Dear Mimi, I love you dearest, do you love me?

Do you remember the big flood we had last May 2011. It was a doozie. Wow. It was really a big one. It was the 100 year flood of the Mississippi.

Once upon a time there was some water. I mean a whole lot of water. I remember water everywhere, water everywhere. The river was calm.

When I look at this image I took I feel a sense of peace and tranquility. It soothes my soul so very much.

It was sunset. The color of the water was almost pink, it was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking is another way way to describe it. I wish you could have seen it just like we did that Sunday evening. (Mimi was right by my side) Peacefulness and quiet. It was almost surreal. I loved the scene. There is no other way to describe what we saw that quiet Sunday evening. No other soul was nearby or even remotely around that evening. Me oh my! Incredible! Just incredible! We should always be eternally grateful to God for his kindness and generosity.

Mimi, I love you more than life itself. You are the best.

John

October 28th, 2011

Well Good Morning Girls!

Its a bright and very sunny day here in Memphis. I had an important appointment with Dt. Stone this morning. Mom and I talked to my therapist about the whole matter, both the good and the not so good. She found humor in our stories and glad that we could laugh about it today.

Jackie, my occupational therapist has been around st. Francis a long time. I think she has been with the hospital quite a while now. She is very understanding and empathic. I see her twice a week. She asks a lot of guestions not just the usual types. She sometimes asks hard questions but not too hard. For example, she wants to find out how things are going for me personally, how I am doing so far. She is a bit old fashioned, you can tell by her questions. I do know that she has a daughter if I am not mistaken.

I don't have the dexterity in my right arm/ hand that I used to have. It is something I really need to work on. Dexterity, wow it is really weak.........It needs a lot of attention and soon. HELP.

And my walk "Gate" doesn't seem to be working like it should. I swear, it is off kilter some how or the other. What do you think!
I think it is a problem for me.........mmmmmmm. My entire walk, is giving me fits. Whatever will I do. I am starting to get freaked out.

By the way, did you know that I have fallen a few times? The last time it happened was Labor Day, I was walking and I fell down in the parking lot It was raining at that, and they made an announcement that and elderly gentleman had fallen and needed help. Wow! It was a real trip. Your ole Dad is falling apart. Ugh. I am quite sure it will get better, it will just take some time, I hope, I hope, I hope.

I can't believe this whole thing has happened to me. Wow.

All for now, please let me hear from you guys..............Your ole man needs to hear from you.

Love,

Dad.

By the way, doesn't it feel like fall is in the air? The temperature drops to around 55 degrees every night now. not bad considering what it was last week, huh?

Labor Day

Happy labor day! Hope that you all are having a great time on this Labor Day. First of all, please know that I love you all very much and miss you terribly. I love you all so very much and want only that which makes you happy. Please know that I love you all so very much!

On this labor day, I wish you only the best life has to offer. Please take everything and make it your own, especially that which makes you happy and fulfilled.

Love to each you on this glorious day!

Take care,

Love dad,

xoxoxoxo

September 1, 2011

Good Morning Girls, Its Thursday morning and its another beautiful day in Memphis. The sun is shining brightly and everything is just fine.

How are you doing today? Fine I hope.

I thought I would start off by writing a l little description of the past several days.

First of all....Caro has been here since thursday helping, no, doing so many things to help Mom it is hard to imagine. She has been so helpful in so many ways. Not just cooking but cleaning the house and all the rest. We went to the wedding of the century......Tully had the most beautiful wedding. It is hard to describe.

Caro has been really has been helpful around 6562, we really enjoyed having he here. Thanks so much caro!

I spoke with Mia last night. She sounds so happy. She is just fine. Keep the good attitude up Mia. Thanks so much for calling Mia. I'll call again soon, probably tonight. Love you very much!

And last night I spoke with Anna. She is such a sweetheart. I admire here so deeply, especially for the hard work she has been doing studying for her tests. You will do just fine Anna. Just do your best.

Here is a little poem I wrote for me three wonderful daughters this morning.

God has blessed us with you.
May we be so happy with you
Keep us safe and and secure in your name.

Amen.

Love,

Dad

Good morning girls! Its a partly cloudy sky today and I am ready (as I know you are) for another great day. I am so happy today. I love it when its sunny and cool.

I feel so good on a day like today......It is so wonderful! How are you feeling today? Great I'm sure.

Sorry I haven't written for a few days. I really don't have much of an excuse for not writing.

I'm very happy that you all are safe and sound. Anna said that about around 2am she and Eric were listening to the radio for any news that might apply to them. It was really scary but everything as you know everything turned out just fine. She and Eric were getting a little scared for a few minutes though.


I am so happy that Caro is with us! She is such a sweetheart. And she is has been sooooo helpful too. We went to Tully's wedding Saturday night and it was fabulous. One of the best parts of the wedding was the food and flowers. Just out of this world! We had a fabulous time.

Well everything just turned out fine. Some people say it was overhyped but I don't think so.

If you guys get chance, drop me line. Mia that is for you too. I know we just talked last night though!

I love you all so much. Take care.

Love you all very much.

Love always,

Dad



,

What a beautiful day it is today. The sun is shining, it is so beautiful. I miss you all very much! I hope your day is as special as you are. I love you very much.

What special girls you are. I love you so very much!

Love,

Dad

Hello Girls!

Its a lovely evening here in Memphis. The sunshine is brightly shining and it is golden evening fall evening. such beauty reminds me of my three daughters who live in New York. Oh how I miss you all so very much this evening. I long to see you. it seems that I have nt seen you for ever. Make believe that we can visit each other tonight. I love you and miss you so very much.

Love you.

I miss you.

Dad.

Good Evening Girls!

Sunday 8/14/11 GOD'S GIFT OF THE DAY

Its a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining and the outside temperature is mild. Another perfect day in Memphis. Oh thank God for giving us another gorgeous wonderful day. Thank you so very much for this gift.


GOD'S GIFT OF THE DAY

Oh God this day was made by You to be perfect and beautiful like You.
Please know that we love you with all our hearts.

Oh Lord, You have given us life. Thank you for everything you have given us.
Thanks for this day with everything You have done for us and given to us.

Help me to accept all that you prepared for us this day. For everything You have
done for us is for You and through You.

Oh Lord, everything you have given us is for Your greatest Glory.
Help us to continue to love You with all our hearts. Help us to accept all that you have given us
this day for your greatest honor and glory.

JAH

Lebrea Bread 8/12/2011

This story, (its not really a story in any way) is about Mimi and John's adventure at Schnucks on 08/12/2011. It happened in the evening around 8;00. Here is what happened. It's almost hard to believe it happened this way but here goes.

Mimi pulled up to the front door of Schnucks and asked if I would be kind enough to go inside and pick up a loaf of bread. She
asked me not to get any other kind of bread, only Lebrea. Its really good stuff.

I searched the shelves but I didn't see any Lebrea bread products. Thinking that I must be overlooking it, I searched further....Nada. I searched and searched. I then asked for help but then I could not remember the name of the bread.

Mimi at this point came into the store to see where I was. She too looked around the bread section for Lebrea product and whalla...... finally found a small section of bread that was Labrea.

Well here is where it gets really interesting. We both began laughing at each other. We laughed and laughed. I was laughing so
hard I finally began to cry. . I was really laughing. I noticed pee coming from Mimi's pants. Then I looked down and saw that I was peeing too. So the pee was more than we expected and the whole scenario was more than we bargained for.

We finally got our loaf of bread but with a lot of aggravation and a comical story to relate to anyone who is interested.
Lebrea bread a night to remember.

8/11/2011 THE SUN

THE SUN
8/11/2011

Things that shine
Things that rhyme
I love things that go around all the time
Whatever would I do.
If ever there wasn't a you.
If ever there wasn't a you.
I don't know what I'd do.

AUGUST 10, 2011

Hello again girls: Hoping things are fine with you still especially since my last email. Just wanted to say hi again and keep you all
in the loop.

Short Blog titled LIFE

Some days are just not as good as others.
I wonder why. Is it the weather? Is it just plain something else?
What could it be? Sometimes its really hard to figure out. I wonder
what it could be? When its really bad..... its bad.
I wish I knew what causes these swings, these are really hard to
figure out. Sometimes Its just so hard to know. Well.
Sometimes it is just too much to handle......
I guess its just too difficult to know.

When its good, its
really good. I think I'll just go with the good stuff. At least I can
live with that. I love the good stuff especially well.
Hurrah, Hurrah for the good stuff.

Todays Poem August 8, 2011

September 8, 2011


Today is the first day of the rest of my Life. I look forward to what it may bring. Sunny skies, cloudy days, stormy weather, whatever.....Its all good. I welcome each day with wide open arms. Each day I sing for joy. Each day I love life a little more than yesterday.

I love life don't you?

August 8, 2011

Hello Everyone! Today is the first day of my new Blog! I am very happy to be Blogging again..... .Yippie!. Now the key will be stay at it on a regular basis. No more falling back on my duties. So here goes.

The purpose of my new new blog will be to keep everyone informed about whats going on in my life and to tell you all about new comings and goings that I think you might be interested in. It should a lot of fun.

First of all you should know that everything is going well and I am happy to be alive. Its not always easy to write this because it takes a lot of time to put it together and keep current. It is though, an important tool to keep on hand and to look back on.

I love everything that is good and beautiful and well kept. Things should always be kept orderly because God wants it that way, I think. God loves us and we should love Him with everything we got. He is everything to us. He loves us so much.

We should pray to him with all our hearts because He loves us so much.

Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this. It means a lot to me.

Thats all for now folks.

JOHN

THE POET AND DIDN'T KNOW IT

JULY 2011

#1

WE LOVE BRIGHT SUNNY SKIES!
IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL WHEN IT'S ABOUT TO BLOSSOM.
HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE!
THANK THE LORD FOR HIS GRACE.
BEAUTIFUL
BEAUTY
EVERYWHERE!
BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE YOU ARE YOU.
BEAUTIFUL
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.
BEAUTY BEAUTY

#2

IT IS A BRIGHT SUNNY DAY.
I AM HAPPY TO BE ALIVE AND WELL.
SO SMILE AND THE WHOLE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU.
SMILE
BECAUSE WE LOVE EACH OTHER
ALWAYS

#3

TODAY IS OUR DAY TO GO FOR A SWIM
THE SUN IS SHINING AND EVERYTHING IS HAPPY
SO LET'S GET OUT THERE AND JUMP IN. YA!

Tuesday March 29, 2011

EDNA SPEECH THERAPISTS ASKED JOHN QUESTIONS OF FIVE LIKES AND DISLIKES.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND GYM TIME WITH MELISSA

DR. BRIGHTMAN APPOINTMENT FOR BODY CHECK.
FROZE SIX PRE CANCER PLACES OFF FACE.

PICKED UP MEDICINE AT DUANE READ ON FIFTH AND 34TH

Monday March 28,2011

Today there was not too much to report on. I met with Hilary at 1:00 pm. Caro came with me cause Mimi had other things to do.
No other obligations at NYU to report on.


The first thing Hillary asked was about my plan to take medications. She said wanted to be sure there is plan in place so we don't have a repeat of the the circumstances of last week.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sunday night we had dinner in our apartment 4V with our three daughters and their three significant others, Eric, Theo, and Anthony. It was a very tasty meal and everyone seemed to really enjoy it very much. It was a night of fun and entertainment.

The meal consisted of broccoli, cauliflower and a spicy sausage in cream sauce. Everyone enjoyed it very much except mom who thought it was not very good. For dessert we had a delicious chocolate cake that we got from whole foods.

We had planned to have a game of scrabble, but it was too late. Mom and I decided to go to bed around 10:30.

Saturday March 26, 2011

Slept very well this night, did not need any sleep aids. Saw some places for sale. The first one was in a
building that was new construction called the Rushmore not too far from Eric and Anna's place. i think it was the most interesting thing they have looked at recently. It has lots of really interesting features for sale. It has a interesting indoor pool, a billiard room and other features.

Eric did not seem to like it so much. He and I waited for quite a while for a taxi. Finally we grabbed a taxi and took it home.

When we got home we watched the basketball game. It was a game between Butler and Florida that was really exciting. Butler won the game 74 to 71. Eric seemed to really enjoy the game a whole lot.

Eric and Angela were invited out to dinner this evening. Mom and I saw a really interesting play this evening called the War Horse at Lincoln Center. We enjoyed it very much.

Friday March 25, 2011

DID NOT SLEEP WELL AT ANGELA AND ERICS

EXPLAINED THIS FRUSTRATION TO MY THERAPISTS HILARY AND EDNA

WORKED ON HAND EYE COORDINATION WITH CHRISSY MY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

CAROLINE FERGUSON CAME TO SAY HELLO

MIMI, ANGELA AND I WATCHED WAITING FOR SUPERMAN

Friday March25, 2011

REALITY IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF STRESS AMONG THOSE IN TOUCH WITH IT.

Thursday March 24, 2011

APPOINTMENT WITH DR. RASHBAUM

CAROLINE MADE DELICIOUS SOUP FOR DINNER

MIA CALLED TO TALK TO ME

ANGELA TOOK ME TO PINKBERRY
SPENT NIGHT WITH ANGELA AND ERIC

MOM WENT OUT WITH HUTCHISON FRIENDS

Wednesday March 24,2011

Today I went see Edna for some therapy. She did everything in her power to get me to talk and answer her questions. I began by talking about an incident that happened during my career some 35 years ago. I related an incident involving an employee at the Sheraton British Colonial. It seems that an employee was unhappy with the way the property was being run and decided to take it out on management and I was the individual who was responsible. The employee decided he would take it out on me. I ran from this employee into to the kitchen and into a walk in cooler to get away from this individual. The employee began to get violent and I began to get scared. It all worked out in the end and the employee was calmed down a bit, although there were some tense moments.


Also, on another front, I was asked to define the difference between a Maine Lobster and a lobster from warm water such as from the Bahamas or from the Caribbean. First, Lobsters from the from the Caribbean do not have a tail therefore have less meat. Sometimes referred to spiny lobsters, they do not have claws. Maine Lobsters have large claws and they taste succulent.

Tuesday March 22, 2011

Today I had the experience of MRI and an MRA. It was taken of my carotid arteries, (Neck & Brain) and
It was a unique undertaking. I didn't have time to think about it too much so I just went with it. I had ear plugs on to keep the noise down. It really wasn't too bad. The first two tests lasted about 32 minutes. The last test was 12 minutes long.

The first therapy meeting I had was with Edna who I am growing to like pretty much. She talked about the concept of lability,
which I found to be quite interesting. We waited outside her office and completed a questionnaire.








.

Monday March 21, 2011

Today I met with Hillary. I didn't really talk with her much because I mostly just cried. She just tried to get me talk but I just didn't talk too much. I came home with Caro and we stopped at Whole Foods to pick up a few things she needed.

I came home with her and crashed. I wish she would have stayed with me for wanting to being with her friends.

The best part of the day was being with Caro.

I think I will try to reach my sister today.

Sunday March 20, 2011

We woke up and the first thing we did was turn on the television and watch Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. Then we took a walk down to Columbus Circle and took some interesting pictures.

It was a beautiful day with lots of bright sunshine. Lori, one of Mimi's friends came over and took some pictures as well.


Later on we went to mass at 5.00pm at St. Paul's. The homily was about the importance of faith.

The following from Mimi is an exerpt from todays homily.


Go on a journey that frees you from fear. Free yourself and place your trust in God.When your heart is broken. Everything can be made new with God. There are endless possibilities Live without anxiety. This freedom only comes when you jump into your life and let God guide you. The destination God....the place where love never dies. Leave a lot of things behind to go on your journey. Along the way you have to trust and let go. Experiences teach you who you are and who God is. Trust that God comes in all experiences. A great adventure you are on. Let go and trust in what God has in store for you. Go where Gods heart meets your heart.

Homily at St. Paul the Apostle by Father Ramirez March 20, 2011

Saturday March 19, 2011

It wasn't the best day in the world, but it was a day nonetheless. For one thing, Mimi took my medicine by mistake. This got her pretty upset. My hand was also hurt.

We had a nice dinner at Shun Lee with Lori, one of Mimi's friend. She is one of "the creatives." Tonight is was a full moon and very beautiful.

Friday evening, March 18, 2011

Later I had surgery on my left hand. It was virtually painless. Dr. Shapiro's work was thorough. I guess the stitches will re-main in for about 2 weeks. There is some pain but not much. Enough just to be annoying,

Today was sunny and very nice. When we got home Mimi and I went for a walk in Central Park. We sat down for a short time and then continued our walk. The walk was really relaxing and pleasant. There were lots a pretty flowers starting to come into bloom, Weeping willows and daffodils.

This evening I spoke with Maria. She said that her day at work was busy. I look forward to being more conversant with her.

Mimi made a really good dinner consisting of tortellini and broccoli. We watched Casablanca. We enjoyed the music As Time Goes By. "Here's looking at you kid".

Friday, March 18, 2011

Session with Hillary. First focus should be on getting something;right and then speed. The process of reheb is slow. So recognizing the baby steps-is impprtant.

Hillary says when she first met me three weeks ago on Feb 25 I could barely talk. Now I am getting more conversant. I should always carry a wallet and cell phone with at all
times.

Thursday March 17, 2011 St Patrick's Day

Today Mimi and I left for NYU around 9 AM. We caught the cross town bus by taking the subway to 34th. We got to the therapist just on time. Today is St. Patrick's day.

I really felt good about my therapy session with Edna. Edna and I really seemed to click. We had a good talk. I do not believe I have all the symptoms that are usually associated by aphasia.

After our session we left for the St. Patrck's day parade and separated for a short time. We got re-connected inside St. Partrick's.

We had Caroline and Mia for a nice corn beef and cabbage dinner. It was delicious.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Today started out kind of cloudy and cold. We walked with Anna over to 7th avenue where we caught a cab to NYU Rusk Hospital. Anna walked to work at Rockwell group.

Mimi and I stopped in for bagels and cream cheese at a place on first avenue called Bagels and Cafe and ran to our appointment at 11:30 am. Edna met us and started a conversation with with me about the crisis japan. She is wonderful person and a very good listener.

Then I met with Daniel. He is my occupational therapist. He is demanding but a very good therapist. He insists upon using my right hand which has grown somewhat weak from the stroke.

Tuesday, March 15,2011

Anna left for Miami early this morning. She went on a business trip and retuned the same day around 8 o'clock pm.

Edna, my speech therapist talked about "Gender Specific" but I was not following the conversation very well. The question is do women really listen better than men. I think the question is answered in the affirmative. Luckily this part of the conversation ended as we moved on to other topics.

Melissa, my speech therapist, stepped up the pace of my running but she
slowed it back and put me in a harness. She told me to not get discouraged for any reason and I was doing well. She emphasized that this is part of the process is gaining ground on situation.

speech class assignment

assignment: write 2-3 sentences about a particular experience at the Cornell Club.

First of all, the property is located in mid town Manhattan along 44th street between 5th avenue and Grand Central Station. It is located on the south side of 44th street. It is a narrow building which occupies a relatively small space.

The hotel is very beautiful. Starting with the lobby, it is small and intimate. It sets the tone for the entire property.

Guest Rooms: there are approximately 8 to 12 rooms per floor. There are about 12 floors of guest rooms. The guest rooms are beautifully decorated although they are somewhat small.

Rooms offer Kings, Queens and full size beds.

The dining room offers full service or just a drink or just a sandwich if your not too hungary.

You can also order room service if you want to eat in your guest room.

The facilities also offer meeting rooms for small gatherings of people.

Overall, the property is small and quite lovely. It is small and quite intimate without being stuffy.

Monday March 14, 2011

Today is my first post on this blog. The primary goal of this blog is to keep my contacts informed of my current status since my stroke.

Today I feel pretty good. Everything is going along pretty well.

I think I will go outside for a brief walk in Central Park with Caro.