Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Day 17 - June 17, 2008

WE HAD A WONDERFUL NIGHT!!!!

Although the docs aren't going to admit this and we know that tomorrow could be a totally different day - Breezy and I firmly believe that Kevin responded to us tonight!!!

We went in to see him about 8:45 or so and I could see his pupils moving under the slit below his goggles. I asked the nurse if we could put them up for a little bit just so we could see his eyes and he allowed us. When I said something, I watched Kev's pupil in his right eye move right to me. DIRECTLY TO ME!! (somewhere along the line - the stitch was removed). I truly believed that he could see me, so I started asking him some questions and told him to raise his arm if he could hear me. So here are our questions and here are his responses:

Kev, can you hear me? Arm came up about 6 inches (I gotta admit I about cried here)

Hon, you have a lot of goop in your eyes to protect them from scratches - but can you see me at all? Arm came right up (I did start crying here)

Kev - are you scared? His arm came up very far! I told him not to be and asked if he understood that he was safe. His arm again came up.

I asked then if he knew where he was. No response. I then explained that he was in Texas and asked if he understood. His arm came up a few inches.

I asked if he remembered Sgt G coming and there was no response. I then told him the Ninja Training story and Breezy asked if he remembered doing that. His arm came way up.

We both asked him then if he knew we loved him and his arm came up so far he almost hit me.

Breezy then told him to raise his arm if he loved us and again - it came up as far as it could.

After that last line, Kev's left eye closed and he stopped responding. We knew he was sleeping so we just left. I also want to say that at one point Breezy was talking and he turned his eye over to her, but we didn't think he could see her because she is too short, so we told him that she was coming to the other side of the bed so she could get on the stool and he could focus on her. His pupils totally followed her to the other side.

Y'all can't imagine how excited we both are tonight!!

Oh, and they did remove the tube from his brain this morning and tomorrow they are talking about making some sort of change to the ventilator. He has mostly been breathing on his own, but when they do wound care I think they sometimes turn it up so that he doesn't have to work so hard.

YAY FOR KEVIN!!!

Ok, now this is going to be kinda hard for me to do, but many people have asked what they can do to help Kevin, Breezy and me. One of the best ways to help is simply letting us know that we have friends to support us. The comments that everyone leaves on this blog have honestly kept us going. We truly could not do this if it weren't for all of you giving us the strength to continue. Also, the great people in East Brady are supporting us by sponsoring a few events in Kevin’s honor. Here is a link to their web site if you are interested in attending any of them. Please don't feel obliged to do so, but any and all efforts are appreciated by all three of us.

http://kevkammbenefit.blogspot.com/

Thank you all! And I mean it - thanks to everyone that has left comments! We love to hear from those we know and love and also from those that we don't know, but are here to support us.

So now? Everybody cheer tonight with us! I doubt Breeze and I will sleep a wink we are so excited!!

54 comments:

Vicki Chrisman said...

OH LES.. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO thrilled for you, for Breezy and for Kevin!!! I cant imagine the joy you must have felt to have him respond to you! YAY!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Even though I don't usually leave a comment, I had to tonight, cause I'm still excited about the great news! Yay!!! Kevin!!! I was so excited when you called me tonight and told me about Kev responding! I still am! That is just great! I'm so happy for you! I love yins (y'all) Lol.
Love always, Moe

Anonymous said...

Hey Leslie, it's great to hear what a great day you and Breezy had with Kevin. I'm still praying for all 3 of you. Things will get better, it will just take time. God Bless you all.

Bob Fornelli

Tandra said...

BEAUTIFUL!Just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Leslie, God is Great!!
Love to all. Aunt Judy

Sharon said...

Oh, I am so happy that I logged on tonight and saw this! What a great day! Still praying here in Minnesota!
~Sharon

Anonymous said...

That is such wonderful news - I'm very happy for all of you. Stay strong, and thank you so much for doing this blog.

Julian

Gretchen said...

OMG Les, what AMAZING NEWS! You and Breezy must be absolutely on cloud 9. I'm so happy to hear that he's responding! See what a fighter's spirit can do?? That's just sooo awesome!

Anonymous said...

Hey girls! That is AWESOME news!! I knew Kev was a fighter! Literally nothing will keep him down! I also believe he is pulling major strength off of you and Breezy....I can imagine it's hard, but you are doing a great job!

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work. How exciting.
Dyan

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely fabulous news! I am so very happy for you and Breezy (and obviously, Kevin). So many of us are reading your blog faithfully (usually more than once a day), and if comments help keep you going, then we need to comment more!
I am so glad you had such a joyous day.
Megan Slaugenhoup

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

This is wonderful news...Delightful news!!!!

Judy B

i. said...

OUTSTANDING!!

-ida

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!!!! That is wonderful news. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We love you!

Jessica Juart Bish

Unknown said...

Les, WONDERFUL! It's great to read such happy news. Keep your strength and faith. Love you all!
Diana

Lori Undercuffler said...

What wonderful news! I stood up and cheered! He's a fighter and all of your love is keeping him going. I pray that you have even more days like this one. We are all praying for you guys!

Anonymous said...

AIRBORNE! ALL THE WAY! WAY TO GO SKYSOLDIER!

Unknown said...

YES!! As you can already read from your friends and loved ones, you three are supported by so many who cannot actually be there with you! I agree with Megan, I read this everyday, say a prayer, and then wonder if I should write. If the words from your friends and supporters does you good, then we should all have at it! Just please know, I have spoken with so so many others who read your words each day, Leslie. There are so so many, by now, who are praying and sending you their love, but may not write. To Brianna, last time we saw each other (with Kevin!) we all hugged, right? Well, just know that hug remains. I send it to you each, every day, and when you all come home, it will be there always. I will just get in line with all the others!! Strength and Courage and Love...Pat Bell

Valerie S said...

Oh what wonderful news Leslie! We never know what to expect each day, but I'm so happy that June 17 was a special day for you and Breezy - and especially for Kevin to know that you are there with him. Continued prayers for all of you!

Catherine said...

I am so happy to hear this news, YEAH . Love ya sister!

Sherri Greer said...

Leslie and Breezy, I am so happy for you. This is wonderful news. Kevin hears you; he knows you're there and understands what you say! How great is that! And, another thing, you said that the doctors might not agree with your interpretation of what happened...well, as fantastic as the docs there are, they don't know everything. The bond between mother and child is much stronger and deeper than medical knowledge. Kevin responded to his mom and his sister whether the professionals agree with that or think it is plausible is irrelevant. We have all been praying for a miracle, and this might just be the beginning. Kevin is our hero. Love you, Sherri

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I am so happy to hear that you, Kevin and Breezy had a great day for a change! I am hoping this day is the start of Kevin's full recovery! Keep the faith because Kevin has so many people out there praying for him. I check this blog every morning and every evening for the updates. Kevin is such a fighter because he has a great mother who has taught him how to fight and survive. You should be so proud! Breezy, I know the love between a brother and sister is a strong bond that can overcome and obstacles. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Love,
Shari Goodyear

Anonymous said...

Thats amazing news! Thats so exciting!!! and before you guys know it youll be on a plane back home with kevin!
Nikki McElroy

mikki said...

hey there, i am so so so happy to be reading this post and wanted you to know that I am thinking about all of you and keep checking in on you. beautiful news!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie and family,
I am so happy for you! Prayer can move mountains. Every mom and sibling
that hears this can be touched. I keep my family informed. Thank you for sharing your wonderful son with us. Thank you, Kevin, for defending us. God bless you, our hero!I can't
truly understand what you are going through, because you have to walk in someones shoes. I will say we mothers care deeply for your son as so many others do for Kevin. One day at a time, right?
Love, The Reeves Gang.

Anonymous said...

Leslile,
My son, Dan, was in Basic, AIT, and Jump School with Kevin...told me some really funny stories. Just wanted to let you know how happy I am at Kevin responding to you. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers!! We are continuously praying for Kevin and for you and your daughter as well. You are a strong and brave woman, an inspiration to Mom's everywhere. May God continue to bless you all. Grace and Peace, Marcia Thomas, Winterport Maine

Anonymous said...

Breezy: OH such wonderful news!!!! I would like to meet your mom and Kevin. They have to be special people because you are. Keep strong together. Love and prayers to all. with love Donna Scherer

Anonymous said...

oh my i cried because i was so happy. i read this everyday and look forward to good news. i cant wait for all of you to come home.

brittney

bonnie.liz said...

Wow! That is sooo exciting!
This just really makes my day.
You must be so happy I can only imagine!
Bonnie W

Anonymous said...

Hey Leslie and Breezy,
I am so excited to hear that Kevin is continuing to get better and better. Hopefully it will not be long before you can all come home. Continued prayers and happy thoughts sent straight from Pennsylvania to Texas! Well the prayers I guess go to God first then he sends them to Texas, but you get the point. Hope that Wednesday is another great health improving day for Kevin!!
Love ya,Kristen

Anonymous said...

I have a big lump in my throat right now, I am so thrilled! Sometimes, moms know more than doctors, when it comes to things like this.
Your blog is on my Google Reader so I never miss a post and I'm supporting you and Kevin and Breezy in prayer every day.

janet said...

that is wonderful we are so happy for you all god bless
henry janet & nichole crawford

Anonymous said...

Leslie...Oh what Joy you and Breezy must feel. This is wonderful news. Love you!

Anonymous said...

That's great news! It brings a few tears to my eyes. It's great that he responded but also that he knew exactly what you were talking about. That says a lot. Wishing you all the best. Hope to see Kevin sometime soon once he gets out.
A1C Karl Vaughn Hillwig

Anonymous said...

Leslie and family,
I was so excited to read the great news on the blog this morning. I look forward to reading it every day to keep up with Kevin's progress. My thoughts and prayers are with you all every day. Kevin is a fighter and he will come through this. I am not very good with words as you can probably tell at this point. Take care of yourself too because Kevin will always need you. Love ya, Jean S

Missy said...

Leslie, I'm so happy and excited for you that Kevin is responding to you. I'm praying that it only gets better from here. Hugs!
Missy

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie, That is great news! Oh the power of Prayer. May each day bring another milestone. Stay strong and take care of yourself.
Cindy

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a good yesterday....it certainly is enouraging! Yay Kevin - keep fighting! Yay Les and Breezy - stay strong!

Anonymous said...

Great news Leslie!! It sure will make your days go faster if you can communicate with Kevin. I hear you were gonna play some Tom Petty for him. That oughta make him feel even better. You can tell him I said so. Lol.
Tracy Snow

Anonymous said...

Leslie, my heart and prayers go out to you and yours. My son is PFC Andrew Shields who died in the bombing. I know that Andrew is sitting next to Jesus and they are watching over Kevin. Know that you and your family will be in our prayers for years to come. I am a 100% disabled Army Vet so I do understand your frustrations with the system. Just know that things have come a long way in the care of our military. God Bless you and your family and Gods healing for Kevin. If you need to call talk or just be angry I am here.
Wendy Campbell
Battle Ground WA
360-687-0144
wennyyjo@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Good job Ninja!!! That's great! I am so glad... I wish I could have stayed the evening to see him responding!

Keep it up! We're pulling for you!

Jon (SGT G)

Anonymous said...

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!!!! That's our boy... all those daredevil years made him tough and resilient, don't you think?? That is the best news, Les... I have a ton of faith in Kevin's strength and the medical staff you have working with you guys. This is the first day I have had GOOD TEARS reading this... I hope the rest of your posts to follow are this encouraging!!! Give him a little squeeze for us... be well and take care. :)

~~*Libby*~~

Joan said...

Oh man, Les -- Wow!! I am SO happy to hear that Kevin is responding and knows you are there with him. YAY!

Warm hugs to all 3 of you. Keep on truckin', Kev!! What a brave and strong guy, you ROCK!! Mom and sis are a pair of seriously strong women, too, so it certainly runs in the family. :-)

Love,
Joan

Bev said...

Breeze & Leslie,
I was so tickled to hear the good news for today. I pray for you all often each day; that God would do a miracle! We have a great God!
Your fellow co-worker,
Bev

Anonymous said...

Words cannot describe how happy I am for you right now and how proud I'm am of Kevin that little (okay not so little anymore) guy stayed strong and came back, if I spell something wrong sorry I can't see through the tears of joy. Love you and tell Kevin my heart is with him each and every moment as it is with Breezy and you.
Come home soon Love Tracy A. Jack

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is great. We praise God for all the miracles that have come and trust that more are on the way.

Pastor Jude

Anonymous said...

Hey Leslie, It's DJ from armstrong...well atleast I used to be working there...I have been reading your blog every day....and my heart just breaks for you and Kevin....You are in my thoughts....and Kevin is one of our country's heroes...we should all be so very grateful to him and the soldiers like him that are fighting for our freedom....and you and Breeze are heroes too in the way you have given up everything to be there with him...well, I just wanted to let you know that I think of you everyday and I am in awe of you and your family.....you will pull Kevin thru this with your love and determination, I just know it....Take care of yourself...DJ

Anonymous said...

I have know idea how you managed to control yourself while this was happening. I almost lost control of my bladder just reading about it. I can't wait to tell everybody.

Pete

Anonymous said...

I read the good news and am thrilled that Kev is responding to you and Breezy. People at Daman's have been asking how Kev is too. I also hear that Moe has been doing a great job helping you out and is a truly good friend.

God Bless and take care all,

Albie

Anonymous said...

Hey girls!!! What amazing news!! Fantastic!! The kids thought I was insane when my eyes filled up with tears, as I started clapping uncontrollably!! Zachary is very into keeping updated on "Breezy's brother." He's sitting with me now and says to tell you that he can't wait for Kev to get better & he wants Breeze home to babysit!! LOL!! I read your blog at least once a day Les. You have got to be the strongest woman I know!! Stay strong girl & keep posting!! This is the first I've commented here, but have msg'd Breezy privately. You guys never leave my thoughts, and my "Pray for Kev" bracelet won't leave my wrist until you are all home! I can't wait to read your next post!! Zach, Taryn, and I send you much love and huge hugs!! ~~ Heidi

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I'm sooo happy to hear that today was a good day. It's sooo exciting that he responded!!!!! I've been wanting to call you, but I didn't want to bother you in a time like this. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Love ya and miss ya.

Kathy said...

Leslie & Breezy,
I was so thrilled when I read your last update! This is such a turning point in Kevin's condition.
All of you have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
Believe me, being a cancer survivor, I know God answers prayer. If God brings you to it...He will bring you through it.
God bless you and keep you in His care.
Kathy

Kay said...

YEAH FOR KEVIN! You're in my heart, friend!

lori said...

leslie,

i heard about you from vicki c's blog. i have been following your story but was away for a few days and am now getting caught up on the internet news... i am so happy for kevin for today's great strides. may you all feel the love and comfort that God gives to you freely and all of the love and support from family, friends and 'strangers' that care so much about what you are going through.

know that you, kevin and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

lori peuterbaugh