John and Lucinda Progress - February Archive
"Chica" & "Puck" visit John
Dear Friends and Family of John & Lucinda,
Here is an archive of their progress with the most recent updates posted first.
Update February 28, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull was ecstatic to have his youngest kiddo (Ms. Katy Jane Tull) to
visit for the day and the remainder of the weekend. He worked very hard
today in his "dadgum" physical, occupational and swallow therapy
sessions and is striving toward a very foreseeable goal of popping some
bubble wrap. (We'll keep you all posted).
| We heard today from our number one NYC doc (Ron Primas). We tend to
credit him with saving our lives since he was the person to suspect
plague when our hotel sent us to see him. (Of course there were MANY
others involved from that point on). We expect to have Dr. Primas out
here to hike with us before too long. We've included a photo of Lucinda
and Dr. P. on the eve of our departure from NYC.
Love you all,
John, Lucinda and Katy
|
 |
Update February 27, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Another day of achievement for JHT. We were chatting right after his
occupational therapy about how well he was doing. He remarked at how his
strength had improved, glanced at his right arm and picked it up off the bed
without even thinking about it. His eyes brightened and his smile widened
like a four year old on Christmas morning. He did his royal wave for a bit
as he bathed in the adoration of all around him.
I know that many of you have had experience with this, but for me it is new
and deeply profound to watch the symbiotic relationships develop between
Tull and his therapists. They all know that there will be some pain, but
they know that certain things must be done in order to move forward.
Everyone is happy when there is improvement. I sit there and fight back the
tears as I watch this man (and each therapist) who are willing to do
whatever it takes to perhaps pull the end of a hospital gown in one's teeth
in order to struggle to get one arm pointed in the right direction to get a
hand inside that gown.
We received a letter and package from the president of the NYC Road Runners
right after the New York Times article came out which mentioned our plans to
have watched the marathon on the very day that we instead ended up feeling
ill (11/03). The letter talked about what an inspiration Tull was for all
and asked that we come back for the 2003 marathon. As I left Tull a bit
early tonight while he was showing off his new right arm prowess to his kid
brother, I thought about the possibility of this dilettante runner training
for a marathon. I came home and put on the old NB's for the first time in 4
months and huffed my way around for a teensy run.
Don't bet the ranch, but JHT could inspire his gray haired wife to push
herself a bit to move her body more as he does the same. His efforts are
astonishing to me.
Love to all,
Lucinda
P.S. We just developed our pictures of our Beth Israel friends. You all
look great and we do miss you.
Update February 26, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
|
Sorry we didn't get an update on the site yesterday.....we had weather
and timing issues. Tull is the star of Kindred Hospital. His attitude
is phenomenal as he keeps moving toward his goals. Today he drank from
a cup which he held in his left hand and also managed to brush his teeth
almost completely on his own. He has learned never to utter the word
"can't" around his occupational therapist. She will tolerate
"difficult" and so he does find a few things rather difficult.
Here's Tull on a hike up Raven's Ridge to Deception Peak which we did in
October and which he plans to repeat this summer (difficult or not). |
 |
Lucinda is grateful for the food, massage therapy, cleaning services,
automotive care and all the general help from all of you wonderful
people. We are both in awe of the support.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update February 24, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a "family conference" today, with us, Mona, our doctor, all
therapists, the social worker, the insurance representative and the
discharge planner. The meeting was extremely informative. The outlook
is very heartening. The meeting was held in Tull's room where he was
surrounded by what he referred to as 10 self-actuated, strong and
intelligent women.
 | Speaking of self-actuated, strong and intelligent women, please meet
Elizabeth Mackenzie Tull. The pic has already been installed as Tull's
new computer wall-paper. |
Major achievement of the day....JHT sat on the side of the bed with his
legs dangling for a record 10 minutes (and with a minimal number of
"OW"s).
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update February 23, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a very busy day today with 14 human visitors and two doggie
visitors. This hospital allows dogs to visit their humans, so Chica and
Puck got to come to the big city.
Tomorrow we will have a formal meeting with our team of medical
professionals here at Kindred during which we will discuss the plan for
JHT's recovery. One thing we all know is that this patient is on board
and determined to have a successful journey. As he told a visitor
earlier tonight, we really don't have much choice when we get knocked to
our knees in life. We go on.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update February 22, 2003 from John and Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
John's mother Mona arrived today for a visit. They had not seen each
other in quite a while and they had a good visit today on her birthday.
Mr. Tull seemed to have a bit of a hard time today with the intake of
his lovely soft diet. These things take time.
We would like to thank our terrific friends who have pitched in on
housecleaning, feeding of Lucinda and Tull-sitting. You have given us
great support and we are very grateful.
Love,
John and Lucinda (and our current and repeat visitor Frank).
Update February 21, 2003 from John and Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
First of all, we are now official grandparents. Trey (John's son) and
Leah had a beautiful bouncing baby girl last night. She weighed in at 7
lbs, 14 ounces and her name is Elizabeth McKenzie Tull, and they intend
to call her Ellie. (Lucinda is writing this as John Tull cries every
time the subject comes up).
Second bit of major news is that Mr. Tull ate his first real food
tonight. Granted he is restricted to pureed versions of whatever is
being served, but he will now get breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and
is expected to consume 15 to 20 bites per meal. He did not care that
much for his bowl of meat this evening (sorry Doug), but all else seemed
tolerable.
Goodnight and love to all,
John and Lucinda and their current visitors, Frank and Alice
Update February 20, 2003 from John and Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
We both had a good day today. Rehab was very tiring, but really good.
John sat on the side of the bed for 7 minutes....a huge accomplishment.
Lucinda took a large part of the day to unpack from 14 weeks in New York
and also managed to squeeze in a couple business meetings while several
friends visited Mr. Tull.
We are now spending the evening together in John's room anxiously
awaiting the birth of our grand-daughter. Leah went into labor at 2:00
this afternoon and Trey is beside himself.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update February 19, 2003 from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
I wish not to complain, but Tull has done a great job at finely tuning his
"I will tell you how to best serve me" skills. Yesterday he lamented that
it made him hoarse to boss me around so much. Such is life with a comedic
plague survivor.
He wanted to tell you all that it was a pretty good day today and that he
successfully went through a bit of debridement. So you can really go
through a horrific, life changing event and still joke around at the end of
the day....who knew?
Thanks to all. We are both deeply moved by all messages and are especially
amazed at those from strangers across the country (and world).
Love,
Lucinda
Update February 18, 2003 from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Last night was my first night back in our house. While I have missed our
dogs and house enormously, it was almost too painful to be here without Mr.
Tull. This is the beautiful home that we built together and he is the chief
interior decorator, fix-it person and neat-freak who has a magical ability
to turn any living space into a place of great beauty and peace. I missed
him more than I can say.
But he is alive and present in New Mexico and fighting his way back to this
house every minute. Doctors discovered "colonization" of his wound which
has resulted in a return to isolation mode for a while. This is nothing
serious, but we have had to once again don gowns and gloves (at least no
masks). All therapies (physical, occupational and swallow) continue to go
very well. Everyone agrees that Tull has made remarkable progress in just
the last week.
Love to all,
Lucinda
Update February 16, 2003 from John & Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Today's update is the first ever written by both Tull and Marker
(otherwise known as John and Lucinda).
We had a pretty good day today. Had some nice visitors. Tull had a day
off from therapy since it was Sunday. Above is a pic of the two of us
working on John's new laptop (an early birthday present from his brother
Mac)in the room here in beautiful New Mexico.
We love all of you and hope that you can come visit.
Love, JHT and LGM
Update February 15, 2003 from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a very busy day. JHT insisted on going outside so we loaded him up
in a cardiac chair and wheeled him out to gaze at the blue New Mexico sky
with a pair of my shades upon his face and an Arizona baseball cap (forgive
me as I do not remember the team) upon his head. He was quite a sight and
was a bit concerned about scaring the other patients with his "look". We
scored an old bird's nest for his collection and all stood around taking in
the sights with a new appreciation as Mr. Tull wept and said that it is not
natural to be indoors for 3 months. One hears, sees and smells a bit better
when around someone who is "just happy to be here".
We had many visitors today and Tull is quickly gaining his energy and LOVES
the attention and interaction. He also loves looking at this website. Keep
the messages coming (even if you now seem him in person). It means the
world to us and keeps this man on track.
Love,
Lucinda
Update February 14, 2003 from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
I just left Mr. Tull as he entertained half a dozen of our very good friends
in his hospital room. Thought I might sneak in the update while he is
otherwise engaged.
Tull is very slowly building his strength and will hopefully be able to eat
in another week or so. My dear, funny Valentine and I cried with joy today
when we exchanged cards and a couple gifts. (Would you believe that he got
a friend of ours to show up with a dozen red roses?)
Love to you all,
Lucinda
Update February 13, 2003 from John
Dear Friends & Family,
I love each and every one of you so much. It is somewhat daunting to be here in a totally new environment, however everyone here seems to be happy, nice and competent.
Keep us posted.
Love,
John
February 12, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Mr. Tull and his new family are making their adjustments. Would it surprise
you to hear that Kindred's newest patient is making his best attempt at
micro-managing his care? The evening nurse said to me that she was
assigned to him for a reason....."I've got 20 years at this and he doesn't
have a chance" as she wooed him into a more relaxed frame of mind.
You all have a sense of how far we have to go. Please keep helping us with
your messages, cards and letters. We are both gluttons for love and
attention.
Love to all,
Lucinda
February 11, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends, Family (and those of you we have yet to meet);
We are starting to settle into a new routine and are happy with our decision
to return to New Mexico. It is wonderful to have the immediate support of
those who are close by. JHT is quite exhausted from the big day yesterday
and from the visits today. We may have to think about leaving him to his
physical terrorists for a day or two (i.e. call me if you are thinking about
visiting in the next 48 hours), but the big guy is doing well and the gang
at Kindred seems great.
I would like to say that we are both awed by the even greater response to
this site. In these times, it can be said that focusing on the positive in
human beings is about as reassuring as it gets. Don't care too get to goody
two shoes, but without the force of all of ya'll.......
Love,
Lucinda
February 10, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull and I had a tremendous homecoming today as we arrived at Kindred
Hospital. Thirty or so of our good friends and family went out of their way
to be there and to bring signs, our doggies and some rather corny songs.
Both of us shed quite a few exhilarating tears in the last 36 hours. We now
miss our family from Beth Israel and all of you in the east coast region who
did so much to help us, but have been so moved by our pals and relatives
here. Few are quite as lucky as we to experience a day like today.
We are home and Tull will do well here. We are very happy to be here. Love
to you all on this very special day.
Lucinda
February 9, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
My dear friend Julia said tonight as she looked around my now packed up home
of the last 3 months "it all looks so different, yet there was so much life
here". And indeed there was life.....very casual dinner parties, holidays,
much laughter, long nights of phone calls to friends and relatives with good
and sometimes bad news, intimate conversations as many of us grew to know
each other so much better, green Chile stew, red Chile lights, little
Christmas trees who have now moved to Yonkers for a new life, very late
night conversations with doctors, sleepless nights, tears of great relief
and of sadness, a couple bad games of charades, starting the mending of
relationships that had withered or gone sour, restoring relationships and
building brand new ones. This has been more life than I have ever known.
My glass is lifted as I toast all who have meant so very much to me and to
John Tull in the last 14 weeks. I am humbled by all of you and I thank each
and everyone of you for each and everything you have done. I bid farewell
to this wonderful city....there is none like it in the world and if we had
to get the damn plague....better here than anywhere other than our home
state!
So sorry to leave, yet so happy to be heading home.
Love to all and we shall return to this fine city soon. Thank you for
taking care of us.
Lucinda
February 8, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope to be more articulate tomorrow when I write my final update from this
wonderful city. (Never fear, the site will continue as many in NYC now wish
to be updated on a daily basis and I am a bit addicted to writing the
updates.) We have both been quite choked up as we say "adios" to our New
York family while looking so forward to seeing our many loved ones in New
Mexico and the more western part of the country in general. It is
impossible for me to even attempt to thank the east coast folks (which
include our friends, family, doctors, nurses, etc, etc.), but I will try
when I am a little less tearful.
Tull is exhilarated and we joke around more each day and count our blessings
as we laugh. Alright, I cannot see the screen for the tears....good
tears.....and I wish you all "bueno, bye" for tonight.
Love,
Lucinda
February 7, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
This is a sad and exciting time for me. I said goodbye to many of the
folks who saved John's life and those very people became my family for the
past 14 weeks. There were many tearful scenes.
We very much admired the work done on the New York Times Article. Even the
photographs worked out. If you have a friend in New York who might send you
the east coast version, it would be worth it. John is so upbeat about his
upcoming trip to Albuquerque and the beginning of rehab. His optimism is
contagious to all who are in contact with him. He will be missed around
this place!
Love to you all,
Lucinda
February 6, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
It's very hard to believe, but we will soon be sending our updates from the
Land of Enchantment. I've been busy trying to take pictures of the Beth
Israel North doctors, nurses, aids, janitors, security guards and all who
have become our extended family over the last 14 weeks. It is hard to think
of how to thank them or say goodbye.
We had a very exciting day as we received a call from Senator Clinton who
had followed our progress and wished us well. Then late this afternoon Tull
had a surprise visit from a couple of his best old Texas buds (one who is a
rather prolific contributor to this website). I left the hospital
guilt-free after seeing the light brighten in JHT's blue eyes at the sight
of those two fellers. They'll probably be telling stories and lies all
night.
We love you all very much.
Lucinda
February 5, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was a very exciting day as we suddenly thought we might be leaving on
Friday. Turns out that it will more likely be Monday, but that is enough
good news to make it through the weekend.
I will say more about this later, but we have had such great support here in
NYC that it is not all that easy to pick up stakes. Tull is bull-headed.....does that surprise any of you??
Love,
Lucinda
February 4, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
The "Free John Tull" buttons seemed to work. We thank Tull's search and
rescue team for sending a bag full of these buttons as two of our doctors
immediately confiscated a few, the physical terrorists wore them proudly
and Tull wore one on his gown all day long. To say that the ICU is
entertained my bed #2 would be an understatement.
We will probably leave Beth Israel early next week (possibly earlier). Keep
the messages coming. JHT LOVES hearing from you all as do I.
Love from the Tull/Markers,
Lucinda
February 3, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was very busy as we had a first attempt at sitting up on the edge of
the bed and the trach was removed. John experienced a great deal of pain as
three physical therapists (otherwise known as physical-terrorists) did their
best to get him up. We all know that it will be a long and painful road.
However, Mr. Tull continues to amaze all hospital personnel with his
excellent Texas manners as he says please and thank you even under extreme
under duress. I must also say that the physical therapists have done a
FABULOUS job (they are now reading this web-site, but that has nothing to do
with this comment).
Speaking of this web-site, please know that it is one of the highlights of
our day when I read John your messages. Don't be shy.
Love,
Lucinda
February 2, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
John Tull can now hold his right arm up from the elbow for a few moments
when we position it at a right angle. We celebrate the small steps and look
forward to the bigger advancements (Tull combing his own hair, brushing his
teeth, sitting up in bed). It is still very painful for him to sit up due
to his decubitus (new Scrabble word for me). The docs say that he now just
needs to start eating and he will once the trach is pulled.
We love you all.
Lucinda
February 1, 2003 Update from Lucinda
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull has the physical therapists referring to muscles and joints as being
"whumpyjawed" or "cattywampas" and a speech therapist seemed to be a bit
offended when she test fed him with a bright green applesauce and he told
her that her "lam" juice was distasteful. He has requested that when deemed
able to swallow that his first bit of food be a Krispy Kreme donut (which a
very good friend of ours with a world of Krispy Kreme knowledge has promised
to get.)
We watched the news today and cried together. Our lives are forever
changed, but we are here and are grateful for all that we have.
Love,
Lucinda
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