Update – 8-24-08

I am home after a week in Portland with my parents, and the boys are home from building two houses in Tijuana.  The family is together again this week, but we are dispersing again as Kyle returns to college and Conrad starts his freshman year at college.

My surgery to have another stent placed in my carotid artery is scheduled for Sep. 3, and I will probably be in the hospital until Sep. 5.  We hope this procedure will prevent any future strokes.

Val and I have created a plan for an intense push on physical therapy in September and October, and then an intense push on speech therapy in November and December at the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (www.aphasiahelp.com).

8.1.08

I hoped for surgery in August, but I will have surgery on September 3.

With my speech teacher I am working on talking, and also understanding speech and reading.  I have worked on recipes and made dinner for the family.  I made Chicken Tikka Masala, an Indian recipe.  The family said it was delicious.  It feels natural to be doing something I love again.

From 8/3-10, Kyle, Conrad, and Christopher will go to Mexico to build homes, and I will go to Portland to visit Dad and Mom.

Prayer for the Zanders:
1. Kyle, Conrad, and Christopher to Mexico.

2.  Dieter to Portland.