Monday, June 9, 2008

Day 9 - June 9, 2008

I received a box today from Germany. I was so thankful to see Kev's wallet and his dog tags. I know it's stupid - but I sat in the waiting room and just cried. Sgt B was also very perturbed because in the box was also Kev's Purple Heart - both the certificate and the medal. B took it so that it could be presented to Kevin correctly - hopefully with him awake enough to understand the ceremony. (BTW, Sgt B is our 173rd Airborne liaison - great guy)

It was kinda a rough day for ICU Burns. I don't think any of us had any good news. We weren't allowed in to see Kev till almost 3 1/2 hours after visiting hours began. We had no idea why and when I walked into his room - I was shocked. Yesterday I was able to see my son; see his face, his torso, his legs. Today he was completely encased in gauze and a white net type material. He looked like a mummy. I was so upset because I didn't understand why they wrapped him like they did - still don't, truthfully. I was told they put some type of burn medication on him and needed the new wrapping to keep it in place. Not seeing it - but that just goes to prove I'm not a doctor.

While I was in there with him, a physical therapist came in and started working on his limbs. He did Kev's left arm and I must have zoned out (do that a lot here) because next thing I knew - he was working on Kev's left leg. When I realized it, I was like "WHOA! Don't do that - that ankle is fractured!!" The jerk pulled out his orders and said - and I quote - "oops". I'm not going to tell you what happened after this because it's just not appropriate, but I will say that it's been recorded in Kev's file.

So when I went back in to see Kev this evening, I was told that they had to do a biopsy of something on one of his hands. The docs are concerned that he may have picked up some sort of fungus down range (down range is slang for Afghanistan I guess). I am trying not to worry about it yet, but it's hard. It could mean losing his fingers or even his hand. And yes - we are still very worried about pneumonia.

As to how bad it was for all of us today...I should first tell you that everyone in the ICU Burns waiting room has become family. We all know or are getting to know everything about each other and we all lean on each other for support. Today, one of our guys will not make it through the night. No names, but he got sick yesterday and they went in to do some type of surgery and he went into cardiac arrest. He has been here close to 3 months. Fought numerous times through numerous surgeries. He is/was 95% burned. At this point, he is on life support only until his father can get here. He is leaving behind a 22 year old wife and 3 children. It's so sad and it's also so scary. Every day I wake up and say "day 8" or "day whatever" and think that each day Kev is still alive he is just that much closer to being totally healed. But is he? Apparently not. I learned today that it honestly doesn't matter how much time has passed, he still may not make it.

26 comments:

Vicki Chrisman said...

Oh Les... here it is 4:30am ...couldnt sleep so came to the computer. Checked in to see if you had updated. Everytime I read , I wish there was something I could do to make things better for you and Kevin. Know I am thinking about you..and keeping you in my prayers every day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie, our sons were together during basic, AIT, and jump school. When they were deployed I was poking through my son's friends on Myspace and came across Kevin's. I thought to myself, "who is this skinny friend of my sons?" I laughed as I saw his skateboard stuff. These boys who grew into men--fighters, warriors . . ." My heart breaks as I read of all he and you are going through. And I want you to know we are praying in Maine. Ruthie Burke

Valerie S said...

Leslie, I start each day by going to your blog so I can find out how things are going. It is our only link to you, so thanks so much for letting us be a part of your world. Thanks for sharing Kevin's photos and his struggles. I wish there was some way to lighten the load, but for now, I simply send my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you. I had Kevin in 8th grade English, and I know him to be a genuine, funny, all around great "kid" (I know he is a man now, but I think of him as 13 in my mind). I always enjoyed running in to him in the store and chatting with him. I remember talking to him before he shipped out and thinking how he had grown and was going to fight for our country.

I think of him (and your family) every day. He is so lucky to have his mom and sister there with him. You are very strong! I hope all of the warm wishes we are thinking in Brady help support you in this time.
Sincerely,
Megan Slaugenhoup

Anonymous said...

I am also one that starts out by checking your blog to find out what is going on and as much as you have probably heard this over and over, I cannot even imagine what it is like for you right now.
I am glad that you have "family" and friends to bond with in the burn unit. You need those people to lean on because if anyone knows what you are going through, they certainly do.
I pray for you everyday and am always hoping for the best. We all miss you very much!

Unknown said...

Dear Leslie ~ I am so glad this blog information was forwarded to me. I was Kevin's 10th grade English teacher. I remember him well, and look forward to the day I see that grin of his!

We have kept him and you and the family in our prayers, since first learning the news. May you know all the love and support that comes your way each and everyday.

Always,
Patricia Bell

Missy said...

Hi Leslie,

Just want to let you know that I read you blog firt thing everyday and the whole family is praying for you, your daughter, and Kevin. I wish there were more I could do for you, but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about you constantly.

Hugs,

Missy (drgirlNO1)

roseofsharon said...

Les, Breezy, and especially Kevin, I too am checking often for updates. Zach and I were talking about the boys skateboarding, going to the East Brady town council, trying to get a skateboard park. What great kids!! And yeah Leslie they will always be kids in our hearts. You are a great mother, don't you ever think any different!!! Another prayer out today for you all.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your update and the pictures. I think it's wonderful that all of these people who know your son are taking the time out to read and leave comments for you and that you have some kind of support system at the hospital with the other families. Will keep checking in and praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Just thinking of you.
Aude

goodyearsl said...

Leslie,
My prayers are going out ot you and Breezy and esp. to Kevin. I check your blog every day for updates and I wish I could be there in TX with you to help you as you are going through this trying time. Keep the faith for miracles do happen and I am wishing a miracle for you!
Shari Goodyear

Anonymous said...

Leslie, I read your blog everyday and I pray for Kevin, you and Breezy everyday. I think of that little boy with the great big grin and the polite young man he became and the soldier protecting my freedom that's Kevin and you can be very proud of him. The prayers of so many are with you all stay strong.

Anonymous said...

Leslie this is cory wells i just want you to know that kevin you and breezy are in my prayers. stay strong and the kevin i no was more stubborn and stronger than anyone else on this planet.

Christopher said...

Hey Leslie,

Let Kevin know that I'm praying for both him and you guys. Kevin has shown to everyone throughout his life that he is a fighter and I'm positive that he's going to come out of this ok. Remind Kevin that when he gets better that he still owes me that whoopy cusion that he broke when we were kids and lived next to each other back in the day : ) Thoughts and Prayers are with all you guys.

Stay Strong,

Christopher Sotirake

Catherine said...

Leslie I've been reading all the comments that people leave for you, Breezy and Kevin, and I just want to say that from everything I have read so far, Kevin sounds like an amazing guy. That doesn't happen by mistake, you are an incredible mother (and friend) to have a son that is admired and loved by so many people! Keep your chin up and never doubt yourself, the things you are writing are things that cross everyone's mind at one time or another in situations not half as tough as this. You are a compassionate, wonderful and loving person, and don't you forget that!

I'm praying for you guys, and crying too! Love ya!

Catherine said...

PS. Please let me know if there is anything you need AT ALL and I will send it.

Anonymous said...

Just a note to let you know I am thinking of you and Kevin and Breezy. You have so many people praying for you - may those prayers send you strength and courage and love...

Linda F. said...

Dear Leslie, I just came here from Vicki's blog. I am so, so sad to read what you and Kevin are going through. I can't even imagine what you are feeling. You both are being added to my prayers. I will be checking in for you updates and hope to read only good things.

Miriam said...

Leslie:

I read about your son, Kevin, on Vicki's Blog, and wanted to let you know that you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I have a son too and know the power of a mother's love for her child. That love can only be surpassed by the love of our Heavenly Father who is certainly the great healer and can do all things. I will pray that He will be with all of you and heal your son. Bless you.

Carol (HB) said...

Leslie, I'm a friend of Vicki Chrisman's and she has asked for prayers for Kevin, you and your family. Please know that I lift you all up and ask the Lord to hold you all very very close, give you strength and understanding. My heart just breaks reading your story.
Carol

Sharon in NE said...

I have little to offer except a great deal of prayer for you and Kevin and your family. I will pray for wisdom for the medical staff as they need it. I will pray for healing, for peace and comfort. That's all I can give you but GOD is incredible, and that's enough.

Anonymous said...

Hey Leslie, Its Arian Metzler. I want to thoroughly thank you and give you my support for posting this blog and doing what you are doing. Please thank Brianna for contacting me as well. I am writing Wayne a letter tonight on the subject matter. Wayne doesn't graduate for another 3 weeks, so writing him at the moment is my only option. I know there are so many things that I want to say to Kevin right now, but none of them seem to be good enough. I hate myself everyday for not being able to stand amongst my friends. I know its not my fault that I have a spinal disease, but I can't help to think that there isn't more that I could be doing. It seems like it wasn't all that long ago when Kevin and I were in 2nd grade swinging on the swings talking about gymnastics. You know, when him, wayne, and I got into that brawl with them slippery cock assholes, as we were carrying kevin out that door, he just kept saying to me "c'mon dude lets go back in there and kick their asses".
I hope he makes it through this saying the same.

Anonymous said...

Dear Leslie and Breezy, I'm very stupid about computers and my son helped me find this and write our comment last eve. I am numb from crying what I have read tonight what you have posted. God bless you, and your children. I will help you in any way. Don't be afraid to ask. Christopher sends his love to all of you and he is praying for Kevin. When Denise Marano told me Kevin was in basic training, I should have called you. I am so proud of these young people taking the call to defend us and our country. TRUE HEROES!!! When I think of the local crew of the military, I always remember Kevin, Karl, Alex, Luke, and Christopher. Your son is a great man and you are proud. You have every right.God bless you and give you strength to be there for Kevin as he heals. Rest when you can. Love, the Reeves.

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

Hello Leslie,

I found a link to your blog from Vicki's...Just wanted to say that many prayers come from my heart to your family and what you are all going through. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. There is not much that I am able to do for you other than keep you, Kevin and your entire family in my thoughts as you face this struggle in your life...God Bless!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie, It's Janice I just wanted to say how much I have prayed for you all. I will never forget the picture you showed me of Kevin at the airport before he left for overseas. I said how proud I was of him and I still am!! Keep the faith and believe me that there are quite a few people praying for you. If you need anything my email-jhamburg@alltel.net

Sharon said...

Leslie - I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Please let your SM family know if you need anything!

Sharon