#101

Disclaimer: This will make you laugh and might change your perception of the Smiths:)

Elaine is definitely feeling better today. She was out and about and looks great. Her sense of humor is back as well:) She had a great therapy session with Paul where she did some new things and some old tricks even better!  At one point she said she was going to cry and Paul said, "Neither Fred nor I are going to get you a towel. You are doing so well and making such incredible progress."

So she decided to laugh instead of cry. She had the giggles today! Ben and Staci met Fred and Elaine for a quick lunch and Elaine was cracking us, and herself, up! She would remember funny stories or things that happened. A funny story to share. When Staci talked to Fred this morning he was laughing so hard about a story from yesterday:

F: "Yesterday mom came out of the bathroom and showed me her new "stroke bra."
S: (interrupting) "What is a stroke bra?"
F: "I have no idea but she wanted to try it. She was so wrapped up and we couldn't figure out how to get it on or off. We spent 5 minutes trying to figure out how she was so twisted and finally got it off."
S: "That is funny, where did she get a stroke bra?"
F: "I have no idea."
Elaine yells into the phone, " A SPORTS BRA!!! Not a stroke bra."

Yes, these are conversations and occurrences that happen multiple times during the day. It would make for a hysterical book!

Elaine also finally let Ben in on a couple secrets today at lunch. The first secret is that there is a snake that lives in a tree outside her house. We haven't seen it yet, but we are more careful when we are outside.

The second secret is a big one! Elaine told us that Baby Jesus also lives in a tree outside her kitchen window. Ben asked her how He stays up there, and Elaine responded that he sits there all day straddling a branch. Of course, she says it while giggling! We obviously laugh and Paul (the therapist) tells us not to encourage her antics (they have a great rapport ), and explains how she is always up to something during their sessions. In all seriousness, Elaine believes He is there watching over her, and there is no doubt that she has many watching over her and certainly He is and has been involved from the beginning.

After lunch, and many laughs, Fred and Elaine went to see the movie, "Safe." We are pretty sure both Fred and Elaine only go to the movies for the popcorn (and Elaine a nap). They both loved the movie and it kept Elaine awake the entire time. They then went home to relax.

Fred and Elaine laugh their way through the days and the silly things they both do. This afternoon, Fred was outside enjoying the sun and Elaine went to ask him a question while he was outside and she was on the couch. A little while later, Fred went to come inside and the door was locked. He started banging on the door. She heard him and got up.

E: "Fred, what are you doing?"
F: "You locked me out!"
E "No I didn't, I've just been sitting on the couch the entire time."
F: "Well how do you think it is possible for me to lock the door from the inside when I am outside?"
E: "Hummm, well I guess I did then." and they both bursted into laughter.

Its amazing that during such a challenging situation, they have grown closer than ever. They are able to laugh with each other and at each other too.

Tonight, Fred and Elaine come over to the Francois house for a quick dinner and then to Christi's school to watch Christi perform in the Wizard of Oz. It was really cute and Christi was so excited to have them there. When Taylor heard they were coming she, "Nammie is coming even with her stroke?" Christi looked at them throughout the show. She was so proud that they were there!

#100

Elaine had a quiet weekend. We aren't quite sure if she had a little flu bug or just overtired. She spent the weekend not feeling well and sick to her stomach. The good news is, this means she spent a lot of time resting and laying in bed. She is feeling better tonight, and you can hear it in her voice. Now that she is on the road to recovery, Fred and Elaine are happily at dinner with the Rountrees.

Elaine continues to be in the thoughts and prayers of so many. We are so grateful for the support and she needs her wonderful friends and family as she continues on this journey. She is working so hard and fighting through this like a champion. Ben and Staci were in the desert this weekend. They saw several of Elaine's friends, all whom are so concerned yet so happy to see her progressing so well. She has inspired so many people, many of whom she doesn't even know. It is such an honor for us to hear people talking about Fred and Elaine with so much love. The tremendous amount of people that are supporting her, from all generations, is incredible. It is a tribute to two of the world's greatest people. It is not the ideal way you want to find out how many people care about you, but it sure helps get you through a very tough situation.

The relaxation can't last forever. Elaine is back in therapy tomorrow ready to take on the challenges that come her way and continue to make progress toward a full recovery.

#99

Quick post today! Elaine had a great day after a very restful night of sleep. She went to sleep at 7 last night!  That led to a very productive day of therapy at the house!

Look forward to a more comprehensive report after Staci and Ben get home from the desert!

#98

After a very big week, Elaine was exhausted today! She needed a quiet day, filled with staying off her feet and relaxing. Staci took Elaine on a few errands in the morning and then even Elaine said, she wanted to go home. We were hoping she would get some sleep, no such luck but at least she was home!

We feel like Elaine had made huge strides this week and we are so proud of her. She pushed herself when she could, and also knew today that she needed to have some downtime. We noticed improvements in her physically and mentally just this week. She showed confidence in herself as well. It is hard for her to see how well she is doing but she amazing and we are so incredibly proud of her. There is no doubt that only someone with Elaine's courage, determination, attitude, and will would be where she is. She also has Fred, who is so loving, supportive, encouraging, and helps her get better every second of every day.

Back to therapy tomorrow so we hope she gets some rest tonight!

#97

Elaine had an incredible day and just keeps looking and acting more and more like "Elaine." Elaine and Staci went to Hoag therapy today. She worked exclusively on her walking. Elaine is in the habit of walking with a "peg leg" on her left side. They are trying to get her working on heel to toe and especially focusing on putting weight on her toes. It was a great sign today, her toes, especially her big toe were very uncomfortable. This means they are waking up! Another sign pointing towards recovery and a reward for her hard work! This picture shows the exercise they were doing and then they put her on a block, bearing her weight on the block. She did it so well, the therapist was amazed!

Elaine finally said, "why I am the only one that is walking around doing laps all the time?" The response, "because you are the only one that can!"

After lunch, Staci and Elaine headed for burgers, fries and shakes! Yes, we are meal oriented and we don't miss a meal:)

Elaine was determined to go putt some more this afternoon. They headed to the putting green after lunch and putted for about an hour. Elaine's leg was real shaking by the end. She had a crowd of fans coming over to watch the walking miracle. She was putting with one arm and was incredible. She made 80% of her putts. Natalie met us there and she was so helpful and encouraging. She even chalked a line for Elaine to putt on. She did awesome. We were going to try and chip but with all the talking and her success on the putting green, we didn't quite make it! This video is just a small glimpse into how well she is putting!

Katherine stopped by for a visit too and to witness this incredible putter!

Elaine had to hurry home to meet Barbara and MJ. She was thrilled to see them. They have both visited her so often from the beginning and are amazed to see how far she has come. Elaine was so touched to see them and visit with them! Thank you! We have said it before but it is worth repeating: Elaine is so touched by her her friends making such an effort to be supportive during these past few months. Thank you! Thank you!

Elaine finished the day off by watching Christi during swim practice. The weather was beautiful out and she relaxed by the pool. Fred and Elaine had a delicious dinner at home. Elaine was looking forward to bed after her very busy and active day.

#96

Elaine had a wonderful day! She looked like Elaine of old this afternoon. We wish the hospital staff could see her now!

She started the morning with her usual two hour therapy session. She did really well and of course worked very hard. Paul was impressed with how much she focused today and more importantly how hard she worked to not get distracted. He blames her wandering mind on her stroke. Anyone that knows Elaine, knows that she has always one ear listening to everything else that is going on. She did her exercises well and is walking with an even stronger leg and at a swifter pace.

After therapy, Staci picked her up to take their friend Jennifer to lunch for her birthday. They had a nice time and did a a little shopping. When Staci went to take a picture of them eating cake, Elaine joked that she only takes pictures when Elaine is eating and people must think that is all she does:) They wandered around the mall for a bit and then went to pick up the kids from school.

When Staci went back to drop off dinner, she was amazed and surprised to see Elaine looking like, well herself!

This evening, Fred, Elaine, and Natalie went out to putt and chip. Natalie said she had talked to Butch about Elaine and he said to start with just using her right hand. That is how you putt anyway and the left had just gets in the way. She is doing really well and felt so good to be out there. Don't be surprised to see Fred out on the course putting with one hand now either! They practiced some putts and chips and she made more than she missed! Although it feels so foreign to her, she looks like she hasn't lost a beat. These videos show her putting and chipping. It was really cool! Thanks Natalie for spending some time with her and helping her out.

#95

Today was a GREAT day! Elaine had a great night of sleep and awoke to a latte at the door that Ben had dropped off. It was a wonderful start to the busy day she had ahead. Elaine had therapy at Hoag today. She had her best session to date. Fred was with her and was moved to tears by what she was able to do today. She did her exercises well and correctly! She even laid on the table and essentially made a "T" with her body, BOTH arms extended out wide and up high. Elaine was excited today, too.

She had an skip in her step today. Four of her best buddies drove up from the desert to see her. Pat, Marty, Cindy, and Beverly were at her door when she got home from therapy! She was so thrilled to see them. She is so humbled by the love and friendship her friends have continued to show, even months after her stroke. You guys lift her spirits so much and so thank you for making such an effort. Her therapy didn't end until later today so they even had to sit in traffic the whole way home. Elaine was so appreciative and just sad it had to end! They shared lots of laughs and enjoyed seeing Fred and Elaine's new home. Beverly even dressed for the house today. She could live right in the closet and no one would know she was there! Its hard to notice her since your eyes go straight to the bright background known as Fred's pants.


They went to lunch at Big Canyon and Cece joined them as well. It was a fun afternoon and just another pre-stroke activity that Elaine was able to do. Fred and Staci both felt Elaine was ready to step out without either one of them. While Elaine was a little hesitant, she also knows how well she is doing and how much we trust and believe in her progress. We also knew she was in great hands:) Don't let Fred fool you, he just went to the driving range a few yards away. Thank you girls for making the trip up and for loving Elaine. All of her friends give her so much strength through your texts, emails, calls, visits, prayers, reading the blog, and your love. Make no mistake about it, you all are responsible in helping with her recovery and being part of a miracle! Elaine is a VERY loved women and very deserving of the love too!




















A funny note about something that happens daily: We all have our phones set with a reminder at 4:45PM for Elaine to take her Coumadin. Her cell starts ringing daily at the time and she answers, "I took it," but in a appreciative voice and with a laugh! She is not lacking for caretakers!