Archive of John and Lucinda's Progress - May Archive
(Beginning with most recent)
Update May 31, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Paul and Sally go back to Atlanta tomorrow. John and Lucinda are
eternally grateful to them for all they have done. We hope they come
back again soon.
Herb, Tom, madame x and James all visited today. That was great because
it was a relatively quiet day rehab-wise. However, John Tull did do
some walking and Lucinda was impressed because it was the first she had
been at the hospital for walking rehab in a few days and the improvement
was staggering.
A very nice way to end the month of May.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 30, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
What a way to end the week! Tull walked 90 ft. with his walker and complained little at the end of the day. He had a mob cheering him on (Sally, Kate, Chris and several therapists). Lucinda was in Santa Fe with client meetings, garage cleaning, computer updating and wheelchair shopping until later in the afternoon when she saw the walking man in person.
We have so many people to thank today for huge support. In addition to the visitors mentioned above, we thank Nick for all his computer help, Paul for doing too many things to mention, Ginny for bringing happy hour to John�s room this evening and Eddy, Charlie, Frank, Alan and Beth for visiting.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
| Update May 29, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
John Tull walked yet further today. He actually told visitors that he
marched around the hospital like a member of the French Foreign Legion.
He walked over 80 feet, a new record. |
| We've included a photo of a knife that Tull received for his birthday.
Lucinda ordered a knife that he really wanted from William Henry Knives,
but UPS sent that knife on a cross-country trip and it did not arrive in
time for his birthday. The folks at William Henry sent the knife in the
picture as a little extra gift to apologize for the delay. It's quite
beautiful. |  |
Janie left today, but Paul and Sally arrived. We were both really glad
to see them.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update May 28, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
John Tull got some bad news yesterday and put his mind to rehabilitation today. He walked further yet and impressed all while Malinda shot a few photos. Lucinda is so in love with JHT. He is a tower of strength and also a big baby. He will have to jump through some more hoops before his release, but he will prove those hoops to be much smaller than the fleas that bit us both and wreaked so much havoc in our lives.
Thank you all for your messages. Thanks to Janie for being here the last few days.
The Santa Fe New Mexican had a lead story about plague today. Lucinda did an interview on the local news. We would like to get the word out that life goes on in spite of terrible and unusual circumstances. We have faced more challenges than just the plague in the last two years, but the flea bites certainly set us back a bit.
Thanks for your support. We love each other and love the city and state that we call home.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 27, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As suspected, therapists were in full swing today following the three day weekend. Tull walked like a champ approximately 50 ft. which included a venture outdoors and down a concrete ramp. He required less assistance than ever and did extremely well.
Now the bad news. He is not quite ready for release on June 4 and will need another week or two at the rehab hospital. We agree with the assessment, but we are so tired of institutions that we could almost say a swear word or two. The fact of the matter is that John Tull is a unique patient who has not only been one of the very few survivors of septicemic plague; he is recovering from total muscle loss and learning nearly everything all over again. The docs in NYC warned us that this would take a long time and they knew what they were talking about.
I am proud of John Tull and I really need him to come home and resume his role as my roommate and business partner. Please help me in sending a little more encouragement his way. This is one of those times (and there will be more) when we both could use your help.
Much love,
Lucinda
Update May 26, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
JT and Janie had a wonderful day together talking about everything from
A to Z. Tomorrow will most likely be a very busy rehab day so it's good
that they yacked today.
We've included a couple pictures I brought today for Tull from around
the homestead. Thought we would share them with you. Chica and Puck
took a pretty good walk with Lucinda this morning and were resting in
the grass afterward.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 25, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
First of all, the item that Tull is holding in the picture on his
birthday is a fetish of a wise Zuni elder. It was a gift from a good
friend of ours and came from a wonderful store in Santa Fe called Keshi.
We had quite a few interesting comments from some of you as to what you
thought that particular gift might have been.
Janie is here and Julie Ann came for the morning. Tull wanted to be
photographed with both of these great women.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
Update May 24, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
For some unknown reason, Mr. Tull escaped official therapy today. So
the two of us did a number of his exercises and he was most
enthusiastic. We also talked quite a bit about our various plans for
going home. There is much to do prior to the homecoming, but it sure is
exciting for us both!
Janie arrives tomorrow for a few days. We're looking forward to a
hospital Memorial Day picnic and plan for that to be the last holiday we
will spend in a hospital!!
Much love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 23, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Our team at the hospital is focused on getting us released on the
projected date....June 4. There is still much to do and certain goals
must be achieved, but we are on track. We have established another
round of good friendships with this group and are very appreciative of
all they are doing.
It is one of the hidden blessings of this long and tiring road to meet
so many incredible people.
We've attached a photo of a contemplative Tull and one of a few of his
birthday items.
Love to all and good weekend,
John and Lucinda
Update May 22, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull walked the furthest every today...about 30 ft. He felt no pain and
lots of gain.
Tom J. spent the morning with Tull, Bob Z. and Clint were here for a
while this afternoon. We also were happy to see Rev. Talitha Arnold
(who married us in our backyard 5 years ago) and Margaret A. whom we
have not seen in many years.
Who can believe that it is almost Memorial Day weekend and the official
start of another season? This will be the season of coming home.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 21, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
The birthday boy was in recovery today and had to work off his cake and
Krispy Kremes in therapy. He did well, though he was a bit tired. We
can't tell you how much we enjoyed all the e-mails and cards.
We have had good reports so far from the tests which were done yesterday
and Monday. We're both quite relieved.
The attached photographs are two of many taken by Rick Scibelli, a
freelance photographer who has been "following" us a bit. We really
love the one of Mona and Elli.
Many thanks and much love,
John and Lucinda
|
Update May 20, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was not great for us early on as Tull had to go to the big
hospital for a few tests. He felt (and all agreed) that his birthday
could be better spent. |  |
 | Later in the day we had a blast as he opened many great gifts, read all
of your wonderful e-mails and enjoyed a fabulous dinner and exquisite
carrot cake from our dear friends at Pasqual's. Your messages are very
heartening for Mr. Tull. Thanks for helping us celebrate this very
important day. |
Love,
John (ecstatic to be alive) and Lucinda
| Happy Birthday, John Tull!
From All of Your Friends Everywhere!
We Love You! |  |
Update May 19, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Quite a day! We spent the entire morning and early afternoon with the
BBC who interviewed us and filmed Tull's excellent therapy session
during which he walked 24 ft. with even more confidence and style than
ever and also "rolled" himself quite well on the mats. His primary PT
who had been away on vacation for a week and a half was duly impressed.
After spending an hour in the sun with the BBC, and following an outdoor
wheelchair session on this unseasonably warm day, Tull experienced a
period of dizziness and disorientation which scared the s_ _ t out of
Lucinda. Calling upon her theatrically trained vocal chords (after
having found no response to the call button within .5 of a second);
Lucinda managed to assemble approximately half the hospital staff in the
room. Tull was thoroughly examined and it was determined that he was
most likely dehydrated. He has been drinking many fluids and is back to
normal this evening.
Lucinda is even that much more grateful tonight for this year's May
20th.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 18, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
As usual, it was a relatively calm Sunday. JHT stood up several times
and with even less assistance. He has been working on many small, but
significant steps toward independence.
Trey graduated yesterday with a Masters in Leadership from Denver
Seminary. We are quite proud of him. Liza attended the graduation
ceremonies.
We will report back tomorrow regarding the start of the work week.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 17, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Lucinda felt a bit overwhelmed by the visit from JHT�s Occupational Therapist the other day. There are quite a few changes which must be made before Tull�s return to Cayuse Place. Lucinda would like to enlist help (and will supply details on the help page in the next 48 hours), but one of the big tasks ahead is cleaning out the garage so that we can get a wheelchair in and out. We have furniture which we were planning to move into our new office back in November. We are thinking about what we might try to sell or give to good causes. Please let us know if you have an interest after reading the info in the help list in the next few days. This will be a huge need as the garage must be cleared out quite a bit before the return of Tull.
Lucinda watched Tull basically transfer himself from bed to wheelchair today and then the happy couple headed to the second floor of the rehab hospital where they both worked out for a while. Frank H. came early this evening to be Tull�s cheerleader/torturer.
John and Mona had a very nice visit and he was sorry to see her leave. She also gave Lucinda time to tend to other things.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 16, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Our daughter Katy last week decided that she wanted to be the Prom Queen
of her high school in Austin. She drew some posters and started her
campaign. She won. We are so proud of her for all of her
accomplishments in high school, but being Prom Queen is especially
awesome. A picture of the Queen is attached.
Tull walked like a mad man today (three different times) and had more
confidence and comfort than ever before. Nice close of the week.
The BBC will be here on Monday to film for a documentary they are
co-producing with the Learning Channel. The subject is parasitic
diseases and it will be a three hour series which will air in 6 to 9
months.
Love to all and thanks for the continued support,
John and Lucinda
Update May 15, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull stood all by himself with a walker today and had an excellent day in therapy. We had a home evaluation which was done by JT�s Occupational Therapist. There are quite a few things we will need to do in preparation for the return home. We�re very excited.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 14, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Lucinda had lunch today with a colleague who is a former nurse and paramedic. As she pointed out and JHT�s PT confirmed, it is not only loss of muscles that need work, it is also the tendons, joints, etc. Tull is extremely stiff in certain places and his therapy requires work on strengthening and loosening. Lucinda left JHT tonight with this great woman (former nurse as mentioned above), her husband (same caliber) and two Search and Rescue babes (Ginny and Ann).
We have been lifted by the messages of those we did not know before (Brenda from Maine comes to mind) and we know that we will always have friendship to keep us afloat. John Tull has mentioned that he feels an obligation to be all that you all expect. So keep those expectations coming. These are interesting times. We both love and are fascinated by people and their stories.
Love,
John and Lucinda
P.S. There was an article about our ordeal in the Sunday London Telegraph Magazine this past Sunday.
Update May 13, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Tull had a long, hard day in the world of therapy. (He asked Lucinda to
say that, but she also knows that he did very well). His improvements
are slow, but solid.
A stream of visitors came through between therapy sessions: Toni and
Marty, Al and Tom J. (who has very kindly decided he would like to come
for half a day every week). We are also ecstatic that Janie is coming
back later this month and we learned today that Paul and Sally are
coming from Atlanta as well. They were two of the absolute best pals
during the dark winter days in NYC. Donna has offered to come from
Chicago for a bit and we are most appreciative.
The days, weeks and months have been long. Just when we think we are
too tired to keep going, ya'll come through with enough encouragement to
last a lifetime.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 12, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Back to the grind today. Tull's rehab program is now focusing on
building his strength. He has had such a long way to fight back from
atrophy which resulted quite simply from his very long winter in bed.
So he is spending time in the rehab gym working his arms, legs and
abdominals. It's all hard work, but he is persevering!
 |
We included a couple more pics from the weekend. Here are the proud
parents (do you believe we did not have a photo of Leah on Mother's
Day?) and Elli. |
|
Frank and Alice stopped by the hospital on their way home from a trip to
the northwest. We have missed their Friday night dinner visits and are
so glad they're back.
Also, we included the world's youngest grandmother and
Elli. |  |
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 11, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
The pictures say it all,
�
|
Great visit. Very calm and curious bambina. Four generations.
Love,
John and Lucinda |  |
Update May 10, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing from my sister's house this evening. We had a really exciting day and will tell more tomorrow. Ellie was all and more than we expected.
 | I have attached several photos that my sister has taken recently. One is of Tull posing for a promotional shot for the rehab hospital. The others are just great pics in southern New Mexico. |
Thanks to Bill and Katherine for this evening and thanks to Trey and Leah for giving Mona and Lucinda a chance to sleep in.
Love to all,
Lucinda
Update May 9, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
It's so wonderful to get the words of encouragement that you all send.
We thrive on hearing from all of you as the countdown continues. JT
also loves getting the calls, visits and cards.
He did well today in therapy....he actually turned all the way over onto
his stomach today for the first time since this all began (over 26 weeks
ago). Mona was very impressed today by the progress.
Happy Birthday wishes to Trey, Harrison, Malika and Doug W. (And
belated wishes to Charlie).
Love,
John and Lucinda
P.S. Hope to have some great baby pictures tomorrow!
Update May 8, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We were just looking at the calendar and realized that we have been here
in rehab for just three weeks. It frankly seems much longer, but we are
both astounded to think of how much progress has been made in that
amount of time!
Tull and Mona spent much of the day together and Tull had a few rigorous
work-outs. He did very well and is looking wonderful. Mona noticed
that his hair seems to be growing back a bit darker and less gray.
Between that and his fabulous complexion, he now looks years younger.
We're really looking forward to the weekend and a visit from the new
granddaughter (who will be accompanied by her parents).
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 7, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We were sad that Macon and Mac left this morning, but happy to see Mona
this afternoon. She plans to stay for a while to help us out.
JT had a very good day today. He did an excellent "slide board
transfer" into our car with fairly minimal assistance. It was a very
exciting moment to see Tull sitting in the passenger seat....we talked
about making a break for it, but decided to stick around for a few more
weeks.
We also had a conference about wheelchairs and changes we will need to
make at home. It is all a bit overwhelming, but very exciting because
we are so close to actually being home and starting out-patient rehab
(where Tull will really work on walking). Lucinda is not sure how she
will adjust to life without going to a hospital everyday, but she will
somehow manage.
As always, love to all and thanks for your support,
John and Lucinda
Update May 6, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I spent the morning and early afternoon in meetings. The gong over my head said �get back to work for these wonderful clients who are mostly friends.� They have been very patient and understanding, yet I must get to work for them. Got down to see the man around 3:30. He was sitting in the cafeteria for the first time, (they have been pushing him to spend time out of his room.) We had a mediocre lunch and then moved to his room.
We are still on the lookout for visitors who can spend a bit of time at the hospital. You will be fascinated by the daily process. Just give me a call or send an email about the time you would like to visit. This is a critical time in that Tull is facing big stuff daily. It all hurts and requires much effort. Any friend or relative who can be there to cheer him on while I get away to work is very valuable at this time. This is what we very desperately need at this time.
Thanks to all.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 5, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing our update on my own tonight as I left JT with his brother and very good friend this afternoon. They were doing a good job of helping out with his walking today and yet I am sure that they realized how long and hard the road ahead will be for Tull...and for me. As I write this, I am humble because I know that so many people all over the world face difficult circumstances in their lives. We are all so very fortunate for every bit of good luck we might have�whether it be good health, a good mind, and ability to be empathetic, compassionate, and generally sane. We are lucky and blessed to have a drive to continue in our lives and to have good friends and/or family who help us keep that drive. We have had a hard time for a while and I think it will continue to be a bit tough. We could not do what we are doing without the strength gathered from all of you.
Thanks again for all messages, letters, cards, calls and photos. The folks in my dentist�s office asked me today if I get tired of people asking about how we are feeling. The answer is that it is great to know that people care. Ask away.
Love,
Lucinda
Update May 4, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
|
Our friend Julie Ann brought our dogs to visit today. Chica and Puck
ran around the hospital room and greeted every nurse with sloppy kisses
for an hour or so. Sorry we didn't get any pictures of the event....use
your imaginations. (But we have included a photo of Tull's most recent
addition to his Infant of Prague collection).
Tull's very good friend Macon B. is on his way over from Texas tonight
with Mac. T. They will be here for a couple days to help J.T. with
rehab. Lucinda will get some time to work.
We are ready to face Monday with a vengeance after a quiet weekend. No
doubt this week will bring even more great progress, along with the
requisite pain. |  |
Thanks for all the support!
Love,
John and Lucinda
 | Update May 3, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
We spent a very quite day together. Thanks for all the heartfelt
anniversary wishes. Yesterday certainly was a very meaningful day for
us; we are unbelievably lucky to have each other. July 4th will be the
10th anniversary of the day we met and we plan to really celebrate then.
Love,
John and Lucinda |
Update May 2, 2003Dear Friends and Family,
We celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary today. Our lovely friends
at Caf� Pasqual's (mainly Katherine and Fritz) sent a dinner which
included incredible halibut with curry sauce and succulent lamb chops
(Lucinda is not a big meat eater, but they were fabulous). We ate by
candlelight on our little hospital table.
Tull walked with more skill and sense of calm than ever today. He
looked just great and was proud and confident. He is very grateful to
his PTs and OTs and especially to Kristin who has been a great
motivator.
Love,
John and Lucinda
Update May 1, 2003
Dear Friends and Family,
Happy May Day. We went outside right after lunch today and it was yet
another beautiful spring day here in paradise.
Tull did quite well in therapy today and is conquering his fears. He
stood very straight today and took about eight steps with the walker
with "minimum assistance". He just looks great when he stands so
"Tull".
Bill E. came by this evening with some BBQ that we must admit rivals
Rudy's. We might find some differing opinions on this (Frank and
Alice...let us know what you think), but Powdrell's ribs and chicken
were mighty dad gum good. Tull ate like a harvest hand.
Love to all,
John and Lucinda
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