John’s Story

Site created on December 11, 2023

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Nadine Eidman

Dear Friends,
This is Nadine with a quick update.

After four months, John will be coming home tomorrow afternoon. It's been a tough road, and challenges remain, but we are heading to the next chapter in a far stronger position. My prayer was to leave TIRR with the ability to care for John by myself. John's progress leads me to believe that this might be doable. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to nesting and establishing a routine. There's no place like home!

John has made considerable progress since arriving at TIRR on March 1st. Given that TIRR is one of the best rehab facilities in the country, I had high expectations for them — they have surpassed all expectations. Our experience has been stellar. We have loved our doctors, nursing staff, and the exceptional therapists who know their craft and deliver consistent, high-energy, compassionate, positive, and encouraging therapy every single time. While the hospital offered doom and gloom, TIRR has been a constant beacon of hope. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to participate in this world-class institution.

John can now put weight on his legs, which is a game-changer for transfer. He uses YES/NO cards and follows more complex directions. He can eat and drink everything and understands most things. I've become good at 20 (sometimes 50) questions. His wound is slowly improving, but this will take several more months, if not a year, to resolve. We will begin Home Health next week until a spot at outpatient TIRR becomes available. I have also been at every therapy session and have learned quite a bit, not to mention the therapists gave me folders filled with activities and homework. His brain is still healing, and we intend to continue to push hard with all therapies.

On a personal note, I am in awe of John's strength, resolve, and patience throughout this process. He has persevered with hardly a complaint. Many people who have given up most of their control would understandably be extremely frustrated, but he has maintained his sense of humor and fun personality. He has always stayed the sweet, kind, funny John that we all know & love.

John and I have been blessed with kind-hearted, compassionate, strong, loving, GOOD children who have chosen the best partners. We, as a family recognize that such traumatic life events oftentimes break families apart, but we have never been closer and celebrate this bond. We have been in this together every step of the way.

Please know how much I/we appreciate your texts, calls, cards, prayers and support. You have sustained us the last four months and we humbly ask that we remain in your prayers. The journey ahead remains fraught with uncertainty and trials. We deeply appreciate your prayers that God grants us strength, patience, and faith. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are ready to take the next step toward recovery. We love you all!

With love and gratitude,
Nadine
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