Monday, August 9, 2010


Not one day goes by where my dad doesn't surprise us or amaze us in one way or another! Every day he improves, and every day he becomes more and more 'Geoff.'

My dad is completely back on the rehab floor now. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when we went from ICU back to our 'home' on the rehab floor. The nurses and therapists have been commenting on how good he looks with his bone flap back in (and a nice battle scar to show off.) The biggest frustration for my dad right now is his speech. He has made SO much progress, but of course not enough for him. Yet. It's definitely coming, although we'll have to wait a while. He can consistently fill in the blank for opposites, such as 'black and ____,' 'up and ____,' 'in and ____,' etc. He's doing really well. He can also say 'love you,' and finish it off with one of our names. It's so sweet.

Yesterday was the first day that my dad finally admitted it was hot outside. With 95% humidity, and a temperature of 90, we were all very grateful that he did! We took a short walk, then went back inside for an afternoon snack at a restaurant across the street. He said 'whew!!' several times. It was hot!




"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galations 6:9

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." -Psalm 18:32-34

11 comments:

  1. Yeah....for Geoff and all of you....

    Ronae Rose

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  2. Such great news!! Yay!!!!(from the Canadian cheering gallery!)

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  3. Thanks Clara for the updates! We are continuing to lift you guys up to Jesus in prayer for continued strength and healing. Give a big hug to all your family from Dan and Lynn.

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  4. Hey Hathaway Family -

    Cheering on the progress from Minneapolis. Go Geoff Go!!!

    When you posted the note from Janet that said you all read every comment, I wanted to let you know that I have been thinking of you all and just wanted you to know that my thoughts for continued healing have been flowing your way. So give a big hug to Geoff from me and be good to yourselves.

    Christa Anders (Misty's friend and college room mate who remembers when Geoff was the Big Man on the Olaf Campus!)

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  5. We are so grateful for your updates! You are an amazing family and we continue to remember you in prayer, and rejoice with you in every small step and victory-Way to go Geoff! Can't wait to see the Hathaways taking their customary stroll around Montevideo soon!

    Love, The Braces

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  6. Dearest Clara, Janet - and ALL the Hathaways:
    I am continuing to feel close to you through these postings. Clara, thank you so much for taking the time to write these and keep us up to date. It is a wonderful, joyous thing, that you are able to hear the sound of Geoff's voice. Slowly but surely, all his verbal skills will return, and he will continue to amaze us all. I am thinking of all of you every day and, as always, am sending you love from my heart.
    Take good care.
    All my love - to ALL of you!
    Julie K.

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  7. Hello to all the Hathaways! Thank you Clara for the updates. Keep up the hard work Geoff. What a blessing to have such a dedicated bunch of "coaches" at your side. My prayers for all of you continue on a daily basis.
    Peace,
    Ellen Moore

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  8. Hello Janet;
    I don't know if you remember me but I am Geoff's banker and friend. I am encouraged by his progress and I am sure he will be back to his usual self soon. My Father also had a stroke three years ago and I am quite familiar with the symptoms, especially speech problems. I would like to make a visit and perhaps take Geoff to lunch, do you think this would be a good idea and if so could you give me some possible dates? All of you are in our prayers.
    Sincerely,
    William and Mary Baker
    wbaker@americanbankmn.com

    St Paul

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  9. Dearest Hathaways,

    We miss you all so much at church and seeing you around town. I know our kids have missed seeing your kids as well. We cannot wait until a whole pew is filled up with you guys again. Until then, we will keep praying for all of you. God is mighty, awesome and good.

    Lots of love and care for you all,
    The Stevens family

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  10. Hello Hathaway family,
    Just want to let you know that we continue to support you in prayer. :) So glad to hear the updates and that progress is continuing. Hope to see you again some time soon. Hang in there!

    Love, the Varpness family

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  11. Geoff,

    Just heard about your medical difficulties. I hope it wasn't caused by the chicken we ate at the KFC in Detroit Lakes back in 77.
    Hope your back in the groove soon.

    Peace, Love, and Frank Quilici,
    T.Bags

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