Dear Ada

Archie's Graduation

2012-01-07T16:38:00.001-08:00

Archie graduated from Indiana University with degree in Math last month. So now we have 2 IU grads. We took Ada with us since the weather was quite nice. She and her nurse and I waited patiently in the hall way, while the rest of the family sat in the Auditorium. We even had lunch at Thai restaurant that afternoon. Ada was happy and she smiled and smiled. I am sure she was very proud of her brother, I sure did.
I have to give Archie lots of credit to be able to graduated in 41/2 years. As a freshman at IUPUI, he had to worked night shift at Fedex and went to school during the day. Then it was Ada's accident. I was gone to be with Ada for a good 6 months. I didn't know how he could continue with his routine, but he did. He stayed at IUPUI for another year, then asked to transferred to IU Bloomington.
Arthy was in High school at that time. It was tought for him too. He rarely visited Ada at the hospital or nursing home. One time he told me"I want Ada back". I wish I could. Arthy finished High school and got a job at Fedex. While he still lived at home, he hasn't come into Ada's room often. It was Annie, his girlfriend who came in and played with Ada. Slowly, Arthy felt more comfortable sitting with Ada while I have to go do something else.
Almost 4 years now and the boys are all grown up. They are men now and we are closer to each other than ever. Every time Archie came home from IU, Ada, who is able to recognize every one foot step, was not able to sit still until Archie came in her room. Archie would laid next to her, whispered something in her ears that make her smiled. It was between us, he told me.
Our lives had become normal again, in a way. There is always someone (nurse) come in and out to take care of Ada. It was not comfortable at first, but we get used to it now. There is a ramp in front of the house instead of the step. Everything evolve around Ada and her routine. 4 of us went out together sometime, without Ada, or sometime we take turn eating because Ada refused to sit in the dinning room. I makes a lot more jewelry and get my Mojo back. I don't like staying at home but with technology and Facebook, I am not alone anymore.
Dad is doing well too. Ada loves, loves her daddy. he always gets a big kiss from her. We all get along better since we have to focus on Ada's need first, not ours.
Ada continues to make progress. I can't believe it had been almost 4 years. Can't wait to see what she can do 4 years from now.
Thanks for all your supports, my friends.

One day at a time.

2011-12-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is the advice I always get from my good friend, who, for almost 4 years now, had been listening to what ever I need to let out almost everyday. Sometime I just complain and complain too much, I was afraid that he won't come back the next day to hear me complain anymore. But he always there for me. Dr. Jill Taylor once told me that don't think about the future too much, I will freak out and she was right.
I was freaking out like she said. See, when my husband had to go to Thailand to visit his family, I told him, he can't be gone too long. he didn't say anything but he actually went for almost 6 weeks. While he was gone, I kept myself busy. It is hard to keep up with Miss Ada in the evening by myself. Arthy had been a big help but he had something else to do too. One evening, Miss Ada had a fever, her legs and the whole left side was shaking. I gave her Tylenol but she didn't fall asleep till 3 am. She had fever for a couple more days then she was fine. It had happened before and I think her brain and body react to germs in different way. With weather changes, holidays hectic, I stressed out. I just realized that this is hard, too hard for me to take care of Ada by myself. What if something happen to one of us?
I am trying to take it one day at a time, but just got a call from my husband who informed me that his flight from Bangkok to Shienghai was cancelled and he was trying to get another flight and, hopefully, he will be home tomorrow. Is it time to freak out?
One sad note. My friend, Ting, who always leave me comments, encouraging comments had been fighting brain cancer since last year. She is in coma now with a few more days to live. Ting lives in Australia with her husband and her young son. And I can't do anything about it, so I freak out, again.
Hopefully tomorrow, all my worries will be gone, or it will be just another day, who knows!
P.S. I received a call from my husband this morning. he made it to Chicago but missed the flight to Indy. he will be here this afternoon. And a friend in Australia was able to visit Ting and delivered my message to her. I just want to tell Ting that Ada and I are fine, don't worry about us. Rest well, Ting.

Christmas Ornaments made from Cheerios boxes

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

It had been a while from the last post, and I am apologized for that. I have done a lot of thinking, you know, how I feel about Ada, this Ada and old Ada. Ada is now a new person, it won't be fair to hold her against the old one. After all I won't get my old Ada back. It's only fair to move forward in life. I don't think Ada remembers anything or anyone from her past. I don't think she even remembers me, it just that I am always around 24/7.
It had been almost 4 years now. I am quite comfortable being a stay-at-home mom again. Oh, how much I used to hate that. Now I can go out and get away if I schedule the trip in advance. Arthy spend more time with Ada and more comfortable babysitting for a couple of hour with the help from Annie. I can go to meeting, a few retreat and spend as much time on Facebook talking to friends and customers.
Ada used to volunteer and did Charity works, and this Holiday Season, I want to raise some money and give it to Charity in Ada's name. These ornaments were made from Cheerios boxes. I saved a lot of them. Here how I do it. I cut the box into 1" strips, then glue 2 strips together. Cut the strips into pieces then glue 2 pieces together. Then I paint each pieces and glue them on another piece of cardboard, like so. After that, I paint more details on each tree, and add some dangling beads at the bottom.

I am planning to make more of them, so if you can help, please let me know. I am selling each one for $5 and it will take $1 to mail it.

Have a Happy Holiday everyone.

I am now at peace with myself and quite happy :)

P.S. Why Cheerios box, you might ask? Ada, for a while now, only eat Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios. She received 3 can of formula (Ensure kind) each day, a glass of juice, V-8, and a cup of soup via her feeding tube. She eats about half box of Cheerios everyday. Lately, she adds Gold fish cracker, Teddy gram and freeze dried Strawberry and Blueberry to her diet. So... I have a lot of Cheerios box :)

From Rachel

2011-09-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All!
I thought it was about time for me to post something! Sometimes I forget how important it is for people to know different views of who Ada is and what she’s going through. Those who do not know me, I am one of Ada’s Besties since we were little. I try to go see Ada at least once a week. Most times I can’t stay very long, but she brings me joy on a regular basis. She listens and without words you know that she has an opinion waiting to bust out of her! She always did wear her emotions on her sleeve, more now then ever before. I had to tell her that Ryan and I were getting a divorce and she was so angry. She loved it when Ryan and I came over and he would act like he was pushing me down, cracked her up. She has now become okay with the idea and likes my stories of who I have a crush on. I don’t think she thinks that Brad Pitt will ever come around, but that’s okay. She literally rolled her eyes at me! I got to see her eat her first solid food, take her to her first movie, pick out shoes and have had some really awesome times before and since the accident. I am truly blessed to be a part of her life. She is starting to get better about pointing at things and where she wants to go which I’m sure makes life a little bit easier for Ponsawan. I tend to give her a hard time about not talking, and games, etc (in a healthy encouraging way).… and Ponsawan and I joke about her first words being, “Rachel, leave me alone!” The main reason I wanted to post something today is because she has so many friends and loved ones that follow her progress on this blog, which is awesome, and I would love to see people take a more active role in going to see her. If you have a day off work or an extended lunch break or even vacation time, I encourage you to stop by. If you do not live in the Indianapolis area it makes it a little more difficult! People tend to think that a visit won’t make a difference. It means the world to Ada and has a huge impact on her road to recovery. Yes, it can feel intimidating and scary. Seeing someone you love go through something like this is difficult, but what you must remember is that; she is still Ada.
With Love,
Rachel

One on One

2011-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

We went back to see Speech Pathologist. This time she suggested we sat outside of the room while Ada went in and work with her. At first, Ada didn't cooperate very well. She push the equipment away and threw stuffs on the floor. I waited, patiently, in the other room. Forty minutes passed and the door opened. Ada did settled down and worked on the given task. She is able to focus and listen to the instructions.
Forget about the talking machine for a while, we are going back to showing her pictures. She responses well at home, especially with the picture of Cheerios.
I went to the paint store and picked up some paint chips. Stick one on the board and the other one on with Velcro. Ada is able to match all the pictures and the right color chart. Cheap and effective, we actually work on that 3-4 times a day. Good thing there are several hardware store around here I can visit.Don't want to get caught with a purse full of paint chips. They are free, I know.
Feeding tube is still in tack. I did called the Patient Advocate to see if they can do anything to help us calm Ada down in ER, the lady told me to talk to the doctor. They cannot sedate Ada in the ER, but may be a sleeping med would work. Like I haven't talk to Dr.before, most ER Dr., especially the intern, had no idea what to do with Ada anyway.
She is happy, healthy and laughing a lot. She continues to make progress, at her own pace. We just have to be patience.
Rachael still comes to see Ada every week, despires her hectic work schedule and not too shabby personal life. I love you, Rachael.

Toe nails

2011-07-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ada had her toe nail pulled out a couple of weeks ago. We do not know what had happened to her toe, but the nail just did not grow properly. Of course, she either let us trim nor touch it. The doctor quickly suggested that we sedate her and work on the nail. Great, this way nobody will get kick. And because Ada had history of seizure, they felt that we should do it at St. Vincent Hospital.
We always take Ada to Methodist Hospital, but OMG, what's a different they way they treated their patients. Ada had her wisdom teeth pull at Methodist Hospital last month, they put us in a small room with curtain for surgery prep. I always make sure that they understand Ada's condition. I insisted on not taking her home until she stopped bleeding. After being separated, I have to sit in the waiting room while they work with Ada. I wondered off and got a call from Dr. that the surgery was done and she was doing well. I rush back and waited in the waiting area for about 30 min. when they told me I can see Ada. I went in and Ada was in bed, almost sit up in bed. They said she can go home, now. I felt rush but what can I do. I asked how do they know she was not bleeding anymore. They said she didn't swallow as much. In short, get the heck out of here, we need the darn bed.
At St. Vincent Hospital, we were sent into a surgery prep room, which is double the size of the prep room we used to be in, with door. There is a recliner and chairs and I can sit in the room while waiting. Ha? Her nurse brought me soda and cracker. Ada was given a few dose of sleeping pill before they can started the IV. They were very kind and understanding. Of course, the surgery took 15 min. to finish and her Dr. even trimmed all her toe nails. Ada was so sleepy and will be sleeping for a while. Her nurse told me to go get lunch because they will let Ada sleep. Ha? Ada end up sleeping for almost 3 hours before they even try to wake her up.
Can we changed hospital? I felt the need to go and talk to the patient advocate at Methodist Hospital of how badly we were treated for the past 3 years and I didn't realize that until we were at St. V.
For now, Ada is doing fine, and shouldn't have any major hospital even to attend for a while. The feeding tube works well for now. She is alert, much more alert sometime it is quite scare when she stands up from the recliner by herself. I can't leave her alone and she won't leave me alone either. Talking about separation anxiety. Sometime I think she acts like a typical 3 years old who likes to cling on to mom's leg, needs all attention, and occasionally, throwing tantrum.

All 4 Wisdom Teeth

2011-05-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Look at my big cheek rabbit daughter, she had 4 less teeth since Wednesday. Yep, all 4 teeth were out at the same time. I cried when I saw her after surgery. I cried before the surgery because I did not know how I would take care of her. I kept nagging nurses and doctors about Ada's condition just to make sure they know what they were dealing with. This is Saturday and she is smiling and laughing a little bit. I am not sure when she will let us back to clean her teeth again. Good thing I met a friend of mine on Facebook and she has been kind enough to consult me every morning. You got to love Facebook.

Rachael, my other daughter and Ryan came by on Mother's Day. Got to love her, she is the regular who still come to visit Ada almost every week.
It had been quite stressful lately. Problem with feeding tube, new nurses and now the Wisdom teeth, I really need a break.

In the Garden

2011-05-11T13:11:00.001-07:00

Mike and Frances came by to visit Ada and I, so we went to IMA and walked around the garden. I was glad that Mike was able to help me pushing Ada around.

It was kinna annoying when I found out 3 years ago that we cannot just push Ada on her wheelchair and go where we used to go in the garden. The paths laid with gravel and the big flag stones make the task very difficult. Not to mention the terrain with steps, that's impossible. Frances and I stepped down to take a pretty picture while Mike stayed with Ada.

Since all 3 of us graduated from Ball State University with Degree in Landscape Architecture, we agree that something needs to be done or addressed to the designer that people in wheelchair need to be taken into their consideration too as part of the design.

That's what I hope to do, someday :)

The girl and her new shoe collection

2011-04-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Last week, Ada's surgery for her wisdom teeth had been postponed, which is good for us because she had been sleeping and napping all day. Must be tried from all the commotion with the feeding tube. The tube works fine so far.

Today Rachael came over and we took Ada to Trader Joe's. We both fill up the cart with good food. Ada was good but attempt to grab other people cart one time. I found freeze dried strawberry that cost less that what I bought at Georgetown Market. I also bought Light coconut milk for curry. Arthy has been cooking for us and he is very health conscious.

Rachael is changing job so she had been helping her mother-in-law clean out her closet. She got 3 big boxes of shoes and stuffs in her car. Size 7 1/2 and 8? Great, we both wear the same size shoe.

We came home and Rachael took out the boxes. I tried on some shoes. Ada was curious. Rachael gave Ada a shoe and Ada extended her foot out, Rachael put the shoe on, Ada gave her another foot and she looks happy.

I should have tape the event, really. Rachael showed Ada another shoe, she wave her hand, as a "no no". Then Rachael gave her another shoe, she extend her foot out again.

The girl has a new collection of shes now. Amazing how can she picks and chooses and makes decision. The brain must be working hard today.

New tube

2011-04-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Today we got up at 6 am and headed to the Interventional Radiology department so Ada can have her feeding tube put back in. The catheter tube worked just fine but it might have irritated Ada's stomach. The nurses in the prep rooms remembered us so there was no need for long introduction. The last time we were there was 3 months ago. Joe, the technicians just shook his head and went back to see if he can find some other alternative tube for Ada.
The feeding tube has a balloon at the end, after you put the tube in the stomach through a small hole over the belly button, you inflated the balloon with salt water. The balloon will keep the tube in. Usually, each tube last 5-6 month but it can be pull out by accident. Joe suggest a shorter tube that the opening is next to the skin. Another tube will be connected for feeding. Well, Ada doesn't like to be touch and fussing with her stomach area all day won't work. The next one is the same feeding tube with the end cap that look like a small mushroom. It can stretch so thin in order to put it through the hole , and once it get in, the small rubber disc will make hard to pull the tube out.
Joe did mention it last time and tell me to call Ada's GI doctor, which I did but he didn't tell me anything new. How far and wide do I have to search in order to make our lives a bit easier, you know, not having to spend 5 hours in the ER every 4-5 months? I am sure the mushroom kind had existed a while ago, and no one thought, ha, that's would be better for Ada. Same as the earlier time when Ada used to have a G-J tube. It works because it prevent aspiration, but it clogs easily and the food goes down very slow. It was my executive decision to change from G-J tube to G-tube and it went well.
Joe said this tube should last at lease a year to 5 years, so we won't see each other often unless I just want to talk to him. Thank you, Joe, you will be missed.

P.S. I am happy with Congresswoman Gifford's progress. But just to remind you that in reality, if you, an ordinary people had a severe brain injury, don't expect to be flown in to the hospital by the private jet, then helicopter. Don't expect that they will let you stay in the hospital for 3 months with private nurse and everyday therapy. Don't expect the Musical therapy either, unless you have the same kind of insurance that the Congresswoman has. I thought Ada has the best, Medicare won't pay for her Musical therapy. Don't get me wrong, I am forever grateful for what we had received. Salute for this great country.

Feeding tube

2011-04-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the pre-op for Ada at Indiana University Hospital where they prepared the paperwork for Ada's surgery next Wednesday. Ada had been patiently waiting and sitting in her chair while I talked to the nurse and doctor. After two hours, we went home only to turn back to Methodist hospital because her feeding tube came off. And it is Friday afternoon which means it was busy and the Intervention Radiology Department will be closed till Monday morning. Then I have to call them at 7 am Monday morning and beg them to schedule Ada ASAP.
While 2 doctors were working in putting the feeding tube back in her stomach, me and 2 nurses were trying very hard to hod Ada's down. She was mad, scare, and hurt at the same time. I think she almost, almost cry. Unsuccessfully, the doctor had to put the catheter tube in which mean it needs to be replaced later. Exhausting and angry, Ada let me know that she wanted to get out of bed and sit on her chair. She calmly pointed to her shirt and pants at the end of the bed. I put her clothes back on, then she pointed to her shoes and lifted up her feet for me. Then she pointed to the door but we can't go home yet because they wanted her to get and X-ray. The technician was very kind, I think she remembered Ada. The nurses came back and laid on top of Ada. Another round of wrestling with her. I was in tear, no, I really cried.
Keep in mind that by the time we walked into the ER till after X-ray, it had been 5 hours. What did we do in between? Well, we played games on iPad, I blew up the latex glove and let Ada talked with the hand, I folded the papers into airplane, I pushed her back and forth in the hallway in her chair and constantly asking the nurse to get things moving at the same time because last time Ada had water was at 9 am and it was now 6 pm. We both very, very tried.
Finally, I saw Ann Huber, the ER Angle, she came to the rescue. She got us out of there in 15 min. I talked briefly with Ann about why can't they sedated Ada down here in ER and they can't because it is a simple procedure, well, for others not for the fighty, mighty Ada.
The question is Ada will have surgery on Wed and I wonder if she can be sedated on Monday then again on Wednesday.

Uh and Ah

2011-04-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Only if you could be in bed with me and Ada at night, you would be able to hear the sound Uh and Ah in the dark. It is my little girl, who just turn to me, pads me on the shoulder and let me know that she is awake. Then she giggles happily, just little girl who discovers something cool she can do. So I just Uh and Ah along with her till she goes back to sleep.
She is also be able to tell us more that she needs to go to the girl's room or need to be changed. She is able to open her left hand more and more to give us Hi-5. She gives us a kiss when asked. Is that counted as"Following command"?
I also found healthy soup in a box that I've been given to her in the evening. The same soup that cost $5 at Meijer, only cost $2.50 at Trader Joe. I could have cooked for her but I think the soup is good enough. She also eats some Freeze dried Strawberry that I added to the Cheerios. Only it cost $5.89 per bag at the health Food Store, so she can eat the whole bag in one day.
Ada will have her surgery on her teeth next Wednesday. I am quite nervous, since I don't have any idea of how to take care of her after surgery. They can keep her 23 hours at the hospital as outpatient.
The weather has not been nice, rain and cold kept us inside. Lately, Ada likes to take a long nap. Sometime she naps for 2-3 hours. Good for her, but not good for me. because I have to lay down next to her and she will put her legs on my legs. All I have to say is, it is like having baby Ada all over again. And I love it.

Update on Ada

2011-04-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have not written for a while, please accept my apology. Ada is fine and she is as happy as she could be. There are a few changes such as Ada has a new nurse which means it will take time for them to adjust and understand each other. So far so good. We go out as much as weather permitted. She likes to be outside and will point out that we should go outside on sunny day only we can't because sometime it is so cold. She is able to let us know more of what she want. Ada will have surgery at the end of the month for her wisdom teeth. they will take out all 4 at the same time. I don't want to think about it, not sure how she will react after surgery. We go to see Speech Pathologist twice a month now. We play games and teach her how to follow direction. She is still making progress and that's more important than anything. Since I sleep with Ada, on the night that I can't sleep, I snugged in the iPad and played games under the blanket. This doesn't go well now when it is warmer and I can't stay under the blanket. So I let her watch me play "Angry birds". Ada will laugh and laugh at everything till she took the iPad away from me, which is the indication that she wants to sleep now. And she wakes up smiling every morning. Last week I had to pick up my friend from Thai temple in Huber Height, Ohio. I decided to take Ada with me. She sat quietly in the car eating her Cheerios for an hour then started to pad her hand at the door. She hasn't been in the car that long. We went inside the temple and talked to the monk who blessed her. She was laughing and happy. I think, some how she likes it when when someone speak Thai to her. Ada is napping now and she will let me know as soon as she wakes up. We are dealing with "separation anxiety" because someone is always in the room with her, so she doen't like it when I step out. Sound like a 3 years old, isn't it? After all, she is my baby and she is growing up.

As seen on TV

2011-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

There is a new TV show on USA network called "Fairly Legal". A young, beautiful lawyer, Kate, turns Mediator because she wants to do the "right" thing. Last week episode was about a husband and wife sued a company for head injury and brain damaged to husband. The wife did not want to settle. Husband looks fine but something wrong with him. His personality had changed, seems like he was a totally different person before the accident. To make a long story short, Kate's conclusion was that the old husband had died, but the wife should learn to love again, with this new husband.
It makes me think! I am not sure if I should look at my life this way, but this Ada that I have is not the same Ada I used to have. She won't ever be the same.
What do you think? Are you agree with Kate? For 3 years, I have never thought of it this way. My father passed away a month after Ada's accident. I won't ever seen my dad again. Ada is still here but she is not the same Ada. I neither took time to mourn the death of my dad, nor the death of my daughter, Ada. May be it's time. So I can let go and learn to love this daughter, the one I still have. There is a lot of "Ada" left in her; her personality, her smiles, her scent, the way she tugs her hair behind her ears. There are a lot to love about this young lady.
I think Ada's brain had gone blank, and she has to re-learn just about everything. She is doing good. She learns to give us a kiss and she let me give her a hug and kisses and let me lay down beside her. Oh and she just learn a new thing; angry, aggression, huff and puff. I say it is a good thing, only disadvantage is that she takes it out on me most of the time.
Next month she will have a surgery to remove all 4 of her Wisdom teeth. I am not so looking forward to it.
Ada is healthy and happy and still learning new things, new skill, how to think. We visit her Speech Pathologist twice a month now.

Ring a Day project

2011-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Last year I participated in a project on Flickr called "Ring a Day". The objective was to make one ring each day for 365 days. There were almost 400 people signed up and only 14 finished the project.Some of the rings I made did tell the story of Ada and what happened to her that day.

The first one is a "Cheerios" ring I made on her Birthday.
The second day was when Ada and I fell in front of the house and I scraped my fingers.

Next one was her name tag they put on her wrist when we were in ER. Sometime we had to wait so long, I blew up the blue rubber gloves to help entertain Ada.

The next two were the "No known Allergies" tags. We had to go back twice that day to get her new feeding tubes.

This one is part of the feeding bag that hook up to Ada's feeding tube.

This last one is very dear to me. It was ring#364.

Sometime you have to work on what ever life thrown at you. With a little bit of imagination, lots of love and a sense of humor, I had survived another year.

Trust

2010-12-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Not sure if I ever described how we cut Ada's finger and toe nail, but it was not an easy task until now.
With her using the iPad, I had asked Karec to see if she can cut Ada's nail, just the index finger nail. Karec managed to do that, but just one. So I asked Stacy if she would be able to do so with the rest of the nails. Stacy closed the door behind her. It is her way to tell Ada that mom won't get involve. She did it. Hum... how about her toe nail? Stacy closed the door and she got it done.
The next day, I asked Stacy if she would shave Ada's arm pit. This is the ultimate test because she won't let anybody touch that area for a long time. Guess what? It's done.
I remember the old saying about Trust. It is something you earn. I think Stacy just earned it from Ada. At the same time, Ada had learned about Trust again.
And we shall live happily together again.

Love, Laugh, Eat and Sandy

2010-12-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't written for a while but all are good for Ada. She is as happy as she can be. She smiles and laughs a lot. She gives us kisses and let me hug her . Oh, I really miss hugging and kissing her, it had been a while. Now that is is getting colder, we like to stay in bed, cuddle and laugh together.
Last month Ada's aunt came from Thailand for a visit. I had a chance to attend a Polymer Clay Retreat at Mammoth Cave for a few days and I had a great time. Ada received an early Christmas gift; an iPad, and she loves it. Be able to tab on the screen with her finger is much easier than pushing the button. She has been playing spelling game and memory game. Not that she can spell yet, but she is able to match the letter by dragging it to the right place. She also like to watch me solve the Art puzzle. Those painting from Picasso seems to catch her attention. We did took her to the Museum but she did not seem to care about those paintings. I think looking at it from the computer screen must be different since we are not sure if there was any damage to her eyes. Technology is great, isn't it?
She continues to eat Honey Nut Cheerio. We add some V8 and baby food through her tube. her favorite is pea and green bean. LOL, good thing she doesn't have to taste it.
And one day Sandy called, he wanted to visit Ada, so here's Ada and Sandy hanging out. They were in Spain at the same time and travelled together with other students while they were there in Seville. Sandy showed us many pictures of Ada and she looks pretty and happy. Sandy will send me a copy and I can't wait. She was happy to see him, I think. Never know how much she can remember, so if you have time, just come by and say hello.

Ada is doing well with her Speech Pathologist, we will have more sessions next year and we might get to see her twice a month even. I got into trouble last time because I was laughing at Ada. She pretend not to understand what she was told to do. I can see Ada tried not to laugh. Oh, well, it was so cute and I can't help myself.

She is happy and I am happy, can't ask for more.

On the sad note, my friend, Ting, who lives in Australia is not doing well. Ting always leaves a comment, kind words, words of wisdom and encouragement here for us. Now she is fighting with cancer and Chemo and I wish I could be there at her side, holding her hand. Hope you feel better soon Ting.

P.S. I just found a picture of Ada, sandy and another girl. They were in Morocco.

PT

2010-10-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Miss Ada walking with new rolling cane. Still need a helping hand but she likes it, I think. We will order one for her. It should be fun for her to walk around the house. Her PT and I came up with the plan to bribe Ada with Reese's pieces for each lap she walk, it did not work. Ha...ha.

Then we went outside for a bike ride. She still try to figure it out, but did paddle around the parking lot a few time. There is a handle to control the front wheel. A few adjustments need to be made before it works for Ada.

After all the hard work, we stopped for lunch at McDonald. We sat in the dinning room and Miss Ada ate a handful of French Fries. We break it into small pieces, but I am glad she wants something else beside Cheerio.

Oh, last nite, Rachael and Stacy took Ada to the movie. We thought watching "Jackass" would be fun enough to keep Ada in her seat for an hour and a half, but she was done after an hour. We will try next Tuesday, $5 movie pass, may be they can watch the second half of the movie.

We are trying to take her out more. We plan to visit the zoo this Friday, they will let the caregiver in free with disable person. Children Museum, on the other hand, wants me to buy Family Plus membership. Well, there are many other places we can visit.

Auction for Ada - Round two

2010-10-08T11:38:00.001-07:00

Round Two will start tomorrow.

More information @ www.silastones.blogspot.com

Thank you

I can't believe it

2010-09-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

Today we took Ada to see her PT. Her nurse was with her while mom and dad were talking with the Nuero Psychologist. It is a crucial time to get everyone together, be on the same page, same schedule, in order to help Ada continue making progress. I am so glad that dad went with us today. The plan is to do fun things with Ada, to make her laugh and learn at the same time.
There are many things that Ada would do with her nurse but not for me. For example, she will pick Cheerio from the cup and eat it herself, but I have to give her Cheerio by hand or she won't eat it. I always tell Ada's nurse that I don't believe it.
And you will never guess what she did today. She got up and walked with the cane. Yes, the cane, with her nurse holding on to her. It is not a typical grandmother's cane, it looks very high tect, with 2 big wheels in the front, 2 small wheels on the back. It let her push and walk with much more control. I did not see it, so I don't believe it. :)
Now we are going to PT every Wednesday. Yeh. Everyone is so excited about Ada's progress.
We also took her to Healthplex to walk on the tract. 8 laps equal to 1 mile. She is able to walk 3 laps now. We still use Guess pass but it would be nice to be able to get her to walk there everyday, especially when it is cold.
So, if you don't have a chance to bid on any preties yet, I will have a couple of round for the Auction later. Anything help

Auction for Ada - Round one

2010-09-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends
Thanks everyone who participated in the Auction for Ada last year. After, successfully, auction off have of the donated items, I realized that we paid almost 25% to Ebay. I decided to run the auction myself through my blog www.silastones.blogspot.com. Here is how you can participate.
If you would like to bid on an items, or items, you can send me an email silastones@aol.com, to tell me which item you want to bid on and how much. i will update the highest bid as it come in and will email back to you as well.
There will be a couple of rounds for auction and each will last 2 weeks. I will then contact the person with highest bid to make payment arrangement. A small shipping fee will be added to the final bid as well.
If you have any question, please do not hesitate to email me.
And if you can help spread the word through your friends as well, I would greatly appreciate it.
The Auction will begin on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 at noon and will end on Friday, October 8th, 2010 at noon (Central time).

New feeding tube, new ER

2010-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Early this month, Ada' s feeding tube came loose, so we took her to ER. It was not busy and now, instead of putting the temporary tube in her tummy, the can put a new G-tube in there. Ada has G-J tube so we have to take her back later during the week because it was a holiday weekend. The doctor came in to replace the tube and we got out of there in a record setting time; 2 hours.
Later that evening, her new tube came out again, so we went back to ER. This time we met Nurse Ann who is Ada's ER guardian angle. Ann was so happy to see Ada, she doesn't work on the floor but doing administrative work in ER. She get a new tube and pulled a doctor from somewhere to put it in. I knew he was not ER doctor because he was wearing red shirt. Anyway, we got out of there in 45 min. Amazing, isn't it? They also have different size cuffs for the blood pressure machine and it didn't beep that annoying noise. Another thing I noticed was there was a time sheet right in front of each room where the nurse has to sign every half an hour. This way no one would be left unattended for a long period of time. How genius is that? Wonder if Ann has anything to do with this.
Next week, Ada will go back to Therapy, dad and I will go talk to her Neuro Psychologist. We now have a team of therapists and doctors who will come up with a plan to work with Ada. Everyone is so excited to see what Ada can do now.
She continues to make progress, smiles and laughs a lot. Her Speech Pathologist told us it might be time to introduce the sign language to her (and to us).
We take her out as much as we can. It is still warm here but soon it will be Fall. I am gearing up on putting the rest of the donated items on auction. Hope we come up with enough money so we can get membership to the zoo and Healthplex so she have a place to go walk in Winter.

Sunday afternoon

2010-08-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of Ada enjoying herself in the garden at IMA.

Back off

2010-07-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

We went to see Neuro Psychologist at Rehab Clinic a few weeks ago. Everyone there was so excited to see Ada. After a long conversation, I told her that Ada can express more emotion; angry, frustration and fear, and that she always look for me when she get frustrated with something, so I always get the worse of her. Dr. suggested that I "back off" and be her mom and try not to be her therapist. I should try to get out of the house more and let Ada's nurse work with her, which usually works better when I am not around anyway.
My problem is I just can't leave her alone, always thinking that there must be something else that I can do. Since she does not get therapy except with Speech Pathologist once a month, I feel like it is up to me to help her, work with her, but may be I am wrong. In order for me to be able to take care of Ada for a long, long time, we need a break from each other.
It is not as easy as it sound, but I am thinking about moving my work table which in front of her room some where else, so I can be away when I am suppose to be away. May be I can use the room up stair when Archie moves back to Bloomington.
There are a few problems that we have to deal with this past month. First, she doesn't eat that much Cheerios like she used to, so I have to replace it with something else, second, what goes in does not always comes out. Then she has the red eye that we thought from her scratching it but it went away then came back for a day, then went away again. Always something.
Other than that she continues to boss us around and we love it when she does that.

Grant

2010-07-07T11:31:00.001-07:00

Grant, I might say, is the only guy friend who still visit Ada. He visits when he comes back to town, from Afghanistan. Grant's mom is a good friend and genius hair dresser, she can cut my hair, (Seriously, it is not an easy task). Ada gives him a big smile and he makes her laugh. Grant got transfer to Japan which will make us sleep better at nite knowing that he is no longer be in the war zone.

Last week, Rachael and I took Ada to the movie theater. We are not sure how long she is going to sit there, so we picked the movie "Toy Story 3". Ada likes the preview, she laughed and smile d up until 3/4 of the movie, when it was kinna sad and not so excited, she pointed to the door. I took her out, walked around then went back in but she was not happy about it, so we went home. Not bad though, she was in there for more than an hour.

Ada starts eating more and more Cheerios, but I still have to give it to her by hand.

Early this morning, I heard Ada laughed, I turn around and she was still sleeping.

Must be a good dream.

Concert at New Augusta North

2010-06-23T18:59:00.001-07:00

Mr Staubach wanted to bring his Orchestra to play at our drive way again this year, but it had been raining and storming almost everyday, so I told him that we will bring Ada to school instead.

First, we settled Ada in front of the kids but she signaled us that she did not want to be there, so we moved her to the back. She was smiling and laughing the whole time. After each songs, we applauded, and Ada tapped her right hand to her right leg. This was new and I think she really enjoy the music.

The kids were so good and I am happy for Mr. Staubach that he was able to teach such wonderful group of kids who will play and enjoy music for the rest of their lives. What a job he has! I hope he can continue teaching forever.

Look, Ada is smiling.

This month, however, had been difficult for us, caregivers. Ada had learned to express herself more and more. She is scared, grumpy, moody and angry. Those are good signs. Also the night before I left for Milwaukee, she grabbed a piece of puzzle and swallowed it. She was choking really bad. She was trying to swallowed the purple letter "O"., imagine that ! After that she doesn't eat much. Well, she doesn't eat very much Cheerios as she used to, so we have to give her more formula. She also sleeping or napping a lot. Sleep is good, right?

We also went to see a new doctor who is an expert in Brain Injury, and I have to say I really like her. She asked questions, observed Ada real close and makes a recommendations that we should hold off on PT, OT and let get help from Neuro Psychologist first. May be we be able to help Ada with all of her emotion issues.

Ada is making steady progress, slowly at a snail pace. She is trying to get ahead of us, it is hard to catch up with her. I am exhausted and tried but never lost hope.

How far can she go, or become, we have to wait and see. Please stay with us, I just can't do it by myself. Your friendship and your support had help me to get up every morning.

A visitor

2010-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today I moved Ada's bed out of the way and pulled up her chair next to the window. There is a bird feeder outside and hungry birdies come all day for food. They come early and make so much noise.

Not only birds come, today we have a small visitor. I put a table outside next to her window and plant some flowers. Look at the squirrel peeks through the planter.

He walks around the planter looking for seeds that I dropped on the table earlier. He even peeks through the window. Ada was amused and she was enjoying his company. I left a few nuts near the window. I hope he came back.

We took her downtown today. Walking along the canal then crossed the White River to the Zoo. There are gazillion kids at the zoo. We will go back some other time.

Ada has a few issues this week, she is grumpy and does not sleep well. We took her outside as much as we can. Mom needs to go for a walk too. The drawback is that Ada knows we will put her on wheelchair and push her around so she doesn't need to walk. Still struggle to get her to walk 10 rounds around the house everyday.

Other than that, she is healthy and happy. :)

Mrs. Fox at IMA

2010-05-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

Last week when we visit IMA, we saw Mrs. Fox and her pup down from the bridge. Amazing! Today we just learn that she has 4 puppies. But they were mowing the lawn today, so we did not see her.

Here are picture of Ada in front of flowering tree. She and her nurse are my "Look out" while I snipped some of the tiny flowers and put them in my sketch book. I have a project in mind and will use some dried flowers. Each week, there will be new blooms and the garden looks different. Glad that we have such a place near by and can go there everyday.

We also went to see handsome, Dr. Dave' today. Ada was happy and laughed a lot. I'm sure Dr. Dave' was delighted to see how much Ada has improved. he saw her 2 months after the accident and it was not a pretty sight. he recommended us to see another doctor who specializes in Brain Injury. Can't wait to hear what he has to say.

Being outside

2010-05-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

We are taking advantage of the nice and warm weather by taking Ada outside everyday. Either a walk around the neighborhood or to the park. Yesterday we went downtown and walked along the canal. We parked under State Museum and walked all the way to 10th St. and back. I wonder if Ada would sit still in the paddle boat. Next time we will walk in different direction across the river and visit the zoo.

Ada continues to make her snail and steady progress. She always in a good mood, laugh and bossing us around. She is getting good at those puzzles.

She seems to sleep and nap a lot more, which is a good thing for the brain to rest and heal. Rachael is still coming every week and Katherine also visits often. Abby is getting married so she must be very busy. Hope to see more of Ada's friends soon.

I start adding Teddy Gram, Yogurt pieces and tiny, round Japanese cookies into her bowl of Cherrios and she eats them all.

Her favorite TV shows are Spongebob, iCarly and Family Guy.

I am thinking about starting the backyard project. I want a small garden and a place for Ada to sit outside when we can't take her to the park. Will post an update on that later.

Saturday in the Park

2010-04-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

We took Ada to IMA since it was so nice outside and Arthy who just start his job last week wants to spend time with his sister. She gave him a kiss the other day and while we were cleaning the basement, I found Ada's old homework. She wrote a very nice things about her brother. She said "I think he is like an angel from up above when he's not acting like a little brat!" if you know Arthy, you'll know what she means.

It was nice having him there pushing Ada's chair, even though he was texting while driving, it is getting harder for me to do that. Ada has gained some weight during winter but she looks good and healthy. I just need to exercise more.

The IMA garden and ground had been our favorite place to visit for many years.

Last picture is the"Forget-me-not". Those tiny little flowers are so cute and so blue. Don't forget Ada, come visit her sometime. Oh, did I tell her that she open her left hand and gives up Hi-five? She is working on it and that's a great news.

One Fine Day

2010-04-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

Today we took Ada to her appointment with Dr. Segal. He was not in the office but his intern was there. last time Ada was mad at him because he did not say hello to her. I think he was new and did not read her chart, which is about 3" thick. This time he came in, said hello and shake hand to her. Ada smiled. He must had done his home work because he asked what did she studied at Indiana University.
Oh, while we were waiting in the lobby, a nice young man asked if I remembered him. I thought he was Ada's friend, but he said he is an EMT and took Ada to the hospital one time. he was so excited to see her. he kept saying "Oh, she looks so good" and he will also tell all his friends. I don't know about those EMT guys. I don't expect them to remember everyone they have to pick up, but they all seem to remember Ada. Let face it, for 6 months after the accident, she was wearing pajama all the time, had her head half shaved or whole, had cast on her right feet, and half conscious most of the time. I wish I could go back and give them hugs. Those guys and girls did took good care of Ada. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
We got done early so we went to visit folks at American Village Nursing Home. Everyone was happy to see Ada and Ada smiled, laughed and shake hand with all the nurses and therapists. Miss Florida, who took Ada's room was happy to see her and the 104 years old lady across the hall already passed away.
Really, I though I have to live there with Ada for a long, long time, but we ended up there for 3-4 months. Lots of good memories there. We will visit more often.
Ada starts moving her left arm and left hand more. She gives us nuggle and try to open her hand for high five. She is working hard on that.
She is completely off Bacrofen and she is doing good, so far.

Making progress

2010-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

A trip to visit Speech Pathologist always bring a smile as well as tears on my eye. It is so good to see Ada response to the game board, toys and devices that help her to communicate with us. Yes, she can pick up the picture of Cheerios from the board and give it to us when she wants Cheerios and she also picks up picture of the toilet to show us that she needs to go to the bathroom. We also have a device, like a recorder, with a button to push (like the "Easy" button from Staple), and it will say "Come here, please". When she needs me and I am not in the room, she can call me and I will be there. We also record the greeting so she can use it to say "hello" to her friend who visit her.

Overall, she is very happy, she laughs all the time and make us happy and laughing with her. She is able to pay attention and has an eye contact when we talk to her. I think she is studying how we talk. Sometime when we sit and watch TV, she will tap on my arm and make a sound "Umm" from her throat.

There are a few changes here. First, her old nurse is going back to school, so we will have new one. Second, we went to see Dr. Dave' and he wants to take Ada off of the Baclofen. Humm, I thought she has to take that for the rest of her life, but we will gradually wean her off and she will take more Amentadine which help her to be more alert and focus.

I start reading her some children book with lots of pictures. We also do puzzles. She is very fast with locating the A B C on the Alphabet puzzle make me wonder how much she remember them. We shall see.

Here are a few pictures of Ada. Sometime I posted them on facebook.

Laughter is The Best Medicine

2010-03-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Just want to make a quick report that Ada has been sleeping through the night without any medication for 2 weeks now. So, no more groggy, no sleepy and no grumpy.

It had been 2 years since the accident. Just think about that time when she was in the hospital, fighting for her life, and now she is laughing, smiling, walking, eating and she even gives me a kiss. Daddy gets a bigger kiss, of course.

We are working on bathroom training. She is more aware of what is going on and is able to let us know. She starts pointing her finger to the TV remote control and I assume that she wants to watch something else. Her favorite show is Spongebob Squarepants.

Ada's morning walk

2010-02-23T08:50:00.001-08:00

sleep

2010-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't written for a while. There is so much going on and with all the snow and bad weather, it is hard to get everything done when I wanted too. Also every time I mention that Ada had been sleeping well, next thing you know, she started waking up at 4 am. So, we have been struggled with her sleeping. I got new prescription for her to help her sleep. As soon as the medicine gets into her system, she looks so sleepy. We put her to bed and 4-5 hours later, she was up and want to get out of bed. Mom did not get much sleep either. So we increase the med only to find her to be sleepy during the day. But, keep my finger cross, she had been sleeping well without any medicine for a few night now.
We went back to see Speech Pathologist, finally. She was pleased with the way Ada can pick up the picture of the Cheerios from the board and gives it to us. We hope that later on she can learn to pick up others pictures of things that she wants and let us know. So far, so good. The therapist also put Ada in front of the computer and played some game. The Red button was connected so Ada can push it instead of using the mouse. It is not easy and she looked back at me and tried to get away but she did finished 3 games so we are going to purchase the game for her soon.
She also continue to walk around the house and we let go of the walker so she can learn how to balance herself (we still walk behind her). Hopefully it will be warm soon so we can go outside more.
I think Ada has a few basic needs; eat sleep and change. So far she is able to let us know what she wants and that has made her very happy.
She lets me kiss her a lot more and she also kisses me back. I am so long for that. She also makes longer eye contact and pay more attention when we talk to her or play with her.
Mom need to catch up on her sleep and her works. Dad is still out of town. Ada and the dogs miss him a lot. LOL

New Augusta Public Academy - North

2010-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Mr Ed Staubach, an Orchestra teacher from New Augusta Public Academy - North came to deliver a big card made and signed by his students, along with a check from their fundraising. Mr. Staubach taught at Pike High school before he came to New Augusta. He taught all my 3 children. Ada, in particular, had a privilege to play violin for the "Crimson Red" while in High school.

Mr. Staubach came to see Ada quite often. He was very pleased to see her walk out of her room (with her walker). It means so much to our family that he still care about Ada and so do his students at school. I'm glad they still have music program at school. and how lucky they are to have such a great teacher.

Ada is happy and laughing a lot. She likes to watch "Spongebob" and "Family Guy". They were her favorite shows before. A few problem with her sleeping pattern, but we are working on that. Can't wait till it gets warmer outside so we can take her out for a walk. Ada also using her hand jester to tell us what she wants. Even though we have to guess what she really wants, it is the good sign.

We also watch MJ's video "This is it" and Ada likes that too.

Thanks again, New Augusta -North

A calm after the storm

2010-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

We have been dealing with Ada being grumpy and restless and sleepless for a few weeks. Quite stressful for the caregivers, I might say. It is hard to tell whether she is in pain or she wants something. There are a few things that happened though. First, she still sores from her broken arm. Second, she had bladder infection. Third, the feeding tube that came out. Forth, she was grumpy before her period. Fifth, must be a "storm" in her head that keeps her from getting a good sleep.
She had many "storm" before. The first time was a month after the accident when she was shaking and sweating like crazy and she did not get much sleep. A few minor "storm" after that. This is not a medical evaluation by all mean. Just me and my opinion.
We asked her doctor for medicine that will help her sleep. It is a strong med, one that would knock me out for a day or two, but it wasn't work on Ada. And if she did not get enough or good sleep, she will be grumpy and not able to concentrate. That apply to me too, since I am sleeping in her room.
Finally, this past 2 nights, we had good sleep and she is back to be happy and giggling again. There is some good after the storm. Some new skills, new things that she can do.
Karec and I can rest a little bit before the next "storm" come.
V8 is a good thing. I gave Ada 2 serving a day. I tell her it's time for "Bloody Mary", and she smiles.

Happy Birthday, Ada

2010-01-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

We had a Birthday open house yesterday for Ada. She is turning 25 and it's time to get friends back into her life. Rachael has been a big help. We weren't sure how many people will come. I was hoping for 30, may be.
May people came, mostly Ada's Friends, my friends too. Between cooking and serving food, I showed off my jewelry and sold a couple of things. Rachael and Karec were taking care of Ada. She gave us big smiles, laughed, shake hand and basically looked very happy.
Lots of love, lots of present. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The food was ok, I could have done better, next time.
For those who cannot come yesterday, you can still come and visit Ada at home. She loves to see other people beside me.
Last week I join a group on Flickr called "Ring a day". We have to make a ring each day and post the picture in the Flickr page. here is the ring I made yesterday as a tribute to my Cheerios Queen. She still eats Cheerios, lots of them.

Pictures from Ada's BD party are posted on my Facebook page.

Happy, again

2010-01-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

After a few hospital visit, Ada is back to normal routine. In the morning, after shower, she walks around the house, stops at the fridge to look at some, then let go of the walker when she walks pass her room. I finally have to cut out a soft wrap with Velcro to put around her wrist. Once she learns that she cannot let go of the walker, she just proceeds pass her room. She still enjoy her Cheerios with a little bit of Dried Yogurt piece (baby food). V8 seems to be the answer for the trouble she has in the morning. Only if she can sleep in a little bit because I like to stay up and work after she goes to bed and she is up at 7 o'clock every morning.
For me, I learn to "not thinking too much" or complain about "same problem, different day" like my friend put it. Taking care of Ada became a routine. I just do it, because I love her, not because I have to. I learn to leave home during the day or go up stair to take a nap. (Oh boy, do I miss my bed). I search the Internet for the answer, for the connection with other TBI survivors and caregivers. I sit at my table and work on my things. I don't get angry if I had to take care of Ada all day. I am stronger and healthier by lifting and transferring Ada. Communication is much better, both way. I am sure, someday, Ada can figure it out. I just have to be patient. Ada talks with her eyes.
I love all friends on Facebook, whom, most of them, I've never met. They always there, giving me kind words and encouragement. Be friend with me on Facebook; Ponsawan Sila.
Ada's Birthday is coming up. We will have a party this Saturday. Can't wait to see who will be here. At least the weather is going to be fair.
Archie went back to Bloomington. He needs to get on with his life. Arthy is still around. He sits and play with Ada more. She also likes his company.

Feeding tube - Part 2&3

2009-12-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

Monday morning at 7:30 am, I called to make an appointment for Ada but they said they were packed and asked if we can take her Tuesday. We had done this before so I wasn't worried. By 10:00pm, her temporary tube was pushing in ward. I called ER and they advised me to take her back. The doctor did not think it is harmful but might caused some pain and I know Ada was not happy about it. He decided the best way to help her is to deflate the bubble, pull the tube out, inflate and tape the tube to her stomach. About 3 hours later, he came back and took 2 minutes to do that. It was about 1:30 am and Ada cannot have anything to drink or eat. (I informed the nurse & doctor about this, trust me, I was about to get her up and walk out of there before I start yelling at somebody). I did not give her pain medicine and we both did not have much sleep at all. She curled up putting her knees to her chest. I climbed in bed with her, hopelessly.
Tuesday is much better day. All the nurses in the prep room knew Ada from before, so we received a special treat. I asked the technician whether I can get her in every 6 months for tube replacement. She said they have a preventive plan, like a maintenance plan so she make a 6 month schedule for Ada. Duh.... Why can't they just tell me this last year? Do they really expect me to know about this thing?
By the way, Ada has G-J Tube that's why we have to get it done in Radiology Department and she needs to be sedated and restrained. Otherwise, 4-5 people have to hold her down. The girl is so strong and she kicks.
We both took a long nap after we came home. Hope she feel like herself again soon so we can move on with the communication board and device. I need a vacation.

Feeding tube

2009-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

We had to take Ada to Er last night. Nothing serious, just that her feeding tube came off. She needs a new feeding tube every 6 month, but going to ER on Sunday night, she won't get a new tube right away. The doctor only put a temporary tube in there so we have to go back tomorrow.
We met our old friend, nurse Ann Huber. Ann had saved Ada's live last year when we took her to ER with 104 degree temp. and the intern doc who didn't know what to do. The Neuro doctors did not want anything to do with her either. Ann said she can feel the heat from Ada's body without touching her. Ann managed to round up Dr. Biggerstaff to come see Ada. Ardis, Ada and I waited in ER for 16 hours before Ada went up to her room. Another time Ada was waiting for her room, Ann stopped by and transferred Ada up stair by herself. We haven't seen her for more than a year, Ann was delighted to see Ada and I was happy not to have to explain over and over why Ada cannot talk or why she doesn't like to be touch.
As we became a familiar faces at Methodist ER, I am still fascinated with how long it takes, sometime, for a doctor to stop by, before we can get the x-ray, to have blood drawn, to get results, to get Medicine. We spend from 2-16 hours in there, waiting, even though it does not seem busy in there. It takes forever to wait to get transfer to a room after admitting because it takes forever to discharge a patient. One time we waited for 6 hours for the ambulance to come and transfer Ada to RHI, which means someone in the ER had to wait 6 to 7 hours for the room to be ready. last time the doctor order a gallon of "Go Litely" for Ada. It took 4 hours. Trun out that the pharmacy cannot put the gallon jug through the running tube and forgot to inform the nurse that she needs to go down stair to get it. Most nurses and doctors are very kind and very helpful. We do have our favorite. I guess I can write a book about it.
She is not happy right now, it must be sore around the tube area. Hope she feel better tomorrow with the new tube.

V8

2009-12-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Dr. Chuck came by to evaluate Ada last week. This is the first time we talk to a doctor who understands Ada's condition. He was able to answer my questions and explained everything in plain English. He explained why she cannot communicate or talk. I asked him about her feeding tube. He said we can feed some fruit juice through her tube. Ah-ha! How about some V8 so she can get a full day supply of fruit and vegetable.? So we try. Not only she can tolerate it well, it also solve the constipation problem.
Ada's arm healed up real well. She starts moving it again. We can start exercises her arm but she still keep it tight. We have to try to get her up and walk again. She had been sitting all day for a while. But she is happy and laughing. We also working with the picture board. We put a picture of cheerio and other things on there. She has to pick up the picture of Cheerio and put it in our hand, we then can give her Cheerio. It sound like an easy task, but not for Ada. She is working on it though, and we have hard time not giving her the Cheerio. Again, we just learn that Crossroad also provide PT, OT and Speech. We wasted our time at RHI. That's place is not for Ada.
The Ebay auction is going well. We will continue to do so for a while since we have more than 80 items.
Ada has a big gift from Santa, but it did not come from the North Pole. It was from her dear friend, Grant Brown, who stations at Afghanistan. I wish for him to come home safe.
We are planning Ada's Birthday party on Saturday January 16, 2010. She will be 25. Turning 25 is quite a big deal for Thai people. It is the age when you are entering an adulthood; finishing school, getting a job, and settle down. It will be an opportunity for her friends and my friends to come visit us. I know it is hard to see her like this, but a friend is always a friend, right? Or is it just me?

Benefit Ada

2009-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Ebay auction - benefit Ada starts today. We received more than 80 items donated from Polymer clay artists around the world. Kathy Stuart had finally put some of them on Ebay today. Thanks Kathy. There will be more to come but check out www.ebay.com and put "benefit Ada" in a find box.

Disco Ball, Michael Jackson and Prince

2009-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

It is the right combination that we've been looking for. Ada always listen to music. When she was a little girl, we listened to Classical music. At school age, we were in the car a lot for Gymnastic meets, so we put on Oldie music so I can sing along while driving. By the time she gets to High School, she had her preference. Ada had music on all the time. In her room, in her car, on computer.
Every time we saw therapist, they always ask me what kind of music did she like. I can't tell them because nothing seems to get her attention. What color that she like? What can we use to lure her to do things we ask her to do? I was pretty hopeless until we went to Crossroad.
They have a device that hook up to the disco ball. We set the timer and when it stop, Ada has to push the button to make it starts again. She was laughing at the disco ball. The speech therapist also let us use "Cheerio" as bait.
We got the device and we hook up the disco ball along with CD player that happened to have "Prince" CD in it. She gave us a million dollar smiles. We also alternate "Prince" with "MJ" and she responses to that very well. She also sat quietly watching "Mama Mia" and "Purple Rain" the other day.
We used to play "MJ" music a lot when my kids were young. Arthy wanted to dance with "MJ" when he grew up. Probably the beats and loud music that caught her attention, but I think there are a lot of Ada in there waiting to come out.
She also making "AHH" sound in her throat all day, I can hear it from my table which is in front of her room.
We will continue to work (and play) with her every chance we get.
Hopefully more good news to come.

Easter Seals Crossroads

2009-11-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

We went to Crossroads to day to meet with Speech-language Pathologist. Ada had been evaluated a while ago and the devices that they order for her just came in. The first gaol is to use picture of things and teach Ada to pick up the picture of things that she wants and gives it to us. Start with picture of Cheerio because it is the thing that she wants the most right now. Then we get the device that we can hook up with the ipod or toy or things that were battery operated. With a big button to push, Ada can learn to control the activities by making it stop or play. Third is the small device called Step-by-Step with level. We can record message sequence, like hello - how are you and it will play the message if Ada push the button. We have to work with her and go back in 3 weeks. This is the first time I met a therapist who fully understand what she needs and how we can help her. I guess we just wasted our time and energy at RHI.
We got home and started working right away. I cut out the picture of Cheerio from the box. She learn it quick. Next Abby came to see Ada so I set Ada up with the Step-by-Step. So Abby came in and say helo, then i let Ada pushed the button and it say hello back. She was smiling and her face lit up.
At Crossroad they have a Disco Ball light that spins and it gets Ada attention, so I will look for that before I work with the other device. They also hook it up with the drum toy. We can use IPod to play music for her too. Ada loves music and she used to listen to music all the time. Now I just can't find any song that will get her attention. The only thing that get her exciting now is Cheerio.
No "Behavior problem" even mention today. No "She needs to see Neurophyschologist" today, and Ada sat quietly and patiently for more than an hour while we learn how to use those devices. I felt like we had come to the right place even though the word "Disability" kinna get to me.
We will go to the "Keely's" for Thanksgivings tomorrow. Terry doesn't like the Turkey so he skips town and went to Illinois to take care of his customer.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am thankful for my family and friends who had been a big help and big support through out the year.

Back to RHI

2009-11-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

An appointment with Dr. Barrio went well on Friday with a bit difficulty in the x-ray room. It was hard to tell Ada to stay still and the technician guy was about to run out of patient. Finally, Dr. Barrio had to come in. He was down on his knees, held Ada's hand and told her that she needs to de still for a few second, and she did.
She needs to put the brace on all the time for 4 weeks but we got green light for therapy.
So, today Karec and I took Ada to RHI. First we sat down with Speech therapist and we worked on teaching her to say yes and no or make a choice. There are some technique that we can work at home and be consistence.
With Physical therapist, I showed her the video of Ada's walking around the car. She noticed that when Ada gets up from the chair, we have to pull her up. So today we taught her to stand up on her own by holding on to our hand. Oh, it's works well and will be easier on our back too. Then we took her out on a hallway and let her walked by holding on to the rail, and she did really good. So we are planning to put a rail on the hall at home.
At this point we cannot tell if she can balance herself or not. It must be nice for her to be able to walk in an open space. She did well today.
We came home and I put Corn Pop in her bowl instead of Cheerio. She looked at it, looked at me and put the bowl down. After a while she grab the bowl and started eating the Corn Pop. She must be hungry.
There are some behavior problems that we should consider correcting them while we can. That's why we need professional help, right? We will go back on Friday and next Tuesday. Then Wednesday we will go to Cross Road rehab to get a communication device and some training.

Fortunately

2009-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Just got a call from Rehab Hospital today, Ada got approved to go back to rehab for 3 sessions and we have to do it before the end of the month. I told the lady that she has fracture her arm. Well, think of it as she is lucky to get the approval and if she doesn't want to do anything there, the therapists can teach me what to do with her and give me all the information that I need.
So Friday she will do follow up with Dr. Barrio @ Indyortho. Ardis will go with me just incase I get yell at or I want to yell at somebody then she can be my back up. Those people who work there are not very nice. Tuesday, she will get therapy at RHI. Sunday, Archie, Arthy and I will go to Colts VS. Patriot game.
Ada feels a lot better. By looking at her face, I can tell she doesn't need as much pain med, but I am sure it's still hurt.
More good news next time.

Unfortunately

2009-11-06T00:34:00.000-08:00

We went back to Holiday Park and let Ada practiced her walk again. She was doing good walking around the car. With the blink of an eye, she fell. Karec and I could not catch her on time, she let go of her hand and try to stand on her own. I can feel , somehow, that she scared or hurt. We came home and saw that she had a scratch on her elbow. Put bandage on it. She looks tired and took a long nap.
Not until late evening, after changed her into pajama, I noticed that her left shoulder was swollen. We took her to ER right away. From the x-ray we can see that she had fracture her shoulder. She fell on her bottom and I can see her curl up her head and her right arm. Gymnasts always knows how to curl up their body when they fall, but she has no control of her left arm, it must hit the floor pretty hard.
I know that she can feel the pain, but can neither express it, nor tell us. I can feel her pain.
The doctor did not think she need a surgery, just put her arm in the sling and let it heal.
May be we won't be walking anytime soon and it will be difficult to transfer her since we always hold her up under both arms. Two step forward, one step backward. Yesterday I just mentioned to my husband that I wish she was in Therapy now so, may be, we can prevent this accident.
The doctor suggest that we follow up with OrthoIndy. I have to think about that.

Ada's big step

2009-11-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

We took her to IMA so she can get more open space to walk. The parking lot that we used to park was blocked so we had to park near the greenhouse. There were so many cars and that created a problem. Ada likes to open the door and she doesn't care if it is our car or someone else. She walked right to the other car and tried to open the door. It was a struggled for me and Karec to get her away. So today we went to Holiday Park. I picked a spot with less car and she started by walking around our car (Ada's car, actually) and tried to open every doors. Watch it here. This is part I. It must be too long, I had problem putting it through youtube.
She walks around the car, leaning against it, took a few steps on her own. She is trying so hard to go around and keep her balance, and we are trying so hard not to help her. Watch it here.
We haven't heard anything from RHI, may be mom's therapy is the best for her. I am sure the more she practices, the more confidence she will get.
At the end of this walk, I unlocked the car and let her open the door, she turned side way, bent her knee and sat herself on to the passenger seat. With a big smile on her face, I had tears in my eyes.

Mind of her own

2009-10-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

We still waiting to hear back about therapy for Ada at RHI. It seems like if you don't make enough or significant progress, the insurance will be hesitated to approve for more therapy, but she really needs it.

After a week of intense walking, she decided not to walk as much. Just got up from one chair and sat down on another chair. On the sunny day we took her outside. She walks right to the car and try to open the door, then walk to the other side and try to open the door again. It is not easy telling her where to go, she just goes where she wants to go and drag me and Karec along.

She does pay more attention to the food. She looks at it before she eats. Sometime I mix different kinds of cereal together with Cheerio, she will picks those out and drop them on the floor. And she eats better with Karec. I put Cheerio in the Rubbermaid container with the small lid that flip open. Ada will grab that and flick open the lid and pours Cheerio into the bowl.

I guess she is in a lazy mode this week, takes a nap in the afternoon and sleeps through the nite.

Abby came by and noticed that Ada did not scratch her head as much as she used to do.

With her hand jester, she is able to tell us what she wants. She would point to the bowl if she wants more food, or hit the side of the bed when she gets sleepy. Around 10:00 pm, she will hit the side of her leg to tell us that she wants to go to the bathroom. Overall, she is very happy that we are able to recognize what she is trying to tell us. And we are happy that she is happy. :)

Good night, Ada

2009-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

We are still struggled with her sleeping. Most of the time, if I open her tube and let the access air out, she will go back to sleep. Some night that she sleeps well, I can't sleep. She starts taking a nap in the afternoon so I nap with her. We snuggle in bed together. It is nice because she let me hug her again and we play and laugh together under the blanket.

She continues to walk around the house 10-20 laps each day. Me and her nurse have to take turn because she will get up from the chair, walk around, come back to her room, sit on the chair and want to get up again. Ada will hang on to our neck while she walk. Once in a while we let her walk almost by herself by just holding her right arm, and she seems to like it. Now we let her walk to the car instead of taking her out on wheelchair, and she walks back into the house.

Still waiting for the call from RHI. We just got letter from medicaid, they are processing the request and needs more information.

I also be able to sneak in baby food into her meal, just to make sure she gets friut, veggie and meat. Basically, she just eats yogurt and Cheerio. Until she can chew better. I tried V8 soup too and she doesn't care for it much even though it tastes much better than those baby food. And yes, I taste everything she eats.

Botox

2009-10-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ada received her Botox shots yesterday on her calf muscle and forearm. We gave her a shot of Valium before we get there and she looks a bit drowsy. She was schedule for sedation and the fun began. It took 4 of us to hold her down so the nurse can insert IV line into her wrist. 2 shots of sedation and she still wide awake and trying to get up. 2 more shots and I walked out of there when Dr. Dave' started to poke her leg with a big needles. I went back, they were done but Ada still didn't sleep a wink.
We should see the result in a couple of days.

Evaluation at RHI

2009-10-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

We took Ada back to RHI Rehab hospital for evaluation in hoping that she will qualify for some therapy since she does not get any for quite a while. She does get Mom Therapy at home and mom is running out of idea.

On Wednesday, we met with PT and OT and on Thursday with Speech Therapist. Ada did really good and very cooperative the first day. She lifted her knees and legs up for the therapist and also walking around with and without her walker. We set the goal for her that we want to see her stand up straight on both feed and help with transfer. PT noticed that she won't put much weight on her left foot so may be some Botox will help relax her leg muscle. OT definitely can help with her left shoulder and arm. We can tell that she has some pain when we try to move her arm around. The next day is not as easy. When the speech therapist started asking her some question. Question! I was really discouraged. Ada cannot communicate well enough but she is able to tell me that she wants something. After that we let her walk around the hall, she turned into the office and wanted to go into a room. We were struggled to get her back to the hallway. People get panic and asked if we need help or a wheelchair. Many just stopped and were amazed that Ada can walk. Now we have to wait for a few weeks to get approved.

Ada continues to smile and laugh all day. She is in a good mood lately. At night if she can't sleep, I just open her feeding tube and let the air out, she will go back to sleep.

She also walked to another neighbor's house today. Linda was home this time and let Ada in.

My friend, Yui, came from North Carolina to visit us. We went to the Museum because, as a fellow Architect, I know she would love it there. Yui took time to examine each painting and read all the description while Ada was waiting. Once in a while Ada will pull Yui's shirt or pants to tell her that it is time to move on. We had fun. I also drove Yui to Champaign to visit her old friends at U of Illinois and we had the best pizza there. Yui and Ardis finally met today when we had lunch together at Thai restaurant.

Keep fingers cross for the good results, and hope we can go back to therapy soon.

Just what I want to hear

2009-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

We went to see Dr. Lipson today. Ardis went with us so we both can ask all kind of questions for Ada. Dr. Lipson is the Brain Injury Medical Director at RHI. Last year when Ada was admit there, Dr. Lipson did not have any high hope for Ada but later grew to love Ada just like the rest of the therapist and the nurses at RHI. She was very pleased to see that Ada was smiling and shake hand with her. Dr. Lipson asked all kind of question about Ada like how she communicate, how good she can walk and what else she can do. Then Dr. Lipson asked Ada a question. She asked Ada to look at mom and see if mom's shirt is black and white or red and yellow and asked her to put one finger up for yes, two for no. Ada was listening but cannot put that together. So we have to teach her to communicate for yes and no and ask her simple question. Dr. Lipson told us that Ada's case is complicated and she didn't think Ada will talk! Ah-ha. Now that's might be what I want to hear.
We will take Ada back to RHI so they can do some evaluation with PT, OT and SPT, set a goal and ask the insurance if they will pay for it. For the time being, we will teach her to use her fingers so, just in case she won't talk, she still can communicate. Keep my fingers cross, I know she will.
Next week she will get her Botox shot on her left arm at RHI. It is getting stiff and she won't let me exercises her left arm anymore.
For the sleepless night, I think we figure that one out. has to do with acid reflux and what she eats before bedtime.

Sleeping through the night

2009-09-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, she has been sleeping through the night for 3 nights now. Keep my finger cross, I hope this even will go on. Not sure what I've done, we usually keep things the same everyday. May be the new medicine starts to kick in. Dr. Dave' give her prescription for her agitation. It was the medicine to protect and cure the flu, and also for patient with Parkinson Decease. At first, I was reluctant to give it to her but after doing some more research on-line, I gave it a try. She also pretty happy and laugh a lot.
How much yogurt is too much? Ada seems to like it a lot. I am able to give her sweet potato and ice cream again. She did not want that for a while. She also is able to chew more crunchy cereal. I give her Kashi - Honey Almond Flax, which is good so I can cut down on sugary cereal.
I love it when Katherine and Abby and Rachel came by, Ada would give them a big smile and laughs while they were talking and tell her what is going on in their lives.
Yui is coming to visit us from North Carolina next weekend. I am excited. Hope Ada will slept through while Yui and I stay up all night talking.
Dad will be back Friday, she will be happy to see him too.

Grocery Shopping

2009-09-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

We went to Rachel's house yesterday and we took Ada to Kroger. Rachel was surprised to find out that all the handicap parking space were all full, so we have to park somewhere else. Ada was sitting nicely while I push her through the store and Rachel was filling up the cart. Ada seems happy and content and help out with transferring in and out of the car. We had fun.
Katherine came over to say hello and played with Ada. I think Ada loves to spend sometime with someone else beside me. She probably missed her daddy too. The house was so quiet.
I end up sleeping with Ada at night so I don't have to get up and walk to her bed. So when she starts waking up I just throw the blanket back at her and tell her to go back to sleep. It seems to work and we both fall back to sleep. Insomnia is normal for TBI patient among other things like headache, agitation and depression. It is easier just to put her on drug but I want to see if she can be without it.

Spasticity clinic at RHI

2009-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

We took Ada to see Dr. Dave' at RHI. I was concerned about her left arm because she holds it up at the right angle most of the time and won't let me stretch or exercises it. She can relax and stretch her arms down to about 10-15 degree. She showed off by walking with me down the hall but gave all the therapists hard time when they want to stretch her arms and legs for evaluation.
She was pretty mad till young Dr. Dave' walked in and Ada smiled at him. Her beautiful smile had brighten the room and everyone started laughing. Abby said "once a flirt, always a flirt". Thanks Abby for going with us.
She will need another Botox shot at her arm, other than that she is fine and the baclofen is at the right dose. A few nurses had stopped by and say hello to Ada.
As for me, it is wonderful to be able to walk around the house in pajama. Since the accident, I had been staying at the hospital, then nursing home, then sister-in-law and her family moved in. I was always fully dress for everyone's sake. Noy and her family just bough a house and had moved out, Terry is in Thailand visiting his mom, Archie's at IU - Bloomington and Arthy sleeps all day, I can move freely around the house in my PJ. Also cooking for 2 people is so much easier so I ask Ada's nurse to join us for dinner.
I will set up the room up stair for my studio, so when I really feel like working, I can go up there while the nurse is taking care of Ada. Massive cleaning is underway.

Neighbor's house

2009-09-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

She walked into our next door neighbor's house this morning. When the kids were young, they went to play at the Bartz's basement all the time. We had our house built at the same time and our kids grew up together.
Ada was walking with her walker on the street just like we always do, suddenly she let go of the walker which mean she want to walk with me. I grab her and she led me through the driveway, through the walkway, and sat down on a bench at the front porch. Making her hand jester to tell us that she wanted to open the door, I knocked. Larry came and took her into his house. Ada walked right through the hallway to the family room and sat on the recliner in front of TV. Just like she knew exactly where she wanted to go.
We didn't know what to do or why she did that. She seems calm and comfortable. It was a familiar place, may be she remembered.
Larry walked her back out, she took a big step from the porch and walked toward her chair.
It was a nice visit. Larry, Colleen and Haley were trilled, and so do I.

Chicken Stew

2009-09-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

I made Chicken Stew yesterday. My mom's secret recipe. I pureed the stew with some rice and Ada ate the whole bowl. She wanted more. Today I gave her another big bowl, and she took a nap after that. She is able to swallow and chew food much better, no choking. It is nice to be able to cook for Ada again. She loves food.
Abby came by, she has Tuesday off. Abby taught Ada to use her hand and put it to her mouth when she needs more food and not hitting her leg. She did a couple of time for Abby. I just don't have enough patient.
Another friend of Ada came. Sorry I'm not sure what her name is. She went on Katrina trip with Ada. She has a job in Alaska and came to visit her family in Chicago and came here to see Ada. The point is if you have 15 min. break from your busy life, you can come by and say hello to Ada. Most of TBI had lost all of their friends and that would be tragic for Ada because she cares so much for her friends. You know, she always pick up or drop off someone from home ever since she can drive and had a car.
Today we played with beads. I gave her one bead and she put it in a cup. Then I gave her different color bead and asked her to put it in different cup. Quite a challenge and she was thinking, I can tell. She can concentrate more and stay on task longer. She will get it soon but I have to find different shape of beads or make one, she almost put them in her mouth.

About the teeth

2009-09-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Ada had her teeth cleaned yesterday. The dentist at IU Oral surgery department, Dr. West, who work with special patient, like Ada, was very pleased with how clean her teeth are. No cavity but have to watch out the molar on the back. Thanks to her nurses who insist that Ada will have her teeth brushed twice everyday. It is not an easy task because she will move her head away and swing her arm and grab her nurse's hair. I am so thankful that someone else is willing to do it.
We have to give her a small dose of sleeping pill, enough to make her drowsy. She smiled and looked happy. They have to wrap her in a blue strap suit while on the table. After that I had a chance to trim her finger and toe nails, which is another difficult task that we have to deal with.
Now we have to go back every 6 month.
Other than that, she keeps eating, walking and give us beautiful smile everyday.
Thanks for all the comments from the last post, from my heart.
P.S. Thank you Ardis who accompany us to see the dentist.

Privacy

2009-08-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a young lady who was quite angry that I have been posting about everything that happen to Ada, and I forgot about her privacy. Because this is a World Wide Web, so anyone can read it and she thought there is too much information.
Well, my apology if it offense anyone, but I would like to defense myself.
I didn't get much information about how Ada could progress or how to take care of her from any doctor. Mostly, the information comes from the nurses who is also, mostly mom. I created Ada's blog so her relatives in Thailand can keep track of her progress, her friends who are busy with their lives can read about her, my friends who live in every corner of the world can read about Ada, and someone who also has their love one that has Traumatic Brain Injury can come here and learn about a few things or two of how to take care of TBI patient.
I pour my heart out, to this blog, so we can cerebrate Ada's life, she is still living and I don't want to keep her in her room, in her house away from the public's eye.
Until she can read and write and speak for herself, I have an obligation for my daughter to be her voice, to be heard and to remind everyone that she is still here.
Hugs
P.S. I just read from other blog that the hormone did have an effect on how much a person with TBI can progress. If I had known this last year, I would have asked the doctor about it because Ada did makes more progress after she starts her period again. Also there is a study about the anti acid medicine that is normally given to TBI patient with feeding tube, might also block an enzyme that important to the brain. Again, Ada did not take Nexium anymore and she is doing fine. Without sharing these information, how can we keep track and take advantage of the Modern medicine. After all, I learn pretty much how to take care of Ada more, from the World Wide Web, than the doctors or therapists.

Ice chip

2009-08-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Last August, Ada was the patient at Rehab Hospital not very far from home, where she learned, after six months, how to sit and stand up straight. Emily, her Speech therapist always working on her swallowing so we introduced a small ice chip into her mouth. She make faces like we put something nasty into her mouth. One year later, Ada is eating, swallowing and chewing on the small ice chips. I wish Emily and her Speech Therapist at the nursing home can see her now. Also she is using her right hand to grab everything; shake hand, thumb up, thumb down. She also help with dressing herself and raises her foot up so we can put sock and shoe on her. She also smiles and laughs a lot. Her hair is a lot longer. Who would have though she can accomplish so much in one year.
Sometime I wonder how far can she go. No one knows. I join the forum that was set up by a young man who has TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) www.traumaticbraininjuryforum.com There are a lot of information and also many who had suffered from TBI and recovered to almost 90% after 7 to 10 years and many who are still not recovered well. But at lease, they understand what we have to go through.
For me, not knowing is better so I don't expect too much and I don't get disappointed, but I join the forum to see if I can help others along the way.
Daddy went to Thailand for 3 weeks, the Kelly went to Colorado for 2 weeks and they will move into their new home, Archie will go to IU and Arthy will hang around with Ada and mom.
Hugs

Rachel & Ryan Wedding

2009-08-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

The wedding was yesterday. Beautiful ceremony. Ada sat quiet most of the time. I had to give her some Cheerio at the end. Ryan's mom and dad did the catering by themselves so I was asked to bring Pot Stickers for the appetizer and it was gone in a flash. We sat at the Family table, in the front. Plenty of food, free drink and good music. It was quite a laid-back wedding party I've every been. Everyone was smiling and happy.
Ada sat there, smiled and shake hand with everyone. First I thought we might not stay very long but when the dance floor open with loud music, we can see that Ada was enjoying herself so we stayed a bit longer. Her nurse came with us too.

Here are some pictures at the wedding.

Dad, Ada and the beautiful Bride

Mom and the boys. We helped clean up after the party. I was proud of them. They worked so hard. Archie and Arthy showed off their break dance moves while picking up the trash all night.

Katherine came over for a visit on Thursday. She brought a set of small wooden music instrument for Ada to play with.

So all Ada's girlfriends, if you are planning a wedding, don't forget about Ada. She loves to go to the wedding.

Ada on her wheelchair

2009-08-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Click Here to see Ada, outside, in front of the house with mom and her nurse. It was a nice day, with cool summer breeze, under the tree's canopy. Ada will paddle up and down the street after a short walk with her walker.
Enjoy

Abby

2009-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Abby came by yesterday. She hasn't seen Ada for a long time and she was presently surprised to see what Ada can do. They played puzzles together and talked. Ada looks happy and Abby too. Abby got wagged on the head by Ada a couple of time. I warned her but Ada is very fast with her hand. It is nice to know that Abby and Jeff got engaged and they bough a house.
Ada continue to eat but refuse to take things from the spoon. She also look at the food before she picks it up. There are things she likes and things she doesn't like. She can process the information and make a decision now. Isn't that amazing!
Come by and play with Ada sometime.

GoLytely

2009-08-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Now you can skip this post if you don't want to read about poop.

After 11 days of agony and uncomfortable for both Ada and mom, we took Ada back to ER. On Wednesday night, she did not sleep at all. Not very busy at ER but we waited for 1 hour till mom had to go find a nurse. Then half an hour later mom saw a doctor who took care of Ada before and tell him we really need to do something with her. Ok, that's problem solved, but 4 hours later, her nurse had to go down stair to get the "GoLytely". They can't sent it through a shoot but failed to call for someone to pick it up. Very usual scene in ER.
The nurse came back with a gallon of liquid and I started to get it through her J-tube. I worked and Ada started to laugh and laughed and she continued laughing the whole afternoon. Me, on the other hand, no laughing but very happy even though I had to clean up big piles of ----by myself. The nurse did not come in to help. And I totally understand.
Now we have to make sure she has enough fiber in her diet and plenty of water. Ada refuses to eat thing from spoon, she like the crunchy things that she can picks up and put it in her mouth. She also looks at the things we are trying to give her. If she doesn't like it, she won't eat.
Today I order some freeze dried fruit and veggie on-line. Seaweed is her veggie for now.
She continues to play with puzzles and learn hand jester with dad.
She also gets mad and starts hitting us or the chair or throws the bowl or toys on the floor.
Those are good things and we are happy that she is learning and making progress.

A few road block

2009-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for not posting for a while. We are dealing with a massive blocking, I mean, her constipation. We took her to ER yesterday, took some x-ray, gave her some more laxative and still waiting for the result. Activia doesn't seem to help.
Meanwhile, Ada is grumpy, which is understandable. She continue to play with dad, making hand jester, she even padded the doggie on his head yesterday.
The swallowing test went well. She still has a delay on swallowing so we have to be careful, but she is doing fine.
Grant and his mom stopped by and Ada was so happy. Kirsten also came by and played with Ada. Ardis came by with some apple chips and puzzles.
Do you know she can do some easy puzzle now? Stop by anytime to see her progress or bring me some lunch.
Will write more after all this road block, it is so stressful for me and for her too.
Hugs

Ada and a bowl of sweet potato

2009-07-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Click HERE
This is the video of Ada eating sweet potato. She enjoy it so much and you will too.

And she wants some more

2009-07-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ada has been eating and eating and eating like she hadn't eaten for a year. Well, it had been more than a year. Now she picks up the spoon and feed herself when I give her sweet potato and she is working in scooping the potato by herself. I have to be creative when cooking for her since she is still working on chewing and moving her food around her mouth. Just want to make sure she gets enough nutrition and fiber. We put cereal in the blow and she feeds herself. When the bowl is empty she let us know.
So it is all about eating right now.
We went to Rachael's Bridal shower today. First I thought Ada might be uncomfortable around people but she is doing well. I think people just feel uncomfortable around her. This is the first outing we went. The wedding is next month.

Sun Chips - Garden Salsa

2009-07-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

There are many things I just can't bare to look or do without Ada. For example; I cannot get into her old bedroom, I cannot go through her old cloth and things, I cannot look at her baby pictures, I cannot eat Sun Chips - Garden Salsa, not until now.
Ada is eating just about anything. She prefers crunchy stuffs so I give her cereal most of the time. When she sees the box of cracker or potato chip, she will make a hand jester to let us know that she wants some.
She was sitting in my bed eating Sun Chips - garden Salsa before she left. Some time we will get cracker and artichoke dip for late night snack. I bought a bag of Sun Chips yesterday and Ada still likes it. I went into her room and pulled out some pants and shirts that she can wear. I keep a stack of pictures near by. She likes to look at old pictures. I felt like a get a part of my life back, piece by piece.
We took her to ER yesterday because her feeding tube came loose. Not a problem, it is time to get a new one anyway. The dietitian also called and want me to send her the list of what she can eat. We might be able to wean her off formula in a month.
We just have to remember to give her plenty of water.
My ultimate goal is to have her eating Sushi again. What do you think?

IU Grad

2009-07-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

We just got a letter from Indiana University that Ada had been certified to receive her Bachelor Degree in May 2009.
A few phone calls to her advisor at IU, I'd explained Ada's situation and asked if they would let her graduate. Now we can cerebrate her accomplishment and she had done it without getting a student loan but with a lot of help from many angles in her life, and I hope they will continue to be her angles.
Ada continues to walk and eat more and more. She is able to pick up cereal and put it in her mouth. I had tried to contact her dietitian and her GI doctor but nobody call back so I have to take the matter in my own hand.
One time I asked Dr. Lipson about her feeding, she said, "You are her mom, feed her", so I did. It is still a bit tricky about chewing but she is learning and doing better everyday.
I found that posting on "Twitter" is fast and more fun. I will continue to post here so I can add more details. 140 characters on twitter are not nearly enough.
The journey is still continue. Ada is learning new things everyday and it helps me getting up every morning and wonder what she will be able to do next.

New wheelchair

2009-06-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

We received a new wheelchair for Ada today. The origional chairwas a loan. The old company filed bankruptcy and the new one finally be able to order a new chair and the custom cushion for Ada. It took... oh, about 10 months.
Kellen, Ada's old schoolmate delived the chair by himself. Kellen had been wanted to visit Ada and finally he got to come. The chair is very nice and easier to use. We put Ada on the chair and put the belt on her. It looks like the one they use on the airplane. Ada flicked it open with her finger and laughed at us. Ha... ha.. It took her 10 second to figure it out. Kellen had to exchange the old strap with the new one. She is still sliding down but I hope she learn to sit still on the chair longer. Thanks Kellen.
We sat her at the dinning table. I put a piece of pork ring in front of her, she grabed the whole piece and put it in her mouth. Sorry John, the girl knows how to eat.
She also took a long walk around the house today. We will get her out to the museum tomorrow. It'd been so warm outside.
Ada continues eating and now she is able to tell which one she likes and doesn't like, or if she wants more.

Dental appointment

2009-06-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ada went to see the dentist, Dr. West at IU dental school today. She sat through the x-ray machine without a fight but we have to wrapped her up while sitting in the chair so Dr. West can look at her teeth. Dr. West was very pleased with what she saw. She said we took good care of her which make me very happy. Actually, it was her nurses who take care of the brushing. Eating also help her teeth get cleaner too. We will go back later and have her teeth clean and do more x-ray.
She is also eat a lot more. Let's see; a bowl of cereal, half pear, half cup of sweet potato, half bowl of cracker, a little bit of puree potato and carrot. That's quite a lot, isn't it? Her stomach is doing just fine. I also reduce her formula intake so she won't get too much. She seems happy and smiles a lot.
You can check what is Ada doing now at www.twitter.com/dearAda (Try to keep up with the rest of the world)

Eating is her new thing

2009-06-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ada is having fun eating solid food. We introduced food to her a few weeks ago. First she did not open her mouth and used her right hand to push our hand away from her face. After a few time that she got food in her mouth, she starts to chew and swallows it. We always make fun of her about her therapist, Emily, who for 6 weeks had tried to convince Ada to open her mouth. "Open, Ada, open" she said, 1000 times a day.
I tried a couple of things and chex cereal works best. Cracker and cookies seems to stick to the side of her teeth. You have to be able to use your toung to move food around the mouth and Ada is learning how to do that. I gave her a few piece of blueberry and cherry today. So far her stomach is doing fine. I still think that everything has to be reintroduce to her since she has not eat anything for more than a year.
And, John, she eats Pork Rind the other day and still like it.
She also be able to put all the toys in the bucket. I have to figure out what else she can do.

Ha-ha, just found out that it is not the spoon that she hates, it's what we put on the spoon that matter. I had tried applesauce and, one wack from her strong hands, the applesauce ended up on my head. Today we had chicken from Boston Market for dinner and I gave her some baked sweet potato, she ends up eating the whoe thing, from the spoon.

Concert for Ada

2009-06-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today, New August North Breakfast Club Orchestra Came to our driveway to play concert for Ada. Mr. Staubach, was Ada's Orcrestra teacher at Pike High School. Actually he taught all of my 3 kids so I was a regular at school concerts.
It was raining pretty hard this morning but that did not stop Mr. Staubach, his students and a few brave moms who drove the kids here to our house. They set up in the drive way and play beautiful and fun songs for Ada. The rain had stopped for a while so we were able to enjoy the concert. What a treat! Here are some of the pictures.

progress report

2009-06-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

We went to Rehab Clinic today to visit Connie, Ada's PT. I want her to adjust the walker for Ada because sometime she hits her knee or her foot on it. Actually, I just want to show off that Ada can walk now. Everyone was so excited and happy to see Ada. Then we, I mean Karec, her nurse and I got her out of the chair and start walking. Connie told us what to do to help Ada in that situation. I know she will be able to tell us what to do.

Connie told me that I did a great job with Ada. I was happy because I always want to do more for Ada and always questioning myself whether I had done enough for her. Since none of the doctor can tell me what to expect or what to do, I had to take the matter in my own hand. To hear that from Connie did make me feel better.

Ada enjoy eating again. We gave her Chex cereal, Gold fish, Teddy Gram and some cracker. She accept it when we feed her by hand. No so happy about the spoon but she let us brush her teeth without too much trouble. You know, pushing, fighting and kicking, sometime. She also, once in a while, pick up a piece and put it in her mouth. We also give her a bucket full of small toys. She picks up the toy and throws it away and sometime, she put them in another bucket. One time I put the bucket of toy next to the empty bucket and told her to put the toys in the empty one, she picked up the bucket and pour all the toys into the empty bucket. With a murky smile on the corner of her lip, she knew she won.

Not sure what she will be able to do next. I think she will talk soon. What do you think?

Come walk with me

2009-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, It's Rachel again!
I thought this was so cool, that I wanted to share! I was outside with Ada and she was having a FIT! She was pushing back on the wheelchair so hard that it almost fell backwards! I told her that I was gonna lock the wheels on her wheelchair if she kept on! She seemed to get more angry, I knew she wanted to go inside, but I told her she had to wait a minute. I locked the wheels...... Ponsawan came outside as Ada was STANDING UP OUT OF HER WHEELCHAIR. To make a long story short.... We stood on each side of her to see where she was going. She WALKED all the way to the back room to her bed, turned around and layed down!! All we did was help keep her balanced. It was amazing. Then she starting taking off her shoes, which I helped her finish. I called my mom and she said it sounds like I need to make Ada mad more often! Well, catch you guys next time!!
Merisa and her cousins came by to see Ada and brought more flowers for her. Thank you guys.

Come to my window

2009-05-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

Ada's bed is next to the window which faces the fence and neighbor's house, with a few trees insight and the doggies that running around the yard. I got the idea that I will make her a mini garden right outside her window. Hopefully, by next summer, we can start the real garden outside for her. So if you are thinking about coming to see Ada, grab a few potted flowers so I can add them to her personal garden.

P.S. This is a message for Derek Rugsaken. Your letter and the content in the envelope had arrived with much appreciated fro us. Thanks for your kind and generousity. Hope to see you and your family someday.

Good night Ada

2009-05-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

After came back from the hospital, Ada hasn't slept through the night like she used to. She kept waking up every few hours and she lets me know that she needs me by tapping her leg. Finally. I decided to give her Advil PM before she go to bed. It seems to help so we both can get a good night sleep. She also has gas in her tummy too. I just have to open her g-tube to let the air out. We still working on it because she seems to sleep better when I lay down with her.
Ada had slept with us in our bed since she was born till she turn 4. I had Archie so she decided to move out and have her own room. She was in and out of our bed till the night before the accident. It might sound weired but I also grew up this way with my parents.
She is also moving around in bed and in the recliner. I can keep her in her wheelchair for long. She manages to wiggle down which make it hard to transfer her from chair to bed. She is also stiffen up her body and won't stand up on her feet.
I am sure she still have some pain. She does not want to walk as much. We are working on getting her back to before surgery.
John and Kristen Olson came to see Ada. John went in to the room and said hello to Ada, she smiled. She recognized him right away. It would be nice to have more of her friend stop by to see her. I know she gets bored sometime.
We go outside everyday and I push her around the block. Good for her and good excercise for me too.

Period

2009-05-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

The first time, Terry and I came to Ball State U., we had to take a placement test for our English class. We were given the dictation from one of the instructor. At the end of the sentence, he said "period". I was confused, where I came from, we put "fullstop" at the end of the sentence. So I decided to put the word "period" at the end of the sentences. At the last minute, I changed all the "period" to the dots. I was saved. Then I found out that the word "period" is used for the word "menstrual" too. Strange!

Sorry for the babble, and I do not intent for the whole world to know that Ada just had her period for the first time after the accident, but I think it is a good new. I was excited, at the same time, I know that she was uncomfortable and cranky, just like normal.

We set her on the walker yesterday and she walked for one round. We will work on walking and standing today. She still wakes up in the middle of the night and threw all the pillows and blanket out of bed. Not sure she wants to play or what. After a while she went back to sleep till her nurse come at 10.

Here is the picture of Ada and Arthy. Arthy will graduate from Pike High school in a few day. He was on his way to prom last week.

Surgery

2009-05-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 5 th, we went to Clarian West in Avon for Ada's surgery to remove the kidney stones. It is a bit far away from home. Not sure why they sent us there.We usually go to Methodist Hospital here, downtown. Staying at Clarian west is like having a vacation at 5 star hotel. All the rooms are private, very roomy with flat screen TV, DVD player, small fridge and wooden laminate floor. A courtyard in the middle with ponds and waterfall, home of the mommy and daddy duck with 12 ducklings.
The surgery went well, the nurse came out to get me she said Ada was doing good for 45 min. then started throwing a fist. She said may be I can calm her down. I went in recovery room and tell them I've never seen her like this before; kicking and trying to pull all of the tubes that were adhered to her body. I'll be mad too so "Give her some drug" I said.
She was sleepless all night and we had to give her couple more doses of pain killer. She was calmer in the morning, just laid there half asleep. The nurse offer to clean her up and put her on the chair. I went down stair to get some lunch, came back and sat down beside her. Suddenly, her eyes had turn to the right and she did not response to me calling her. Her face was pale, yellow-greenish. I was panic, scare and not sure what had happened to her. I thought I had lost her, again.
They must have call Code Blue. Suddenly 10 people rushed into the room. I sat down and broke down and cried. I called Terry and told him to come, now. They took Ada to the Critical Care Unit, she had a seizure, a big scarely one. Everyone told me she is going to be ok. Finally everything was under controlled. Watching her, laying there, with the an orange plastic tube sticking down her throat, the breathing machine, the monitor that beeps when something is not quite right. They even put a pig lines on her left arm so all the IV and Med can be served at the same time.
I sat down, quietly with pen and my sketch book and started my drawing. It keeps me calm and my mind get busy with something else. I can't be angry or scare or give up. I need to be strong for Ada.
She slept most of the time. Finally, her face turn pink again. Everything is back to normal but I still have the scarely thought sometime. Is it normal for her to have seizure like this or is it because she did not have her seizure medicine for 36 hours? May be the combination of stress and medications that they gave her had caused this? Is there a "How to take care of a love one with severe brain Injury" for Dummy? I hate it when the doctor told me that it is "normal" for a person with her condition to have this. Then tell me all the possible "normal" things that can happen so we can prevent it.
Ada is home now with a hole on her back from the surgery. She is happy and still sleeps a lot. Her nurses rushed in to give her shower so she won't smell like hospital.
May be this is going to be "Normal" way of life for us. I watch "Michael J. Fox" Special on TV. I got inspired by what he said; "Just be happy for what you have". I will try that.
A few nurses at Clarian West were deeply care for Ada. Funny how all the nurses can tell that she gave them "the look" after they came in and mess with her. May be we should stick with Methodist hospital and Dr. Biggerstaff.
I just realized how strong I am and how strong I have to be. Giving up is not the option. Through this journey, I lost a few friends but gain so many.
Now I need a break and will report back when Ada starts walking again.
Bye for now.

CF Workshop

2009-04-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Apple Sauce & Ice Cream

2009-03-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

That's right, I was able to give Ada 2-3 spoonfuls of apple sauce and vanilla ice cream. She does fight me with her hand but opens her mouth and swallows. She makes faces like I put some disgusting thing in her mouth but she starts to enjoy it more and more.
Along with that, she walks a lot more. In the morning, she walks 4-5 laps around the house, almost by herself. I have to guide her walker around since we have to go through the kitchen and try to avoid banging the fridge and the trash can. She does all the walking and almost manages the turn by herself. She also goes around the house on her wheelchair by using her foot and heel. It is amazing to see her back up her wheelchair to free the wheel when she gets stuck somewhere.
I like taking her to the Art Museum. They have a big plaza and walkway that she can move around freely. She can learn to make a decision of where she wants to go and what she wants to do.
Yesterday, we went to RHI to listen to The Piano man - Jerry Tomlinson playing piano. Jerry and his wife, Lee, go to RHI and plays piano in the lobby almost everyday. We used to enjoy it very much while we were staying there. After that, Ardis and I got Ada on the walker and she walked all the way to unit 4 and said hello to all her nurses and therapists. Everyone was surprised to see her walk.
I think all the excitement during the day had kept her awake during the night. She had hard time going to sleep which means I did not get much sleep either. We will try to have her walk before bedtime too. She usually get really tried after walking.
It is Ok, as long as she's happy, I am too.

Her first 20 steps

2009-03-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Today we put Ada on the walker for the first time since we stopped going to Rehab. The problem was, at the Rehab, either Connie or Cara will stay behind her helping with Ada's left leg and left foot. We put her on the standing frame in the living room, then I sat her down on her wheelchair and put the walker in front of her. She resisted and did not want to stand up. Oh yes, if she doesn't want to stand up, both of us, Val and me can't even get her to stand up. I open her bedroom door and tell her that if she walk to her room, then she we will leave her alone. She got up on the walker and start walking, by herself, with her right step and then left. I was in the front, guiding the walker, Val was behind her with her hand on Ada's hip. 20 steps later, she walked through the door, went straight to her bed, turn around and sit down. Val and I were just in shock, I might have stopped breathing for a few second. I called dad, Ardis and Connie to tell them the good news. I hope you get excited like I am. Good news today and more to come, I hope.

Ada & Company

2009-03-09T04:42:00.000-07:00

Pretty in pink, Ada and Macy. Macy took time off from her busy schedule to visit Ada. She was very happy to see her friend. They both look adorable, don't they. Ada laughed and made faces while I was talking to Macy. We both agreed that she must understood everything we said.

Ada and her nurse, Valarie, who help me take care of Ada everyday. Valarie comes twice a day for 2 hour to help getting Ada goes through her daily routine. Val's hardest job is to brush Ada's teeth. Job that I cannot do. We also work together to get Ada on the standing frame and walker. On the good day, I can get Ada on the standing frame by myself, on the not so good day, it took both of us and our strength get Ada on the standing frame, but at the end, Val always win because she won't give up easily like me.

After shower and Price is Right, both of them sit down and watch Young and the Restless together while I take a break or go do some errand.

Here's Ada with dad. She gives him special treat like gives him high-five and a kiss.

Here's Ada near the beautiful water fountain in front of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

We found a perfect spot under a balcony, away from the traffic. It was a nice and warm day, so I sat her down on the bench that's over look the garden. She later laid down, put her head on my lap and took a long nap. This was the first time I took her out by myself. She must have known. She made it easy for me to transfer her in and out of the car and sat very nicely while I push her around the Museum ground.
Here's the small area with a bronze sculpture and water fountain. She went around by herself using her right foot to push the wheelchair. It is nice to be in the sun after a long winter.

I took her to Sawasdee restaurant after we left the museum. Ning and Ty haven't seen her for a year. Ada was happy and smiled at everybody.

Today, Rachael and Ryan came by and we went to Naked Tchopstix for some Sushi, hoping to convince Ada to start eating again. She loves food and loves to eat.

For me, I got a lot of hugs from her lately. She would grab my arm and pulls me closer, and gives me a hug.

The Slinky Duck

2009-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you are wondering what is a slinky duck...well it's a little Ada miracle!! Today Ponsawan and I went out to lunch afterwards we stopped at a bookstore so she could pick up some jewelry magazines. In a bin near the cashier a couple of items caught her eye..a mini yellow rubber duck (that flashes color) and a plastic slinky toy. Since Ada is getting interested in picking up items they seemed appropriate...everyone loves a slinky!! When we arrived back home Ponsawan got the items out and it didn't take long for Ada to play a few games with me. I would put them somewhere on her leg and depending on her mood she either put them where I wanted them to go....or where she wanted them to go. Remember Ada is finding out that she does have some control.

Ponsawan has pushed their two single beds together and Ada now turns herself completely over...and she kicks her mother during the night when she wants to be changed. She is using her feet to push her chair all around the house, sits on the futon to watch tv, and keeps darting her eyes towards whatever she desires... like her bed so she can take a nap.

I will never look at a slinky or a rubber duck again without thinking of tiny miracles.

Ada is communicating, she is a miracle and that is how want to remember March 3, 2009.

Love,
Ardis

Last day at Rehab Clinic

2009-02-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

We had decided to take a break from going to Rehab Center. Ada had refused to walk or even stand up while in session. She sat with her head down in her wheelchair. It is more of a behavior problem. She does have mind of her own and when she wants to do thing her own way, she usually wins. We will go back when she is ready.

I see it as a good thing. May be her brain starts to work, to reconnect and rewired itself. While at home, she is more active and playful. She moves her arms and legs and laugh at the funny movie. She looks me in the eye, pull my arm and gives me a hug. Today we sat her at the dining table, when we all done, she turn the wheelchair around and went straight back to her room. by herself.

Val, her nurse, and I will work with Ada at home and we will find out if we can get someone to come in once in a while. Just like Dr. Jill Taylor told me; make it fun, if it works then she won't do it. We also get the standing frame and a walker for her now.

Yesterday she broke the pole that hold the feeding bag. It is aluminum pole. The leg got caught under the TV stand but Ada grabbed the pole and pull it down. I duck tape the pole to the floor lamp for now till we get the replacement. Today, she sat in her wheelchair with her feet up on another chair, daddy put a pair of pink clog on the chair, Ada grab the clog and put them on her feet. She still have them on and I though she doesn't like pink.

I sleep better at night, knowing that tomorrow will be another good day.

Hugs

Ada is in the kitchen watching mom cook. She is wearing her favorite shirt.

Ordianary Miracle???

2009-02-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we're all a part of
Just another ordinary miracle day

Today started out like so many of my days lately...making some tea, reading the paper, listening to the morning shows and wondering what my son is doing on the other side of the world. Like so many of you I want to hear that a miracle has happened and the economy is back on track...little did I know my miracle would come in another form. Since so many of you can't be here in Indiana physically I will do my best to make you part of the tiny miracle that I had the privilege to witness.

In the last few weeks Ada has not always been cooperating with her therapists or her mother. She seems to have an opinion on what shirt she is helping to put on or not put on or she might put her foot down so the wheelchair doesn't move. Ada likes to stand but not always take a step. We have tried to look at this as a positive because it means she is trying to control her world...a world that must seem so out of control to her. But today what we witnessed must mean she has been using all her energy to take even greater control.

Today was one of those late winter days in Indy...the sun was bright and the sky blue with a few clouds. The day was warm enough to work outside so my husband I went over to the Silapiruitis' to clean up the front yard of debris from the fire and remodeling. We also needed to move some furniture around the house so Ada's wheelchair could could move more easily from room to room. By the time we were done there was a pile of trash at the curb and we laughed that Ponsawan was going to have to bribe the trash man to take it all away. Ponsawan had brought Ada outside to watch us work...she kept an eye on us and sometimes a small smile crept over her face. She looked very happy to be the queen on her throne watching her subjects work.

We took Ada inside and as we were sitting around talking she started to laugh and smile quite often. Even though I have seen her do this before it still takes my breath away. I remember so many days and nights I would ask God to please let her family see her smile again...as you can see from the pictures she is still the girl with the beautiful smile that lights up the room. As we sat there marvelling at her Ada suddenly turned the wheelchair around and with her feet pushed herself down the hall. She stopped at one door and tried to open it....when we said that was the basement door she headed straight for her bedroom door and tried the door knob. The door was locked from the inside...so Ponsawan went in from another door and unlocked it. We then said "ok, try again"....she did and with a little help from us she opened the door. The look on her face said " I did it"...she then pushed her way in and pulled up alongside Arthy who was watching tv. Ada was very satisfied with herself and we all just sat back stunned because today we had seen another ordinary miracle...or was it just another ordinary miracle...I think not. But what it is ...is another Ada miracle and I will remember it all the days of my life.

As most of you know March 3rd. will be the 1 year anniversary of Ada's accident. It's hard to believe a year has passed and yet I'm sure for Ponsawan it must feel like 100 years.
So instead of us dwelling on what might have been let's give thanks and rejoice in the miracle that is Ada. Let Ada and her family know that they are in your thoughts and do what you can to continue to give them your love and support.

Love,
Ardis

More pictures

2009-02-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ada and Archie at the Museum

Smile a little smile for me. Don't you love it?

Christi Friesen Workshop

2009-02-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

Christi Friesen Workshop & Benefit April 17-19, 2009 Indianapolis
Christi Friesen has offered to do a 3 day workshop, April 17, 18, and 19th, 2009. Three fun-filled days of generously discounted classes. The Indiana Bead Society can't begin to thank Christi for her help in this event.
This workshop is a benefit event for polymer clay artist Ponsawan Silapiruti 's daughter, Ada. You may know the story: On March 2, 2008, Ada was a vibrant, caring young woman full of life, excitement, and promise. On March 3rd 2008 she was in a coma with brain damage and broken bones. Hit by a drunk driver that sustained no damage. The world changed for Ponsawan, Ada, and their family.
Full details and online registration at: http://indianabeadsociety.org/class-friesen.htm
The Indiana Bead Societ hopes that you'll attend the classes or consider a donation to Ada (and Ponsawan). Ponsawan blogs about Ada's progress at http://dearada.blogspot.com/ .
Come join us. No experience necessary. I'll be there to help you. Christi is so much fun to be around and a very good teacher. It is nice of her to offer us this workshop and the proceed that will go toward Ada's fund.

If you would like to donate your beautiful creation so we can use for the auction during Christi Workshop, please mail it out to this address:

P.Sila 5343 W. 38 th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254

Another field trip

2009-02-16T23:23:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, we took Ada to Museum of Art. We visited the Museum a lot when the kids were young. It is close to home, no admission, lots of things to see, not only inside the museum but also the garden and ground around it. I told them, this is your imaginary backyard. We went picnic, climbed trees and played hide and seek in the garden and learn about landscape design. Archie and Rachael went with us. Ada had a great time. She sit up straight in the car and in her wheelchair while we pushing her around.
We will go out more as the weather permitted.
Darn it! It is snowing again.
Hugs

Dare to Dream

2009-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

A few of Ada's friends who stopped by for a visit had told be about how they got inspired by Ada's a chance to travel and see the world, and they had done the same. I like to travel myself but did not have a chance to do much of it, so I kinna get the idea into Ada's head that, every chances that she gets, just go out and see what is happening on the other side of the world.

Travelling became a part of Ada's life. We made a few trips to Thailand when she was young to visit her family. By Eight grade, her Chinese teacher took a group of students to China for 2 weeks, so Ada and Katherine went.

Ada has a small calender with everyday of the year fills with things to do. She was a busy girl., always has things to do, place to go. On the back was a big list of what to do this year, next year and so on. She wanted to go to Spain for Study Abroad program and she knew we cannot affort it, but off she went, anyway. She had a great time. First I sent her to London to visit my friend. While in Spain, she travelled with her friends to Morocco and France. She met David in Spain and later on went back to Paris to stay with David for 2 months.

I found her 2008 calender in her room. There were a list of things to do, places to go as usual. As of June 2008, she wrote; sell the car, move to Paris.

Many friends had followed her footstep. "I was inspired by Ada" they said. They travel to the other side of the world, they move to another country, another state. Kyle, Ardis's son, left for Korea on Sunday. He will be teaching English at the school there. I know Ada would be proud of him.

If you haven't done so already, live her dream. Go out and see the world. Here are some pictures I pulled out from facebook.

Now I have to set a goal for her. Nothing big, just want to see her talk and eat and walk again. There will be a long road ahead of us, but we will travel together, one baby step at a time.

Hugs.

Ada's 1st Field Trip

2009-01-22T22:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Ardis and I took Ada to visit our friends at American Village. We had planned this for a while and today we decided it is a good day to go. Ada was excited about it, I can tell. She sat in her chair, looking out the window, waiting for Ardis to come. She usually took a short nap after shower but not today. On the way there, Ardis told Ada that we had took the same road back and forth to the nursing home before, in the ambulance. Ardis always sat in the front and I sat in the back with Ada. This time we sit in a car and Ardis was driving.
Everybody was so excited to see Ada. She shake hand with everyone.
I still remembered during our stay at American Village, through the darkest period of my life, those people, those friends, kept telling me that Ada will be Ok, she will come around and don't loose hope and they will take good care of her. I can't thank them enough for all they had done, not only for Ada, but for me as well.
Since Ada was doing so well, we decided to take her to Naked Chopstick, the Sushi restaurant that we used to worked. We eat there often enough know that the place will not be too busy, and we had a good time there. Ada was sitting nicely the whole time.
Sine she did great on her first field trip, we will take her out to the Art Museum and other public places when the weather get warmer. I know she get bored sitting at home. may be, we will have enough money to get a car or a van with wheelchair accessibility so we can go out more often.

Ada's world

2009-01-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

Ada's world, according to Ada, only exist on her right side. She does not know she had the whole other side too. It is the combination of a severe damage to the right side of the brain and, I think, because during the period of 5 month with a missing piece of her skull, we cannot turn her or lay her down on the left side. The way that we help her is to approach her on the left side. We rearrange the room so that everyone will come in to the room from her left. Little by little, she will recognize her left side as well, we hope.
Ada's world, according to her therapist, only Ada will dictate what she wants to do and how she does it. She does not take command. If you ask her to do something, and she did, she won't do it again. You have to predict how she will react to certain things and try to get ahead of her. Connie is good at that, she knows Ada so well, I want to take her home with us. After all she is an expert with brain injury patient. Me, I don't fuss with Ada,I don't pick fight with her, not my job, and I just give in too easily. Because....
Ada's world, according to mom, is all about Ada. All I have to do is to love her. Forget about about the past, don't worry about the future, just be thankful that she is here with me.
Hugs