just a quicky update on Monte for those who may be interested. It has been two years now since his stroke/surgery/subsequent brain injury and he has come a long way since those 6 months he spent in the hospital and nursing home. He is physically very healthy; he hasn't had incidence of further stroke or seizure for a year. He can walk with assistance about 30 feet, sit independently for about 45 minutes at a time and stand briefly with support for a few minutes. His mental skills are variable, he doesn't talk a lot, as it is frustrating for him to find words. he says it all sounds good in his head but never comes out even close. and there are days when he can say exactly what he wants....those are rare. On days he is tired or exerted, he can hardly say a thing. Monte seems to remember nearly everything and everybody, some are missing, but if i can find a picture of the person or place it triggers his memory for it. I think it's painful for him to come to the shop (yes i still have that going on too) because with his right hand contracted and spastic, it is doubtful that he will ever wield a lettering brush again. What a loss of great talent... I do bring him down here a couple times a week, if he is "up for the trip" just about everything wears him out, though, but we have a big old electric recliner down at the shop and I work while he sleeps. and occasionally i will ask him questions about the business, i try to remember how he did everything, but i get stumped occasionally and he has risen to the task of explaining to me what i need to know the best he can, and when i "get it" he just looks so happy that he got his point across. He still sleeps most of the day, but he is still in physical therapy 2 days a week. He looks a lot different than you remember him. If i get a picture of him he will let me publish i will do so. He is thinner at 160 pounds, the worry lines are gone from his face, (they are on mine now) and he still has his beard, though it is not as white as it was. weird. He doesn't smile alot, but he smiles more than he did at first! his voice no longer has the deep timber to it, and i miss that too. He is getting quicker with the "come-back" sarcastic and humorous, so you know he is "in there" and its just getting progressively better for him in many ways. well, i don't want to write a book here, so i am going to get back to work now, but if any of you take a notion to send him some kind of Christmas greeting, I would surely appreciate the effort for him, as I think he feels quite forgotten. i will print anything you post for him and read it to him. ok, y'all have a good Christmas and New years day. i gotta run, I've got 3 hours to get some work done, grocery shopping and errands before my helper with him has to go. Pat
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Pat...you are officially nominated as "Saint of the Year"!
There is no way that the rest of us can fully understand what you and Monte have gone through or what sacrifices you have made (and are making) in order to care for your husband.
You both have always been special folks, but even more so now.
Monte...we still remember you. You are not forgotten. And you are still loved.
Whenever you feel the time is right, just let me know and I'll drop in on you. In the meantime, you are still an inspiration to us. You were when the brush was flying and even more so now as you are winning the battle against tremendous odds.
God bless you both.
Posted by Ron Costa (Member # 3366) on :
Pat, I have never met Monte, but enjoyed those times when he came into the old chat room. We talked Dupont, cutters, and jeeps. Really appreciate the update and want you to know there are many more people praying for you both than you imagine. Ron Costa
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
jump'n!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't express the admiration I have for you and Pat. You both are an inspiration. I wish you to have continued improvement and strength. Bless you both.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Glad you gave us an update, Pat. I'm sure this time has been rough on BOTH of you but don't forget that we ALL care about you and miss your input here. Tell Monte we all miss him and love him! And don't forget to check in here occasionally and let us know how things are going. If there is anything that any of us can do, let us know!
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Thank you for the update Patsee. I was going to phone you before Xmas. Still will. Hope to talk to him for a few minutes, even if he can only listen.
Monte is my brother. We found we were a few months different in age and remarkably our lives were a mirror image.
I always think of him,and you. The time we spent staying with you and going to Fred's Meet in Oklahoma is permanently embossed on my memory as a great time.
Love to you both
Jon and Sue
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
What Raymond, said with love...
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Bless you Pat and Monte...........
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Best to you both - wishing and praying for continued improvement and health.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Hey Pat.
I know we should have stopped in on the last few trips south but it would have been a long drop from 30,0000 ft.!!
We now have a vehicle in Mexico that we leave here year round and we fly back and forth.
If Monte is up for a flight...you guys are always welcome to visit us in Mexico. And we can drive you over to Isla too, if you wish.
I know how much Monte and you love Isla!!!.
Think of you guys often!!!
Prayers and kisses.
Posted by Declan Newman (Member # 4175) on :
Monte and Pat,
We met at Letterheads, a Brush With The Wizards in Cork City,I have fond memories of trips to Clonakilty and Kinsale,and beer.Get well soon,god bless.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Pat,
I never met Monte either, but I can remember him being here as long as I have been around, Always looked up to him for his wisdom and knowledge. PLease let him know he is hardly forgotten and frequently missed.
And I echo Raymonds quote, you certainly are saint of the year yourself.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
I also have never met Monte, just a few on here really, but send him my best wishes for a great Holiday Season, and Merry Christmas to you both. Take Care. Also I truely hope good things happen for you both in the NewYear... You both deserve it.
[ December 18, 2010, 08:11 AM: Message edited by: Neil D. Butler ]
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both- and prayers for continued healing!
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Patsy
Greetings from COLD Michigan!
Thanks for the update. Give Monte our love, and don't forget to keep some for yourself
Take good care of the caregiver too
Posted by Eric Elmgren (Member # 11536) on :
I fondly remember those parties you hosted before Fred's Saskawatchmakallit, you will not be forgotten by the Letterheads. God willing you will recover some of that great brush talent. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
Patsie, you are definately an angel.Thanks for the update.
Posted by Miles Cullinane (Member # 980) on :
hey Monte, like Declan Newman, I met you when you came to Cork,Ireland for the letterhead meet there. It was certainly memorable and I do remember that deep voice of yours and the quick smile that shone out from your beard with a twinkle in the eyes.
I loved the fact that you were willing to part with any knowledge you had gained through your years of the business and the craft of signwriting.
I know you both enjoyed your visit to Kinsale, I hope you still many photos to remind of those days.
God bless you both.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Thanks for the update!
Still keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Seasons Greetings...I remember back in '98 when I was on the road you both had invited me to your place for Margaritas. Can't turn back the hands of time but I could wish you a speedy recovery and hope things get better, my prayers go out to you, and Patsee, yes you are an angel!
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
You guys have always been what Letterheads are all about. Taking us in, sharing your knowledge but most of all your love and smiles. Keep the faith that we are here for you and think of you often. If that tinkle in Monte's eye seems to fade sometimes, be assured it's still in his heart.
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Funny thing, I was just thinking about Monte the other day. Even though we never met I remember the posts from several years back when you guys were builing your shop. Thanks for the update. We are looking forward to "seeing" you back here. Merry Christmas.
Posted by jimmy chatham (Member # 525) on :
i can understand what he is going thru after having multiple strokes and not being able to control my right hand. i type with 1 finger on my left hand. i had a real good speech therapist after my wreck in 2008 and it helped my speech. i am in a wheelchair and my wife has lung cancer. glad to hear from yall. i will keep yall in my prayers
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Merry Christmas Pat and Monte!
Pat, thanks so much for the update. It's been a long while since I frequented the 'chat room' with the crowd but I have some very fond memories of past times with Monte there.
I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
Thank you for the update! Happy Holidays to both of you. I have Monte's feather proudly displayed in my studio. Peace!
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Here is the man. My brother!
Master of the the feather! Watched him do these gift panels in a matter of minutes!
Showed me how too.
Merry Xmas Montee and Pat. Thinking of you.
Posted by Norman Biss (Member # 335) on :
Pat....I also would like to thank you for the update on Monte. The memories of your hospitality to me come flooding back and I bet Monte still remembers the taxi ride I took from Dallas to Norman to share a wonderful time with you both. I have total admiration for your support of Monte and wish all the best for Christmas and the new year.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
This a picture that tells it all.
First time ever on Isla Mujeres Mexico and Monte spots a sign painter working outside of the bar where he and I were having a game of pool and drinking some beer.
Well, he just HAD to go introduce himself and help the guy out!!!
After that he and Pat kept in contact with Carlos, through his daughter, who had internet access.
Monte and Pat even sent Carlos a signpainter "package" that contained all sorts of goodies, including copies of Signcraft magazine!!!
Monte IS a true, giving, sharing Letterhead!!
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Can't believe I'm reading this post! You know when you think of someone or something, and then it pops up out of no where? I was just thinking of Monte while driving running errands yesterday. Just out of the blue ... wondering how he was doing. This is just bizarre seeing this today ... and also since I really don't get on the BB as much now.
Thank you for the update Pat. Please let Monte know that he has touched many people on this BB, and that he is still thought of with fondness.
Big hugs to him for us. ~ nettie
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
It is so good to get some good news, I never stop thinking about Monte because I say a prayer every night. I am one of the lucky ones to have met him and got to know how special he is. He is one of the rare people who when you first meet, you feel you have known him forever. Keep your chin up Pat, you are doing a super job. Bill
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Thanks for the update Pat and glad to hear Monte is improving. We think of the two of you often and the wonderful times we shared with you guys. I'm hoping that the New Year brings only good things to the both of you. Have a Very Merry Christmas and we'll be giving you guys another phone call soon.
Steve & Barb
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Patsee, thanks for the reminder to continue praying for you guys! I trust the richness will balance the difficulty at some point. I still remember trying to plan an Isla Mujares trip with you folks and Grundy's. Wish that dream had come true. Thanks for the details of Monte's progress.
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Pat
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