Thursday, September 01, 2011
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Time Again!
Christmas time again! Yikes I’m not ready. Anessa is clamoring for a letter to insert into the blog she created while murmuring “usually you’re more organized!” Yet the Marinucci’s have managed yet another move over the holidays! So, I’m squeezing in a quick update now…all be it late.
As you’ll recall, the end of the first year of Ger’s accident 5 years ago, while he was still in the hospital in Bakersfield, we moved out to the country in Aguanga the day after Christmas. That move was a blur to my memory. I recall others packing us up and tons of people assisting, as I was absorbed in Ger’s medical care. His release was eminent and he was having terrible orientation problems.
We knew something had to be done when on a short term visit home we had the episode of him escaping the house at 2:00 a.m and wandering on the busy road to be stopped by the police. At that point he didn’t recall his name let alone his address. My brother-in-law purchased the Aguanga property and we lived there rent-free for those years allowing me to stay home. It was unfamiliar territory, both physically and emotionally. I knew the fenced in yard would help but the anticipation of what life was going to be still was uncertain. Thus began a “good run” in the country.
There we witnessed with amazement Ger’s slow but steady improvement. The girls had chickens, dogs, rabbits, horses and a cat that looked like a cougar and hunted like one too. They had room to roam, a small pool, the lake, a neighbors’ horse arena, good neighbors and a great 4H program. We were settled, content and blessed!
However, with the recent financial situation, my brother-in-law, being in the mortgage business, could no longer afford to have a “non-paying” customer. This precipitated our move back into town. I began looking for rentals and determined in this market, rentals where just as high or higher than a mortgage. Mom graciously stepped in and agreed to help. At first we were looking to purchase a home where we could reside together. Then we found this home in the Vintage Hills Tract right around the corner from mom. She decided to stay in her own home for now, with the possibility of moving in later when she is ready. It is far beyond what I could think or ask! My mom is awesome and had generously stepped in when needed. When so many are suffering, we who have nothing to offer are blessed abundantly! God’s economy is so unique. Once again with lots of help from loving friends and family we moved again over the holidays. We are all settled in now and turning our attention to celebrating our Lord’s incarnation.
Earnestly praying for awhile for the “next step” for Gerry this move seems to be an answer to prayer. Ger has progressed to the point where safely he can safely stay home alone, he enjoys watching TV (too much) but resists our outings of shopping and school activities. For being a “social guy” the country was becoming very isolating. Yet any effort to involve him was a trip down the hill and time away from schooling—a tug for me between the “you know the good to do, do it” dilemma. Now, there is a retirement center behind our home and Ger says “I’m gonna find me a lonely old man who likes to play chess!” My assignment after Christmas is to see what opportunities God opens up for him. The Department of Rehab closed the door on possible “re-employment” but certainly, there is something meaningful for him. Please pray! There is a trolley that goes about town and his orientation has improved such that I think he can ride it to the library, mall, Barnes and Nobel, etc. He enjoys chatting with strangers. May God use this desire for His glory.
Anessa age 17, is counting down to her high school graduation in June, YIKES! All home educating mothers gulp “but I didn’t get to….” Having successfully completed two Junior College courses, she is wondering when the “light Senior year load” kicks in. She is hoping to take a photography class this Spring, but has a very late registration date and many of the classes are already full. A responsible and capable girl, she is a huge help to me, often running errands, managing the house and helpful in so many ways. 
She is currently the 4H President and has done a wonderful job of organizing and training up a much younger club. She is currently exploring a mission opportunity to the Chez Republic this summer. Uncertain of her future plans, but we have learned to live with uncertainty only to gaze in amazement how God opens doors.
Polina age 15, had to give up her beloved Buddy in this move. While difficult, he went back to the 4H horse leader and she can go and ride him at her ranch. She is my horse girl and amazes me with the facts she knows. She is the reporter for the 4H group and for only speaking English for a few years has done a remarkable job submitting articles into the local paper; ala her Auntie Carla. Academically, she is doing double duty. She is a freshman in high school so I require all of those subjects such as Biology, yet I don’t want her to miss out on the fun co-op clubs so she also participates in the Science Club studying Flying Creatures and Sea Creatures. She is the type that can easily handle the challenge.
Both she and Tanya participate in Keepers Club- like a Girl Scouts group, where they do craft-type projects and earn badges. Polina’s artistic abilities are evident as she enjoys the crafts of Keepers.
Tataina, soon to be 13, will make 3 teen girls under one roof! Her job in 4H is Communications Officer which appeared so charming to her when her sisters had the position—they got to chat on the telephone to all the club members reminding them of meetings, etc. Now that the club has tripled in size and it takes her hours to get through the list, she is not so enamored with the job. She is my little baker and cleaner, ala her Auntie Gina. You will find her rewriting recipes and often asking to bake some goodie.
Tanya is hoping to meet and befriend some of the children she sees playing on the block.
We have been fellowshipping at Providence OPC in Temecula, now literally a mile away. Personally, this has been a good year of growth; basking in good preaching, enjoying fellowship and friends for which I am most grateful. The transition in churches is not without heartache, yet I’m still very close to many at Grace. Being so close to church, I’m hoping to have opportunity to extend fellowship. I will be working a few hours a week helping at the Church, which will help me make the mortgage payment while allowing me to continue to stay home and educate the girls.
Okay Anessa, I’ve finished! Reflecting on this past year and our blessings reorients me to celebrate afresh what a Great God we have who would take on humanity for my sake!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Very Marinucci Christmas 2008
For the very latest update on Gerry, Lori and the kids (who aren't so small anymore), click the link above.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Update -- Feb. 27, 2008
Here is an update on Gerry's current progress.
Since September Gerry has been attending a few classes at Mt. San Jaquinto Junior College in Menifee. There is a neighbor, who is also a student, that drives him to and from classes. He is taking classes in conjunction with the Department of Rehab as they continue to evaluate whether or not he is "employable." This campus does not have much of a Disabled Student Services program that can benefit him. It was determined to let Gerry attend, without any assistance on my part, and see what happened. The Fall Semester met with mixed results. He far exceeded our expectations regarding his independence and the need to be closely monitored. He surprised us in his ability to navigate the campus, interact with other students, wait patiently for rides, coordinate via cell phone times and locations for pick-up, purchase lunches in the cafeteria, locate and attend classes. His stamina improved as he put in two full days on campus. While completing some of the course assignments, he missed/didn't understand instructions on due dates but basically didn't do much of the homework assigned. He passed one course but failed the other. While he can articulate why he is attending classes and that he has had an accident, there is still some disconnect as to why he has to do this again since he has already attended college. He doesn't always recognize his disability and deal with reality. Motivation is a factor.
This semester he is taking two courses and is even more eager to attend and to get up and catch his ride. It was decided, along with the Dept of Rehab, to offer him assistance with calendaring and reminder-type issues. I regularly go over his course syllabus and he has been diligent doing his reading assignments, computer tests, writing papers without fighting me. I have seen tremendous progress in his ability to articulate, compose on the computer, and his reading and comprehension are vast improved. However, often I will find that he has not turned in the assignment that he has completed in his binder. When questioned about it, he was not sure when or how to turn it in or "I forgot." He misses the ques. For example one day his class was to meet in the library for a particular assignment. I reminded him that morning, but by time he got to school he had forgotten. He came home and reported that one of his classes didn't meet, I asked him what he did during that time and he stated he went to the library, but never connected with his class and missed the assignment to be completed in class. Often in his writing he states over and over that "what used to be easy is now very difficult" and this is discouraging. But the next sentence will be "but I will deal with what I have been given." While academically I'm not sure how he is going to do, it is really more about him improving through the process. I am pleased with his determination and motivation this semester.
Weekly he has been taking a taxi to his speech therapy appointment. The process of taking the taxi, interacting with strangers, navigation, etc. is just as important. His speech therapy now consists mostly of learning memory strategies. I have an appointment with the physician to determine if it can continue. There is still a lot of coordination on my part, and involvement with his assignments but he is much more independent now.
The Dept of Rehab would like to place him in a job at a nursing home-type facility. They recognize his people/ listening skills and think he would be a great encourager. Gerry is very happy about this potential avenue of employment and considers it a ministry. So far they have not been successful in having someone take a risk on him. We have a friend from church that has agreed to take Gerry to a skilled nursing facility to play hymns and visit. We are hoping and praying that once they meet and get to know him, they will be willing to allow him to do this on a regular basis. He would take joy in ministering to others.
Socially, Gerry still enjoys outings of all kinds. He looks forward to church and will now get up and mingle instead of waiting for others to come to him. He seems to know his limitations better and will retreat to a quiet place or go lay down when he has had too much stimulation, thus lessening the "blow-ups." He can now stay home by himself for several hours, and get himself something to eat. (He doesn't attempt the stove!) This is a huge benefit that has allowed the girls more opportunities in their activities. Though much improved, we still have occasional emotional outbursts. Besides his words, he gets aggressive in his stance and posture and it is very intimidating to someone who doesn't understand. My girls have gotten used to it, but it doesn't make it good. I'm still praying for better communication skills in this area.
Thank you for your continued interest. This is a very long road but I'm grateful for Gerry's continued improvement and progress which would not be possible without the support and kindness of many. Thanks again.
Lori for all
Since September Gerry has been attending a few classes at Mt. San Jaquinto Junior College in Menifee. There is a neighbor, who is also a student, that drives him to and from classes. He is taking classes in conjunction with the Department of Rehab as they continue to evaluate whether or not he is "employable." This campus does not have much of a Disabled Student Services program that can benefit him. It was determined to let Gerry attend, without any assistance on my part, and see what happened. The Fall Semester met with mixed results. He far exceeded our expectations regarding his independence and the need to be closely monitored. He surprised us in his ability to navigate the campus, interact with other students, wait patiently for rides, coordinate via cell phone times and locations for pick-up, purchase lunches in the cafeteria, locate and attend classes. His stamina improved as he put in two full days on campus. While completing some of the course assignments, he missed/didn't understand instructions on due dates but basically didn't do much of the homework assigned. He passed one course but failed the other. While he can articulate why he is attending classes and that he has had an accident, there is still some disconnect as to why he has to do this again since he has already attended college. He doesn't always recognize his disability and deal with reality. Motivation is a factor.
This semester he is taking two courses and is even more eager to attend and to get up and catch his ride. It was decided, along with the Dept of Rehab, to offer him assistance with calendaring and reminder-type issues. I regularly go over his course syllabus and he has been diligent doing his reading assignments, computer tests, writing papers without fighting me. I have seen tremendous progress in his ability to articulate, compose on the computer, and his reading and comprehension are vast improved. However, often I will find that he has not turned in the assignment that he has completed in his binder. When questioned about it, he was not sure when or how to turn it in or "I forgot." He misses the ques. For example one day his class was to meet in the library for a particular assignment. I reminded him that morning, but by time he got to school he had forgotten. He came home and reported that one of his classes didn't meet, I asked him what he did during that time and he stated he went to the library, but never connected with his class and missed the assignment to be completed in class. Often in his writing he states over and over that "what used to be easy is now very difficult" and this is discouraging. But the next sentence will be "but I will deal with what I have been given." While academically I'm not sure how he is going to do, it is really more about him improving through the process. I am pleased with his determination and motivation this semester.
Weekly he has been taking a taxi to his speech therapy appointment. The process of taking the taxi, interacting with strangers, navigation, etc. is just as important. His speech therapy now consists mostly of learning memory strategies. I have an appointment with the physician to determine if it can continue. There is still a lot of coordination on my part, and involvement with his assignments but he is much more independent now.
The Dept of Rehab would like to place him in a job at a nursing home-type facility. They recognize his people/ listening skills and think he would be a great encourager. Gerry is very happy about this potential avenue of employment and considers it a ministry. So far they have not been successful in having someone take a risk on him. We have a friend from church that has agreed to take Gerry to a skilled nursing facility to play hymns and visit. We are hoping and praying that once they meet and get to know him, they will be willing to allow him to do this on a regular basis. He would take joy in ministering to others.
Socially, Gerry still enjoys outings of all kinds. He looks forward to church and will now get up and mingle instead of waiting for others to come to him. He seems to know his limitations better and will retreat to a quiet place or go lay down when he has had too much stimulation, thus lessening the "blow-ups." He can now stay home by himself for several hours, and get himself something to eat. (He doesn't attempt the stove!) This is a huge benefit that has allowed the girls more opportunities in their activities. Though much improved, we still have occasional emotional outbursts. Besides his words, he gets aggressive in his stance and posture and it is very intimidating to someone who doesn't understand. My girls have gotten used to it, but it doesn't make it good. I'm still praying for better communication skills in this area.
Thank you for your continued interest. This is a very long road but I'm grateful for Gerry's continued improvement and progress which would not be possible without the support and kindness of many. Thanks again.
Lori for all
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Update: Christmas 2006
Marinucci Christmas 2006
An update from Laura
They said we would get into a "rhythm of living" but I really didn't believe the professionals. The past few years my myopic mindset has been so narrowly focused on Gerry's immediate needs that regular routines were non-existent. No longer does Gerry's injury control our every moment. Life feels fresh and new and even old drudgery chores, obligations and errands are welcome. Gratitude permeates me when I peer over my shoulder to where we have traveled. The reminder that I could still be standing bedside, in a hospital room, watching Gerry clinging to life is not far from my memory and provides perspective to each day. As a family, we have passed through a valley, having seen first hand God's care, His miracles, His peace, and His Church in action. I'm finding contentment with this new life.
Gerry continues to amaze. Well past the infamous 2 year "time of plateau", he continues to improve. Mondays find us traveling to San Diego for the TBI program. You may recall I was reluctant to continue this program, evaluating the benefit verses drive time. However, this past semester a new course was developed, wherein he and a selective group of students participate in the formation of a school newspaper. This was a perfect match! Old skills are coming back and with Gerry's improvement, new frustrations of how easy things used to be and how they are not so easy any more, are surfacing. In a way, the better he gets the tougher it is on a different level, as his awareness and emotions kick in.
Frankly, Gerry is getting a little bored and restless simply doing his homework at Belinda's while we school the girls together. This fall, Gerry qualified for Medical, which entitled him to participate in a new HMO for seniors. This plan allows for 30 one-way doctor visit rides a year, so a taxi has actually been driving out to Aguanga, picking him up, taking him to physical therapy and then returning him home. Initially, this was a little nerve-wracking as I, the "mother bird," wondered if my fledgling would wonder off, become confused if the taxi didn't pick him up timely, get frustrated filling out the paperwork etc. The goal was more about the entire experience of his independence than the physical therapy itself. Gerry has so enjoyed his independence and has done wonderfully without incident! He completes his therapy at the end of the month by exceeding all his goals. He especially enjoys chatting with the drivers and comes home with a new story each week. With transportation temporarily resolved, it solve my tug of attention between taking the time to drive him to additional therapy away from the girls schooling. Gerry is entitled to 15 new round-trip rides in the year 2007 year and I pray for wisdom and guidance.
Also through this HMO, for a nominal fee, a caregiver comes to the house 3 times per month. So on Wednesdays Gerry stays home with Lilia and does therapy, plays games, takes walks, speaks Spanish, plays instruments, and keeps the sprinkler moving about the yard. His Christmas gift is piano lessons where the instructor comes out to our home. She heard him play by ear and declared, "I could learn from you." However, it became apparent that Gerry requires assistance reading sheet music so they will work on that goal. Music therapy is a great form of cognition therapy and he needs a little push. He is rather critical of himself these days and reluctant to play since his quality is not up to pre-accident standards. Already he is practicing without prompting.
Gerry talks about his aspiration for something meaningful to do in life. Accordingly, this coming year we plan to explore vocational rehab again to see if he is ready or perhaps check into a non-profit food pantry where he might be able to volunteer. Pray for the best activity that will profit him most. Especially pray for the transportation predicament. If I'm driving, I'm not schooling and vise-versa.
We're entering into a new stage. Gerry looks and speaks fairly normal these days such that a stranger might not know of his injury. It remains difficult for him to admit his deficits, but sometimes in conversation something comes out a little awkward, he is gruff or he gives an abrupt response that begs an explanation. His memory and perception have extremely improved this past year. I'm always encouraged when someone who has not seen him in awhile testifies to the measurable progress he has made.
I had a reality check in August when Gerry appeared to be regressing dramatically; I wondered if he was having undetectable strokes or seizures. Physically nothing was unusual but his behavior was horrid. I harkened back to "those days" again. I was just about to take him to the doctor when the heat wave snapped. Yes, that same heat wave that made us all so uncomfortable was the culprit. It put him over the edge. As soon as there was relief from the heat, he was instantaneously improved. This was a dramatic reminder of the struggles with outside stressors that he encounters daily. He is always working diligently to control himself.
Immediately following the heat wave debacle, Mom offered us the use of her timeshare, so together we traveled to the Reno area. Hesitating if it was wise to go, we went anyway. Vacation suits Gerry. He traveled well, was patient, cheerful, excited about what the day's events would hold and even with no set schedule. Not exactly the profile for brain injury! I came home thinking we should be on permanent vacation, so pleasant was the experience! My girls were thrilled with "running water." Being from the deserts of Southern California, they had not yet experienced flowing creeks and streams. We spent much time, wading, exploring and floating the gorgeous creeks and rivers. Our visits with old friends and relatives were delightful. Gerry's sister Carla gifted us with the opportunity to stay at Camp Curry in Yosemite so we meandered home via the historic 49'er trail and stayed 2 days and a night marveling at God's creation.
As a family, we are enjoying TIME to be together. Home schooling accentuates the opportunities to knit us together. This past year brings wonderful memories. We culminated our unit study of the Middle Ages with a wonderful Medieval Feast with our support group. My girls enjoyed preparing wears for the marketplace, the ceremonial feast, dancing, archery, and performing the play "St. George and the Dragon." We continue on our Geography "trip around the world" having completed our unit on Africa concentrating on Missions and the persecuted Christian church. I taught a beginning basics cooking class for our support group and the girls have been cooking up a storm… I'm no dummy!
Together we've been more involved in church activities, have had opportunity for field trips and fun. The girls are still horse crazy! The horse suits my goals of not fracturing my family with activities that scatter us apart. This is something they can do from home and they often spend time on trail rides or in the arena practicing. Anessa and Paula working together have enhanced the closeness of their relationship.
Anessa (age 14) demonstrates maturity in the care of Sonny and never complains about feeding even when it snows. She is a good big sister and teaches Polina what she has learned about horses. Recently her braces came off reminding me of another stage towards maturity. She is now singing in our church's choir and is the treasurer and communications officer for our 4H club.
Polina (age 12) is horse crazy too! She and Anessa do chores for a neighbor in exchange for riding her horse, so the girls can ride together. Polina is proud of the Presidential Physical Fitness award she earned and is excited to try again this coming year. Unfortunately, she has lost her Russian, so as part of our schooling we are studying Russian together. Ugh! It's not easy and as I struggle along, I appreciate of how hard it is for Gerry to re-learn.
Tatiana (age almost 10) has her own 4H project with her rabbit Snickers. She hopes to participate in her first rabbit show in February. Eagerly, at every opportunity, she dresses in her 4H uniform. She would sleep in it if she could! Proudly she recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag to commence the 4H meeting. She has been planning her birthday for the past 360 days and shortly it will be time to celebrate! She enjoys writing and being creative.
We covet your prayers and are thankful for your giving. We are mindful that without your care and support our current rhythm of living would be very, very different. I attempt to be conscientious to redeem the time as my girls are maturing into young women. I'm resting in God's care for our family, appreciative of the gift of TIME to be together as a family. Thank you.
Now I have a better understanding of the passage to "Count it all joy when you face various trials…" Trials force one to re-evaluate what's important in life! Pray along with me that the "big things" in life will stay big; that I can focus on what really matters in this world. I pray the lessons learned will not be drowned out by the busy routines of life and that our new "rhythm of living" will be a different lifestyle; one filled with praise, thankfulness and contentment in all things.
Wishing you the gift of faith increased, the blessing of hope renewed, and the peace of His love this Christmas and always!
Love the Marinuccis
Monday, March 13, 2006
Update 3/11/06
Dear Family & Friends, Passing on an important update on Gerry and how their family is doing (already coming up on 2 years post-accident). Lori continues to carry their family through each day with God's help, and her strength and faith continue to inspire me and everyone who knows them. Thank you for continuing to keep them in your prayers.
Gina Gronlund
(The picture was taken last Thanksgiving. Clockwise from top: Gerry, Tatania, Anessa, Polina, and, center, Lori.)
Gina Gronlund
(The picture was taken last Thanksgiving. Clockwise from top: Gerry, Tatania, Anessa, Polina, and, center, Lori.)
Dear Family and Friends,
I never got around to getting Christmas cards sent out this past year. I am touched by the warm response from many, many who sent cards or called to inquire what was going on with our family. Many others have requested I provide an update. This is my attempt to provide a recap of what’s currently going on two years post-accident.
Gerard is attending a free Brain Injury Program in
Gerard has begun vision therapy in
Additionally, Dr. Ron Higuera, a friend at church, who conducts ATC therapy which stretches the muscles, is working with Ger and has lessened the constant pain Ger experiences in his neck and left foot. These are the same problems that we spent days in the hospital attempting to resolve with no success. Ron affirms that Ger is still in an awful lot of physical pain, which certainly affects his disposition. Ger rarely complains, however, stating “you just have to suck it up; it is what it is.” Ron has always been willing to help but initially Ger wouldn’t allow Ron to touch him because the stretching itself hurts, causing a lot of pain to bound muscles and tendons. Pray that Ger will continue to put himself through these painful stretches in order to experience permanent relief.
We have been surviving off of unemployment, savings and occasional gifts. To date this has allowed me to stay home. Daily, we all go to Belinda’s home and school together. Surprisingly, home schooling has proved beneficial to Gerry. He sits and does school right along with the children; when they do math drills, he does math drills. Sometimes he just listens, but this is a form of indirect therapy where he is not “on” all the time. He especially enjoys Bible class, (Machen’s commentary on the Catechism), Worldview and Spanish classes. He often interjects appropriately and is good about correcting our mispronunciations in Spanish. It seems as if his brain is loading back up.
My desire is to educate my girls and witness God’s hand in healing Gerard. I have been preparing for and teaching several classes and I am enjoying every minute. Working alongside Belinda has been my therapy. I’m grateful that she allows me to sneak away 2 days a week to take Ger to therapy/TBI school. I couldn’t do it without her. Pray that God would continue to bless her and her efforts! She does a wonderful job, is exceedingly patient, and is constantly faithful. What a godly example of self-sacrificing friendship! We have noticed a calmness the past several months and the girls are all doing quite well at school, benefiting from the structure and extra attention.
Finally, almost 2 years after the accident (3/17), our family is experiencing a full but more peaceful schedule. I’m realizing how much the girls need my attention “after the storm” and desire this season of “normalcy”. As most Moms know, I am working harder than ever. I have a passion to redeem the time and feel a sense of urgency because I don’t know for how long this season of staying home will last. Partly because of what has transpired in our lives, it is of utmost importance to me to instruct my children in good Biblical doctrine to ensure they have a firm foundation. Apart from God, nothing makes sense. Knowing God is central. It has been everything to me. My zeal is purposely to provide for them the same foundation so that they can understand what has transpired from “God’s perspective.” Knowing Him truly is our only hope.