Hello, Everyone!

I am Bill Tamminga's daughter, Carrie Tamminga. On 1/25/13, my father drove himself to the ER at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL where he had been living for the past 7 years. It was unclear when he entered what the cause was, but it was very clear he needed to be there. When he was admitted to the ICU a few hours later, he had high blood pressure, a low body temp, and extreme confusion among many other serious symptoms. I arrived in the ICU at 3am on 1/26/13 to find him resting but not well.

Long story short, he was diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism as the main diagnosis, which we are still trying to get under control with the help of a talented group of people. We are also still trying to figure out the long-term effects and if there are other related health issues happening.

My Dad was in the ICU in Mobile for 10 days and was then moved to the regular floor for a few more. He was transferred on 2/7/13 to a short-term nursing facility in Mobile for some rehabilitative care and continued monitoring. This bought me some time to get him moved to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on 3/12/13.

My Dad is adjusting well to his new digs at GRHV and would love visitors, prayers, and cards. Bruce Scherpenisse has offered to take my Dad to the GRCHS'61 luncheon on April 17th for The Boys. I hope you can all attend this event, as I know my Dad would love to see everyone!

My Dad has continued memory loss, so if you visit he might not remember you right away--but he will VERY much enjoy his time with you! (And I am sure to get a happy phone call/report of adventures from my Dad after you stop by!) We have good hopes that my Dad's memory will continue to get better over time and as his body continues to heal, but only time will tell. He is receiving amazing care at GRHV, and the staff are incredible people whom I trust immensely.

Please be sure to sign my Dad's visitor book (located in the bedside table drawer)--this has been a very good memory strategy for him, and it helps me know who has been to visit, too.

Also, please shoot me a quick email or phone call if you plan to visit so that I can alert the staff and make sure he is in his unit. He has started physical therapy again, and with the visitors he has had (thank you, Everyone!), he is often "out and about" in a different area of the facility.

My contact information is:
Carrie Tamminga
carrietamminga@hotmail.com
(317) 753-3780

My Dad's new address (he loves getting cards!) is:
Sidney (Bill) Tamminga, Unit 1-Blue, Room #138
c/o Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
3000 Monroe Ave., NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Please feel free to contact me either via this site (I am taking care of my Dad's affairs right now), or through my email/phone (which might be faster). I am happy to answer questions and give you updates! Also, please let me know if you would like to be added to a growing email list of old friends who would like regular updates from me. I am happy to add you if you send me your email.

Thank you for prayers of healing and support, and for any time you have to give to send a card or stop by for a visit. If you would like to visit with me there the first time to learn the ropes, or have questions about how to get to GRHV or how to find my Dad once you're there, please do not hesitate to ask!

Blessings!
Carrie Tamminga