Writing and Races and Tongue Twisters!!! Aug 20, 2007

We made it through another wonderful weekend. We were not quite as busy this weekend, so had some time to kick back and relax. We had a nice sit down dinner Friday while her roomate prepared to head home for the weekend. Chie was worried that her roommates two little girls might be hungry so she invited them to try some pasta, and sure enough, they were hungry. We sat and visited with her husband about tatoos. He has several and while Chie thought they were interesting I think she is going to hold off before getting any of her own.
Chie called Friday night late to tell me that she wanted to write this weekend!!!! I told her that it would not be a problem and set up her writing station so it would be ready for her saturday. When she began writing Saturday she was absolutely amazed at how much she had improved. She wrote her name so well, I wish you all could have seen the smile on her face. It was worth a million dollars!!! She was so happy and proud of herself it made us both cry a little, this time I can gladly say, they were tears of happiness! After napping she felt bored and was giving me the third degree about how we had not done anything (perhaps she didnt realize she had only been up for two hours between naps). Never the less, she sought excitement and was ready to do something. I quickly finishe up the lawn and ran to get Sheila and we were off the Devil's Bowl Speedway to watch some races! It was a good time and lots of excitement since we were sitting front row! Unfortunately our good friend Brad aka "Scooter DeVille" was not racing but we will catch him next time. It was a late night and we didnt make it in till after eleven. Sunday was filled with more naps after brunch at Po Melvins. Our waiter who always took care of us no longer works there and Chie is none to happy about it. I get drilled every Sunday about where he is and why he isnt there etc....Now she isnt sure we need to go every Sunday. She is a character. Thankfully, she was able to get Udon, her favorite food, at Keiko's that evening. We had a great dinner there and enjoyed Rajit's delicious cooking. We had a lot of fun doing her Japanese tongue twisters before showering up and hitting the sack. If you are visiting you may want to do a few with her (they are on her lamp in her room).
We will update you soon.
And I will post some pictures of her with our family and friends!
DAVID


***It has been a bit of a difficult time for Chie recently as she sees her new friends leave from clinic it makes her feel a lonely. It is often difficult to see the progress you are making. This tends to make her feel sad as though she is not progressing. She has a difficult time realizing that most of the clients are only discharging because there insurance benefits are being cut. I try to explain that most are only moving on to another rehab facility somewhere else closer to there homes, as many come from all over the USA to be here, and that she is very lucky to be able to stay. When I explain this to her it makes sense but she forgets and gets down on herself. We are working on controlling our emotions and carrying ourselves with grace and dignity in a lady like manner in counselling. We want her to realize that she is a beautiful person and when sitting calm and composed, you would never know that she had been in an accident. It is very important that she see that she is a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart not just to others but to herself. Chie has been putting up a fair amount of opposition to this idea so we could use your help. When you see her or send letters perhaps you could mention some of her qualities that make her the unique individual she is. We would greatly appreciate it and it would really help to boost her spirits.

Donations

******DONATIONS******

Currently, All those contributing to Chie's recovery will receive a TAX CREDIT.

Donations are a real life line for Chie's recovery

As many of you know, much of Chie's recovery has been made possible by her supporter's donations. The insurance and medical bills have reached levels that exceed the families income. Without the support and kindness of individuals like you the cost of Chie's recovery simply could not be afforded by the family.

Donations may be made in conjunction with the ICC

Make Checks Payable to : The ICC

Memo(BOTTOM LEFT OF CHECK): Write "FOR CHIE BLUMENTHAL"

MAIL TO : CHIE BLUMENTHAL

cc: THE ICC

70 MAN-O-WAR

FAIRVIEW , TX 75069

TAX CREDIT- In order to receive your tax credit please include your Name/ Business Name along with the return address. Upon receiving your donation, the ICC will issue your tax credit slip to the return address designated with your donation.

We Thank You All For Your Continued Support and

Look Forward to Seeing You Soon!

Legs 100 % Healed!!!

Well , we visited our doctor in Ortho. She was super happy to see new pictures of Chie's once broken leg that is now 100% healed. She was pleased that it had healed so wellsaid the leg looks fantastic and all the pins are in alignment. Chie was happy to hear it.
Chie has done really well over the last month and improved in lots of areas. She rode the bike for 2.3 miles and was able to stand unsupported for over 5 minutes! This is a really big accomplishment for her therapists were very proud of her. She is getting stronger and stronger with her walker everyday.

AUG. 5 2007

Well, its been a long and trying week. Chie had to deal with a lot of emotions this week as two of her friends from the clinic were discharged. One was a friend who she really took under her wing and was trying very hard to comfort and encourage during these early stages of his recovery. We have been working on controlling our emotions and realizing the affect it has on others when we have outbursts. This week was a real test with two people being discharged. At times it was more than she could handle. We had to leave early a couple of times and redirect to different activities to avoid upsetting ourselves and others, sorry if we missed anyone visiting.
On a lighter note, we were able to have some great fun this week as well. Chie enjoyed some fresh pears brought by her roommate from her house in east Texas as well as some blueberry muffins made with fresh blueberries her friend Akiko picked in Tyler Texas. She enjoyed all the bentos this week brought by friends and says thank you so much to everyone for the Oishi bentos.
Friday she was suprised by a visit from her Sister in law and niece and nephew!!! We are spending the weekend visiting with them. Chie immediately noticed our niece, age 13, was struggling for attention at this difficult age and named her "Princess for the Day." Chie told me it was important for her to feel special and so we did what she wanted for the afternoon. We took her to the Japanese market and got her some of her favorite foods that she cant find on the plains of New Mexico where she is now living. Then we went for a shopping spree at the mall in search of some Black Converse shoes that she has wanted. Our niece found her shoes and Chie managed to find a beautiful new dress she just had to have for her big night of Karaoke with Akiko and Keiko. After a quick nap two old friends dropped by and fired up the grill for a BBQ. Chie was excited about eating steak and veggies while visiting with her old friends.
Saturday night we met Keiko and Akiko at the Karaoke box and sang sang sang. Chie was really suprised at just how many songs she could remember. It was a great night and we thank you girls for taking us. It really brought back a lot of memories for Chie and good times she used to have. She is eager to go again soon!!!
Today we had our usual breakfast at Po' Melvins and then showed our family around Chie's apartment. Chie really enjoyed explaining all of her pictures as a child to our niece and sister. She said she really noticed now, the value of pictures and said she wants more of them from when she was little. Now we are down for a nap before showing the family around one of her favorite places , the dog park at Whiterock Lake.
Thank you all for your continued support and we will upadate again soon.
DAVID