End game 
 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:28 pm 
Updated: Oct. 25, 2009 8:49 pm
Tater was admitted today back into the columbus regional medical center again today. she is off cuminden and back on actophan (sp), on an iv drip. she will have surgery oct. 21 to remove part of her skull from her abdomen and re-attached to the rest of her skull. she has a "frozen" left shoulder that another doctor will also perform a procedure to break up the scar tissue and enable more movement in her left arm. she has been a trooper.  it looks like we are coming to end of the line. she has issues with crowds and still some problems multi-tasking and sequences but she still kicks my butt on jeopardy and cash cab, and i'm no dummy. her friends have been terrific...meals, coupons, and gift cards. i asked today if she informed them to let them know about the up-coming surgery. she sain no, she didn't want them to worry. typical claire...i called her school and let them know, they were so grateful to hear. my daughters will be here for this last surgery. i'm worried, but it's the same doctor that did the 2nd brain surgery. i like him, very competent. Claire's birthday is oct 22...she will be 50. what a crappy day to spend your half-century mark! but thanks to all the prayers, love and kind thoughts we will celebrate together! she has lost maybe 26 pounds...stroke diet...(i don't recommend it)...she looks terrific! thank to all the kind folks here! i need your prayers one more time. hug your loved ones!
 
 
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Comments
ChicagoCookie84-Anita Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:33 pm
Glad to hear things are doing better for you and Claire. I hope that the surgery goes well this month and hope for a speedy recovery.
 
bbqgirl 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:36 pm
gderr, Claire will be in my prayers as you head for the finish line. Take care!
 
laughingmagpie Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:37 pm
Dear friend, you and Claire are always in my thoughts and prayers. I feel confident that all will go well but I will be joyous when this trial is behind you.
 
Keri Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:38 pm
Hi Gary! I'll be praying for successful surgery and a quick recovery for Claire. Thanks for the update. My mom asks me often how my online friend's wife is doing (I've been sharing you and Claire's story with her from the beginning), so I'll be sure to let her know to say some prayers for the upcoming surgery. Hang in there, luv. The light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer and closer. (((((HUGS)))))!!!!
 
Pam-3BoysMama Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:38 pm
I'm glad you like her doctor - that really makes a difference! It sounds like she's doing so well! Yes, it'll be crappy to spend her birthday in the hospital, but the outcome will be worth it. Hugs to you and Claire!
 
Christina Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:39 pm
Gary, Claire is so strong, so I know she will do great. My thoughts and prayers are with you all (((HUGS))). :)
 
Gitano Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:43 pm
Thoughts and prayers are with you and Claire, she is strong and will bounce back in no time! and best wishes also for the half-century mark! (my hubby will hit the magic 50 on the 27th!)
 
Virginia Mom 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:44 pm
It sounds like the surgery on the 21st will be a piece of cake compared to what she's been through already. I don't think you'll really need it but "Good Thoughts" coming your way from VA! And tell Claire "Welcome to the Over-The-Hill Gang" ;-)
 
Patty Cakes Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:46 pm
Dear Gary and Claire, You know you are so strong together, Nothing can pull you down. God speed Dear Clair, I think Gary still needs his woman by his side. You are making strides by leaps and bounds. Hug and LOVE each other Often! Mentally and physically.Just holding hands can make all the difference. You are both so special to the ones around you, so take the time to be their for each other too.:) Be well my friends:) Patty
 
Mominator Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 2:46 pm
Prayers from Michigan. Wishing you both (and your girls) blessings.
 
sueb 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:54 pm
I hope everything goes well for both of you! Claire certainly has my prayers for her upcoming surgery! You have my prayers to just hang in there and provide the love and support that keeps you knit together! Hugs and prayers!
 
SHARYL4 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:54 pm
Prayers from Arizona, as well !!! Love to y'all and God speed for the recovery !!! I hit the big five -0 in June, it ain't THAT bad !!!! LOL (((((HUGS)))))
 
Suzey 
Oct. 13, 2009 2:54 pm
Gary, continued prayers for you and your family.
 
Soup Lover-Sue 
Oct. 13, 2009 3:02 pm
Tons of well wishes and prayers. Hope all goes BETTER then expected. Your posts remind me to not take anything for granted. Take care and keep up your excellant work.
 
yo.mags 
Oct. 13, 2009 3:03 pm
As always Claire and you are in my thoughts and prayers. You devotion and Love knows no bounds. Mag
 
happywife05 
Oct. 13, 2009 3:05 pm
I'm praying for you, Claire, and your girls. She is very blessed to have such a loving, dedicated husband.
 
cbjc 
Oct. 13, 2009 3:11 pm
As always warm, positive thoughts sent your way! She's made it this far, she won't let you down now!! Throw her a birthday party when she is out of the hospital. It will mean even more!! (((hugs))) Cara Go Dawgs!!:)
 
SHORECOOK Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 3:35 pm
Big hugs from the Jersey shore and prayers for you always.
 
smitty Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 3:54 pm
i haven't been on much tho i think of your family often...faith, prayers and hugs are still being sent to your family from me...take care of u...
 
LisaT Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 4:27 pm
Gary, continuing to send prayers your way. Praying for a speedy, painfree recovery. Now, what the heck is going on with those dawgs?????
 
Blazer Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 4:31 pm
You have my prayers too. You have been through so much and I pray for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. You have been such a great support for Claire, she is a lucky woman.
 
Traci's Kitchen Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 4:42 pm
You've got it!.. Also an early b-day wish and poem from another Libra!.. *** Birthday Blessings - Instead of counting candles, Or tallying the years, Contemplate your blessings now, As your birthday nears. Consider special people Who love you, and who care, And others who’ve enriched your life Just by being there. Think about the memories Passing years can never mar, Experiences great and small That have made you who you are. Another year is a happy gift, So cut your cake, and say, "Instead of counting birthdays, I count blessings every day!" By Joanna Fuchs
 
Marianne Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 4:47 pm
Gary, my husband (who will be 70) and my best friend (who will be 62) were both born on the 22nd. She is is fine company and will do ever so well with this surgery. Best wishes to you both.
 
CookinBug aka JL86 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 5:29 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Claire and your family. She'll do great! :)
 
iceemama 
Oct. 13, 2009 5:41 pm
Tell Claire we are pulling for her. After all she has been through, she can do this too. Best of luck to you and your family. I know it has been tough on all of you.
 
sassyoldlady 
Oct. 13, 2009 5:43 pm
I can just see Claire kicking your butt on Jeopardy, LOL! We're all pulling and praying for Claire and you guys!! Love ya!!
 
pelicangal Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 6:08 pm
Good Wishes coming your way right now and I will be sure to say a special prayer for Claire. Everything will be fine. Claire is so strong she will come through this with flying colors. I read your blogs to my hubby and we are both sending you and your beautiful family our best wishes. Luv ya. Big (((hugs))) from Oregon.
 
mamaby Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 6:21 pm
Best wishes and good luck with the surgery, She's such a trooper and I know she'll get thru this too.
 
lisa j 
Oct. 13, 2009 6:27 pm
Good luck gderr. praying lots for you and claire.
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 6:31 pm
i love each and all of ya! i've never met any of you but thru this site i've grown to "know" ya. what a special group of people here...so kind and loving. thank you, it's tough to watch you're loved one go thru pain...so much better when there are kind and heart-felt wishes are given. i appreciate it very much. much love back your way!
 
Sherrie4222 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 7:10 pm
I'm sending you and yours my deepest prayers for a quick recovery. I read a post that you posted on a review for a chili casserole and I am VERY interested in your recipe for chili. Could you please send me that? Thanks so much. I'll be praying.
 
Rohnda 
Oct. 13, 2009 8:02 pm
Hello gderr!! Like all here you and Claire are in my thoughts. I'll say a prayer tonight for successful surgery and super recovery-- and strength for you so you can continue to be strong for Claire and the rest of the family. I know it continues to be a hard time for you and Claire but you are so close to the end of such a trying time. And defnitely Happy Birthday to Claire. Having passed that wonderful milestone a few years ago I know from experience that the best is yet to come-- Can we send Claire a birthday card?? I had your address at one time but I've lost it or maybe it was from one of her hospital stays... if you think she'd like birthday cards, please post an address. Thanks!! Rohnda
 
grannygigi 
Oct. 13, 2009 9:32 pm
Gary, you and Claire and your girls have become a very special part of the AR family and are so loved. I will be praying and sending good thoughts your way for Clair's surgery. I know how strong she is and know, after all she has been through, she will come through this like the champion she is. You are such a loving and devoted husband and I know you will be with her every step of the way, just as you have been in the past. Just remember to take good care of yourself too and get enough rest. You know you are all loved so very much, we feel we know you so well by now! ((((hugs)))) from Texas. Ginny
 
grannygigi 
Oct. 13, 2009 9:33 pm
Gary, you and Claire and your girls have become a very special part of the AR family and are so loved. I will be praying and sending good thoughts your way for Clair's surgery. I know how strong she is and know, after all she has been through, she will come through this like the champion she is. You are such a loving and devoted husband and I know you will be with her every step of the way, just as you have been in the past. Just remember to take good care of yourself too and get enough rest. You know you are all loved so very much, we feel we know you so well by now! ((((hugs)))) from Texas. Ginny
 
grannygigi 
Oct. 13, 2009 9:35 pm
Oh, yes, I almost forgot to wish Claire a most happy 50th birthday!!! Not good to celebrate in the hospital but you will all be together and that is the important part. Plus, you will be looking forward to your continued wonderful life while recovering!! God Bless
 
Rhianna Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 13, 2009 11:21 pm
The support from the RE'ers is so much ~ so many women sending prayers, best wishes, Love, & positive thoughts to you, Claire & your family ~ this has to keep the energies vibrating positively around her, like a protective bubble. That Claire is such a trooper & a fighter is most important, as is YOUR love & support for her. Do hold hands & kiss her as much as the hospital allows you to be physically present. Sing your songs, tell your stories (& jokes!) to her, honor her spiritual experiences throughout this, which may be profound, & her spiritual expressions, which may be tiny compared to the possible grandeur of her experience. So glad the girls will be there. A playful idea: celebrate her birthday in 3 parts: immediately before, then on the actual day, & then when she comes home. ♥
 
2spyC4u Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 14, 2009 7:34 am
sending prayers of strength for both of you - i liked the idea Rhianna had for Claire's birthday 3 parts - a 50 year birthday should be celebrated for the whole year
 
CookinArgentina Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 14, 2009 7:48 am
Happy 50th Claire! I will be praying for you. ♥
 
Lace Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 14, 2009 8:13 am
Love and good wishes from Florida. You two are in my prayers and meditations as always. Sounds like things are going well but I understand your worries regarding your beloved Claire. She's so very strong to come through all of this. By the way, I love your photo. Does she know you've been blogging about her, yet? Love to you both!
 
Avon 
Oct. 14, 2009 8:27 am
Gary, once again you have polarized an international community with your story. Just reading through these comments, you & Claire must surely know that somehow, you are all part of the "big plan". You have taught life lessons to so many on what it means to love someone, what it means to devote yourself to a cause, what it means to never give up, what it means to keep the faith, what it means to never take someone for granted, what it means to accept what life hands you and go on. These are powerful lessons, and I count myself lucky to be a student in your class. Love to you both, and Happy Birthday, Claire...it is special indeed. Many hugs from Oregon.
 
Ivy 
Oct. 14, 2009 9:12 am
Thanks for updating us on her surgery date....I know you are worrying about her, but hang in there, we are wishing her a complete, quick recovery. Yall are in our prayers. Yall sound like a lovely couple! I just returned from a week adventure with my daughter in San Francisco, but I sure missed my husband. I've very blessed to have him & his love. Take care Gary & Claire!!
 
KDStreet 
Oct. 14, 2009 3:02 pm
Hi Gary! Good hearin' from you. I have not ceased to pray for you folks, and am believing that God will see Claire, you, and your family through this to completion. God who has begun a good work in you all will see it through to the uttermost. Grace, love and peace to you all. kdstreet
 
Cat Lady Cyndi (cyndi gephart) Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 15, 2009 7:02 am
Gary & Claire, the both of you are so very strong and will get through this. Soon enough, this long rough road will come to an end, and this will all be behind the both of you. I wish Claire the best of luck, and a Happy Birthday. Love is a very powerful thing, and I believe allows us to overcome matters such as this. I've been praying for you and your family through all of this. Unfortunatley, I have been through some terrible illnesses with my dear loved ones also, and know how this feels. Take care and again good luck and I'll be praying. Love~~Cyndi
 
pam Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 15, 2009 10:17 am
Many prayers sent your way! The last time I checked in, it was touch and go w/ claire. I'm so glad she's moved forward. May you both have a blessed and very safe life together! ♥
 
njmom 
Oct. 15, 2009 1:55 pm
thanks for the update gderr. my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. tell claire we are all thinking of her!
 
Becca Miller 
Oct. 15, 2009 3:02 pm
Sending prayers your way, glad to hear you guys are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!
 
Roxanne J.R. 
Oct. 16, 2009 12:04 pm
Sending lots of prayers, thoughts and good wishes to you all.
 
goodeats Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 16, 2009 8:14 pm
Prayers still coming your way from CA-would you believe it was 100 degrees here today? I think about you guys every day & am so happy that Claire has come so far. There is still a journey ahead, but that light is at the end of the tunnel. Having faith & trust in the DR is very important. Also sending Birthday Wishes to your Tater. I like the idea of celebrating this milestone birthday all year long. Love & Hugs to your incredible family.
 
Sooze 
Oct. 17, 2009 4:43 pm
Hey Gary...you and Claire are in the home stretch!! By the way, I have trouble with crowds and multi-tasking too! Soon this whole ordeal will be over with and everything will start getting back to "normal" for you Claire and the girls. My thoughts and love are with you and your family. Take good care. Sue
 
Sooze 
Oct. 17, 2009 4:56 pm
Oops...I forgot to wish Claire a Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday Claire! I kinda think while it's pretty crappy to spend your birthday in hospital, if you look at it another way, it's kind of cool that her surgery is on the 21st and then, on the day of her 50th she has come completely out the other end of this ordeal. Two major things to celebrate really! Sue
 
SunnyByrd Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 18, 2009 8:50 pm
Coming in late (as usual) to send both of you my best wishes. Happy birthday and a speedy recovery to Claire! :)
 
Soup Loving Nicole 
Oct. 18, 2009 9:24 pm
My prayers are with you both!
 
BigShotsMom 
Oct. 18, 2009 9:46 pm
I'm late too! Happy Birthday Claire! Best wishes for your surgery and recovery. God Bless you all.
 
ruth 
Oct. 19, 2009 9:32 am
happy late birthday claire. GOD BLESS U ALL!
 
newheart and Mr.Max Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 20, 2009 6:27 am
Gary and Claire, prayers in your away and I hope that everything goes well with Claire's surgery,. "She's strong, She's a SURVIVOR" ! Happy Birthday Claire! Good Speed! Katia
 
*eclectRicity* Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 20, 2009 9:45 am
Hi Gary and Claire - It really sounds like each day has been an improvement; that's wonderful! It sucks to spend your birthday in the hospital, especially a "milestone" birthday, but the majority of us start our lives in one, and you are experiencing somewhat of a rebirth, so I guess it's fitting, in a way. And you're actually ahead of the game; most babies are around 2 years old before the "soft spot" is covered, lol! Happy birthday, Claire, good luck with your surgery, and best wishes to both you and Gary!
 
mary Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Oct. 21, 2009 5:28 pm
Sending prayers your way. May God control the mind and hands of the surgeon, put His healing hand on Claire and comfort & peace in your heart. Happy Birthday, Claire, from another born on 10/22. Just a year older than you. Much love and prayers
 
Jgirl 
Oct. 22, 2009 10:41 am
Sending prayers to Claire and the family. You are almost at the end :)
 
ruth 
Oct. 25, 2009 8:49 pm
know I am praying for u all . keep ur faith & always trust in God he delivers beleive me!he guides the drs.and the nurses.so remmember pray for them also I pray for god to bless all that come in contact with Claire .I KNOW THE GOOD LORD WILL TAKE CARE OF U AND UR FAMILY.
 
 
 

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gderr
 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Member Since: Mar. 2008
Cooking Interests: Grilling & BBQ, Slow Cooking, Italian, Southern, Mediterranean, Healthy, Vegetarian, Gourmet
Hobbies: Gardening, Camping, Boating, Fishing, Reading Books, Music, Charity Work
 
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About Me 
i enjoy cooking. the wife considers it a chore. i hate yard work. she loves it. we mesh. i love bass fishing, reading, music, baseball, college football and my family.
My favorite things to cook
i love vegetables, soups, and italian cusine.
My favorite family cooking traditions
holidays are a big deal! christmas is my time to shine. i try to add a new recipe each year, but the family demands pretty much the same menu. kinda frustrating!
My cooking triumphs
i cared for my mother in law about 3 months when she had shattered her shoulder. i didn't work, so money was tight. we survived on only wife's paycheck during that time. ma-n-law had diet restrictions. it was difficult to make cheap, nutritious meals everyone would eat. we prospered as a family and learned alot about each other's strenghths and weaknesses.
My cooking tragedies
a stove top fire. i explained that one already. the grill falling over was another one...oops grill season is here! i love the tragedies...those are the ones that i'll always remember!
 
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