Spring Semester & Nurse Katy

Despite "no funding" from IL or OH for Dan's caregiver, Garrett, or others who care for him on a daily basis, Dan is determined to finish his education at Cedarville U. We seem to have made in roads to IL state officials, but some laws prevent caregiver funds from crossing state lines, despite the fact that it’s all federal money. Go figure.

Bill accompanied Dan and Garrett back to school last week to help with new semester "stuff," including grocery shopping [for inclemate weather days], insurance phone calls for PT and OT, the run up to Dr. Onders in Cleveland [see last post], helping with the "checkinondan" caregiver schedules, giving Garrett time off, AND also checking out a few things for Mike and Liz's wedding in July.

His one-week stay to take care of "stuff" turned into 2 weeks because of a 3-day search with multiple phone calls to get the wheelchair repaired, ordering a new hydraulic for the van ramp, a visit and more paper work for 2 OH aid offices, while still fielding business calls and issues. Bill will spend 1 week each month at CU, like last.

Dan has people from Grace Church in Cedarville who bring lunch 2 times a week, but is still in need of care helpers in other areas:

· 2 student nurses for alternating weekend care

· someone who will take care of Dan's scheduling

· full day of care givers on Thursdays so Garrett can have a day off

· a nurse or CNA in the Cedarville area, for volunteer help on Thursday mornings

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Most of the mid west has been hit with sub zero temperatures and many schools have been closed . . . but not universities, including Cedarville. So students just bundle up and make their way to class. Getting Dan ready to go out can take some time with getting on gloves, a scarf, a hat, 2-3 blankets - well tucked in of course.

Dan has a nurse, Katy S., [CU class of '69], who volunteers 4 days a week, 2 hours each day, to help Garrett get Dan ready for class. Katy, former nurse at CU clinic, missionary, and volunteer for many community organizations, is also an avid sewer.

She has made sewing repairs, for padding on Dan's chair, altered his pants longer, and recently whipped up a pair of "winter blanket pants" [see top photo] and mittens for Dan. It’s a blanket that looks and acts like a pair of breakaway pants, which are easy to put on and take off.

"Oh, it didn't take any time to sew, I just had to figure out how to make them first" she laughs.

Dan, along with us are all very appreciative of Katy, her experiences of a full and interesting life that always entertain, and her willingness to be at Dan's side four morning at 7 am. God Bless You, Katy.