Thursday, June 19, 2008

Day 19 - June 19, 2008

I think I am becoming a nurse. I should first say that I hate the medical field. Have had absolutely no desire to be part of it - even under the best of circumstances. But, life apparently doesn't usually go the way you want it to, so it looks like I am going to become a nurse (of sorts).

You may ask why I started this post the way I did. Well...today, I stayed in Kev's room when the ophthalmologist stitched his right eye shut again. Y'all should know that I can't even watch someone put a contact lens in without getting physically ill - just the thought of touching an eyeball really makes me sick. But you know what? I did it. I admit that I had to look away when he actually put the stitches through the lid and lower part of his eye, but I still stayed. I watched that 'thread' being pulled and I took care of holding Kev's arm down and suctioning all of the mucus from his trach collar. I also handed supplies and kept telling my son what a great job he was doing. Obviously, he was not put to sleep for this - I suppose because he kinda already is. I was actually kinda proud of myself, but I will tell you that I did start crying smack dab in the middle and the doc had to stop for me to go to the other room and get control of myself. He was really nice about it, but I hate when I do that. I am not real good with showing my emotions - I am just too private - but that's another thing that's apparently going to change. I still cry a lot. A LOT! And I don't seem to care if I am in public or not anymore. It just happens - all the time.

Other than that, it was kinda quiet today. Still no movement from Kev. They did remove some of the staples from his head today though, which is good. And he is breathing really well on his own. We are really happy with that. With everything really. Because a non-eventful day is better than a bad day.

24 comments:

Kathy said...

Leslie...you are a very strong and courageous woman and you will get through this. Kevin is aware that you and Breezy are there for him...and I'm sure that gives him strength and determination to get through this.
I'm glad to hear that Kevin is breathing on his own. Each day is a stepping stone on the road to recovery.
Please take care of yourself...you have had so much to deal with emotionally.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy

Unknown said...

Les, thinking of you all and just letting you know you're a very strong person. Crying is okay whether in private or public. Kev knows you are there for him and he appreciates all that you are doing. He'll be very proud of you. Take care and remain strong.
Love, Diana

Anonymous said...

Leslie, a quiet day is a good day. You are all in my heart. I love you Leslie......

Anonymous said...

Great Job. Nurse. the strength one gains for the care of their children is wonderful. Keep the tears coming. That means you love him. As we all know. Keep up the good work. Many prayers and thoughts are ALL of you.
Love Dyan

Anonymous said...

Leslie..You are so much in my thoughts and prayers. I hope today and everyday brings you closer to seeing Kev open his eyes and he says "Hi Mom and Breeze". Cry and type all you need to to help you get through all of this. We are all here for you and we all are reading this daily to get updates on Kev.
Please know that you are a very strong woman and it is your love and caring that makes you the mother you are to Kev and Breeze.
Hang in there!
Susan Luce

Anonymous said...

Mothers are able to find the strength deep down inside in times when. their children need them the most. My mother raised 3 boys, and I've seen cracks in her armor at times, but she never gave up on us or herself. My wife and I have raised a daughter and 2 boys and I have witnessed her fortitude. You have that strength in you also and I know what fuels it. It's called love. You and your family are in our thoughts prayers, along with all of the other troops and their loved ones. Keep the faith.

Unknown said...

Leslie and Breezy (You will always be Brianna to me!)~ There are many types of courage, Leslie. Kevin's courage to follow his heart and in his courage to battle through this, Breezy's courage, as a sister to remain steadfast in her love to both of you, and your courage, as their mom, to be true to who you are. I guess I am simply reiterating what the others have said. By crying, you release all the frustration and fear, which then allows hope and love to fill right back up. And along with hope and love, comes renewed courage. Those of us who read your words, treasure them, as moms and as friends, for to reveal oneself, in order to survive, and therefore become even more courageous is the most fearless thing of all. To be humble, and leave that safety box we all want to live in, is courage.I continue to send you prayers of love and continued strength. I admire you, am in awe of you, and yet know, you will sit there and say "He is my child. I cannot do less!" May God continue to surround you with His Love and power of healing in all things. Pat Bell

Anonymous said...

hey leslie...your deff. right a noneventful day is way way way better then a bad day. When i read tuesday's blog i was so overwhelmed with happiness i can't even begin to imagine how you and breezy felt. Thats soooooooo AMAZING!!! I hope we stay on the path we are now =]

On a different note, i must say it is so heart warming and inspiring to be in east brady while all of this is going on. Every buisness you walk into you see cans for kevin....every wrist has a pray for kevin braclet on....and everyone is talking about the fundraisers and dinners that are to be held. It's just truly amazing, kevin is amazing and everyone here knows it =]
Tell him i love him...and i'm still praying.

Anonymous said...

It is quite surprining to discover what you are able to do/to endure you swear you will never do/endure when it is for your son.
Cry all you want... there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Thinking of you.
Aude

Anonymous said...

I read all of your blogs today. I am so proud of you. I've never met you, but I will pray for you, your family, and your son and I won't stop. Thank you for having faith in him. He *can* and will make it through this.
Let him know you believe he can make it through.
Holli

Anonymous said...

Hey Les, I am at work and guess what I made this thing find you. I am showing everyone at work how great you are and Breezy that goes for you also you are number one in my book guys but I guess your Mom already knew that. I am so proud of you Les and I do know how you hated the medical field but Mom's always do what they have to do. That's why God made us Mom's.
I know that Kevin will make it home honey just keep the faith, and with a Mom and sis like you guys he doesn't have a choice. Talk to ya tomorrow. Love ya guys. Pam

Anonymous said...

you're tough leslie. i think you're ready to be dubbed "honorary skysoldier". hang in there and never forget, the whole 173d airborne brigade (past and present) has your six.

PrizmGirl said...

Hi leslie
i've been wanting to leave a comment for a while now but i never knew what to say but now i finally do. Im so happy to here that Kevin is responding to everybody, and that he is breathing on his own, its exciting. Tell Kevin that everybody here is praying for him and that we love him.

Love
Nicki Stahl

Anonymous said...

I don't like to cry either, but it is a healthy way to let out your emotions and nothing to be embarrassed about. It sounds like you're doing a great job keeping watch over Kevin and I pray that angels will keep watch over the three of you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie and Family,
you are a strong family. We are proud to know you and pray for you daily. God bless you all. Tell Kevin we love him as we love you, too.Each day is a blessing and a day closer to recovery. Take care of yourself and your family. Lean on all that love you. Kevin breathing on his own- WONDERFUL! We love you.
Love, The Reeves Gang.

Anonymous said...

Leslie - please know that I am here for you whenever you need to talk/vent. Kevin is in our thoughts and prayers - and if there is anything you or Brianna need - please let me know. You are a strong woman and a great mother - now I know where Kevin gets it from. Call if you need anything.
Heather (Operation First Response)

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I know it's hard, but you have to take one day at a time. GOD will give you the strength to get through this. Kevin is a fighter!!Keep the faith. We are praying for Kevin everyday.

Bill, Deb, William and Mikayla

Anonymous said...

Leslie and Breezy
Thinking of you, and I am glad to hear about the quiet day Kevin had. I think restful days are just as positive as the exciting one you had when he responded to you. Again, thinking of you daily.

By the way, everyone is right about the support for Kevin here in Brady. When I went to buy my family their bracelets the other day, every business had already sold out! I hear today they have more in stock, so hoping to get them today so we can all wear them!
Megan Slaugenhoup

Karla Smith said...

Leslie,
You are such a very Strong Woman, and you will get through this time. Kevin is a fighter, I know he is aware by the posts you have written. You are his strength right now. I am glad to hear that he is Breathing on his own. One day at a time.
You don't know me, but I have been here daily reading your posts since day 1 . I am a Mom whos Son is in Afghanistan right now as we speak. I have been praying Daily for Kevin, and placed him on many prayer lists. I know God will bring him through this.
Please know I will stand in prayer daily.
Karla

Vicki Chrisman said...

You ARE a strong person! You always have been... but your getting even stronger! It's amazing what we can do when it's for our kids isnt it?
As for crying... YOU have EVER right to do that ANY time you want!
Take care hon.. I'm thinking of you everyday!

Anonymous said...

Leslie
I am very proud of you and Kevin, as I was reading this I was remembering when we took Kevin to the hospital for stitches we were??? how do I say it, strong for him at the time. But then when we went to get my stitches I think it was 3? in my thumb,(nothing compared to Kevin, I believe he told me "oh that's nothing") you got sick and I cried. He is and always will be the stronger one among us:) Love and miss you lots
Tracy A. Jack

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie and Breezy
No words can tell you guys how to get through this but you will......Mother's love is the strongest. Kevin is a young man and very healthy......good heart, good lungs....good kidneys. Keep asking questions you need to know everything.........no questions are dumb questions. I read all your notes and read many of the procedures that they have done. Has Kevin had an EEG I'm sure you know what that is but if ya don't know it monitors the brave waves shows activity such as seizures or no activity and where in the brain there is a problem. I read where he has had several CT and has had a stroke, was it a mild one or worse. I don't want answers to these questions this is something you should know. The infection is one of his biggest problems. He has to work very hard with his body to control his temps. You may have noticed when his pulse or heart rate is higher he has a fever.........that makes his body work harder. You probabley know all this but I just under stand how helpless you feel. Keep on suctioning him do what ever you need to do. Learn everything you can on caring for him, I truely feel that people who are ill can respond to family especially if you maintain control cry outside where ever but always bright around Kevin. Moms are strong and we LOVE OUR BABIES.......you guys take care SLEEP.........Breezy needs you healthy. I will continue to pray for all of ya.........................

Anonymous said...

I read about your son from a military community on livejournal. And I'm currently stationed in Iraq as well as being a mother of two young children. I can only imagine all that you are going through. But I am very happy to hear that you're son is doing better. You are a very strong woman, keep the faith, I know that it will help your son alot. He will pull through this better than what everyone thinks. It's an honor to work alongside men such as your son.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, I have just been reading the blog and was given your details through soldiers angels..I am a fellow angel, but I have something that I know will help Kevin with his recovery...would love to get in touch with you asap, so I can send it to you direct...
you can see me profile on
www.bethanmyfanwyhughes.blogspot.com or www.bethanmyfanwy.com

with love & blessings
Bethan Myfanwy xx