Dear friends and family,
It’s Spencer here, wanting to give you my own personal update. It’s been about 8 days since I’ve left the hospital in Iowa City and endured a less than pleasant car ride home to Highland Park to begin a long recovery. Armed with the tv remote, an Xbox controller and my laptop, I’ve claimed the living room as my new temporary bedroom with a hospital bed awkwardly sitting between the two couches. Each day is better than the one before. Each day brings me more energy and endurance.
I’m not able to get my back brace on and off by myself, and I can only raise the head of my bed to 30 degrees without it; so for now my parents are a big help. My mom has especially been incredible through all of this. She is a tremendously strong woman that has been constantly by my side, helping me keep my sanity through this all. I am trying to walk everyday so I can build up my strength and endurance. My legs are weak but I can feel the strength slowly returning.
I want to thank each and every person who has sent a card, a kind word of reassurance or goodies and gifts to me at the hospital. All of these gestures have helped me to feel supported and encouraged to work hard to improve. My roommates and friends have been incredible through this all. I realize how truly fortunate I am to be surrounded by such caring people.
I have been afforded a fortunate gift of not being paralyzed and for that I am so grateful. I am grateful and want to thank the first responders that attended to me when I fell because if they had not reacted so instinctively to calm me and to keep me from moving, I may have tried to get up and caused irreversible damage to my spine. Thanks to the paramedics and rescue workers for using their expertise to get me to the hospital quickly (even though they had to cut off my favorite jeans and pullover!).
It was my lucky day that Dr. Hitchon, my neurosurgeon was on call in the ER the night I fell. I benefitted from his years of experience performing many such surgeries. Thanks to the nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital, who were exceptionally skilled in healing me; I am so thankful for each of them who cared for me. Thanks to my girlfriend Jamie, who has also helped me keep my sanity through this all, and was constantly by my side in the hospital. She has an incredibly calming nature, and I am so grateful to have her. I’ve got a couple long months ahead of me, but look forward to easing back into my normal life. I’ll check in with everyone periodically to provide an update on my recovery! Thanks again for all the support and good wishes.
Sincerely,
Spencer Bean
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- No explanation necessary.
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- My cousins giving me a hand during Thanksgiving
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- Glad I have friends who were willing to help me out.
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- Walking around the neighborhood.
Thanks Spencer for your personal update! I know how great MOMS can be as I am one:)
Tell your mom hi for me and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paula
Glad things are moving forward Spencer. Stay positive, work your butt off and pick up some new video games (at least for the short term). Let me know when you’re ready to run a timed 800. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks do much for the update, glad to hear each day is better. Yes your mom is incredible and you were dealt the lucky mom card
So proud of you Spence! Keep up the determination, and you will moving around with ease in no time.
Love
Cousin Jenny
Spencer, I feel like I know you from talking to your Aunt Bev–I have students on her unit. AND because my son graduated from the University of Iowa. Your rescue and recovery are miracles! I’m so glad to hear that you are gaining strength daily, and that you are surrounded by wonderful people who love you!! Heal fast and well! Kathy
Thanks so much for the update Spencer! You are an inspiration to us all! I am so happy to hear about the incredible progress that you have made. My thoughts and prayers continue for you as you get stronger every day! Looks like you are in close proximity to your mom’s cooking…..lucky you! You are correct in that she is one amazing woman who holds you and your family always in her heart.
God bless you Spencer!
Susan ’86
VERY glad that your doing well and getting stronger with every passing day. We are all wishing you the very best and tell your family I said “hi!”… You are all such special and sweet people…. Thank you soooo much for the mittens too!!! I love them and wear them everyday to work
-Courtney
So glad to hear your update Spence. You are surrounded by an amazing group of people who love you. Your mom is at the top of that list. She is an amazing woman. Keep us posted and keep the faith. The end result will be awesome. Take care. Nancy Fiore
Hi Spencer – This post made my night!! It is a miracle that you are up and walking at this point. It is a testament to your own strength and determination as well as the amazing supports around you. I work with your mom and know that you are a very lucky person to have her love and support. Continue to get better and don’t forget to give us updates every now and then!
Really glad to see the progress you’re making on your recovery! The superman sticker on the brace says it all.
p.s. I’m the climber with curly hair and a mustache if you don’t recognize the name.
Hi, Spence, What a lovely post. So glad that you are steadily getting stronger and that you have such wonderful supports in your family and friends. We are thinking of you.
Spencer, I’m so happy to hear you are doing well!
You are one of the biggest sweethearts I know, and it’s good to see you are remaining positive and have such a great circle of family to be there for you. I hope to see you soon!