John and Lucinda Progress - March Archive
Update March 31, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
This last day of March, 2003 marks an historic moment in the Tull/Marker
experience. Today was the first day since he became vocal that John
Tull did not utter a single "OW". There were a few "OH"s mind you, but
throughout being stood up on his feet, being stretched, pulled and
yanked, not an "OW" was to be heard in the hallway near room #120. Most
of what Tull says can be heard well down the hallway and we have
wondered what the rest of the hospital thinks when Tull moans and groans
with pleasure while one of us massages his arms and legs.
Green chili cheeseburgers and onion rings from the Route 66 Diner for
the evening meal. A lovely piece of lemon ice box pie was brought today
by Gordon and Elizabeth.
Janie, Laura and Lucinda all waited upon the royal patient today and we
will all be sorry to see Janie leave tomorrow morning. Laura and
Lucinda will have to work that much harder.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update March 30, 2003
Dear friends and family,
I am honored with being the guest message person today. I spent the weekend catching up with John which has been more gratifying than words can say. I haven�t seen him since Christmas and his progress astounds me. He had a good day with a visit to the courtyard to see the cloudless blue sky. Friends from Santa Fe and Placitas made visits and several tales and lies were told. John was recuperating from a bit of overdose of black bottom pie from Saturday � it does a number on the blood sugar.
John�s optimism continues to inspire all of us. And he has not lost his Texas manners as he graciously orders Janie, Lucinda and me to do this and get that. And we do it and we love him.
Laura Hamilton
Update March 29, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
A moderately busy day for the perfect patient. Mona said her goodbyes
this morning, but Tull's sister Janie is here visiting from PA. and our
very dear friend Laura flew in from London last night. Laura was a huge
help last November and December when she flew over on three different
occasions and spent time with us in NYC. Today was the first time since
last summer that she saw Mr. Tull in a fully conscious state. They were
thrilled to be able to talk again.
Sorry to go back to food issues, but one of the fishing buddies came
with a piece of black bottom pie. And of all the unexpected things,
Tull requested Chinese food today and we found probably the best in
Albuquerque.
We had fun today and JHT has been in a very jolly mood.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update March 28, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
O! Frabjous day! Calooh! Callay! Tull stood up in a major way!
We have a new-ish website for this most exciting day when Tull sat on
the side of the bed and grabbed hold of his physical therapist who
yanked him into the air and onto his new feet. It was scary, but
exhilarating for JHT. And he did it twice!
Sorry we didn't get a picture, but I have included a pretty recent photo
and will get some shots of the tall Tull soon.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe
Love to all,
John, Lucinda and Lewis Carrol
Update March 27, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I just had to run the same picture of Tull again tonight. Even though he is not particularly ecstatic while doing it, I know that he is very proud that he now sits up every day for lunch. I think he is quite cute.
He tried some new movements with his therapists today and they are moving him toward standing up sometime soon. This is pretty scary for Tull, but I know he will manage it. They also plan to have him on his stomach (for the first time in over 5 months) so that he may learn to crawl.
I ran out to buy Rudy's (BBQ)to keep his mind off all the other torture he may well face. Our poor John Tull needs a boost!
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 26, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As you can see, JT sat up and ate lunch for the third day in a row. He
sat for two hours and so is moving closer and closer to his intensive
rehab (which may happen at our hospital in Santa Fe). Our insurance
case worker came to visit today and thinks that Tull may be able to move
on in about two weeks!! He will continue as an in-patient, but will
certainly be movin on down the road to recovery.
Everyone comments on how great Tull is looking these days. The most
frequent compliment he gets is that his face appears to be wrinkle-free.
Now why do you suppose that is?
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update March 25, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
JHT sat up two days in a row for a couple hours each time and fed
himself lunch. He wanted to make sure that you all know how very hard
he is working. (So in other words keep the praise coming).
We forgot to tell you all a lovely story about one of our visitors the
other day. She very thoughtfully brought a jar full of holy dirt from
the Santuario de Chimayo (for those of you who don't know the story I
urge you to take a look on the internet). She suggested that we rub
some of the dirt on the foot milagro (another new term for some of you?)
that we have hanging in the hospital room so that John's feet would be
well taken care of in heaven. It had not occurred to us, but we really
liked the idea of John's feet hanging out in heaven.
Love,
Lucinda and John
Update March 24, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
What a day for Mr. Tull!! He sat up in one of his hospital room chairs and fed himself lunch!! Now please understand that he cannot get himself into the chair or even sit up by himself, he was "hoisted" by the nursing staff. But to sit for that length of time and actually feed himself lunch was perhaps the major accomplishment since our arrival in New Mexico.
The staff at Kindred is pushing our guy to move it on out and he is responding like the hero he has proven himself to be all these months. We marked our 6 week anniversary back in New Mexico today.
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 23, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Thanks for your response to last night's update. Weekends (despite so
many great visitors) tend to be a little less focused since we don't
have P.T. or O.T. I know that Tull just wants to get home and he sees
his work during the week as the way to get there.
Here is a photo of John and his mother Mona. They have been
having a very nice visit for the past few days and Mona has given me a
little time off to tend to many other matters. We are looking forward
to some other out-of town visitors later in the week.
Love to all,
Lucinda
March 22, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull had a rather melancholy day today. We spent a bit of time with a writer who is working on a story about our experience for a London publication and I think that reliving the last five months stirs a wide variety of emotions for both of us.
Please keep your messages coming as we still have a long road ahead of us and your support is more important to us than you can imagine.
Love and Best Wishes for Peace,
Lucinda
Update March 21, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was another amazing day at Kindred Hospital. Forgive me for continuing to brag, but I know that I made the best choice of my life when I decided to stick it out with Tull. He makes me (and everyone else around him) laugh many times throughout the day and he also touches each and everyone of us with his incredible attitude.
He made great progress in both physical and occupational therapy today. His doc has decided to give him something to stimulate his appetite (don't even say it), but he has requested another night of Rudy's for tomorrow.
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 20, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
On this first night of spring, I am so grateful for the life of my best friend in the world. I almost lost him and he is now fighting his long battle back to our home.
My best wishes for peace for all. May we all find a time to appreciate the very simple, but amazing magic of life. May we never take it for granted.
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 19, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As I previously mentioned, last night the Executive Board of the Atalaya
Search and Rescue team met in John's hospital room. JHT really
appreciates how the team has kept him in the loop and he is proud to
resume his duties as President. The photo above shows Rich, Ann,
David and Ginny.
Not only is madame x a terrific webmaster, but today she loaned her
husband for most of the day to visit with and help out Mr. Tull. John
had an excellent day on the tilt-table and ate most of his green chili
stew tonight at dinner (Lucinda finished it off as it was quite good).
Love to all on this spring-eve from wintry Northern New Mexico,
John and Lucinda
Update March 18, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
JHT sat on the side of the bed unassisted today for 15 minutes!! That is an incredible accomplishment and he was very proud. He also said that he felt very little pain. The longer he can sit up, the closer he is to starting acute rehab (which means intensive therapy including re-learning how to walk).
Tull's search and rescue team is having an executive meeting in his room this evening. Earlier Tull ran a meeting regarding our book project (more on that later). Today's picture is Tull dictating in between meetings!
Many thanks to all of you who have been helping out again in so many ways. We cannot imagine facing all this without you.
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 17, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull is having a great visit with his brother, niece and nephew (Mac, Merriwether and Christopher). They would all like to say "hi" from
Atlanta and Fort Worth and they are very happy to be here.
Tull had corned beef and cabbage for lunch today (an extra special day
as in addition to being St. Patrick's Day it is also his beloved late
father's birthday). The hospital also served some bright green Jell-O
for dinner.
Big day on the tilt-a-whirl (tilt-table) where he spent a rather queasy 30 minutes or so. He also endured some pretty uncomfortable (but worth while) stretches during occupational therapy.
Happy St. Patrick's Day and love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update March 16, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was an extraordinarily ordinary day. We had two charming visitors
and otherwise read the Sunday papers and talked about our book project.
No exotic food today, but Tull did well with the hospital fare.
John really misses the pooches and our house. Lucinda really misses having John at the house. We know that we can see the light at the end
of the tunnel, but it certainly has been a long tunnel.
Keep the messages coming, we still thrive on them.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update March 15, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull has a room full of visitors and so I thought I would have each of
them send a brief message.....here goes.....
John is one tough SOB, and he's gonna be up and runnin' around this
place in no time...... Frank & Toni
The man continues to impress! ....Frank & Alice
John ate Rudy's BBQ tonight (brisket, coleslaw & beans)! His usual
drawl increased substantially as a result. He impressed us by raising
both of his elbows off the bed and touching his forehead with both hands
at the same time! ...Karin & Shelby
Oops! Retraction from last night's report. The knife is a Baby "Butter" Bean (not lima)!-webmaster
Update March 14, 2003 from the webmaster
Dear Sweet Folks,
I asked John and Lucinda if I could give them a bit of a break and write this evenings update. (I hope they enjoy reading it as much as they enjoy sending it in themselves!) I DID have a very special visit with Tull today and with Lucinda on Tuesday.
Today was the first time in many months that I got to have lunch once again with my friend, John Tull. His recovery to these simple things, such as eating and being able to move his fingers to type, is delightful, amazing and as he put it, "exponential"! Here's a picture
of John showing his latest addition to his knife collection.
 |
Check out the closeup of the "Baby Butter Bean" or "Little Canoe". Thank goodness he's also back to entertaining us with his obscure interests! |
| While the nurse was busy with giving JHT his meds, I couldn't help but take this shot of his new legs complete with his shoes. Wow. You'd better get over to Kindred Hospital and have lunch or dinner with him while you can still keep up with him. After all, you have ALL had a hand in this miracle.
Let's keep up the help, messages, and love. It is SO appreciated by J & L. The Help page is always up-to-date with the ongoing needs, so please check it out.
|
 |
With Love,
madame x
webmaster for JohnandLucinda.com
Update March 13, 2003 from John Tull
Dear Friends and Family,
I sat up today on the side of the bed for 15 minutes and ate
lunch.......by myself. Activities like this make my plans to leave this
hospital and go to acute rehab obtainable.
Lucinda brought an elegant dinner tonight complements of Katherine Kagel
(owner of Caf� Pasquals, perhaps Santa Fe's finest restaurant) and Fritz
Fuchs (chef) which beat the hell out of any bacon cheeseburger. We hada lovely diner here by my bed.
Lucinda is acting a bit stressed out so I had to remind her of what I
said back in early January when she was beating me about the head to
wake up and talk to her........"Calm down"!
Love,
John
Update March 12, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I missed out on some spectacular Tull rehab activity while stuck up here in Santa Fe taking care of computers, cars, dogs, bills, etc. Apparently, Tull �had his ass doubled up on� by his P.T. and O.T. and they had him sitting on the side of the bed with his new legs on, leaning on his table and feeding himself a bit of lunch!!!!
Mac Tull, John's brother, witnessed this event and lamented that he did not have a camera. Thus, no pictures with tonight�s update. Just use your imagination. There were some grunts,groans,screams and a few chuckles. Kind of what goes on in every major step we take in life�..right? We are always pushing ourselves along and willing to put up with a bit of pain, but getting plenty of laughs along the way (or something is not right). Right?
Plenty of great visitors today�.very good people. I spent sometime today with our web-master while working on my computer. I was brought back to all of the great messages and also all that has transpired in the last few months. John Tull and I both cry from time to time. We know that we are very lucky, we know that our lives have changed and we know that we now have so much of a better sense of what is important to us. Thanks to all of you once again for being a part of all that we have learned.
Love,
Lucinda (and the man who is very proud from his bed)
Update March 11, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
|
Tull worked very hard in therapy today and also had quite a few nice visits. His daughter Liza was here for a short stay on her way to see her new niece. He established some very aggressive goals with his therapists which we will keep private for the moment. I promise to disclose as we get closer. |  |
 | We have had several absolutely beautiful days here in Northern New Mexico and between the beautiful blue sky, the visits and the very positive postings (including those from the canines) Tull and I have been quite jolly.
The big move today was getting on the �tilt table� while wearing his new legs and standing almost upright for a few seconds. Just think about being vertical for around 150 days and then suddenly standing upright. A thought to ponder. |
Love to all,
Lucinda
Update March 10, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
 | Your words of encouragement have helped Mr. Tull. He was in extra high spirits today, ate pretty well and managed to sit on the side of the bed for about 3 minutes while wearing his new legs. Just being able to see a pair of feet on the floor gave him some confidence. He celebrated his accomplishments with another Krispy K. |
| Please note that a new table has made it easier for him to read the postings on his computer (something he loves to do in between his various torture sessions).
Thank you all for your continued support. We both love it and need it.
Love to all,
Lucinda |  |
Update March 9, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As you can see, Tull did have a bite of a certain donut today and thoroughly enjoyed it. My sister delivered and presented a box direct from Rio Rancho. A few nurses enjoyed a few bites as well. However, his eyes proved larger than his 4 month shrunken stomach and he actually could not eat the bacon cheeseburger which I brought to him.
He has been told in no uncertain terms that he must increase his intake of food in order to move forward. Nutrition is very important at this stage of the game and he must push himself to eat just as he must push himself to do his weekend exercises and to work diligently with his therapists throughout the week. (I will tell you that the food at Kindred is quite decent for what we all know as �hospital food�). So please all send your own special encouragement messages to JHT to get with the eating program so that he can heal his wounds, build his strength and move onward thro
ugh the fog!!
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 8, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We had a record number of visitors today and even enjoyed a private oboe
concert kindly given by our friend Elaine (principal with the Santa Fe
Symphony). Today was balmy and beautiful in Albuquerque and we plan to
venture outdoors for a picnic tomorrow if the weather holds.
Tull would like to tell you all that he only has about 3 or 4 "new
grandpa" cigars left and so you better hurry if you still want one.
Please keep the messages coming as we still love logging on a few times
each day from the hospital and hearing from all of you. We also want to
send a very special thank you to Nancy (aka Mdmx of Studio X) who takes
the time every day to update this entire web site. Where would we all
be without her?
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update March 7, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
BIG DAY!! Tull enjoyed some actual food today and expects me to run out
for some Rudy's barbeque for lunch tomorrow. Also, the legs and leg
makers were here from NYC. Tull was fitted and was turned nearly fully
upright on a "tilt-table". We all felt great achievement (Matt and Doug
from New York, Stephanie the P.T., me and the Tullster).
I just fell asleep in a chair here in the room while Tull has been busy
on his computer. I'm exhausted and he is full of piss and vinegar (as I
know all too well).
Love to all, Lucinda (and Tull, but he's too busy with his Friday night
regulars Frank and Alice).
Update March 6, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Start lining up at the door of room 120 at Kindred Hospital with your
bacon cheeseburgers and Krispy Kremes. Tull passed his swallow test
with flying colors so look out Bert's Burger Bowl, The Owl, and Bobcat
Bite!
Tomorrow is the big day with the new legs so wish us well! We have some
trepidation about this big step, but are very excited.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update March 5, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was a relatively quiet day as we gear up for Friday which is when
our "legmaker" will be in from New York to fit JT with his temporary
prosthesis. Apparently the legs are in the mail as we speak. John Tull
still has a long period of very hard work ahead of him before he will
actually be able to start working with his new legs, but it will be an
exciting moment and an even bigger boost to his already positive
attitude to have his legs here with him.
Love to all,
Lucinda
Update March 4, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
There is a search and rescue mission going on in the Sandia Mountains as
I write this update. Three cross-country skiers are missing and Tull is
in his bed trying desperately to tune in the mission on his hand-held
radio. This particular activity has not yet been addressed in
occupational therapy, but he will probably have the task mastered before
the night is over.
Love,
Lucinda (and the radio geek)
Update March 2, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Just a quick note tonight. Please keep your messages coming as Tull loves
to read them. He cannot yet hold a book, but he can move a mouse and he is
dearly touched to hear from all even if you have been to visit!
Love,
Lucinda
Update March 1, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
| Today was restful for Tull as he had only swallow therapy during which he
was tortured by numerous frozen lemon glycerin swab sticks poked down his
throat (but then he kind of prefers that to his mush diet). We had many
visitors and have really enjoyed reconnecting with some friends we had not
seen in a while. One of his best fly-fishing pals came by so I thought I
would include this photo of the fully decked out Tull fishing the
Yellowstone last September. (Texans are known for having the best fishing
gear).
Our friend Karin brought a John and Lucinda scrapbook which she had
painstakingly put together over the last 4 months and which included
articles, postings and updates from this website, cards, letters and photos.
I think that we have both been so used to living in the moment (a survival
technique?) that it was almost too overwhelming to take in the past this
evening as we read about our experience and how it effected so many people.
We were also deeply moved, however, to realize once again how far we have
come and how much we have been loved. Thank you, Karin. |
 |
On a lighter note, I forgot to mention yesterday that another one of JHT's
latest achievements is being catheter-free. Yet another bodily function
that he has his arms around....or his hands around....whatever.
Love,
Lucinda
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