Life is almost normal 
 
Nov. 9, 2009 7:45 pm 
Updated: Nov. 25, 2009 12:50 pm
   the house smells delicious! the aroma is arrest-me mode. tater is making choco-chip, pecan cookies. it's a beautiful windy warm fall evening. life is so good! we have to go to atlanta tomorrow to have a check-up with her  rehab doctor. she is making them a batch of cookies and after her appointment we continue northeast  to athens and visit the gater and see where all our money is going. tater has been amazing, truly folks, she has been amazing. she has had her staples removed, her head is shaved, she has a very long scar running from her forehead to the back of her head and around above her ear to her side-burn line. bride of frankenstein stuff.  i owe so many so much...i must repay their kindness, i guess this is how i do it. i hope any folks that read this help another in a small/large way. my soul feels good. ok, sorry...claire  is to be evaluted tomorrow for driving and teaching licenses. i don't anticipate any blips on the radar there!  holidays are going to be treasured this year hug your loved ones, they are the only things worth living for.
 
 
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Patty Cakes Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 9, 2009 8:17 pm
Oh God Bless you 2 lovely people. Really, you are an inspiration. Your DD's are lucky kids. Every time I read your blogs, I feel like bawling my eyes out. I can't say enough about your gentle spirit and patience getting Claire back to where she knows she needs to be, with Her Man! Give her a hug from us on the west coast. Take care and drive safe:) Patty
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 9, 2009 8:26 pm
love ya patty thanks!
 
Patty Cakes Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 9, 2009 8:31 pm
Right back atcha Gary!! I spent the whole morning yesterday reviewing Saturday night game, that was Hysterical! I read the entire post and got most of the recipes too! Dynamite!!
 
Rohnda 
Nov. 9, 2009 8:44 pm
Hey gderr-- Life is good. I like that you are repaying kindness with such a great request. You remind us (me) to always be grateful for what we have and given the opportunity to give to others. I try to do that but like and need these gentle reminders to keep me motivated. Your story has done that and then some. I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow.
 
Avon 
Nov. 9, 2009 9:10 pm
Well Gary, for many of these posts these last 6 months or so, I have just always kept my thoughts positive that she would be the exception to all the rules that everyone seemed to want her to play by. Throughout all of times, I have tried not to shed tears and get myself worked up. Better to stay strong and hold everyone up you know... well just the thought of your lovely bride standing in the kitchen and LOVINGLY making cookies for those that stood by her, made me melt. God Bless you both and welcome back Claire. There really is much to be thankful for. And just so you know, I really do try to live by your request of giving back, if not daily, then at least every other day.
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 9, 2009 9:21 pm
such good people! ya truly are my inspiration. thank you!
 
pelicangal Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 9, 2009 11:00 pm
Oh my!!! What an amazing miracle. Just remembering a few months ago, that stupid doctor, and now, Claire will be driving and teaching again. Unbelievable. I am touched by every word that you write and now the "fraidy" tears that we shed months ago are now very very happy tears. Love you and Claire and Moose and Gator. Give them all some very big (((hugs))) from Oregon.
 
Belinda 
Nov. 10, 2009 4:29 am
Good luck and God's Speed. Your wife is a lucky lady to have a husband that really gets the meaning of love and marriage. You see I am luck too. We will be married 25 years our next anniversary. I have a disease called RSD which I won't bore everyone with the details but Paul, my husband makes my life worth living. You and your wife will be in our prayers.
 
Christine M Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 5:09 am
I am loving all this good news! I'm so happy Claire is doing so well!
 
patricia3096 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 6:24 am
Gderr...after all that's gone before it sounds like Claire is on the "fast track". I know it's been hard for her but what a "gutsy" gal she is. Wishing only the best for all of you!
 
Sooze 
Nov. 10, 2009 6:58 am
Wow...life is good! I will go home tonight and hug my family tonight. Your (and Claire's) story is so inspiring and amazing...I have followed from the start. Life is good!
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 8:50 am
You are sooo right: hug your loved ones and give Thanks to God for good health and happy homes and all the blessings we take for granted each and every day. Hope the check-up went well.
 
laughingmagpie Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 11:49 am
Such a miracle, congratulations.
 
Cindy in Pensacola Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 1:26 pm
Good luck with the visit, I surely hope it goes very well!!
 
KDStreet 
Nov. 10, 2009 4:48 pm
Now this is a Christmas gift! God's answering prayer, and continuing His great kindness to you both. Thanks for the update - for sharing such wonderful news. Grace and peace to you all. kdstreet
 
LisaT Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 7:14 pm
Wonderful news Gary. I am so glad Claire is doing so well. I remember when you first posted about her illness I cried and immediately began to pray for a good outcome. I've continued to pray (as we all have). I continue to thank God for the prayers he's answered for Claire. Life truly is good. Claire is on her way to doing what she loves and is really good at, preparing children for their future. I have to say, you definitely married up! LOL
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 10, 2009 10:03 pm
so many kind thoughts...such great people here. i tell claire about all of you. she still has not read the blogs...no wait she did read the one where a doctor had said she would be a vegetable. we both cried. i think in the future she will come to read these. her stroke affected me in a strange way. i have become both very forgiving and honest with my feelings and also very intolerant. i was the type to wish you a good day and under my breath hope you would just go away. things i say now come from the heart. claire has gotten the ok to resume teaching in january part-time and take some driving lessons. we saw most of her care-givers at the shepherd center. what a terrific group of folks! if you have a loved one that requires this type hospital...CALL them! i want her to want to go back to the icu unit...she has not indicated that need yet. she was pretty out of it (coma) pretty much her whole stay there. they kept her alive. i want her to meet them, but i'm not forcing her. god bless you! my online support group...YOU inspire me!
 
banshezmom 
Nov. 11, 2009 7:42 am
Such great news. I'm all but at a loss for words. We have truly seen God work through Claire. Thank you for sharing her progress. Will continue to keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. Now....go ENJOY your holidays!
 
ruth 
Nov. 11, 2009 8:44 am
MY DEAR LOVED ONES I AM SO VERY HAPPY AND THANKFUL ,THAT OUR GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS YOU ALL .I HOPE U DON'T FEEL I AM TO FORWARD TO SAY MY LOVED ONES BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE U R MY FAMILY.I DID CRY WITH TEARS OF JOY THIS MORNING ,HOW THEY SAY ?HAPPY TEARS AND THEY WERE .THANK U FOE THE UPDATE AND CLAIRE I CAN ALMOST SMELL THOSE COOKIES UMMM GOOD! I KNOW I DO PRAY FOR U ALL .AND WILL CONTINUE ,GOD IS SO GOOD TO US !!I AM ALSO AMAZED AT THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE ON THIS SITE , THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD AND THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE HERE AND I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE SEEN THE WAY THEY EXPRESS THEIR LOVE AND PRAYERS ,THE INTERNET IS NOT ALL BAD.GOD BLESS U ALL AND MANY HAPPY DAYS AHEAD FOR ALL.MUCH LOVE TO CLAIRE AND UR FAMILY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!
 
Blazer Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 11, 2009 9:10 am
What a miracle story. Claire is such a strong lady and you too. You are lucky to have each other. I wish good new tomorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Blazer Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 11, 2009 9:11 am
sorry you are not a strong lady, but a strong caring man you are.
 
Maggi Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 11, 2009 11:45 am
Gderr - I look so forward to your updates on your beautiful Claire. God has blessed your family for a reason. I know you are so grateful and enjoying each day. By the way, how did the kitchen look after Claire violated it? Tee hee!
 
bbqgirl 
Nov. 11, 2009 3:10 pm
Gderr, this is such great news! Thanks for letting us share in this amazing journey you & Claire have made. And thanks for reminding us to appreciate those around us! God bless & take care.
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 11, 2009 4:36 pm
maggi i did not even look. lol! but she did throw everything in the dishwasher. she had flour everywhere. she is a messy baker. i can't stand it! i stay out of the way! she has been tired today, we got in late last night.
 
mary Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 11, 2009 6:30 pm
Gary, you are such a sweet, supportive husband. Thanks for the updates as always. Yea Claire. Bet you are looking forward to getting back to teaching & the kids are probably feeling the same way about you coming back. I can smell the cookies from here, ha ha! Paying it forward is the best way to thank those who have bestowed kindness upon you. Hugs from Pennsylvania.
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 12, 2009 6:18 am
mary do you live in dillsburg, pa.?
 
TIE 
Nov. 12, 2009 9:29 am
I'm so glad to hear Claire will be teaching and driving soon. May God continue to bless you and your family and God bless all of us.
 
Shan~Jam 
Nov. 12, 2009 4:42 pm
your in my thoughts
 
BigShotsMom 
Nov. 12, 2009 5:41 pm
Ah, Gary I am so glad to hear such good news. I do hope Claire reads the entire blog one day. It is such a beautiful love story. I truly think God chose you two to teach us lessons we all knew but may have forgotten. God bless you all. Chris
 
witchywoman Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 12, 2009 7:00 pm
Wow..I just read everyone of your blogs to date, and I only can only say Wow..you two are amazing! Best wishes to your family and thanks for letting everyone share in a really great love story!
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 12, 2009 7:13 pm
it's been an amazing adventure. her doctor at shepherds says she can go back to work in jan. with "someone looking over shoulder", driving wil be evaluated at 6 months..dec. 8th. she needs to be tested for brain functions before "good to go" status. she is doing great! i must go back to work! shan jam what a terrific box i received! THANK YOU!!
 
amanda 
Nov. 14, 2009 7:17 am
what an amazing journey! I've been reading your posts for a while now, and never leave a comment(I have an almost three year old, so I don't always get to read a whole post at once, and don't usually have time to reply) It is so good to see miracles happening! Enjoy your Holidays this year!
 
ValleyGirl 
Nov. 15, 2009 10:53 pm
Blessings to you and your family my friend! I truly mean that and I do pray for you and Claire often!
 
gderr Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 16, 2009 8:04 pm
thanks to all my kind friends here. she has been amazing. her recovery is nothing short of a miracle. the prayers, kind thoughts, good karma has instilled a belief that i did not possess before this ordeal. i've been changed and of course, my tater and i will never take anything for granted again.
 
grannygigi 
Nov. 17, 2009 9:35 pm
gderr, I just read your latest blog and cried happy tears to hear Claire is doing so well. Well enough to bake cookies! Yea Claire!! The two of you inspire us all with your strength and love for each other. You have been through so much and have taught us all to appreciate our loved ones and our health. Not to take anything for granted. God bless you both and you will continue to be in my prayers. Ginny
 
*eclectRicity* Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 19, 2009 1:07 am
Wow... what a journey! I am just so darned happy with the way it's all turned out, I just want to hug you both and laugh and cry all at the same time.
 
Ivy 
Nov. 20, 2009 11:48 pm
Claire & Gderr....wishing you & your family a very happy Thanksgiving. You have touched so many hearts by just sharing about your journey. I think it has reminded each of us to be in awe of the gift of LIFE and our health. Of course, no one would of picked this journey for you, but its obvious that you & Claire have grown & been changed by it; and you have touched our lives & hearts with your words.....~~May God continue to bless you abundantly!! We smile & celebrate with you about Claire, the miracle. :)
 
Shan~Jam 
Nov. 21, 2009 12:24 pm
you are so so welcome it was so fun putting the box together for you and Claire !!!!
 
cindyt 
Nov. 21, 2009 5:54 pm
I had read a few of your first blogs & then have not been on this site, I was so excited to read how well your wife is doing! What a special thanksgiving this will be for your family. I am touched too by the kindness shown to you all by the people on this website- kind of restores your faith in mankind. you are both an inspiration to us all and I am so thankful for your wifes recovery. Prayers are still coming your way!
 
mary Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 23, 2009 6:23 pm
Hi Gary, I haven't been on in a while. To answer your question posted on the 12, yes I do. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
 
Keri Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 25, 2009 8:40 am
Oh my goodness! DRIVING!! How wonderful!!! She needs to drive right up to that first doctor (who used that virtual four-letter word "vegetable") and show him a thing or two :-) Way to go Claire!!
 
Jgirl 
Nov. 25, 2009 12:50 pm
Gary...so happy to continue to hear such good news. Going back to teaching and even driving, what a blessing. Claire is so lucky to have such a great husband and daughters. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!
 
 
 

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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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