installing the railing (yipppeee!!) this weekend and is loading out The Shop – one big ass truck load at a time. (oye)
Todd is smiling, eyebrow raising and coming home.
Alex is a goddess and an inspiration.
Baba is Mom. Levon is next up.
We are having a Dec 1 Blue and Green Ball planning meeting on Monday.
We (heart) the rotating machinery of Todds beautiful mind.
peacelovetodd
*
A+M=JE
October 19, 2007 at 7:16 am
Wow. After reading this it feels like the care package we should send is a pair of boots!
Todd is making incredible strides and will be asking for them soon.
Sebastian is rabid about Jake Eddies Boots right now… he wants to wear them to bed.. in the bath… etc. We will do a “you are my sunshine” dance tap review for you as soon as you are ready. Sebastian has his own version of the song. Big hugs.
We love you!
🙂
October 19, 2007 at 7:39 am
So happy to read of Todd’s progress! Amazing and you two are amazing.
We would love to send crafty cards your way.
Please send the best address to send them.
A lyric sheet to something uplifting and corny will be included:)
xo,
Tiffany, Ken & Odessa
October 19, 2007 at 8:02 am
Hi Guys!!
We are not Jenkie–please don’t call us that.
Thanks!
your pals,
A&B Jenkins
October 19, 2007 at 8:18 am
We need to rig the forklift to run via the web, so Todd can help us load/unload from his bed!
October 19, 2007 at 8:19 am
Way to go Todd! Keep it coming! I know you’re not one to loaf about, and it’s a good thing, cause you and Alex have lots of living to do.
Jessica
October 19, 2007 at 8:25 am
wo-ow!
love Zolie and Kyrsten
October 19, 2007 at 9:47 am
great update, wonderful news! Smiles tend to build on themselves, and are a strong foundation for a lot more healing!!
Congrats Todd! Rock on, go Alex & Babalou!
October 19, 2007 at 10:11 am
Such good news! Sign me up for Todd’s wine geekdom knowledge recovery effort – we can start with the muscadet! Levon has a funny story about Todd sniffing wine… Here’s hoping you even get to have some capital F Fun with Levon in the next week as you move forward with recovery and repatriation…Oh, and schedule Alex that massage pronto!!
October 19, 2007 at 11:16 am
I’m beaming to hear this latest news. Smiles, kisses, raised eyebrows – every expansion and contraction is a great gift of presence. I’m sending love and support, joining this tremendous ocean of love that carries you all on this journey. All the best.
Brenna (friend of Annie’s, classmate of Julie’s way back when at LHS, connected to you through this intricate web of family, friendship and heart)
October 19, 2007 at 11:50 am
Alex
What can I say – at least you know you have a non-narcotic sleep aid :). Thanks for all the posts – keeping us all connected. It is always our first read of the day. You and Todd are constantly in our thoughts. We dream big when we think of Todd’s recovery. I haven’t known anything that can keep that boy down for long. Glad to hear that home is in the near future. Love you both and Babalou too for taking good care.
xoxo jen, tim & progeny
October 19, 2007 at 12:37 pm
it’s so great to read about todd’s progress, it fills my heart to know that he will be home soon. I miss you todd and yes alex, you too. I can’t image that todd could not be in more capable hands with alex and baba. you girls are serious rockstars. keep the good news coming my friends.
m
October 19, 2007 at 1:05 pm
if there’s one thing todd needs to know, its how inspiring and important he is to everyone one that knows him. In school, he taught me to get through it as fast and as strong as i can so i can get OUT and do the really important art (i can only wish to be as awesome as the things he does) and LOOK! i have only one more semester left, and todd will be the guest of honor at my senior show, no doubt.
outside of school he has taught me to stay joyful (through example, of course!) and to be happy in all the art and things i do; also by showing the amazing way he gets everyone so excited and happy to be working together and, if they’re extremely lucky, with todd.
much love to both of you,
meredith
October 19, 2007 at 2:34 pm
here’s an easy one, tune and lyrics…
Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you’re the key to my peace of mind
Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman
When my soul was in the lost-and-found
You came along to claim it
I didn’t know just what was wrong with me
Till your kiss helped me name it
Now I’m no longer doubtful of what I’m living for
And if I make you happy I don’t need to do more
Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman
Oh, baby, what you’ve done to me
You make me feel so good inside
And I just want to be close to you
You make me feel so alive
You make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman
– aretha franklin
October 19, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Well, I can’t wait to continue with these projects. When Todd proposed we do the Lake Merritt project in the beginning, I not only jumped at the idea cause I knew we could come up with some pretty wacked ideas together, but also because that end of the lake is always were I find a bit of quietude at the end of a jog around the water. The whole project is going to take a while, and I see a pretty major picnic party on the shore at the end of the process, recapturing that calm after all the upheaval of land and concrete…
And what have I learned from Todd?? Among many other things….
Todd has been insturmental in teaching neanderthal blacksmith John to not be scared of technology. LED’s will not burn fingers, computer can not be fixed with rock, rock can be wired for sound. Put it all together and pretty colors make John laugh, clap paws. My Cave has been safe for long time, but even though the light of the 21st century hurts my blacksmith eyes, I have come to enjoy the new toys, and he has been great about patiently guiding me through the web of acronyms. USB connects to DSL with USA wire. Right???
P.S. Todd, I promise to wash hands before touching your laptop…
And my theme song for the day? Convoy, “ain’t nothin gonna get in our way…” now that’s a pesky little ditty to get stuck in your head, ain’t it???
Love and hugs and semi air horns… Beeeep beeeeeeeep!!!!!
Johnny
October 19, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Hi Loves,
Another happy day for you. And the time to come home seems nearer & nearer.
Alex, please tell Todd that his Uncle Bill had heart bypass surgery today and came thru just fine. He’s going to be good as new as will Todd.
Love you, A.J.
October 19, 2007 at 6:56 pm
ART ART ART!!!
It’s the power of the flower, the shine in the rain, the game of the brain!
I’m going to have a gallery show with a robotics theme (including static, non-kinetic, as well as kinetic pieces) to coincide with the Robogames in June.
Any and all Todd Blair originals (new or old) would be prominently displayed at Rhythmix! http://www.rhythmix.org
Big love to Alex, Todd and Baba too… I forgot to give Levon the New Yorker with the other stuff I delivered, d’oh! I’ll save it for you when you return.
October 19, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Hi — Thanks so much for your updates, it is very good to hear how Todd is doing!
For sharing music, I am not sure if some jerryrigging of a device like a pillow speaker might be an option:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103574
Good luck!