When we walked in to see Kev today, his hands were not bandaged and only had a small towel wrapped around them. Pretty soon after that, PT (physical therapy) came in and took even the towel off and allowed us to really hold his hand. What a wonderful feeling! I can't say if he knew we were touching him, but it felt good to us - especially when he would squeeze real hard. And his left hand really looks great (other than his pinkie which is down to the tendon). The right hand doesn't look as good yet because it was more seriously burned. There is currently a wound vac on it to try to get some skin growing over the tendons (at least I think that's what I was told). Wasn't too long though before he was all wrapped back up. Poor guy.
We still have yet to see his legs. I can see some of the donor area, but I have never even glimpsed the burned areas.
To be honest, nothing much else really happened today. Unfortunately we did have to tie his hand even closer to the bed because he had managed to untie the knot twice and he was also able to somehow work his arm out of the restraint once this morning. He REALLY hates to be tied down. Always did. And his numbers were all really high today because he is stressed that he is restrained.
And so am I. I am really struggling with watching him being tied down. I have been sitting here tonight trying to figure out how to accept it and be able to watch it without having such a heavy feeling in my chest. I really just don't know how to do it. I know this seems like such a small thing and I know it's necessary, but it is the one thing that Kev really hates. But I gotta find a way to get past it. I just have to.
That being said, I am signing off to roll it around in my head. Hopefully something will click into place and I can look at it in a different way.
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
15 comments:
Leslie,
I had to get up to tinkle and thought I'd quickly check on your nightly posting of Kevin's condition. We are watching a miracle in progress.
I've been away visiting my kids. The "Pray For Kevin" bracelets accompanied me on my visit. I am wearing mine now.
As many of your blog visitors have commented..Mary Ronge saying similar "Where 2 or more come together in my name, there am I with them"~~Matthew 18:19-20 or Jeff Bernstein's "Silver Lining"or Megan, Jeff's daughter, always sending positive thoughts and support or hearing Pam Moore's continual love and I think "Vicki" and I both wait for you at night and sometimes post at the same time. : )
We are all your community of cheerleaders. We keep hearing prayer. We keep hearing faith. Total strangers come to you..in love and support. You are making so many people realize..Kevin's story has touched many hearts and hit home.
God is so present in your lives right now. You must be feeing it and witnessing it as each day goes by.
The late political journalist, Tim Russert just died recently of a heart attack at age 58. At his memorial service, a ukulele version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow was played out of Tim's own iPod.
As the service was ending, the crowd looked to the sky and saw the most beautiful double rainbow over Washington D.C. and smiled. I will not take up blog space by putting many of the comments about God, Tim and the rainbow shared by his friends, family and fellow journalists.
I will.. though.. share with you the words of Tim's only child, Luke ( age 22 )...Tim's pride and joy, who spoke of his Father at the memorial service. Tim was a man of great faith.
Luke looked up at that double rainbow and said.."Is anyone still an atheist now?"
You can view the beautiful double rainbow by clicking onto Google and typing into search "Tim Russert Rainbow" and get goosebumps as we all did. There is indeed a message here. : )
May we all keep the faith, keep praying and be here for you, Kevin and Brianna ( before I forget..happy belated birthday ). God Bless you all.
To think...I only got up to tinkle. Back to sleep. : )
Leslie,
Forgot to mention that I shared your blog link with a few of my friends throughout the world. We share the love of photography.
Kevin's story...does indeed hit home. It brings all of the newspaper articles and all of the news that we witness on TV...home.
Kevin's story of this war is brought to us each and every day by a Mother's love, as shared with us in this blog.
Hang in there and continue being the pillar of strength that your family needs at this very difficult time in your lives.
As a Mother, I cannot even begin to imagine what you've seen, heard and had to endure as Kevin's life is being saved by the doctors. Please keep praying and never lose hope. Faith..will see you through.
I am very proud of you..and Brianna. Kevin is so strong. He is going to be OK.
"If I close my eyes forever, will it all remain the same?", The song is about lover's, but this one line fits the question you have in your heart right now..you don't need to look into Kev's eyes for your love will remain the same. If children never opened their eyes just the sound of their mothers voice brings emotion.
You were his first home, his first love, his constant protection. Sight will come in a different way now, a hand that feels for his mothers warmth, his head turned towards her voice, a tear of emotion to let her know he feels her constant protection.
As for being tied down, remember when you tied him into his high chair, restrained him in his stroller? He didn't like it then but he was safe for it. He's not going to like it now.
When my boys turned 21 I cut off my apron strings and gave them to them because boys never like being tied, it sort of breaks their spirit. For now, you sort of have to put those apron strings back on..just for now.
Leslie, I can only imagine how Kev must feel hands tied down. That I am sure is so hard on you. I know that Kev can feel you and Breezy touch him and honey HE KNOWS HIS MOTHERS TOUCH.You have given him so much strength as I am sure you will continue to do.I am sending you all the strenght that I have to you in prayer. Keep up the wonderful work. Tell Breezy I send my love and if that soilder hasn't had that hair shaved yet Les, touch it and smell it for me honey Mom's do that I know. Love ya honey. Pam Moore
Dear Leslie,
I'm sorry for your angst about Kevin being tied down, but it is for a greater good and I know you know that. To lessor degrees we are all tied down in one way or another maybe not physically. Life with it's obligations and demands on our every day lives. Being tied down can be a good thing when it lends to obligations and responsibilities that we all have made commitments to. I digress, but I'm getting there. You can possibly look at Kevin being restrained as his way of commitment to his healing process which is paramount in his life. Maybe I'm all wet here, but it could be a way to free yourself of the bad feeling you have of Kevin being restrained. Leslie you will come to grips with this as you have with the multitude of things that have been done for Kevin already, this too shall pass. We have never met, but I know you are a strong woman and you will come through this pitfall too.
There are threads of silver that are entwined in Kevin's restraints which will make him whole again.
Have a good day and remember there is silver around Kevin, you and Breezy.
God bless,
Jeff
Dear Leslie ~
The others have said it beautifully. You have a strength and love for Kevin that will transcend ties and restraints. Watching it, though, is unbearable. Faith is a funny thing. We have it. You read about it. But it is the great unknown when we have Faith alone. But rainbows, and tears come, and we can see Faith at work. Healing happens, though painfully slow, and we see Faith at work.
If God were able to come and sit with Kevin, and Kevin flailed his arms, God would gently lay his hands on Kevin to restrain him, so healing could happen. You would do the exact same. So the ugly straps holding him down, are just God's hands over yours.
It might sound silly, but God bless the restraints, and please Lord, somehow let Kevin know their purpose, so healing of spirit can help the healing of body.
Prayers, love and hugs to you, Breezy and Kevin.
Dear Leslie and Breezy,
Watching you son and brother must be the hardest moment in your lives. I believe God is with all of you at each moment. My "PRAY FOR KEVIN"
bracelet has had many people ask about him and they are asked to pray for all of you.Mothers protect their children and love them immensely. You are doing what you can. You support your children each day and are there for them. The exhaustion you must feel - I can't begin to understand. I want to thank Kevin for serving in our military- on this special 4th of July. God bless you, Kevin. I appreciate you stepping up and doing what you do to protect us. We so badly want to protect you. I want to also thank Steve DeBacco[ in Iraq), Alan Fleeger,Luke Marano, Alex Andreassi, Karl Hillwig,and Christopher Reeves for serving our country and us. Love to you all, and may each day give you continued strength. Love, The Reeves gang.
Kev, Leslie & Breezy,
Just stopping by to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers each and every day.
And you were in those thoughts and prayers in an extra special way yesterday on the 4th of July. As I sat and watched the parade on a beautiful day, enjoying sweet, precious Freedom I kept thinking of you all, in a hospital room with your broken hero - a hero without whom this nation's birthday would never be possible. Without whom our sweet precious Freedom would be a dream. Thank you Kevin, thank you so very much for these precious gifts. Thank you to your wonderful family, to all of our brave heroes who have sacrificed immeasurable sacrifices for us out here. It would be impossible to ever be able to thank you all enough.
God bless you all, and may He shower you with all of the strength, peace and comfort that you need every day, and every long night. May He take Kev under His wing and lead Kev to that door and keep Kev close to His heart forever.
- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI
Dear Leslie
To watch your Kid restraint has to be hard . I am sitting here trying to find the right words but what are the right words? There ARE NO RIGHT WORDS there is just this overwhelming feeling to send you strength !
Kevin is a fighter and I KNOW HE WILL OVERCOME .
You are a wonderful Mother Leslie and I am so proud of you and your daughter . You have all made such an incredible Sacrifice for your Country.
I believe in the power of prayers ! And I pray for all 3 of you !
God bless you and keep you strong!
In Friendship
Petra " The Rock "
Soldiers Angel from Louisiana
Leslie,
I can't imagine how hard this is for you and your family, but know this, God is watching over you and yours and is there by your side every second of each day.
I was at church last Sunday and lit a candle for your son and his loving family. Kev sounds like a strong man and it sounds like he has a strong family as well. You will be in my prayers, stay strong and God be with you.
Hang in there, friend. You can do this! Hugs and prayers sent your way.
Leslie,
So happy Kevin is doing much better. I know he knows you are there. I know he feels your love. I know he feels the multitude of prays and support this entire country is giving him. He is a hero, and we all know it. He has overcome the greatest obstacles anyone can face. Each day he continues to improve...despite all odds, despite everything...he is incredible!!!!
I miss you at work, but know you are exactly where you need to be. I would be there, too, if in your situation.
Way to go Kevin!!!!!
Kristen, Corky and Travis (who hopes you got to play the memory game he sent you!!!)
Hang in there Leslie!!! I'm so proud of you and yes I still check in every day. We really miss you TONS at ScrapMuse and you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Miss you lots!
Glad to hear that his hands are healing. I think mothers have the most difficult job on the planet, so I feel for you. Your presence and your voice must be a comfort to him, even through his frustration.
I'm still praying for you all, everyday.
Thinking of you les.. and sending hugs!
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