Carol Nelson-Snyder

New Year

2011-01-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

We start the year with good thoughts and goals.
Carol celebrated her birthday and had a great time in December.
Also Christmas meant a visit and dinner at our house with all of
her children home as well as brother and sisters helping.
She had a very good time and enjoyed tearing the paper
off of her gifts.
She also surprised us with gifts that she had made while
at Tendercare (with help from a very devoted friend)
Each of the kids got a handmade pillow (fleece covered and
tied by Carol herself) We have snapshots of her working on
the project..THANKS so much to her friend ANN!!
In therapy we are working on 'walking' and standing and balance.
We have a new brace ordered for her left foot and ankle. Hope
it works to help lift the foot and straighten the ankle.
Thanks to all for the continued prayers, gifts of time and energy
visits and gifts. It has been an enjoyable holiday for Carol.
Hard to believe that she has been in Gaylord for over a year, now.
Posted by Pat Nelson (Carol's Mother)

After Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T12:38:00.001-08:00

Just a quick hello from Carol.
    Carol had a very nice holiday with both Jenny and Patrick home
to visit and help her with therapy. The staff provided a delicious dinner
at Tendercare which Carol enjoyed. The setting was special
and the seasonal decorations were just right for THANKGIVING!
    We later had Carol join us at home for 'our' family turkey dinner with
all of the trimmings We all enjoyed her visit and know how fortunate
we are to be able give 'thanks' together.
     How quickly a year goes by..we were in Southfield
Rehabilitation Hosp one year ago (2009) and she was able to have
her first 'real' dinner then. We surely enjoyed this 2010 Thanksgiving and
know how fortunate we are that Carol continues to make substantial
progress.
   Jen celebrated her birthday while she was in
Gaylord and she and Carol and staff shared cupcakes.
It was rewarding to see how Carol has improved and we all
pray that she continues her steady progress.
Thank you all for the wonderful thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Pat Nelson (Carol's Mom)

Early November

2010-11-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Carol to all.
Carol has been really working hard in her therapy sessions.
She has learned to pull herself up in the parallel bars and
has taken several steps ( we call it walking) We are very
excited with her new developments. Since then we have
also fitted her with new hightop 'tennies' and hope that the
weight on her feet with help to stretch the ankles.
     Carol is still very good natured and loves her visitors, singing,
listening to music and making the 'rounds' at Tendercare.
She does lessons - math, reading, spelling, memory and writing
everyday.
    We want to thank each of you for taking all of the precious time
that you have to spend with Carol. This helps so much with her
progress. She loves the cards and pictures, flowers and candy and
especially your visits.
God bless you all.      Posted by Pat Nelson (Carol's mother)

october

2010-10-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Carol has been working in therapy and still shows progress.
She loves the fall weather and has been outside for short periods
in her wheel chair to enjoy this wonderful season.
She has enjoyed several visits, many cards and well wishes,
and the thoughts and phone messages from family and friends.
We are showing her pictures of family and friends hoping to
jog some more memories. Thanks to all who haved helped and
continue to pray for Carol and her family.
Pat Nelson (Carol's Mom)

End of September

2010-09-28T06:37:00.001-07:00

Hello to all,   I am sorry that such a long time has
gone by since we last updated the site. I did get out to
Colorado when Biz had her baby, a boy, 6#5 oz...really cute
Carol has a new nephew. September 9, 2010.
   Carol has been working very hard and is showing great
results. Her therapies are showing progress in standing for
short periods and in much easier transferring and scooting.
   She has also been working on memory and speech and
limited reading and writing. She is more active in her wheel
chair and 'visits' many areas of the facility. We sometimes
have a time trying to find her..usually it is where there is a
new activity or some really good food!!
    We thank all of you for the kindnesses you have showered on
Carol - the many cards, flowers, gifts, visits, thoughts and prayers keep
her on track and cheer her days and evenings.
Thanks from the entire family both the Snyders and Nelsons.
Posted by Pat Nelson (Carol's mother)

August

2010-08-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

   Can't believe we're in the middle of August. Carol is still slowly progressing
with her therapy - we are a little slower as her insurance is not covering
as much as before and our additioinal helper is on vacation. Shannon and
I are trying to keep up some basic moves and we are trying to get her out
for some fresh air in this beautiful weather.
     We will be trying to get more done this week. Getting back to a more
active schedule. Also a little visit to the dentist...Tendercare transports her
with their vehicle and her wheel chair.
   Will was home over the week-end. Jen will be home for the end of the month.
Thanks to everyone for the continued prayers.
Nelson Snyder Families - posted by Pat Nelson (Carol's Mom)

Later in july-

2010-07-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

     What a beautiful July. The days have been lovely and just right
to take Carol outside for short rides in her wheel chair.
She feels the breeze and the sunshine.
Her visit to the eye doctor show that the right eye is
improving gradually and that helps her perception.
    We practice minor math problems everyday and she
attends therapy each day .   With extra help
she may also have an afternoon session.
   A huge 'thank you' to all who help with meals and lessons
and of course those who keep Carol in their prayers.
God continues to give Carol strength and we remain
encouraged for her eventual recovery.
Patricia Nelson (Carol's Mom)

2010-07-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Week-end was a wonderful
time for Carol. Her children were here and visited. It
proved to be a happy time. Therapy continues and
Her vision has improved since the surgery but we need
one more check up to be sure.
Thanks to all who have sent cards, flowers, messages and
good will. Best from the Nelson-Snyder families,
(posted by Patricia Nelson, Carol's Mom)

after eye surgery

2010-06-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
Carol is having a difficult and busy week. We (Tendercare Van and two assistants) took her to Saginaw for the surgery on her right eye. She has had
extremely limited vision in that eye from the brain trauma. The retinal Surgeon
was able to extract some of the 'matter' on the retina. Now we wait to give the
eye time to adjust, reduce swelling, and heal to find out if there is improvement in her sight.
Please continue your prayers and we know that she will have continued progress. Thanks to all. Your thoughts, prayers, visits, and shared comments have been gratefully received.
Pat Nelson (Carol's Mom)

carol and her eye surgery

2010-06-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Carol is scheduled for eye surgery this week. We will have to
take her via wheelchair and van to Saginaw to the retinal
surgeon. We are hoping that this will help clear some of
the blurry vision in one eye for now. If that happens Carol may be
able to see better. Especially to read some 'big print' and maybe
see the television screen.
Thanks to all for the prayers and good thoughts.
Best to all Pat Nelson (Carol's Mom)

Status for Carol Nelson - One year and one month after

2010-06-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to believe that a whole and year and another month have passed

since Carol suffered the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. We are very fortunate

that she is alive and that we see small but continued improvements in her

functionality. We (her parents and her children) hope that she is able to

continue her progress and one day be able to gain the use of her legs, feet, ankles

and her memory. Therapy continues as many days a week as she can tolerate.

Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.

This note from the family - Nelson - Snyder families

2010-03-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

To all of the 'snowbirds' in Fla and elsewhere
and to all of us who stayed in Gaylord or surrounds,
happy spring!
Carol is progressing a little each day. Therapy is
getting more developmental and we are trying to
keep the hand brace on more at night and nap time.
She tried a few notes on the piano and seemed to
really like that. I'll take in the lap top and see
if she likes the 'hunt and peck' on the keyboard.
She got beautiful roses this week and is ready
for SPRING! Thanks to all.
Nelson Snyder family

carol

2010-03-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

Just checking the posts and find that some that we have tried to publish
have not made the site. I am so sorrry.
Carol is really doing well. She is up and at therapy almost every
day and has shown remarkable progress with her hands, arms,
and shoulders. We work on the feet and ankles as well and have
made them much stronger. She is learning to scoot and has tried
standing as well.
Carol is cheered by the visits, cards, flowers and many gifts she
has received. Thank you all for caring and asking about her.
We still pray that the progress continues and it does!!

Thank you all Pat Nelson (Mom)
and all of the nelson-snyder family

2010-02-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all of the responses. I did promise to be a little more faithful with
the messages.
Carol is still doing better each day. She is smiling more and writing words, names
and short messages. She loves seeing family, we were able to take Hogan (Biz and Phil's
little boy) in to see her. She was able to give him a balloon and he played with the
basketball in her activity area.
Therapy is on going and she does like to 'work out' at least most of the time.
She is reaching out and pushing and pulling up!! No walking yet but we have time
to work on balance, feet position and working out with the legs and feet.

Thanks to all for the wonderful cards, flowers, cookies and extra treats and visits.
We will let you know more later..

2010-02-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Good morning from Gaylord and the first part of February.
We can't believe that almost a whole month has gone by
since we were communicating about Carol.
Jen of course is back at work and Shannon, Will and Patrick
have gone back to school and/or work as well.

Carol has really been working hard and has made substantial
progress. She is working on balance - upper body and now
sits up and is able to help feed herself and she work on simple puzzles and
flash cards. Her eye sight has improved slightly on its own - we were
not able to have the suggested surgery as that meant a trip back to
Henry Ford Hospital and weather and circumstances were not
favorable for another trip for Carol.

We have continued physical therapy, occupational therapy and
speech therapy. The best sight is to see Carol trying to use the silverware
and feeding herself with both the left and right hands.
Her conversations have expanded and she is able to have a limited talk with
the kids and Chuck on the phone.
Ron is helping with both breakfast and dinner or after dinner
every day. He is her best therapy!!

I fill in for lunch, before dinner practice (with words, conversation, and
phone calls) and as a dinner companion. Ron takes over the evening activities.
We also have many helpers and we are very grateful for all
of the attention, gifts, conversations, prayers and cards that continue.
We appreciate everyones help and know Carol is progressing because of that.

Best to all from the Nelson Snyder families.

Happy 2010

2010-01-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry we weren't on top of writing posts over the holidays....it was a week filled with lots of family, thanks, snow, and most importantly Mom!

Every time I come home to see Mom for a few days I am amazed by her progress. I finally arrived in Gaylord on Mom's birthday, and for the first time she knew that I was Jenny (not Susan or Kelly-her sisters). It was the best gift ever! She usually knows that I'm one of her family members but this visit she was clearer on the fact that I was her daughter.

Everyday is filled with improvement-she can eat almost by herself-we just have to make sure she takes it slow! She likes listening to music-she loves to sing along and I'm amazed that she knows every word to every song on the radio.

On Christmas, all four of us kids and Ron-Mom's boyfriend-had coffee and presents with Mom, just like we normally would. Though is was strange spending Christmas morning at Tender Care-it was obvious that we made Mom happy as we celebrated the best part of Christmas-Family! Throughout the rest of the day, her sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and parents all visited to wish her a Merry Christmas.

Mom was strong enough to take a field trip on the 26th to her Mom and Dad's house to see the Christmas Tree and have a family breakfast. She was a little overwhelmed-but handled her first outing in eight months incredibly well!

With 2009 behind us, we are looking forward to Mom's road to recovery and her path home. She still enjoys a few visitor, but tires easily- so if you are looking to visit, we recommend that you limit the visit to 15 mins and come between the hours or 1-2 pm and 4-5 pm.

This past year has been one of the most difficult Mom and our family has endured, and I can not thank each and every one of you enough for your kindness, prayers and support.

Just like everything, there are good days and not so good days. Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers!

Thank you-and may you and your loved ones 2010 be filled with everything your hearts desire!

With deepest gratitude-
Jen Nelson and the entire Nelson and Nelson-Snyder Families!

2009-12-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

At the end of the first week in Gaylord Carol is adjusting well.
She has new a new therapy schedule and is working hard. Her speech
is improving everyday and she really enjoying Ron who comes to
help her and join her at meal times.
Carol talks on the phone several times a day to her kids and others.
Yes she can have visitors but just for short times. She still can be very
tired after her workouts.
Thanks to all
Nelson Snyder Families

2009-12-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hello to all,
We have good news. Carol is going to Gaylord Monday Dec. 7th. She will be at TENDERCARE
Nursing Facility in Gaylord as an in patient. We are happy that she can get back 'up north'
and will be able to see some new faces and friends. Visiting willl be limited until we get her settled and readjusted to a new schedule but she is anxious to move to her new facility.
Carol has been doing better each day and we think this is a good move for her.
Thanks for all of the letters, cards and thoughts and prayers - we know many of you keep her in your prayers and we can only say THANK YOU - they(the prayers) are working as we see improvement every day.
Ron and William took care of the Saturday and Sunday care and we sure appreciate that.
See you in Gaylord after Tuesday.

Nelson and Snyder Families

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Hello All-

Happy Thanksgiving. This year we have a lot to be thankful for! I am utterly amazed with Moms progress.

Mom had a day full of visitors, the Lions (who she somehow knew would loose) and Turkey. Patrick, Shannon, David, Susan, Grandma and Grandpa and I all took turns visiting mom yesterday. She ate mashed potatoes, turkey with gravy, and pumpkin pie.

We hope that you all had wonderful Thanksgivings! Thank you for all your support, thoughts and prayers!

Best

Jen Nelson
and the entire Nelson and Nelson-Snyder Families.

2009-11-18T05:07:00.002-08:00

Hello to all
Carol is doing so much better. Each day she improves in her motor skills.
She is eating several varieties of foods. Holding her own in therapy..
much stretching, more movement, and increasing strength.
SHe is very alert and is answering our questions and loves her phone calls
from Ron and CHuck and the kids.
We continue to work on all fronts and hope to soon be home for a visit.
Best to all - We have needed your prayers and thoughts and continue to use the positive karma- Carol loves opening her
cards and loves the messages.
Thanks so much - Nelson Snyder families

Hello to all,November after opening day (15th)

2009-11-18T05:07:00.001-08:00

Good News

2009-11-10T10:20:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone-

I just got off the phone with Grandma-- Mom went to her ENT doctor today and had her Trach removed. This is an incredible step for Mom! It will take a few weeks to heal but it will be more comfortable for Mom and is a great step in her regaining some independence.

Also, with the help of the Speech Therapist, Mom is beginning to eat some real foods, like peaches, which are easy for her to swallow and attempt to chew.

Today is a good day!

As always, my family and I cannot thank you enough for your constant thoughts and prayers! Mom seems to be progressing and working towards coming home to us all! Please continue to send good energy and encouragement!

Best,

Jen Nelson
and the entire Nelson and Nelson-Snyder Families.

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Mom had a busy weekend. Her friend Lois Skinner stayed with Mom while Grandma took a much needed break up north. Ron, William, Shannon and myself all made visits. I am incredibly amazed by Mom's progress. She is still saying some words and eating ice chips and ice cream. Monday, I visited with Mom all day-we talked about Halloween in Gaylord, and reminisced about my siblings and I growing up. Mom seems to know who she is, who her family is, and where she is from. She tends to tire easily, but it is clear that she is working hard and making progress.

Saturday, Patrick, David, Grandma, Grandpa and I handed out Halloween candy at Nelson's Funeral Home, carrying on a great Gaylord Halloween tradition. Though it was cold and wet, we enjoyed seeing everyone's costumes and talking to those interested in Mom and praying for her recovery.

As always, my family and I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement and support. We will be sure to post more updates soon.
Thank you and God Bless.

Jen Nelson and The Nelson and Nelson-Snyder Families

October 30, 2009

2009-10-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello from Lakeland Center in Southfield.
Carol was transferred from HenryFord Hospital
last Friday. She is really glad to be back in rehab,
and is regaining her strength. The infection is under
control and Carol is able to get back to some soft food,
ice chips (her favorite- or maybe it is the vanilla ice cream),
and some liquids. She is also back to limited excerise, and
range of motion activities. She is giving us brief answers and
opinions that we have been waiting so long to hear.
We thank everyone for their thoughts and cards and prayers.

Carol has been glad to see Ron and her kids who visit as often as
possible. She is often out of her room at physical therapy but enjoys
seeing occasional friends and family for short visits. If anyone wants
to stop we could talk and give you a tentative schedule. Please know
that we welcome a visit but her schedule can change daily. Visiting hours
are from 12 noon to approximately 6:30 pm.

We will try to keep everyone updated more often. Thanks so much and
Happy Halloween. Nelson Snyder families

Update

2009-10-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

Mom has been temporarily transferred to Henry Ford Medical Center. We hope that she will be able to return to Lakeland soon. We will keep you updated.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Jen Nelson

Progress

2009-10-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

I am in Michigan for the first time in a month and I'm so happy to see that Mom is making progress. Though we still have a long road ahead of us , we have come such a long way. Mom is working daily with Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists. Each one is doing a tremendous job and encouraging Mom to get better each day. Mom is slowly able to utter words like "Hi" and "Sure". Though her voice is faint, it is wonderful to hear it for the first time in months. She recognizes her family, which I am incredibly grateful for, as well as some close family friends that have visited.

Patrick made a visit today, which Mom really enjoyed. I get to stay through Tuesday before I have to head back to work in DC. Shannon is fighting a cold so she stayed away this weekend and William is on a trip with School. It has been great to spend the weekend with Mom and Grandma, who as everyone knows has been this family's rock and glue.

I have to extend a grand thank you to everyone who is still interested in Mom's recovery and I speak for my Mom and our entire family when I thank everyone for all the prayers and blessings that have been showered upon us over the past six months.

Now that Grandma and I have the password to get on this site, we will be better at updating everyone.

Thank you and God Bless!

Jennifer Nelson

Welcome Everyone!!

2009-10-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! I know it has been a really long time since we have updated everyone. But now we have this new website and we will keep in contact more! :)

It is getting colder but my mom doesnt seem to nimd. My mom is doing amazing!! With the help of my grandmother and the nursing staff my mom has gone through some intense rehab and she seems to really enjoy that. Mostly they are working with the speech theropists so she can swallow more. They are feeding her ice cream, yogurt, and things like that, that she can swallow easily. She is just working so hard. My mom is in a very good place right now and getting the best care that she possibly can.

With school started Will and I only have the opportunity to come down to see her on the weekends. Jen and Pat are working so they dont get to come as much. Ron also comes down when he gets a chance. My mom spends a lot of time with my uncle David and My Grandma. We are all very happy that she is in this place and is doing so much better now. We told those doctors that she has never been this still in 25 years atleast!

We still cannot thank everyone enough of all the support and prayers that you are all still giving my mom and our family! Thank you and we love all of you!!

The Nelson-Snyder/Nelson Family