Monday, June 23, 2008

Day 23 - June 23, 2008

The docs didn't end up doing the spinal tap today. They took Kev off the blood thinner at midnight, but his blood was still too thin when they went to do the procedure. So they are planning to do it tomorrow now. They mentioned having to give him a blood 'thickener' beforehand so I guess we will see what tomorrow brings.

On a good note, his kidneys have not gotten any worse overnight. That's a fantastic thing. And the orange stuff he was coughing up is gone (one of his tubes had worked its way up to a place it shouldn't have been) and get this - Kev started moving around a lot tonight. Just like he did the first couple of weeks (YAY KEV!!!!). His head was just moving and he was grimacing and that arm just kept going back to where he wanted it every time I moved it away. He has not moved a wink since the night he responded. I hope he honestly was just taking a little snooze and is starting to come back to us.

So I had to laugh a little bit at him tonight though. I know he didn't really do it purposely, but I told him I was blowing him a kiss because you can't really kiss someone with a mask on and just when I blew it to him his face all curled up and his whole body just shuddered. I told him there was no need to recoil and that I had brushed my teeth. It was just kinda comical cause it really seemed like he was responding to me blowing him a kiss. Ok, so it's not really so funny in writing it - I guess you had to be there ;-)

On a last note - I got a few phone calls from some friends tonight about Tim's wife's blog. Just as an FYI - I had already been aware of it. I am not going to comment on it because I think it's pretty obvious that my blog is about my son and nothing else. Yes, sometimes my feelings are here. But for the most part - all of the feelings are about my son and my daughter and the trials we are going through. Those are the things that are the most important and I am trusting everyone to see this.

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go Girl! No comment is the best way. Your blog is so good someone will want to write a book out of it. Tell me, who could write this complicated saga without emotions. Keep them coming we are here for you, Breeze and above all Kevin. I am so happy that Kevin is now moving about again and I can just see him winch when you blew him the kiss. God loves you all and so do we. Aunt Judy

Anonymous said...

I've waited up for this. YAY for Kevin. Today sounds like it was a bit of a better day. I am glad.

Leslie..you know your heart. We know your heart. It's easier said than done, I know...but don't let anyone elses blog or ANYTHING take you away from Kevin, Brianna and your role as their Mother. The three of you are a team. Period !!!

I want to share with you about my friend, Debbi and her son..also named Kevin. Kevin has been sent to Iraq twice for long periods of time and both times lost very dear Marine friends. Kevin has been on our prayer list at church forever and is always prayed for. When Kevin got home the last time, he shared horrible experiences with us. Bullets came within inches of his body MANY times. Kevin told his Mother that he is sure that all of the people praying for him saved his life.

I cannot even begin to imagine the people who are praying for Kevin, you and Brianna. Isn't it amazing when you think about how each and every single day this blog grows and the people, churches and prayer groups that are praying for Kevin are now worldwide.

God hears our prayers. HE listens..I am sure of it.

It's so hard to know what to say to you. Honestly, it seems like you are the strong one leading us. YOU are the one going through this and all we can do is be here to attempt to support you.

Keep up the good work. We are so proud of all three of you.

Try and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day. Let's hope it brings some more positive news.

There is such a positive power in prayer. God Bless you. : )

Anonymous said...

I love the way the Lord encourages! He is good. It is good to read of your moment of laughter. That is a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, Breezy & Kev - Hi my name is Kris and I'm a Soldiers' Angel from RI. I wanted to let you all know that each and every day you will all be in my thoughts and my prayers - and during this time you can rest assured that those prayers are stepped up like you read about! God bless you all, and may He shower you with the massive amounts of strength, peace and comfort that you need so very much every minute of every day.

Stay strong brave warrior. You are an American Hero and that means that inside you, you have the strength, courage and determination that you need to help you fight this battle, and WIN this battle. And please please please never ever forget that thoughts, prayers, support and LOAD UPON LOAD of Angel Hugs are always on their way to you all.

I'll be checking every day for more good updates - every little bit of progress is worth many miles on the journey to recovery!

Anonymous said...

I do see the humor in that story about the kiss! It sounds like Monday was a good day. Excellent.

I like the high road you took and made no comment on the other blog. Also, you do not have to defend your blog to anyone. I can't believe the absolute composure you keep on this blog! If I were in your position, I think I would be a complete and utter mess. You are very strong; this is evident in Mended Wings.

I agree with Lisa that you are the strong one leading all of us. I hope the blog gives you some relief and an emotional outlet! You deserve it.

Megan Slaugenhoup

Catherine said...

Keep the faith, thinking and praying for you all!

The Rock said...

Dear Leslie
your blog has touched me in a deep way.
It will be a long Journey for you and Kevin, but you are a strong Woman and you will get through this and so will Kevin.
You are both in my Prayers and my thoughts.
I wish you strength and patience
Love and peace
Petra Soldiers Angel from
Louisiana

Unknown said...

Hi Les, I'm so happy that today was a good day. Hope this is the start of many more good days to come! Kevin knows you're there and he's feeding off your strength. Keep up that strength and your faith. Love you all!
Diana

Anonymous said...

Leslie - I was so happy to wake up and read this update this morning!! I'm so glad Monday was a better day for you. Kevin is amazingly strong and he is always in my thoughts and prayers. You are a fantastic mother - be proud of yourself...I know I'm proud of you! Call if you need anything. God Bless!

Heather (Operation First Response)

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I am a soldiers angel from Indiana. I will put you all on my prayer lists here and we will pray for each of you every day. I know the Lord will be with you and you will have the strength to do whatever you must. I went through the kidney thing with my brother. I will say the body is an amazing thing so try to look at the big picture while Kevin's body is resting for the various challenges he has to face. I also know how hard that is to do. My brother woke up to wonder why we had been so worried, as he didn't remember any of it. Just remember "He will raise you up on Eagles wings, he will renew your strength." Pat

Unknown said...

Leslie, Breeze and Kevin, I know that you don't know me, I'm Evan's Aunt Sue. I met Kevin at KC's high school graduation a couple of years ago. He struck me as a fun loving kid that was excited about getting on w/his life. And he has done that and more. Believe me, I speak w/some experience, I'm a 20 year Army retiree. This folks that are in the armed services are doing things that I have never experienced in my 20 years. They are the true heros in my opinion.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. And in the prayers of a bunch of other folks and churches down here in KY. Since I live just outside Fort Knox,so this community tends to come together when prayers are needed. I sent out your blog link to all the folks in my address book and many of them have book marked it to keep up with Kevin's progress.

I'm not familiar with the "blog" comments that you referred to, not do I want to be. That's not why I read this every day.However the definition of blog to to record your thoughts, feelings about what you feel are important to you. I think you're doing that w/your blog. So keep doing what your doing and know that there are folks (strangers even)out here that support Kevin, Breeze, and you.

And yes you have taken the high road in all your blogs. So make sure you get some rest now because you're really going to need it when Kevin leaves Ft. Sam to go to Tampa.

Valerie S said...

You're focusing on the right thing Leslie, and I'm so proud of you. Don't think I could be so strong. Just keep doing what you're doing, which is the best thing for all of you. Hugs and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Leslie:

This is Jerry Reed with Operation Military Embrace, Inc. We will be at Brooke Army Medical Center arriving early Thursday afternoon 26 June to begin setting up for the "free PX and breakfast" to be served to the out-patients in the Med-Hold Barracks starting at 7:00 a.m. Friday morning 27 June. The team will spend some time in the afternoon visiting the in-patients who can have visitors on Thursday afternoon after which we will all gather at the Olive Garden on I-35 just north of BAMC at the Walzem Road exit at about 1700 - 1730. You are invited to have dinner with us and we would love to have the opportunity to buy your dinner. We will have some of the outpatients with us (about 20 folks +/-).

Call me at 281-615-6275 or 713-201-8739 & we can make arrangements to meet you Thursday afternoon in the 4th floor ICU Waiting Room.
Semper fidelis,

Jerry Reed
Operation Military Embrace

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie,
My name is Debra and I'm a Soldiers' Angel from Kentucky. I wanted to let you know that my family and I are keeping you, Kevin and your family in our prayers. Keep the faith. I will check back in often for more good updates on Kevin's recovery.

Anita said...

Hi, you don't know us but we are praying for you and your son. Our son is also in the 173rd, and was injured one year ago. We can understand everything you say in your blog,....your feelings come through and I know it is a real hardship and you feel a little numb, but the blog is a good way to "talk it out", so keep it up. Plus it gives others the latest info to pray earnest prayers for Kevin. I know that God is there for him and for you....We'll continue to watch your blog and pray that God would continue to strengthen you and your daughter as you wait.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Breezy and of course our HERO. With Gods help and everyones prayers Kevin will be home before we know it. I lost a very special friend that I called my adopted son,Billy Sturges, to this damn war. God Bless and Keep You. You can contact me at katiej_75@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Breezy and of course our HERO. With Gods help and everyones prayers Kevin will be home before we know it. I lost a very special friend that I called my adopted son,Billy Sturges, to this damn war. God Bless and Keep You. You can contact me at katiej_75@yahoo.com

Mike Fuoco said...

Dear Leslie:

My name is Mike Fuoco and I am a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I'm intersted in doing a story on Kevin, your family and your community. I spoke this morning with members of the committee in East Brady and a photographer and I will be going there tomorrow (Wednesday) to do interviews and shoot photos.

Obviously, a crucial part of the story, scheduled to run this Sunday, is speaking with you. I wonder if you would have a little time to do so either today (Tuesday) or tomorrow. I can be reached at 412-263-1968 (work), or 412-576-4665 (cell) or 412-561-0826 (home). I'll be at work until 4:30 p.m. today but can be reached by cell or at home thereafter.

I wish Kevin, you and your family all the best.

Sincerely
Mike Fuoco

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
My name is Sharon and I have a son in the 173rd in Afghanistan. I was so tickled to read the joy in your blog today! Small things aren't so small, are they?!
God Bless you all! I will pray for Him to cover Kevin, you and Breezy with His healing, peace and strength! Keep up the faith!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear kevins doin much better!!! We all miss him here in brady..cant wait for him to come home...wish he was closer so i could come see him. Give him a big hug for me. Tell'em stay strong!! Hes doing great! We all love n miss him!! Love and miss you leslie!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi you don't know me, I am from Kittanning, and was reading the Leader Times this morning. They printed the link to this blog. Just wanted to wish you all well.My family will pray for yours.

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

Thought you'd want to see this. What a nice story. I don't get newspapers anymore, but do read what you can get of them online. The Leader Times actually lets you click on the story and read it. The Butler Eagle does not..they make you buy the paper or subscribe to the online one.

Here is the story in the Leader Times today.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/s_574300.html

Hope this article really helps all of you... : )

Still praying for you guys. The strength you have amazes me. Kevin has to be helping you and Brianna stay strong. You three are all so connected and keeping each other strong. I just feel it.

Take care...

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie....sounds like a better day today. Glad to hear your mom is with you. I know how important it is for her to see her Baby and make sure she's okay.
Tell Kevin he's a hero and we love him and are praying for him. My love goes out to Breezy, shes a brace girl and so comitted to her family. How proud you can be of your children Leslie. What a fine job you've done raising them. You are a good mother. What better vocation can a woman have than as a mother? I'd like to believe the Lord is looking on at you and saying "Well done, Leslie, Love You"

Anonymous said...

This is Deb again. I must say this. Beth's blog is nothing more then updates about Kevin's recovery. See for yourself at http://weblogetc.com/kevinkamm/index.html
I don't understand why anyone would be upset about it. It is just Tim's and Beth's way to keep their friends updated.

MaryAnn said...

Greetings from Germany.

Leslie, want you to know that everyone at Landstuhl sends their love and is rooting for Kevin.

And keep talking to him - OF COURSE he knows you're there.

God bless.

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie, Breezy and Kevin,

My name is Liz and I am a Soldiers' Angel in Atlanta. Like so many of the posts, you don't know me but I am one of the thousands all over the world sending much love, positive thought and good energy in your direction. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will be reading your blog daily - and looking forward to the day when you can write news of Kevin's recovery. Clearly, he is a brave, strong and courageous young man and the one thing I know for sure is that he has an awesome mom and sister!

I can only imagine how difficult these days are for you but I hope you take strength in knowing how much love and support is out here for you.

Anonymous said...

May God bless you today, may He give you renewed strength..what a hero Kevin is..please tell him Thank You for fighting so hard for our freedom and I know he will now fight just as hard to come back. So happy to read that you have some encouragement today. I'm sure he knew you blew him a kiss!!..we continue to pray for all of you.

Anonymous said...

I heard Kevin's story on KDKA shortly after he was hurt. For some reason, I was so drawn to you and your family. I have been looking for information concerning your son and am so glad to hear that he (and your family) are making progress, slowly but surely.
I am from Ford City area, growing up with family in Brady and my husband is from Rimersburg / Sligo area.Having 24 years of federal service taking care of our veterans and being a mom to three teenagers, your story hit me hard.I have never felt so compelled to help someone.
Kevin (with all the men and women who have chosen to serve in both peace time and war time) are truly HEROes.
We are all one tragedy away from things that can change our lives forever.
After reading the blogs,I know there are truly angels in the world and many are looking after you, Kevin and Brianna.
My daughter and her youth group from Kittanning Church of God will be traveling to San Antonio on July 10 -18th. I have contacted the head of the youth ministeries and given him your story. I asked that they come visit and pray with you and your family during their visit to San Antonio. I hope they will be able to visit you and your family and I hope they bring you inspiration, faith, hope, and love.

Anonymous said...

Keep it up. You and your family are covered in prayer and support from here in good ol' PA.

God Bless
Pastor Ed

RFP said...

Hi, my name is Renee and I am a Soldiers' Angel from North Carolina. As a mom my heart goes out to you, Leslie. Stay strong for your son as we lift your family in prayer. Brianna, you sound like a wonderful sister. You hang in there too. Don't you all listen to the people telling you that Kevin doesn't know you are there with him---he knows. You keep being there, talking to him, touching him, and advocating for him.

When you are with Kevin again, please tell him this:
You are a warrior. There are people all over the country who are praying for you, thinking of you, and pulling for you. Stay strong and fight, hold on. Your service and your bravery is an inspiration to all of us; our country is blessed to have military men like you. Hang on!

Anonymous said...

Oh Leslie, isn't it just like a son to shudder when we kiss them? Once they're not 2 anymore, we don't have a chance at those yummy kisses!

I just wanted to stop by for my daily read, and to encourage you to keep your chin up, and give an extra hug to Brianna. I cannot know what she's going through, but I sure do feel for her, and wish her peace.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for all of you every night and your in my thoughts all day. Kevin tough... don't worry Breezy he's gonna come out of this saying, "What you do to my kitty, Dawg?!" Love you guys. ~Linds

Larry Arnone said...

Hi Leslie, Breezy,

I am so happy that you had what seemed like a better day with Kevin. Keep the faith as there are many praying for Kevin. He is a true Hero in our Nations eyes. I spoke to my son today (also 173rd) and I mentioned your blog to him and he said that all the Paratroopers are fully aware of the challenges Kevin faces. My son asked that I let you and Breezy know that they are thinking of him everyday as he does not have the internet where he is at so he can't do it himself.

You all hang in there and I look forward to more great updates on Kevin.

Respectfully,

Larry Arnone