Kenneth Gottfried

Information Website

October 6th

Carmen & Stephanie

Hello Everyone
Time for Ken's Update From Carmen and Stephanie

The exciting news is that Ken was at home in Brockville for the weekend. He stayed overnight at Carmen and Wendy's on Saturday, day 140, and it was his first night away from the hospital since May 18th. He was nervous but handled it quite well. He said that he slept better than at the hospital. The cat really took to him and Sylvester spent a lot of time sleeping on him and also beside him. Ken had a surprise visit from his sister Vicki and brother in law Rob on Saturday. Vicki was on her way home from the hospital on Saturday after being discharged from her surgery on Wednesday. She was feeling and looking great and we had several good laughs. Please keep Vicki in your prayers as she recovers. Wendy took Ken back to St. Mary's of the
Lake Hospital on Sunday in time for his supper. What a busy and tiring weekend for Wendy but she loved having Ken at home.

Please spread the word to your friends and family to keep Ken in your prayers because he will be having surgery this Friday October 10. Ken is having his bone flap (piece of his skull bone approx. 2"x4") reinserted. The doctors had to remove it to allow for his brain to swell after his injury. He is expected to remain at Kingston General Hospital for a day or two. It will truly be a 'Thanksgiving' weekend for all of us to have Ken with us after all that he's been through. It's bringing tears to my eyes as I
(Carmen) write this because we all really do have so much to be thankful for.

Andy visited and Noel looked after and played poker with Ken on Saturday. Ken beat him fair and square. When we arrived home from a dinner party with friends Ken was playing a fun game of online poker. The game started with 90 people and Ken was down to being one of the last 7 players. At that point he quit so that he could go to bed. Noel says that Ken is a "very smart poker player and has patience."

Ken's sense of humour was very evident last week when I visited him. At one

point I made him smile and then told him that 'Smile' was one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I then asked him if he wanted me to sing 'Smile' to him and he replied "No, I don't want you to ruin one of the most beautiful songs ever written." Ken later asked me to pour him an Ensure (liquid meal supplement) and I asked him if he wanted it 'shaken'. He said "ya, but not stirred!" (James Bond's famous line).

We've returned Ken's arm brace to the supplier. It didn't fit right, hurt his wrist when he wore it, didn't seem to be working and the sales rep wouldn't come to Kingston to check it out. His left arm and hand still aren't moving much and we need more time, prayers and physiotherapy for them to return to 100%. We know he'll do it! We're meeting with the therapists on Wednesday to get a complete update on Ken's progress and rehab plans.

Overall Ken's progress is slow and steady. He's pleased that his
surgery will soon be completed and he remains positive about his recovery. We're
all hoping and praying that the bone flap surgery will help terminate his
terrible headaches as is the case with many people. He told me that he needs
to "get off the meds." Ken enjoys having visitors so please come and
spend some time with him. It's a good part of his rehab. Just phone or email
Wendy or myself first to make sure that your visit doesn't conflict with his many rehabilitation sessions.

Thanks for your continued love, support and prayers
Steph and Carmen