To all of you who have been close to Carl and me through your prayers, cards and calls. Each of you, relative and/or friend, have shared a concern over our particular situation and are wondering how we are doing. Needless to say, there has been a great change in our life over the past year but, rest assured, we are in God's hands---taking a day at a time and living every minute.

January 25,2000--that was the day we were told that Carl had a brain tumor. We had no warning--no pain--no headaches--nothing that would have eased the shock. In fact, we had gone shopping for birthday supplies. We were to celebrate Carl's 75th birthday, but thanks to God, we will be celebrating his 76th within a couple of weeks. Let me try to share with you what we are dealing with. On the 25th, at five in the morning, Carl had a stroke. A cat scan showed a mass in the brain. An operation on 2/7, seven months after open heart surgery, left Carl in a coma for 6 days. They were able to remove part of the tumor, about 1/4, sharing that it will continue to grow. There will be no more surgery. Carl spent 78 days in the hospital. We got him home on April 11th, two weeks before my kids put us in the van and took us to Gulf Shores. We do this every year and the doctors said GO! With the use of a walker and a wheelchair, we had a great time. Carl loves the beach. We are planning to go again this year. We also took him on a cruise in July. Thanks to my kids and grandkids, Grampa had such fun. Kids love to push wheelchairs!!! Now--what about Carl. He has no pain, is very happy--really does not realize how serious this is. Isn't that a blessing? He does need 24 hour care. His short term memory is gone--cannot remember if or when he ate--what day it is (thinks every day is Sunday) sometimes can't remember where he is. I've been told his processing skills are between a 3 and a 5 year old. So--he does need someone with him at all times. There is so much he cannot do but let me tell you, we have had some great times since I got him home. He is my #1 priority. My prayer is for God to keep me well and strong to be his caregiver but when and is it gets to where I can't, God knows I want Him to take him. Meanwhile we try to do something every day--shopping, out to eat, go to basketball games, attend church every Sunday, sometimes Kiwanis, and Senior Bible study breakfast on Thursdays. I try to get Carl to Janesville at least once a month to see his family. Thanksgiving and Christmas were great with his kids. We have been so lucky to have Bill and Thema spend time with us. My daughter has a lovely apartment connected to their house that they stay in. Both Bill and Thema have been such a support to me. You can't imagine how great it is to call them anytime I need a boost. Their calls, letters and pictures keep Carl involved. He loves to talk to Brother Bill. Bernadine never lets a week go by without a phone call. Who could believe how important these thing would be. So--this is what is going on at the Racine Weber's. As of now, the only thing we are dealing with are TIA's (minor strokes) Carl does have 8 to 10 a month. They last anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes--leave him somewhat paralyzed for a short time-can't walk or speak too good for a while and do some damage in his ability to comprehend---but we get him back. It's the growth of the tumor that blocks the blood flow. His medication seems to be keeping the blood thin enough to prevent a major stroke. Thank God for that!!

Well, let's hope this information will help you better understand Carl's situation. Remember, he has no pain--is very happy- and honest to goodness, he is a pleasure to take care of-so appreciative and thinks I'm the best caregiver in the world. Can't beat that!! I do have to say--there is no way I would have been able to handle this year without my daughters and their husbands. They are minutes away, always have their cell phones with them, and have us with them so much. They are the greatest!!

Carl will be having another MRI Jan 31st. They want to do one every 6 months to keep track of the growth. Not much they can do however. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

One great big thank you to Brother Bill for getting this out to all of you.
Lots of Love and Prayers
Elaine

Carl & Elaine do not have e-mail but you can contact them via phone:
1-262-886-8669 or by snail mail:
5528 Cambridge Lane
Racine, WI 53406

We hope to improve on this site as we go along.
This is my first attempt to use this companies site for this purpose.
Hope you like it.
Brother Bill

January 21st, 2001
Thanks, Barb Buchanan, Sue,Weber Reed & Mary Lindahl, and Roger &
Sandy Weber, Tom Lindahls, Dawn & Bernard Lynch For Your
PositiveResponse to this WEB Site.

January 24th,
Orin Sherwood - Salt Lake City, phoned yesterday afternoon said most of the relatives did not have computers but he was taking the report and printing it up and sending everyone of the relatives a copy.

January 25th,
We are going to try and go down next week as that will be Carl's 76th birthday. Our Mothers and Carl's birhdays were on the same day. Feb 1st.

January 26th
Thanks Rhonda, Gary and Girls for your very nice e-mail received this morning.

January 27th
Barb sent this e-mail on Jan. 21st so I contacted her and asked if I could post it on this site and she said to go ahead as long as I don't print her e-mail address.

Uncle Bill and Aunt Thema,
I think it is great.(This WEB Site)
I thank God everyday for Elaine and her kids. I wish we were close enough to do more and see them more. It sometimes is so hard.

I want the best for Dad and I love him so much. When I hear about the TIA's it's hard and when I saw one it wiped me out. Again, I thank God for Elaine and how much she loves him and how well she takes care of him. We try to help Mom as much as we can with Bob. She no longer leaves him alone for more than an hour or so at a time. It seems that he is going downhill quite fast. I am so glad my mom's are strong enough to take care of my dads. Well that is all for now, I hope to see you at Dad's birthday.

Love,
Barb & Bob

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Thanks Barb and Bob for letting me post your e-mail. That is what this page is all about. Sharing our thoughts, information and concerns with others in the family. We hope more of you will allow us to use your comments.
WEB Host
Brother Bill-Uncle Bill or What Ever You Want to Call Me.

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Feb 5th, 2001

As noted above, we have had a great time here with Brother Carl and Elaine since we arrived last Thursday. We will try and get a full report to all of you on this by Thursday but this we can say, Carl is looking and seems to be feeling pretty good, still has a bit of problem getting around but does need his walker in and around the house. It will be just a year ago on Feb. 7th that he had his brain surgery. More later,

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