Thursday, June 12, 2008

Day 12 - June 12, 2008

Today started pretty early. I got a phone call first thing from the docs because they wanted to put a tracheostomy in and remove the ventilator from his mouth. (a tracheostomy is the ventilator going through his neck rather than his mouth). I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to see my son's lips (and they are so close to being healed - yay!) and also his teeth and today, after they suctioned him out - I even got to see his tongue come out. It sounds like nothing, but it looked like he was trying it out for the first time and any little movement he makes excites me.

While they were doing the surgery they also took another look at the fungus. They did remove some more of it today and hopefully that will be the last of it. Keep your fingers crossed everyone.

To be honest, nothing much else really happened today. He still isn't awake and although I hate seeing him like this - it is for the best. He would be in so much pain if he were awake and that would just devastate me. I do know that when he does wake (and he will!!) things are going to be really rough, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

Before signing off for the night, I do want to thank the reporter from the Butler Eagle. Kim - you did a wonderful job portraying what my son is like. I will admit that I bawled so hard while reading it that it took me quite a while to see it through all the tears, but you really captured who he is and what he is about. Thank you so much for wanting to share his story - he deserves it for putting his life on the line for all of us and for our country.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Leslie, Breezy, and Kevin, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have never met Kevin, but when all three of you come home, I want to shake his hand and say "thank you". He is a big part of the reason I can live my life as I do. Leslie, if there is anything I can do for you, either while you are in Texas, or help you out here back home, please don't hesitate to ask. Here's my home phone and email, just ask and I will do what I can for all of you.

724-445-2763
robrlf34@yahoo.com

God Bless You All,
Bob Fornelli.

Anonymous said...

LESLIE, THIS IS LORI AND RON, OUR SON RONNIE IS A FRIEND OF KEVIN.
PLEASE KNOW THAT KEVIN, YOU AND BREEZY HAS NOT LEFT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS SINCE WE FIRST HEARD OF KEVINS ACCIDENT. YOUR SISTER KIM TOLD US ABOUT YOUR SITE. EVER NIGHT WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORK I LOG ON. GOD BLESS YOU FOR KEEPING US ALL UPDATED ON KEVIN. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL. I CRY ALL THROUGH OUT THE DAY. IT IS SO HARD TO BELIEVE SOMETHING SO DEVASTATING HAS HAPPENED TO KEVIN. KEVIN IS A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN....THE FIRST TIME MY HUSBAND AND I MEET KEVIN WE WERE BOTH TOOKEN. HE CAME HOME WITH RONNIE ONE DAY AND MY YOUNGEST SON JOSH, WHO WAS AT THE TIME ONLY 2 AND A HALF YRS OLD JUST INSTANTLY TOOK TO KEVIN. (MY SON DON'T MAKE UP TO PEOPLE ALL TO EASY..HE IS A BIT SHY) BUT HE JUST LOVED KEVIN. YEAH HE FOLLOWED KEVIN AND RONNIE EVERYWHERE THEY WENT...BUT KEVIN DID NOT MIND .KEVIN ENJOYED PLAYING WITH JOSH. HE WAS SO GOOD WITH HIM. THAT TOLD US ALOT ABOUT KEVIN. WE ADORED HIM. WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I WOULD NEED A BABYSITTER WE WOULD OFTEN JOKE AND ASK RONNIE WHAT KEVIN WAS DOING. YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL SON THERE. WILL YOU PLEASE GIVE KEVIN A KISS FOR US AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE GAVE FOR US, FOR OUR COUNTRY. SO YOUNG ...YET SO BRAVE. MAY GOD BLESS KEVIN, YOU AND BREEZY. LOVE AND PRAYERS LORI AND RON RITZERT.

I WAS JUST THINKING THE OTHER DAY OF THE TIME RONNIE AND KEVIN BROUGHT BATMAN COSTUMES AND DROVE AROUND BUTLER IN THEM.
RONNIE CAME TO ME ONE DAY AND ASKED ME IF IT WOULD BE OKAY IF HE GAVE THIS CAPE TO HIS LITTLE BROTHER JOSH. I ASKED HIM WHAT IT WAS AND HE SAID A BATMAN CAPE. HE WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL TOO OLD TO DRESS FOR HALLOWEEN...MY NEXT QUESTION WAS....WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? OH, HE SAID KEVIN AND I GOT BORED ONE NIGHT SO WE BROUGHT BATMAN COSTUMES AT WALMART AND DROVE AROUND BUTLER IN THEM. I LAUGH EVERYTIME I SEE THAT CAPE LAYING AROUND...I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT WHEN THEY SEEN THEM TWO.

In A Pinch Designs by Judy and Sheri said...

Glad that today was a good day...keeping you in our prayers!!! Thank You Kevin for everything that you did over there!!!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't sleep last night. Got up at 3am and logged on. I had a chat with my son Jon Burke (who was at basic, AIT, and jump school with Kevin) about Kevin's condition yesterday. Jon told me how much everyone loves Kevin. That he made them all laugh and was just fun to be around. He was one of the fun parts of Basic! :)

Thank you, Leslie, for continuing to post Kevin's situation. We're praying constantly in Maine. Kevin is in my prayers all day long. So are you and his sister.

Ruthie Burke
ruthieburke@verizon.net

kim s said...

Leslie,
The Butler Eagle article was awesome.You and Kim P gave all the facts and portrayed Kevin as he is a true hero.We are praying for the three of you everyday.We're also praying for all the others at the hospital too.Thanks for keeping us updated through this site.Stay strong and take care of your health too.Let Breezy know we are proud of the strength and courage she's showing too.
love,
Kim,Mike,Chase,Kendra

Jeff said...

Hello Leslie,
We have never met, but I remember Kevin from Riverside I live in East Brady. I want to shake Kevin's hand when he comes home and say thank you. I spent 4 years in the Army a long time ago. We are praying for Kevin as everyone is and he is in my thoughts every day. Leslie thank you for keeping us all up to date with this blog.
May the love of God surround Kevin, you and Breezy.
God bless you all,
Jeff Bernstein

Unknown said...

Les, Still thinking of you all daily and praying for Kevin's recovery. Thanks so much for keeping everyone up to date. Just remember to take care of yourself too because Kevin needs his mom to be healthy for him. All of the emotions you are feeling now are normal and it's perfectly okay to feel that way. Continue your faith and be strong. Love you!
Diana

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that today was an uneventful day for you and that hopefully this is a sign that things will get better day by day.
Stay strong Leslie and i'm only a phone call away if you need anything.

Ross Guidotti said...

Leslie, My name is Ross Guidotti from KDKA TV in Pittsburgh. I would like to talk to you please call me at 412-779-4436. I'm a reporter and a veteran I'd like to do a piece on Kevin, you and your daughter for tonight's news. Everyone needs to know what Kevin's put on the line and endured so we can enjoy all we have. Not to mention what you're dealing with. Please call me ASAP.
Ross Guidotti
KDKA-TV
412-779-4436..

Anonymous said...

Hey Les, Just got home from my 24 hour and had to check in with you. I am so glad the Kevin is doing somewhat better and that God is taking care of his needs and yours and Breezy also. Thank God we have guys like Keving that love their country. I am going to go look for a paper since I wasn't in Brady yesterday. Call me if you need anything and know we LOVE YA ALL Pam Moore

Anonymous said...

God Bless you as you struggle with this. I just learned this week from one of Kevin's classmates about his situation. I have never read such a touching Blog in my entire life. This is pastor Ed from Martinsburg Church in Bruin. Please know that my heart and prayers go out to you, your family, and especially Kevin in this time. Please know that if there is ANY need, do not hesitate to contact me or my family (724)753-2118 for ANYTHING!!! We will serve you and your family in any way we can. We all love Kevin and his craziness. Take comfort in knowing that when all seems lost and confusing that Christ tells us "never will I leave you." There are times when you feel like you are all alone in this situation, but know that He will never leave you. I teach my kids that when you feel this way, just look at your hands, and know that the five fingers stand for each word in that verse "Never will I leave you." Thank you for sharing your heart and the updates on Kevin. I will continue to read and pray through each specific situation.
-Ed

Anonymous said...

I didn't hear about what was going on with Kevin untill yesterday when I picked up the paper. I'm very sorry to hear what is going on. He is my prayers. Kevin is an amazing kid. I doubt he remebers me but he made a huge imapct on my life. I started going to Karns City when I was going in to 8th grade. I started talking to kevin a little bit on myspace I was so scared to go to a new school. He made me feel better about the whole thing. I could never thank him enough. He is an amazing person. He will be in my prayers. If you need anything please let me know. My e-mail is xxlovesmidrugxx@aol.com.

Misty

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

My mom, who thinks so much of Kevin, told me about your story. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I will keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers.

I am no longer in Pennsylvania, but down here in Texas with you. Please know that BAMC is an incredible hospital, filled with talented physicians, and I'm sure that Kevin is in excellent hands.

Anonymous said...

May God bless your son and you. He's a hero, and I pray he heals well.

Meredy

Anonymous said...

Leslie:

My family has recently informed me about the devastating news and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I cannot even begin to imagine how each of you must feel or what you're going through. I am praying that Kevin makes a fast recovery. And by all means, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if there's anything I can do for you.

God Bless,

John D. Lewis
Pittsburgh, PA
jdlewis@jdlewis.org
724-525-9998

Tracie Fristoe said...

I am so glad to hear that you had good news. My Aunt Linda sent me a link to your blog. Thank your son for me. He is such a hero and you are so brave. Never give up the fight. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing your life with us. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie,

I have thought about you so often and wondered how I could find out what has been going on in your life lately. It is Marsha from Butler. I don't watch much news but happened to catch Ross' report this evening. When you get a free minute would you let me hear from you, mktru@yahoo.com, I wanted to hear from you but not in this way. You remember I have a strong faith in the Lord and we know that He can heal Kevin. Just trust the Lord. I know it is hard. I can't wait to hear from you. Love you girl. Marsha T.

Anonymous said...

Breezy,Leslie,and Kevin my thoughts and prayers are with you all. take care and God Bless Ya with love Donna Scherer

Anonymous said...

Hey Leslie it's Kristen. I just want you to know that I am praying my hardest for Kevin, Breezy and you. I had no idea aobut your blog until today when I read an article about Kevin on kdka.com. If I can do anything for you, Kevin, or Breezy please do not hesitate to ask. I am only a phone call or a text message away! love ya and miss ya, Kristen

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

I'm a graduate of Karns City high school, and am also from the East Brady area. I don't really know Kevin because he graduated a year or two ahead of me, but I know that he is a great person. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that it hurts to see something like this happen to one of our own. Don't give up the fight, and don't ever give up hope.

All of our thoughts and prayers are with you.

-Andy Double

Vicki Chrisman said...

Just me Les.. checking in to see how things are today. Happy for any bit of "good " that comes for you each day.As a mom I can totally understand how the things you explain as been so special to you as a mom.. are just that. Those little things..like seeing his lips...ect.. are what will get you though this.. I'm sure.
I've so been wanting to call you..but know that you have so much to deal with right now. But if you need anything , or ever want to talk.. I'm here. Thinking of you everyday and praying for you , Kevin and your entire family!

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I wanted to let you know you and Kevin are in my prayers everyday..U have a strong brave boy and he will make it threw all this.Be strong.If you need to talk you can call me.this is Sherrie Libecco 724-968-8082.

scott said...

hey leslie its scott i really miss you all and im glad kev is doing better he is my tough cousin i have been thinking about all of u all the time ive been keeping myself busy by going to the fire acadamy for fire school and my prayers are with all of you