I HAVE A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE A GOAL

I am happy to report that Chie seems to have taken to a new light. She seems to be in good spirits. She told me the other day, "I HAVE A GOAL. MY GOAL IS TO BE INDEPENDENT BY THE TIME I GO HOME IN DECEMBER." Sounds like winner to me and I know, with the love and support she has been shown by all of you, she can do it! It made me cry to see what a trooper she is. Attitude is everything hers couldn't be better. She gives no less than a hundred percent everyday, something few can say though we all strive to. Extraordinary, in every sense of the word.
Lets help her keep things positive while she tackles this next goal!

So much of this recovery is due to all that you contribute, the letters, the food, company, conversation, donations, and the love and care you give her that can only be felt. I just again wanted to let you know how much it means to us and that it does not go unnoticed.
Thank you with all our hearts



In Recent News

Chie had a visit from a Buddist Monk who came and spoke to her. She really enjoyed it and enjoyed learning about the beliefs she had been raised with. It was good for her to hear his views and how they deal with some of lifes setbacks and difficulties. She has a tremendous respect for their ability to view things in such a positive light and it seems to have worked as this was the turning point for her to getting back on the upside things. We feel blessed to have had him take the time to care about her life and future so much.

Grapevine Grapefest
We spent a wonderful Saturday going to the Grapevine Grapfest with our friend Akiko. Thank you for taking us. Chie enjoyed the wonder weather and getting outside, the sounds of live bands, peole talking, a taste of wine, and the dances performed. We had a good time gettin out and doing something fun. It was just what we needed to give us a boost. She was rather tired but I think she felt it was worth it.


OTSUKIMI
It was a wonderful night under the moon last Thursay at the Aroretum. We arrived late, AS USUAL, but didnt let it damper our night. We watched the big and beautiful harvest moon rise up about the horizon as we drove eastbound to get there. Once there we made our way to the big and full floating moon surrounded by happy voices, applause and music. It was nice to take some time and lay out on the grass. Chie really really really loved the music and harp player. With her piano experience she knew every note played. I watched as she hummed along with it swaying her head, Im sure remembering old times and causing her brain to tap into all that is there, just waiting to be found again. Then came the Haiku session where we all spent time racking our brains to come up with one. Not too easy for us even though we were given several excellent examples by other visitors. 5 - 7 - 5 , statement about the season. Stumped us for a while but we did manage to muster one up each and for Sheila our assisstant who motivated us all to help her come up with one for her. Unfortunately we ran out of time to share it with you all. Once we got it , we played with it, or rather Chie and Akiko did until it made fun of me ,,, maybe, ,,, I got a little lost with all the renditions, so you will have to ask them if they remember.
Another wonderful evening to say the least.

FOREVER AND A DAY

Forever and Day --


'''' ''' ' ,,, ,, , is just how long it feels like Chie has been in clinic. She wants so desperately to get out and has such a hard time dealing with others leaving before her when she knows that they arrived after her. She was beginning to wonder, would she ever get out? Well, it appears her prayers have been answered and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is in sight!!! A date was set and looks like she'll be comin home for Christmas!!!


Still skeptical she doubts whether she will REALLY be coming home or not, since she was told september once before, , , but forgetting we were fighting to stay longer -+-__+-. Well, it sounds great but opens a whole new set of worries for both her and myself. She knows I cannot take care of her all by myself so it is a bit frightening as we search for a plan. It's too early to say what we will do right now but we will be gathering ideas , resources, making adjustments to the house in preparation.

Japanese Cuisine

IN other recent news, Chie lost 7 pounds last month and her cholestorol and tryglycerides are normal!!!!!!!!! She dropped down from 130 to 123 pounds and for the first time in four months, she has her lab work back to normal and lost a fair amount of weight. The nursing director was really happy with the change the dietician had made to her diet.. you know, she lowered the carbs, and cut back on butter, and of course switched from sugar to splenda ??? -I about fell out of my chair with laughter!!! I had visions of the last meal we ate that Sheila cooked, It was Deep Fried Chicken quarters, Macaroni and Cheese, and spinach, Juice for Chie, Coke for me, NOW, HOW COULD ONE NOT LOSE WEIGHT EAT SO HEALTH CONCIOUSLY?? I wasnt about to let anyone take credit for all your great cooking. I explained it was due to the fact that she was back on her old diet of japanese food and how we can take one bento and make dinner breakfast and a little bit of lunch out of it. "Theyre really healthy people" I told her. She thought and finally agreed that 7pounds seemed a bit much for the changes made by the dieticians, Especially since we have never followed it, nor has anyone else. So, to give credit where it is due,, I thank you all for you hard work and great cooking, keep it coming!!! She loves it!!!!!!!! I can do curry rice ,, but you can only eat so much cury rice, you know? I really do appreciate it, from Akiko at Ichijo to Sakamoto at TEI TEI, and all in between , keiko, keiko, keiko, akiko, megumi, kazuko, kunisawa (A true bachelor's bento, hope your wife made it home safe, lol),
THANKS THANKS THANK YOU


Weve been to the dog park a couple of times on the weekend. She still just loves to hold and hug them and love them. Everybody at the dog park is very kind to us when we go talking and showing us their dogs. We saw all kinds , baby pomeranian, jack russells, mini greyhounds, catahoola, , , its really nice for her to see them. so thank you to the owners of Connor, patches, cinnamon, carlo, Winston etc... I wish we could get one but still , chie is wanting an AKITA,, wonderful ,, what are they the biggest dog known to man?? Well, maybe we will see one on the 30th at the fall festival, then she can see its too big!!!! Lets hope,, Never know,,, Hope to see you all there and as always,
We are indebted for your Support
Chie

Recent Activities

RECENT NEWS

Chie has enjoyed seeing everybody when you stop by, and when you drop off japanese treats. Finally, I can go a week without hearing Okonomiyaki. I thought I was never gonna find anyone to make okonomiyaki!! And the funny thing is, I dont ever remember her eating it much in japan. What has she been up to?? Not a whole lot, visiting with friends during the week and pretty much trying to take it easy on the weekends.

We did have a couple of highlights though. She has been asking to go to a sports event for some time now (that's what inspired the race night), so in the mail she finally received tickets to see the Mariners VS Rangers. We went on Saturday the 25 with hopes to see Ichiro but he was not playing. Saiyaku ne, we did get to see Johjima though and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. She had peanut, nachos,and a hotdog!!!!! Plus, the Rangers actually managed to pull out a victory!!! It really made her feel good to get out and get to do something big!

She finally got out and helped water the yard as we all pitched in to do yard work. One mowing, one watering and one weedeating. It was group effort and the yard is looking good. Chie did pretty well watering except that she seemed to do much better at watering Yuri and I than she did at watering the grass. No worries though, it was hot enough that we could appreciate the cool water. She also got some time to visit with our neighbor and pet one of the dogs in our neighborhood. Good community activity for her. Her piano is improving as well. She is only doing scales but I am hearing her become more and more focussed each time she tries. Then last Saturday we celebrated our Assistant Sheila's Birthday as she turned 21, AGAIN!!!!! It wasnt much of a celebration but we tried to do what we could. She has been a life saver for us and we are so lucky to have her. We love ya Sheila and thank you for all your hard work. (Chie will be a bride's maid in her wedding this coming march!)

She is a bit depressed still from the extended stay and the constant frustration and difficulties of everyday routines, so we have been laying low on the weekends and taking some time to reflect. It is just so very hard for both of us to peer into our futures and not become overwhelmed with emotions. Chie is tryiing to stay strong and I too for her just as you have for us, Thank You All.

We did all get out in the yard a couple of weeks ago

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