November 23, 2009

Thank you for your interest in me and my photography.  My 2010 calendar is now available on Etsy.com (there’s a link at dieterzander.com as well).  If you would like to get this in time for Christmas, you’ll need to order this week, or by Friday, Nov. 27^th.  To receive the calendar in time for the new year, order soon.

July 6, 2009

I’m feeling fine.  My blood is clean.  My doctor is on vacation so I’m waiting for a diagnosis for my heart.

I love photography.  Everyday I post a picture at http://dzander.tumblr.com.

June 23, 2009

Thank you to everyone who came to the party last Saturday.  My family felt loved and blessed.  We enjoyed the conversations.  Thank you to Dave and Karen Robinson for hosting; Kathleen and Bruce Richard for organizing; Kevin Oshiro, Jonathan Moe, and Ed Brinskele for music; Bruce & Ladonna, Father Tom, Dave Cobia, and Mike & Brenda for speaking; to everyone who wrote a name on a stone.

I feel like I’ve taken off my old coat, and put it down, and I’m putting on a new coat. I felt sad going to the party, like I was wearing my old coat, still wanting to do ministry the way I have for 25 years … same old familiar way.  I put my coat down.   It’s a transition to what’s next.

June 1, 2009

From Sunday, May 24, to the following Wednesday, I was in the Hospital.  Testing
showed the presence of bacteria in my blood. Further testing showed that I have  endocarditis, a tiny bit of infection on my heart valve.

I started IV antibiotics, and Valerie and I will continue antibiotics here at home for four weeks.

I have lots of follow-up in the next few weeks with my regular doctor, an infectious disease specialist, and a cardiologist.

May 14, 2009

A Gathering of Friends
to
Mark a Transition
In
the Zanders’ Lives

You are invited:
to celebrate the work Dieter has done in teaching, pastoring, and worship,
to mark the passing of the life the Zanders knew,
to bless the Zanders with your friendship and presence as they prepare for whatever is coming.

Please write a sentence or more about what Dieter’s work has meant to you, and bring it with you.  These will be collected for Dieter to keep.  You may have an opportunity to speak aloud to Dieter what you wrote.

Saturday, June 20, 4-6 p.m.
Dave and Karen Robinson’s house, 5th and G Streets in San Rafael
Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP to Kathleen Richard kat.richard@yahoo.com by June 10 so we can plan for food.

May 6, 2009

On Monday I woke up early, while it was still dark. As I walked down the dark hallway, still drowsy, for a few seconds I forgot that I had suffered a stroke.  I stopped when I remembered that I did.  Then I decided to imagine for the next 5 minutes the event never happened.

I walked into the kitchen, turned on the coffeemaker, filled a cup and walked to my study.  I sat in my chair and began my prayer time with the same words I say every morning: “God loves me, and I love God”.  I felt a gentle wave of contentment.

But, I’ve had a stroke . . . I accept it, and yet I have hope.

April 27, 2009

It has been 6 weeks since the seizure, and there have been no more seizures.  I have had tests at Kaiser and UCSF, and they say my brain is fine.  I have an appointment in 2 weeks to see the top neurologist at Kaiser to see what’s next.

I’m frustrated that I can’t drive now.

March 17, 2009

On March 7, my friend and I were running in the morning, and he heard me cry out and passing out on the ground.  I passed out 20 minutes. The  paramedics and I drove to the hospital.  The doctor said I had a seizure.   I started the drug for the seizures.  I’m not driving.

February 1, 2009

One year from Dieter’s stroke

I’m feeling between sad and happy, and often thanking you.

Val awoke at 2:15am and the strong and brave wife and mom.
Ambulance to Marin General Hospital.
Marin General Hospital and Kaiser doctors, nurses.
Kyle, Conrad, Christopher, and family and friends – love, pray, serve, support.
Baymarin Church, and churches local and far away.

Love, pray, serve, support, sit, cooking meals for the Zander family, cleaning the home, landscaping the front yard
All cards and Zanderblog
Fund Money
Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapists – Bay area and University of Michigan

You are loved by Zander family and me.

December 20, 2008

Top Ten Highlights

10.  I came to University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP), the one place for help communicating.
9.   I experienced Ann Arbor as a wonderful city for walks in the winter.
8.   I felt the encouragement of the church, friends, and family by their prayers, cards, and gifts.
7.   Eight clients and I learned in individual and group therapy and computer lab over 144 hours.
6.   My friends came to Ann Arbor to see me.
5.   I went to Toronto and Novato, for 2 weekends, visiting the family.
4.   I lived in a beautiful, restful home 2 miles from UMAP.
3.   15 teachers taught me verbal expression, writing, listening, reading and word finding.
2.    I made much slow growth.
1.    I got and gave the love of the family in Ann Arbor.