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Airport security will have a blast!

Oct. 23, 2009 6:20 pm

Updated: Nov. 8, 2009 2:55 pm

Hi all! this is hopefully the last blog concerning the cooking-challenged wife. i made a mistake, her birthday was the 19th, mooses' was the 22nd. she had a terrific birthday...so many friends! she had the surgery wednesday afternoon @ 4pm. she was supposed to have it @ 7 am. her mother, both daughters and myself were there. we did not get to see her until @8 pm., the reason her surgery was delayed was they called it "elective" surgery...and she had to be given 2 pints of plasma. her brain surgeon, after the 2nd surgery, had implanted her skull flap in her abdomen. that was june 9th. he tried to replace it but too many " gaps" , so he built a titamium mesh covering to protect the brain. she if fine but in a serious worl of hurt! they released her today! i could not believe it!!! i truly thought she needed to spend at LEAST the weekend there. but no, all the care-givers agreed she was good to go. she is to stay off the cumiden for 2 weeks and then we will have her checked. her right eye is swollen shut and she has staples/ sutures from her right forehead to the back of her head around to the top of her ear. her head is now completely shaved. she is gorgeous! she is alive!! wow such a long harrowing journey. i wish i could take away her pain, but tommorow hopefully the pain will subside some and the next day and so forth. my prayers have been answered! i wish the very best for each and everyone of you as well! our new journey begins...may your travels be well rewarded! thanks again for your amazing compassion!! ps. a special shout-out to dillsberg pa. she loved it! it's her color! much love and appreciation again!!

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Scotdog

Oct. 23, 2009 6:48 pm

So, so glad to have an update!!

Virginia Mom

Oct. 23, 2009 6:51 pm

YAY !! It's good to hear that the surgery went well (enough). We've been waiting on pins & needles to hear from you!

gderr

Oct. 23, 2009 6:56 pm

love ya!! i just can't believe they turned her loose! i'm not complaining but..seems like with her in so much pain and with blood thinner problems and brain surgery..i'm glad she's home!

Pam-3BoysMama

Oct. 23, 2009 6:56 pm

Thank you for the update - many have been asking about Tater. So good to hear she is doing well after surgery! The pain WILL subside. Happy belated birthday to her as well! Take care and stay healthy! ♥

Mominator

Oct. 23, 2009 7:00 pm

Amen - blessings to you both.

SHARYL4

Oct. 23, 2009 7:01 pm

Happy to hear everything is going so well. Your "Tater" is indeed an amazing woman, and an inspiration to all !!! You go Claire !!! Happy Belated Birthday to ya !!! I turned the big 5-0 in June. Gary, you are a gem and amazing yourself !!! You two are a match made in heaven !!! (((((HUGS))))) from Arizona !!! ♥

weeble

Oct. 23, 2009 7:02 pm

oh man! what a ride! you and your family are a strong front for your claire. keep it up, you guys are doing great. glad to hear the surgery went well. lots of (((((hugs))))) coming your way:)

Jena

Oct. 23, 2009 7:03 pm

So glad things continue to go so well for you and your precious Claire! Thank you so much for writing this blog, I think it has touched people in ways you'll never know. My continued prayers and good wishes and hugs to your family!!

SEY1

Oct. 23, 2009 7:05 pm

I'm not on AR everyday anymore, so I have only heard little bits of what you and your wife have been going through. I hope you won't feel I'm intruding if I send well wishes to your amazing wife. I hope her recovery is speedy and that her pain will subside quickly.

Avon

Oct. 23, 2009 7:08 pm

Thank God, Claire you have come thru yet one more harrowing experience. There is a special place in heaven for both of you. Many, many, hugs and good wishes for a much brighter future. (((((BIG HUG))))))from Oregon.

gderr

Oct. 23, 2009 7:08 pm

folks she is an amazing woman...i've been so fortunate! i now believe in miracles! i've witnessed one.

rae

Oct. 23, 2009 7:09 pm

I'm glad her surgery went well! I hope she recovers swiftly and the pain subsides fast! :)

*Cozycook*

Oct. 23, 2009 7:32 pm

Wow!! glad she came through!! (((((((((TONS A HUGS))))))))))))))) . &hearts U

Christina

Oct. 23, 2009 7:36 pm

I am soooo happy to hear the surgery went well. You are right she IS an amazing woman and is very lucky to have an amazing husband like you. Give her my best for a speedy recovery! (((HUGS))) ♥

Marianne

Oct. 23, 2009 7:52 pm

Oh, my gosh, Gary. This has been quite a trek. Elective surgery?? At least titanium is very lightweight! Shouldn't make too much of a heavy weight on her head. Now she is in your loving care, away from all the hospital bugs and stuff. Take care. But be sure to take care of yourselves--you and the two daughters. Oh, the stories you will be able to tell! Love you all!

gderr

Oct. 23, 2009 7:58 pm

ya rock! i'm an innocent bystander/a witness...just amazing her strength. how can you not love a woman!

Cindy in Pensacola

Oct. 23, 2009 7:59 pm

I'm so glad to hear that Claire is home.. that's wonderful! This too shall pass and I think about the miracle that she is. I hope all goes very well for all of you!

Rohnda

Oct. 23, 2009 8:01 pm

Wooo hooo! Another trial behind you! Claire is beyond amazing. With the titanium head, I think she now qualifies for the title, "Superwoman." Wow! Now she can continue to use her super powers to heal!! Good luck Gderr and family on what we hope to be her last surgery!

pelicangal

Oct. 23, 2009 8:03 pm

Oh Gderr, thank you so much for updating us on Claire's surgery. So happy that it went well. I can't believe that they call that "elective surgery" and then let her come home. Wow!!! Thank goodness all went well. Our thoughts and good wishes are with you and Tater and Moose and Gator. We all love ya. Big (((hugs))) from Oregon.

gderr

Oct. 23, 2009 8:11 pm

i still cry reading back thru the early blogs. the things i saw...in the icu, at the shepherd center and the folks here in town for rehab. this is an army town and to see the soldiers and their care-givers waiting for their appointment. it was a learning experience. i've been blessed.

sassyoldlady

Oct. 23, 2009 8:15 pm

Glad things went well. Hope she gets to feeling better soonest!!!

cbjc

Oct. 23, 2009 8:27 pm

I'm so glad everything went well! I know you're concerned about her being home this soon but it's the best thing for her! Much less level of her getting some funky infection! Much love and positive thoughts sent your way!(((hugs))) Cara

yo.mags

Oct. 23, 2009 8:45 pm

Thank You for taking the time to update us. I was wondering how Claire and the Family were doing. Glad everything went well, and your family as finally gotten to the light at end of the tunnel. I hope Claire's pain subsides quickly. I know the love you share will pull you both through the coming days. Mag

grannygigi

Oct. 23, 2009 9:32 pm

Oh, Gary, thank you so very much for the update. I have been anxious about Claire since the surgery and so glad to hear it went well and she is home!! You two have surely been blessed to have each other and your amazing love and strength. I just know happy days are all coming and the stressful times have got to be mostly behind you now. Thank God for healing and strength and love. Ginny

LOBSTER

Oct. 23, 2009 9:40 pm

Thanks for the update Gderr, and glad to hear Claire is home and safe and sound, you both need to get some rest which is when healing is done. Please don't stop blogging about your "Sweet Tater", you two are an amazing couple!! One day at a time!!

leahluvz3

Oct. 23, 2009 10:16 pm

I've been away awhile, but I have always got a kick out of your stories. I just saw this and wanted send luck and prayers to your wife, and am hoping for a speedy recovery!!

Traci's Kitchen

Oct. 23, 2009 10:23 pm

Glad Claire is recovering and I hope her pain eases soon; don't be afraid to ask for stronger meds if she's hurting real bad. They know how to wean them off later. God bless! :)

Cynthia

Oct. 24, 2009 2:02 am

I remember way back when I read your first post on your precious wife...I know things looked bleak, but you had such hope and such strength AND you had tons of people praying around the world. What an awesome, inspiring story and what an awesome, inspiring wife you have!

sueb

Oct. 24, 2009 3:08 am

I'm glad things have been looking up! You two make such a sweet couple, sticking together, learning that love is being there through thick and thin. Your story of facing adversity is truly inspiring! And it's not over yet! Your love for each other will continue to grow, in new ways! Hugs and prayers!

pam

Oct. 24, 2009 3:34 am

Wow! what a road..and you traveled it bravely along w/ claire! I'm so glad the future looks brighter for you both! Many hugs and continued prayers sent your way! ♥

CindyLepp

Oct. 24, 2009 3:40 am

So glad to hear that the surgery went great,GDerr! Wow, that is crazy that they sent her home so soon...scary for you, for sure. I do home the pain subsides for her very quickly, she is a VERY strong gal!I hate to hear you both have to go thru this but at least this is another step towards her full recovery.Tou both are in my prayers, Take care of yourself and our sweet Claire...big HUGS from Kentucky, Love, Cindy

CindyLepp

Oct. 24, 2009 3:41 am

***oops, hope you can read thru those typos...its early, need more coffee apparently,LOL!

Chanitele

Oct. 24, 2009 5:12 am

Wow! It is so amazing to hear what you've all gone through and so thankful that the Lord has given you guys the strength to endure it. He promised us that! Thank you for sharing and updating us Gary about your beautiful tater, Claire. Still praying for all of you and for a speedy recovery too!

Skunkee

Oct. 24, 2009 5:26 am

Hi Gary, So glad to hear that your Southern Belle is doing so well. It's amazing that hospitals don't just send you home from the OR!!! Quick Story - When my husband, who is now 58, was 14 he had a wreck on a motorcycle with no helmet on. He had a brain injury. He has a scare from the top of his head to below his ear. The Dr.'s put a mesh plate in and he did well. About 10 years later a wire had worked it's way through the scalp. We were so worried. He went to see a Dr. and he took pliers and PULLED it out!!!! Ouch!

mamaby

Oct. 24, 2009 5:31 am

So glad to hear claire's home. I've been watching everyone on AR ask if anyone had heard anything about her, and you. God has blessed you through this challenge. The power of prayer at work.

He's Not the Apple of My Pie

Oct. 24, 2009 6:29 am

God Bless you both! Your committment to your wife is a beautiful thing. I will be parying for a fast recovery!

gderr

Oct. 24, 2009 7:00 am

she awoke this morning with both eyes swollen shut. she said she felt like she had been in a boxing match. i said i saw the other guy, and you won. i'm going to give her a shower after her mid-morning siesta. i asked if she wanted another pain pill and she said later. she is one tough tater! wow skunkee! that's wild!

CookinArgentina

Oct. 24, 2009 7:57 am

Wow, tough lady! I'll be praying she feels better soon. God bless you

Rohnda

Oct. 24, 2009 8:44 am

It doesn't surprise me that Supertater didn't need a pain pill first thing-- despite the "boxing," match she just won! You guys have a good saturday!

1gdcowgrl

Oct. 24, 2009 9:10 am

She's home...praise God!! That is wonderful news!! Continued prayers for you, Claire and your family.~Cyndi~

KDStreet

Oct. 24, 2009 9:34 am

Excellent news!! So glad to hear that she is coming through so well. God is greatly to be praised indeed. Grace and peace to you all (with less discomfort for Claire). kdstreet

TIE

Oct. 24, 2009 10:19 am

I am so relieved the surgery was successful! Continued prayers to Claire and you and yoru girls. She is one tough cookie and so are you!

laughingmagpie

Oct. 25, 2009 9:06 am

Very relieved to hear the surgery went well, Claire will be more comfortable and content at home with so much love to care for her. She'll heal better and cope with the pain better. Continuing to pray for the best for you all.

mary

Oct. 25, 2009 5:11 pm

It's been an amazing journey you & your family have been on. So glad to hear that you are all nearing the end of hospital stays and surgeries. Claire is in good hands, both yours and God's. He never gives us more than we can handle, with Him, and you sure passed that test. Will continue to keep you, Claire and the girls in my prayers.

Patty Cakes

Oct. 25, 2009 5:33 pm

I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall the next time you 2 fly. The He@@ you are going to give them if they mess with Claire! Oh boy Oh Boy! Thank you for keeping us posted. People on RE have been asking about you and INDEE, still hope she is OK as well. I hope this finds you well. Take care and give Claire a hug from US at RE Love, Patty

ruth

Oct. 25, 2009 9:00 pm

THANK GOD FOR ANSEWERED PRAYERS!!!! THANK U FOR LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THAT U WITNESSED A MIRACLE .AND SO DID WE THROUGH U AND CLAIRE ,MAY GOD FOREVER BLESS U ALL.AND MY SWEET CLAIRE KNOW U R LOVED.

Toni

Oct. 26, 2009 5:19 am

Glad to hear everything went well. Will pray for a full recovery. Monday PM and no joy getting onto the net over the weekend. Been down in Cape Town - on and off - for a couple of days so was glad to see your update today. God bless.

*eclectRicity*

Oct. 26, 2009 1:17 pm

Hi Gary and Claire - Really glad to hear the surgery went well and that you're home, and I hope the pain has lessened. Hugs to you both for your combined courage, strength, and positive attitude in the dealing with this life altering challenge. You guys ROCK!

Lace

Oct. 27, 2009 4:36 am

Hello Gary, so glad to hear Claire's home and the surgeries are done. Will keep you guys in my meditations, though. I am certainly going to miss your blogs, though. Your humor through such rough situations was very inspiring to me and obviously to others as well. Perhaps just a couple more blogs to keep us all posted??!

Ivy

Oct. 27, 2009 10:51 am

(((gderr & claire))) Sharing your miracle journey has blessed many lives. May God continue to bless & heal Claire with daily strength as she mends completely to pain-free days. Thank you much for touching our hearts as you have. I'm sure this life journey has been a long, tough road....but we trust & pray that God has blessed your hearts & family though it. Thank you Gary for sharing your fears & joys....now enjoy celebrating your life again...may each day be blessed for you & Claire. :)~~nHim, Ivy

njmom

Oct. 27, 2009 2:35 pm

great news gderr!! thanks so much for the update. i hope claire starts to feel better soon. glad to hear she is home and recouperating. god bless and prayers coming your way!

Michelle

Oct. 28, 2009 4:50 pm

I haven't been on for a while but this is the first thing I went looking for... a Claire update! I'm blessed just in reading! Prayers continue. I'm so happy she's home and the two of you are going forward! God bless you both!!

coloradocookie

Oct. 30, 2009 3:40 pm

Thank you for your update on your dear tater. More people than you could ever expect are praying for you.

Sooze

Nov. 1, 2009 5:29 am

Hi Gary, thanks for the update. Just getting it now, because I haven't been on the computer lately. You guys are awesome!! I'm so happy that everything has worked out so well. Your Claire is one tough cookie!...and so are you. You guys are truly blessed to have each other. Thanks for keeping us updated throughout your amazing journey. All the best. Sue

ruth

Nov. 4, 2009 6:16 am

DEAR CLAIRE AND GARY HOPE ALL IS GOING GOOD FOR U AND UR FAMILY ALWAYS KNOW I AM PRAYING FOR U ALL .I LOOKED FORWARD TO COME TO THE SITE JUST FOR AN UPDATE .THANK U FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LET ALL KNOW PRAYER IS THE ANSWER .THANK YOU JESUS!!!! GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY !KNOW THAT ALL LOVE U AND ARE STILL PRAYING FOR U ALL.

Cheesecakemama

Nov. 8, 2009 2:55 pm

You both are in my prayers. xoxo I am so glad you put the updates here.

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gderr

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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