The Honorable George V.

When I was making one of my first check-up visits with Dr. B at Harborview back in December 2002, I stopped by the rehab ward to see the nurses. As I was wheeling myself around I met this man in a wheelchair also wearing a TLSO. I had mine off at that point, but we TLSO wearers have an immediate bond. This man, George V. (a retired DC-10 pilot for Northwest Airlines), had a fall and had a compression of the T12. He had the T11, T12 and L1 vertebrae fused, in the same manner as my L1-L2-L3. George, however, had none of the issues with feet as I did.

When I left the hospital, I think I was rated ASIA C. George left the hospital at ASIA D (where A is best and E is worst). So he was a bit behind me in that regard. Also, George suffered (and still suffers) from spasticity, something I never experienced. We both were wheelchair bound upon leaving Harborview.

I try and visit George when I am in Seattle and he has made significant improvements. Look at this!

George standing on his own two legs! Go George!

Look at these two guys both with fused vertebrae! Medical miracles!

It turns out George is battling many of the same hurdles that I did and it was helpful for him to hear that I managed to conquer them. Perhaps he will too. I am also going to try to hook him up with my beloved physical therapist, Nancy H., and perhaps she can give him some tips and suggestions to help him along in his recovery. I’m predicting George will be walking with a cane within a year and a half. Perhaps, he should hire my father, my hard driving, “take no excuses” exercise coach during my recovery, to push him to do more in this work to gain strength and range of motion in his legs.

Ok, I had to sneak in this cute picture of me and my grandfather taken at our family dinner The Old Spaghetti Factory




Ernie and his grandfather mugging for the camera. My grandfather has always been the most photogenic one in the family. Who would have guessed?

Football and Golf

Went to the Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals game. Seahawks won 24-21 and secured a spot in the playoffs with at best a 9-7 record and perhaps getting in for sure with an 8-8. Comments anyone on the NFC? Mom and I had a nice afternoon together although, I admit I was a bit mute.

I admit I am totally a fairweather Seattle Seahawks fan. Current bandwagon status, "HANGING ON".

Dad and I played golf at Bellevue Municipal, which was a decent course. The first six holes lulled me into thinking it was going to be a short, really easy course, with all four of the par 4's under 300 yards. Then BOOM, the long holes came and didn't end until around the 16th hole. I shot 92. The most important part of the day was that it was the first time I walked an entire 18 holes. Boy was I still the next day.

Looking good Dad!

Dork

Father and son golf. Note the beautiful weather! December in Seattle, can't beat it.

Book recommendations

These are books that I have read during this holiday. This is in between all the family obligations and letters of recommendation I've written.

First off, Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen who here writes a comedy/mystery revolving around the natural wonders of his beloved state of Florida. And yes, a puppy plays a significant role in this book even though it's about revenge and sending a message to those who need it.

Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen

Second is a humorous, touching and educational look into the process and pains of alcoholism, rehab and the work after rehab. The fact that Burroughs is gay is a minor issue, but does add some spice. He writes well about what are possilbly painful and sad situations.

Dry by Augusten Burroughs

Last comes a fun novel about a magician in the 1920's who somehow offs President Warren G. Harding during a magic trick. The book also is set in 1920's San Francisco which is a bonus for us who live there.

Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold

For those of you lived in Seattle during your Middle School years…

Dad and I ate at a place where this establishment stood (and still stands) across the parking lot.

Snowball anyone?

My, my, my………the dramas that unfolded in this building oh those many years ago!

Christmas and its Booty!!

Christmas morning came and here’s a picture of me opening the many presents that were under the tree FOR ME!!!

Here I am eagerly opening a package just like when I was five years old! That's Mom to my left.

So what did I get? I got some nice clothing from Eddie Bauer. During my Thanksgiving visit, I picked up a catalog and picked out some things that I liked and here they were under the tree.

Two waffle crew shirts and a houndstooth sweater vest.

There actually was another nice sweater top but when I put it on, the cut of the shoulders was strange and it literally looked that I had shoulders that pointed up. Very strange looking, so it was promptly returned the next day.

In addition, I got a bunch of small items, a Barnes & Noble Gift certificate, a razor and replacement blades, boxers, a surprise gift from my friend Heidi and the annual stocking stuffer…replacement heads for my sonicare toothbrush.

Booty, booty, booty……..

Lastly, I asked for new bed linens this year so Mom went out and got them for me. She knows that I don’t ever use the top sheets, so clever Mom that she is, she sewed the two top sheets together to make a comforter cover. Look!!!

My new comforter cover that I match my two new sets of sheets. Isn’t Mom resourceful and creative? Yeah she is…..

It was a good Christmas in the material sense. But more important is that the family was present. As is tradition (and torture) every year, a family photo must be shot. Dad, the photo fanatic, still had not mastered the self-timer on his new digital camera. But this is the family shot of 2004.

Chen Family 2004

Here are some photos from the morning present opening gala.

Dad showing off a new "Bill Cosby Sweater."{

Marlene and her new IPOD.

Mom showing trying on her new watch (care of Dad).

My grandmother showing off her new pajamas.

Nothing more need be said!