Moments With Bampa...

We are LOVING being close to Bampa again. I am amazed by how much he has improved since we last saw him end of March. His voice and laugh are more natural, more him. He is walking so great, even up and down the stairs. He continues to work so hard. My sister is out of town and Cindy went to Idaho for the week to spend time with Nicole (who just had sweet baby girl, Lauren!) I'm so glad I get to spend this time with my Dad. He has therapies daily for about 3 hours. He wakes up each morning on his own, does his exercises, showers, gets ready for the day, and even makes his bed. My boys can't get enough Bampa snuggles and they laugh until their bellies ache playing with him. This makes me so happy,  I wondered if it would take the boys a bit to adjust and understand, but a beat wasn't missed, Bampa is still Bampa, and my boys are in heaven playing with him each day. We are still trying to figure out the best ways to communicate, it takes a little longer but we can usually figure out what he is trying to tell us. I did receive my first text message from him today since the stroke, it was a pretty quality text conversation we shared. Each night we do scriptures and prayer, I sit in between Dad and Fynch, I read four verses then Dad will read two, I will read four more, and Fynch will read two, and we will continue that pattern until we finish the chapter. There's a part of me that yeah, it is sad and devastating that my Dad has to relearn everything and to watch him struggle with words and daily tasks, but my heart is so filled with gratitude, admiration and love for him, and for how far he has come and how optimistic and perseverant he continues to be. We were sitting together downstairs going through his flash cards, and he looked out the window and said, "I am happy." I am so thankful for the tender mercies and miracles that continue to take place.  President Clark and Sister Clark stopped by to visit tonight. So thankful for their love and great encouragement they give my Dad, along with everyone else who loves him. We love you all, and can't express just how thankful we are for your continued prayers and love for our Dad.

UPDATE...

We were happy to be discharged from the hospital April 22 and on to another journey on the road to Kevins recovery. We feel blessed to be accepted into the 'Rehab Without Walls ' program here in Utah. This is an intense neur-rehab program not available at all in Idaho. Our Physical therapist, Occupational therapist and Speech therapist all come into the home throughout the week with aggressive and varied treatment. Each is excellent and provides special skills and expertise in neuro-rehabilitation. I do not think Kevin's recovery could be in better hands. We continue to feel most grateful and humble to be recipients of so many united in prayer. We surely feel those prayers. Kevin is working so very hard and making gains daily. Often a therapist asks him if he needs a break. A 'No!' with a smile is almost always the answer. They comment that just doesn't happen with other clients. The therapists also provide us with a variety of many exercises and activities during off therapy time. Recovery is a full time job. There have been tender mercies all around us. Tender mercies at the hands of family, friends, those in the ward we attend here who have so warmly welcomed us, strangers in stores/ restaurants/games and programs we get to attend to watch grandchildren. Dear friends and family are taking care of the upkeep on our home and yard. We pray for special blessings on these angels daily! We know that through much united faith and prayer, priesthood blessings, lots of hard work and determination, the Lord will bless us with a remarkable recovery.

-Cindy Miyasaki and family

Hospital scripture study. 

Our oasis in the hospital where we would read, watch conference and Mormon channel videos.

Last day in the hospital OT session.

Sunk a ball on the second shot!

Push! Pull! 

Passive exercise on that right affected side. 

Getting more movement in the right arm, hand and fingers. 

Nice shot of Kevin mini golfing and Nicole's baby tummy.

 

My kids are having so much fun having Bampa near! 

They love getting involved in the therapies, reading with him,

 having him come to their special events and lots and lots of snuggles!

-Nachelle

 

April 17th...

This Friday we will leave this Neuro Rehab Center and begin a new leg of our journey. We've seen so much progress here and feel so very grateful for the expertise and knowledge of the therapists. Today we went outside for a good 50 minutes, using a cane. He felt good about doing that, also enjoyed it; although, a major workout for him. Just a few weeks ago walking the wheelchair along the same route, I told  him he would be walking along here soon. He just raised his eyebrows and laughed. But now he's doing it!

                                              Kevin was happy to be walking outside again 👍

We are both excited to see progress with language. He does best one on one...we've had some precious conversations lately. This is quite a journey but also a spiritual journey. Praying and reading scriptures together has always been a special experience but has taken on a new tenderness now. Elder Kim and Sue Clark's visits are always a highlight. We're grateful for the faith, prayers and encouragement of all. Love, Cindy

 Friday night date with Alec, Lacey and Wes. Great chats

and delicious Thai cuisine. 

 Happy Sams Club shoppers

 Sacrament meeting is only a half hour at the hospital so we

enjoy a few conference talks on the iPad afterwards.

Kevin's favorite reading material doubles as really effective speech therapy.

April 8th...

Thursday I was able to attend a temple session with 2 of my sisters and Jared enjoyed time with his Dad. This was extra sweet and special as I pondered on the endowment, covenants and blessings especially for Kevin and his priesthood service. I offered up many prayers throughout the session. I felt a calm, peaceful assurance of his recovery, and deep gratitude for healing blessings during these past several weeks. That evening, Kevin was anxious to have a talk... holding hands looking into each others eyes. This was a tender and heavenly experience that night. Also, our longest conversation since the stroke. I believe a tender mercy after temple worship.

 We really enjoyed our trip to the Aquarium in Draper.  We were surprised and delighted to run into his brother, Rick, with his wife and kids on an outing also for spring break!

Friday, physical therapy wanted to try a single point cane... he did SO well! 

This is much more difficult, using more of his own balance and strength. 

I think Kevin is pretending to be working out at the 

Hart fitness center at BYUI (minus the awesome required gray shirt).

Resistance work with the right arm. 

4/2-4/3

Friday Kevin broke into the biggest belly laugh!

Working on balance in front of a full length mirror and

holding his breath, the therapists were trying to get him to

BREATHE, joking around, it worked!

If it were easy we wouldn't be doing it!

We had a great weekend with many of our kids and grandkids visiting. The grandkids got involved in balloon toss and beanbag passing....grandpa was having some fun ❤️🎈
We enjoyed conference so much ...also two wonderful outings. Saturday for the priesthood session and a delicious salmon dinner (including gyoza) at Rod and Terry's...And a delectable roast beef traditional dinner at Donna and John's home. They all spoiled us and we enjoyed every bit and the company so much. Sunday as we were talking about the power of priesthood blessings and how powerfully we have felt the power of united prayers, Kevin interjected with no effort...'it's the atonement '. ❤️And it surely is ....the heavenly gift of the atonement that is blessing Kevin with healing and strength and lifting him to do things he could not do on his own. Many many thank yous for your continued faith and prayers as we continue on this journey of recovery. Love, Cindy and Kevin

Mega-Marathon Man...

Kevin has become known as the Mega-Marathon Man.

"Do you want to rest?" No.

"Ready to go again?" Yes.

"Can you do more?" Yes.

The resistance is up to 10, this is to build endurance and cardio.

Strengthening those walking muscles. 

A Real President Miyasaki Handshake...

A real President Miyasaki handshake❤️

His homework is to shake hands only with the right now.

Working That Right Arm..

Tuesday's controlled practice with right hand and a therapy fork. Kevin's been a lefty at mealtimes since the stroke, but doing a magnificent job with it.

He's not crazy about the light lemonade but his first time with a drink in the affected hand is a start.

3/29...

We had a very successful OT session working Kevin's right arm. He is putting Everything he has into regaining strength in his right arm and fingers. Daily my thoughts are on the countless, selfless ways he has always used his arms and hands. I'm so grateful for the knowledge and skill of therapists. Walking with the PT today, Kevin's steps are becoming steadily more even, natural, with almost no assistance just two or three interventions in the lap at around our floor. He is retrieving more language daily. The speech therapists and I tend to council and give each other ideas on best ways to help Kevin. He maintains this amazing, inspiring, attitude that lifts me and helps me to continue to have hope and faith. Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement, love, support but especially your prayers. Love, Cindy

 Powering up the right tricep

When I Can't Speak...

When I Can’t Speak

Julie Yardley
 

Sometimes I can't say the words

Even when I desperately need to be heard

Sometimes its fear, sometimes its doubt

I feel it inside but the words won't come out

And when my emotions, get in the way

Of all of the things I'm longing to say,

God is near me.

I know He hears me

Even when I can't speak

When there isn't a voice for the blessings I seek

When it's all I can do just to whisper His name

He hears every word that I can't seem to say

He hears me, and He answers every heartfelt plea

Even when I can't speak.            

Finding the words can be hard
Saying out loud what I feel in my heart
Feelings of things, disappointment and pain
A million emotions that I can't explain
When the yearning to tell Him, burns in my chest
When it's something I just cant seem to express
God is near me
And I know He hears me
Even when I can't speak
When there isn't a voice for the blessings I seek
When it's all I can do just to whisper His name
He hears every word that I can't seem to say
He hears me, and He answers every heartfelt plea
Even when I can't speak.

He hears the sound of my voice when I have the strength
But in the quiet moments when the words aren't there
I know He hears every silent prayer,
Even when I can't speak
When there isn't a voice for the blessings I seek
When it's all I can do just to whisper His name
He hears every word that I can't seem to say
He hears me, and He answers every heartfelt plea
Even when I can't speak.
     

3/27-3/28...

Easter Sunday, we felt so happy to be in a Sacrament meeting, enjoy the spirit there and ponder on our blessings. We wept together during the opening song, the spirit was strong. On our way back to our room Kevin commented, it had been a long time . We enjoyed lots of family visits and a ham dinner by Jared. The excitement in OT was some right hand finger movement in the right hand! The therapist began with using a vibrator on the forearm but then without and his movement was on his own! He is giving it all he has. No speech therapy on Sundays so he was anxious for us to work on our own. Always an inspiration! Last night we watched the General women's broadcast. Looking forward to General conference next week.

 Above is our Sunday walk. 

The bandage wrap is to keep that right foot from dragging...

however, this is what happened Monday...

Monday we graduated to a cane!!!

Working the right hand with electrical stimulation.

The stimulation can also send a message to the brain to use those muscles again.

We're getting some movement in the right hand with no neuro electrical stimulation!

Working on knee flexion on the right side. 

He's working like a champ and we feel very blessed!!!

Rehab Day Seven...

It's Friday, a full week here in rehab. Our OT has been working hard on Kevin's right arm. There is strength and movement in the shoulder and A little in the bicep with tiny showing in the tricep. He gave it all he had and we saw a tiny twinge of movement in his right thumb. It all comes back through the shoulder so it is exciting. The PT wants his steps to be slower and more perfect and he is doing great on that. Alex gave him very little support on one side he used a side walker on the left/strong side. He can get a little discouraged after speech therapy but it doesn't last. Instead of a walk outdoors he wanted to stay in our room and practice speech activities from the therapists. Also I'm practicing his verbalizing with Rosetta Stone on the iPad, reading and singing. It's essential that we use what energy he has to fire up those neurons and challenge his brain to make new connections. He is seeing/feeling progress in himself and the rest of us our seeing milestones.❤️Reading scriptures together, singing hymns and reading the ensign together has become even more of a sweetened spiritual experience now. I feel deeply grateful for the divine strength we feel that allows to do those things we couldn't do on our own. Thank you for your many prayers in our behalf. LOVE, Cindy

Rehab Day Six...

Our PT (this weeks shift) is doing great work. He wanted to get rid of the walker and using assistance on both sides emphasized better technique. Kevin's brain is relearning how to walk now and it needs to be in proper form. Alex (PT) also walked him up 2 flights of stairs. Kevin wasn't about to show he was leery of that idea until it was all over😊. Great right leg strengthening today using a ladder and some platforms with the affected leg doing more of the work. OT which works with fine motor and self skills working the right arm, seeing some shoulder motion and arm tone. Each day there is much to celebrate. Language skills are progressing. We do lots of practice activities during our down time. His first choice for a read is the scriptures...he always remembers where we left off better than I do. I am praying continually during the day how I can best help him. Also how the therapists can best use their skills, knowledge and equipment to give him the best possible help. This morning he was concerned that it was 8:00 and he wasn't off to therapy(they start at 8:30) but he was so used to being at the office by 8 for so many years, he felt he was late! He continues to be enthusiastic even when exhausted. His hardwork ethic is evident and the therapists are taking advantage. It is all evidence of the power of faith, prayers, and the healing hand of the Lord for one of His beloved servants. Thank you for your continued faith, prayers, and encouragement.

 I sat in during Dad's OT last week at EIRMC, and the therapist sat with him for about 15 minutes trying to get him to do this same exercise. I watched as my Dad tried so hard and kept pushing himself to move that arm (even breaking a sweat) unfortunately, with no movement by the end of the session. So Dad being able to do this just a week after is so amazing. Love seeing improvements each day!

Miyasaki Competitive...

ICU visits with Dad were at times tear-filled and disheartening, but there were also times where that strong spirit of competitiveness that has always been instilled in our family could not be withheld. Looking back on those early ICU days to our  days now here in Rehab, it's neat to see how far he's come, but at the same time, he always has had that Miyasaki competitiveness present. (And if you think we are going easy on him, trust me, we aren't.)

 ICU arm and thumb war 

battles.

 "Intense War battle going on right now."

Kalin finally beating Dad at a thumb war.

The grandkids all even got in on the thumb war contests with Bampa. This last one with Lyla was the first time we've seen him show a little bit of mercy, but still, he wins. 

Rehab Day Four...

I got to spend the day again with Dad today. First item of business for the day was his swallow study. He has been on a "soft foods/thickened liquids" diet. The speech therapist determines this by testing how his swallowing goes, making sure that nothing is going down his airway when he swallows. He was on this same diet in Idaho Falls; however, the dietary guidelines at the Rehab are a little more strict. For example, he has been dining on meals looking like this for the past few days...

This here is a ground chicken creation, usually with sides of canned peaches or pears and a pudding. Depressing right? SO... this test today was kind of a big deal. I was lucky enough to be with Dad for the test, and the radiologist even let me stay and watch the live x-ray. I wish I was daring enough to get some video of it but didn't want to push my luck. He was tested by drinking a liquid, then pudding, then a cookie, and... he did it! The orders were put in that he can now have a normal diet. We enjoyed filling out the menu for tomorrow and look forward to not having to eat anymore ground anything for a while. Later Cindy brought back some chips and salsa for Dad. It took him a minute to remember to dip the chip in the salsa, but he caught on fast, and relearned the love for one of his favorite snacks.

Dad's days are busy with multiple sessions of speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He works hard at everything and truly gives each session his all. He has always been a hard worker, and that quality still shines through. Today it was very evident to me that he is definitely getting stronger. Helping from his bed to his wheelchair took very little effort on my part. I am so thankful for the victories and miracles that continue to happen each day.

Failed selfie (mid-yawn)

 Today the physical therapist increased his goal to 1500 feet in one session. He finished with just one juice break! His stride is stronger and he's picking up speed, he's breaking a sweat! Being a competitive runner he's pretty happy about that. He woke up this morning massaging his own right arm and exercising lifting it with is left hand lifting up and down! Our OT today also served his mission in Japan. Kevin was excited to hear him speak and join him in singing 'I am a child of God.' There are tender mercies everywhere. We are most excited the swallowing X-ray test determined he could eat and drink all regular culinary delights so we are thrilled. The concern in stroke patients is developing pneumonia because of weaknesses in swallowing but he is cleared. Yeah! Aly spent a few choice hours here today since she flies home Wednesday. Lacey, Wesley and I did a little shopping and stopped at Rubios for salmon and shrimp burritos for lunch. More electrical current work with the OT today, strengthening exercises,speech, a walk outside and visits from family this evening. The PT is always amazed at his continued stamina when worn out. But that's just our Kevin ❤️

Sunday...

Sunday afternoon we were able to be a part of a OT session....Seated yoga, and band exercises, also each participant introduced themselves and told something about them. 4 on this floor have been in motorcycle accidents. We also had an extra physical  therapy session working the right leg. We took a nice walk outside along the creek where ducks were diving for their lunch. When we went out into that beautiful sunny weather with brilliant blue skies Kevin exclaimed "Wow, wow, wow!"

 "A Sunday afternoon stroll with my honey"

Sunday evening we enjoyed a game  of Yahtzee with Jared's family also visits from other family members, some yummy sukiyaki from Nutzy, and a great FaceTime visit with Donna. We Felt last with a special visit from Elder Kim Clark and Sue. How grateful we are for your love and faith and prayers.

My Stroke of Insight...

 Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions — motion, speech, self-awareness — shut down one by one. An astonishing story. 

This book was recommended for our family to read. My sister and I are sitting here listening to the TED talk that featured the author, Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. There is so much to learn and understand just what our Dad has gone through and is currently going through. Just skimming through there is one section that caught my eye. It has brought me insight and thought it would be good to share with all those who are following my Dad's recovery.


40 Things I Needed Most

1.      I am not stupid, I am wounded. Please respect me.

2.      Come close, speak slowly, and enunciate clearly.

3.      Repeat yourself—assume I know nothing and start from the beginning, over and over.

4.      Be as patient with me the twentieth time you teach me something as you were the first.

5.      Approach me with an open heart and slow your energy down. Take your time.

6.      Be aware of what your body language and facial expressions are communicating to me.

7.      Make eye contact with me. I am in here—come find me. Encourage me.

8.      Please don’t raise your voice—I’m not deaf, I’m wounded.

9.      Touch me appropriately and connect with me.

10.  Honor the healing power of sleep.

11.  Protect my energy. No talk radio, TV, or nervous visitors! Keep visitation brief (five minutes).

12.  Stimulate my brain when I have any energy to learn something new, but know that a small amount may wear me out quickly.

13.  Use age-appropriate (toddler) educational toys and books to teach me.

14.  Introduce me to the world kinesthetically. Let me feel everything. (I am an infant again.)

15.  Teach me with monkey-see, monkey-do behavior.

16.  Trust that I am trying—just not with your skill level or on your schedule.

17.  Ask me multiple-choice questions. Avoid Yes/No questions.

18.  Ask me questions with specific answers. Allow me time to hunt for an answer.

19.  Do not assess my cognitive ability by how fast I can think.

20.  Handle me gently, as you would handle a newborn.

21.  Speak to me directly, not about me to others.

22.  Cheer me on. Expect me to recover completely, even if it takes twenty years!

23.  Trust that my brain can always continue to learn.

24.  Break all actions down into smaller steps of action.

25.  Look for what obstacles prevent me from succeeding on a task.

26.  Clarify for me what the next level or step is so I know what I am working toward.

27.  Remember that I have to be proficient at one level of function before I can move on to the next level.

28.  Celebrate all of my little successes. They inspire me.

29.  Please don’t finish my sentences for me or fill in words I can’t find. I need to work my brain.

30.  If I can’t find an old file, make it a point to create a new one.

31.  I may want you to think I understand more than I really do.

32.  Focus on what I can do rather than bemoan what I cannot do.

33.  Introduce me to my old life. Don’t assume that because I cannot play like I used to play that I won’t continue to enjoy music or an instrument, etc.

34.  Remember that in the absence of some functions, I have gained other abilities.

35.  Keep me familiar with my family, friends, and loving support. Build a collage wall of cards and photos that I can see. Label them so I can review them.

36.  Call in the troops! Create a healing team for me. Send word out to everyone so they can send me love. Keep them abreast of my condition and ask them to do specific things to support me—like visualize me being able to swallow with ease or rocking my body up into a sitting position.

37.  Love me for who I am today. Don’t hold me to being the person I was before. I have a different brain now.

38.  Be protective of me but do not stand in the way of my progress.

39.  Show me old video footage of me doing things to remind me about how I spoke, walked, and gestured.

40.  Remember that my medications probably make me feel tired, as well as mask my ability to know what it feels like to be me.

My Stroke of Insight, A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey –Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D.