CF Workshop

This is the Steampunk Chameleon I made last week at CF Workshop. It was nice to have time to sit down and clay and having fun doing it. Thanks for PC Guild members who had spend countless hours getting this event going. Kathy, Lee Ann, Marian, I'm sure your husbands were glad to have you back.
I wish I could go to every classes to say hello, but since Ada was in the hospital, it is hard to leave her. Among people who came to the workshop; Melanie and her friend from Kentucky, Linda Weeks who I always want to meet, Rocky who came all the way from Colorado Spring. And, of course, Christi Friesen, the funniest and most generous person of all, I can't thank you enough for her time.
Many had donated their art works which we will try to get the auction going. Kathy was so overwhelm by all the items she had received, it will take a couple of weeks to get it going.
Ada is back to normal, I mean back to her sleeping pattern. During the hospital stay, we did not get much sleep during the night since someone always come in and take her vital sign or give her some medicine, Ada had been waking up every 2-3 hours and cannot go back to sleep. So mom did not get to sleep either.
First thing she did when we get home was giving us a big smile. We haven't seen that for 5 days. Her pain seems to be subsided and she is more calm, in a way. I do give her some Tylenol as needed. I think I can tell whether she is in pain or not comfortable or need something else.
The surgery is scheduled for Monday, May 4 th. Right now she is on Antibiotic. The doctor just want to make sure everything heal up before they go in and take those kidney stones out.
We went to see the Neurologist last week. While we were there, Ada was so irritated and restless. She shake the wheelchair, banging the chair to the table and try to get out of room. I asked the doctor if he think this is a behavior or she was in pain, he said, well, after the surgery she will not be in pain any more then we can say it is her behavior. Oh whatever. I remember begging Dr. Jude to tell me how I can take care of my daughter and he said the neurologist will be able to tell me what to do.
I think I will stop asking those stupid questions since no one seems to know what to expect from Ada. We just have to wait and see what she will do next.
Again, I would like to thanks for all the supports I get from everyone. I used to sing "You and me against the world" to Ada, but now I know that many have come along through the journey with us and we are not alone anymore.

Random Thoughts

Just thought I would drop in with some thoughts...
Ada came home from the hospital on Monday...she was feeling better and she was Bored with a capital "B" of being in the hospital and in bed for a week. There is so much to be astounded by what Ada is doing. I think back to last spring when she was in and out of the hospital several times and then the endless days of the nursing home and even though we lived through it... seems like it must have happened to someone else. I guess the brain has a way of blocking out some of your darkest moments when you have new things to look forward to....

Ada is returning to her old self and even more so...since she came home she seems restless ready to bust out...this makes you smile and laugh but we have to remember Ponsawan is with her all day everyday because some of things she is trying to do could do her harm...she has to be watched at all times. A nurse said to me in the hospital she was very moved by Ada's mother's devotion...I too marvel at my friends' caring ways but even as she knows what Ada needs she is only one person.

So, if you have an hour or two to visit in the next few weeks please know how welcomed you are and how much it would mean to Ponsawan. Ada needs someone to "play" with her. So if you find you have the time for a visit it would be most appreciated...it might give Ponsawan a little time for herself.

I am leaving tomorrow to visit my son in Korea. Kyle has been there now three months and he needs his summer clothes...so I thought why not deliver them in person. This is my third trip in as many years and this time I am on my own most of the time...I really want to just sit , relax and think about how fortunate I am to be blessed with two gifts from Korea that are my sons. It was the devotion of their Korean mothers that made it possible for me to celebrate Mother's Day these past 25 years. Two years ago I celebrated Mother's Day in Korea with Kyle's Korean mother as I will this year. He is a very special son to us both.

But my"daughter" and her mother will never be far from my thoughts as I know they are never far from all of yours. You are Ponsawan's strength.... never forget how important you all are in this healing process.

Take care,
Ardis

Mini vacation

Ada is doing much better but she still have high fever during the night, about 102-103, so Dr. Biggerstaff will keep here at the hospital till Monday. He had agree to take care of Ada every time she admits to the hospital, this way he 'd already knew her and her condition and can order all the test and medication right away. We were blessed to get the privilege.
Ada and I are in private room and the nurse station is in front of the room. With big window, we can enjoy the afternoon sun. There is a couch that can pull out into a bed. I got my beads and sit there making my bracelets. Ada sleeps most of the time. Dad will come in the evening and I will go home to take shower.
2 of my favorite things at Methodist hospital are; the Raspberry ice tea in the cafeteria and the pizza place in the basement. They brew the tea just right everytime. The staffs here kept the pizza place as a secret. It is so good so it is a treat for me.
Christie Friesen is here teaching the class. I haven't had a chance to say hello to her yet, but dad can stay with Ada on Sunday, so I can go to see her. Also today Rachael and Ryan are having the house warming party. Perfect evening, I wish them well.
Ada has 3 small stones and we will come back next week to get them out. I wonder where they came from because she did not have them 6 months ago according to the c-scan.
I knew something was wrong with Ada for the past 4-5 days. She did not act like herself. It is hard to recognize that she is in pain and I thought I knew.
We will take her outside this evening and may be she can walk a little bit. Long and empty hallway would be fun to roam.
More good news later.
Hugs

Kidney stone

Last night we had to take Ada to ER because she had a high fever. She had been grumpy for a few day, I just did not pick up on it that she was sick. Sorry honey.
They suspected the urinary infection, but after the c-scan, they found a stone in her kidney. It was not there 6 month ago, but they are fixing it by putting the drain through her bladder. Oh what ever it is that would help her for now and we have to take care of the stone later. We are happy that Dr. Biggerstaff is taking care of her and I can rest and be assure that she will get full attention and the best care.
We should go home in a couple of day.
Hugs

From Rachel

There has been several times that I have wanted to write something on this page however, I just haven't found the words. I guess I'll just start from the beginning......
Ada and I met when we were just rug rats on a gymnastics team together. She was always very quiet and kept to herself. She was a little younger than me and always very nice. I immediately became very protective of her, I'm not sure why! We were very close and I think it cracked her up that I tormented her little brothers! We ended up doing gymnastics together on the high school team and had some really fun times. Even after we both graduated we still managed to make sure we hung out at least once or twice a year. The day I found out about her accident a part of me died. I remember calling Ponsawan and asking her that one big question.... "Will she remember me?" Ponsawan paused and very quietly muttered... "no,..... well, I don't know." It took everything I had not to cry. I asked her particulars about her condition and then called my mother (a speech therapist that loves Ada too) to ask her what I could do to help, exercises... anything. The first time I came over I sat down and at first, I don't think she knew who I was until I started talking. I know in my heart that she recognized me that day. I come to see her every Thursday and if I can't make it, I come Sunday. She makes progress everyday. I think she realizes that her left arm is there now, she's looking left too!! That was a H U G E deal. The sentencing was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever had to sit through. Anyone who knows me knows that I wanted to freak out in that courtroom. Me sitting in jail definitely wouldn't have helped the situation! I have seen her walk on her walker and stand on the standing frame, she hates that thing! I know this cuz she tried to beat me up when I was holding her on it! The last time I was over there she ate her first piece of solid food!! SOLID FOOD!!! I thought Ponsawan was going to have a heart attack! Well, I could probably type forever, but I'll leave room for other thoughts! I LOVE YOU ADA!!!!
Rachel Watson

A piece of Chex cereal

Today Rachael and I was sharing a bag of Chex Mix while sitting with Ada. Rachael has been coming every Thursday to play with Ada. I gave her a piece of small round pretzel, she took it from my hand and put it in her mouth. I was relieved that the pretzel did not make it into her mouth. Rachael quickly told me not to freak out because I was about to get panic. I dug into the bag and gave her a piece of Chex cereal, she took it and put it in her mouth and chewed.
Ok, Ok, it is not like she will start eating right away. She only took a piece if cereal, but it was a good start. At least she still have the concept of putting food in her mouth and chew and swallow. Incredible, isn't it?
She also walks around the house 5-6 laps in the morning and 5-6 laps in the evening everyday.
We also went to Crossroad rehab center for an Augmentative Communication Evaluation. Since there is a clear indication (in my opinion) that she is ready and willing to communicate with us. We will get a simple device that Ada can work with and they teach me a few things I can work with Ada. So far everyone agree that she does not take a command. LOL Nothing new, we've already known that.
It had been a year and I think Ada had made slowly but steady progress. Everyday is a new day and I can guarantee that she will do something that make me smile. Thanks for all the kind words and support that I get from friends around the world. I no longer cry myself to sleep because now I know that tomorrow a small miracle will happen and Ada's smile will warm my heart and I will have a chance give her hugs and kisses and tell her how much I love her.

Christie Friesen Workshop

Learn how to make these beautiful creatures during Christie friesen Workshop. She will be here April17,18,19. You can still register for class here. No experience necessary.

If you cannot participate at this time, please consider sending baked goods, snack or drinks, if you can. Give me a call, I'll pick it up.

I also would like to thank all of my friends who had donated their artworks that we will put up for the auction later.