Thursday, July 24, 2008

Day 54 - July 24, 2008

This was a pretty uneventful day today (other than the rain from good old Dolly). Kevin seemed to be in a lot of pain from his back. It is still a bloody mess and I assume it's because he lays on it all day. You should see the poor guy try to lift his left side off the bed to alleviate some of the pain. It's so sad to watch.

We are having another (minor) surgery tomorrow too. They are going to put a PEG in, which is a different kind of feeding tube that goes through his belly into his stomach instead of down his nose. This is the last thing that needs fixed before we can go to Tampa. I am guesstimating about 2-3 weeks for us to be gone from here (could be wrong though).

We didn't get his head measured today, which kinda bothers me because it is supposed to be being done daily now, but I will make sure it's done tomorrow. I was actually pretty mad all evening because it wasn't done, but I am trying to be an understanding person. Not always an easy feat for me, (grimace). Patience was never one of my better virtues either...

So keep us in your thoughts for tomorrow's procedure as well. I am always so scared every time he has surgery. I just can't help thinking of how well Steve was doing and how he had surgery and passed away 2 days later. And I am not sure if any of you ever heard of Merlin German as well, but the same went for him. He went through close to 150 surgeries (over a 2 yr time span I think) and passed away a day or two after a minor little one to graft skin below his lower lip. Something so simple. I actually read a news article about Merlin about a month or so before Kevin's attack. I just cried and cried. I remembered at the time thinking what an amazing person he had been and how lucky I was that this hadn't happened to us. If I'd only known what was coming...

Read Merlin's story here.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

Praying, sending good thoughts and praying a lot more !!! Hope you soon get my mail.

I would be literally insane if I were in your shoes..no joke. Your words tell us how strong you are both inside and out. Your mind is so full.

The Merlin German story..I can easily see your concern. So so sad.

Kevin will be OK. He's got to be. He is fighting a battle for you now. He must win this battle as you have been his wing man..well "wing Mom"..by his side leading him through this battle. He must win.

God Bless you, Leslie. God Bless you, Kevin. What strong genes you guys have. What a strong will.

Live Strong Kevin.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, It has been a long road and one yet to come. Sometimes it is just a loss for words. Trust in the Lord. It is always said he would not give you more then you can handle. Sometimes I would like to know who came up with that one. Please try to keep up. I can only imagine how easily it would be to be pulled down. That Merlin story is some pretty heavy stuff. This blog has give many people a better outlook of what war is really like. I pray that all our soliders come home. Keep faith. What team work East Brady has provided for support. There has been something to benefit Kevin just about every weekend. You all don't have a few people that cares but a WHOLE town and surrounding community. Hugs and Kisses to all.

Anonymous said...

Be thankful for yesterday, have faith today and hope for tomorrow.
You Leslie, Brezzy and Kevin are doing your best and beyond....
Prayers and thoughts are with you!

Kris said...

Still praying here in RI!! I can't imagine how scary it must be seeing your baby go into each surgery. We're praying for you too Leslie & Breezy, that He gives you the massive amounts of strength, peace and comfort that you need each and every day.

We're all out here praying prayer upon prayer for Kevin, for his pain, for his doctors, and for you both. We'll always be out here, praying for you and praying with you. God bless you, and giant hugs to you all.

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Jodi said...

HANG IN THERE LESLIE!! STAY STRONG!!! I know I sound like a broken record, but you are an amazingly strong lady, and Kevin pulls some of his strength from you! He will make it thru another surgery and every one after it. The kiddo is a fighter, just like you, and he will be okay! You all are always in my thoughts!
Here are more positive and healing thoughts for all of you!
I love you!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Anonymous said...

Leslie, Kevin can do it he has the best working on him, the best Mom and sister, good loving friends and all the prays from his home town and all over the world. Merlin's story was pretty heart breaking honey I'm still teary. Kevin is strong and I know how strong you are and Gods will is to help you all through this. Love ya bunches, Pam

Unknown said...

Les, Think positive and keep your strength. Kevin is young and he'll continue to fight. Hang in there and I'll continue to pray for you all every day. Hope the surgery goes well today.
Love you all!
Diana

Vicki Chrisman said...

Praying for a good day. Hugs friend!

The Rock said...

Dear Leslie

You are a wonderful woman , and you are stronger then you think .
I know it must be straight torture ; to see your Child hurt and fighting for his life.
Our daughter passed away in 2005 and we know how hard it is to see your child in pain.
Kevin is strong and he WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS awful time of waiting and agony .
Kevin was thought to survive ! And I just know he WILL .
He graduated from the 173rd , that means they are the best! My Husband
told me to tell you " The Herd is the Elite and so are it's Soldiers."
God bless you Leslie and you are in our prayers !
Petra
Soldiers Angel from
LOUISIANA

Unknown said...

Leslie ~ You have shown incredible strength, wisdom and love through out, and with everyone praying and loving you, you can rest assured you will continue as such. Kevin's fight is supported by tremendous prayer, and so trust in those prayers. In that Love.

Hugs, Love and Prayers. Always.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, My thoughts have turned to you, Breezy and Kevin many, many times today. And when I think of you all, I send a prayer. Try to stay strong. I know Kevin is drawing his strength from you. I wish I could do something to make this all O.K. for you. All I can do is pray and trust that Kevin will be o.k. He is a warrior and he will get through this latest hurdle. Take care and know my thoughts and prayers are with you every day.
Melissa Ion

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

I thought you'd like to know, on our East Brady United Methodist Church on the main street ( Kellys Way ) in town the church marque says:

AS YOU PASS BY
PRAY FOR KEVIN

Our hearts are with you. Our hands are tied and those of us who are Mothers can feel your pain with being so scared.

You are holding up for your baby..I am so proud of you.

Stay strong, Leslie.

Praying harder.

Anonymous said...

Hey Les,

Think of you each day...every day is a new adventure for everyone...you, Breezy and Kevin (and all of us who care about you). Believe me, and everyone else, we live, eat and breathe on what you have to say every day!!!!

Kevin has made incredible progress. He never seems to waiver in his eagerness to live...and not only to live, but to thrive, and not just to thrive, but give back to his community, his friends and family AND HIS COUNTRY. Each and every day he shines!!!! He is our HERO!!!

I hear rumors you may might call me this week...I am looking forward to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Travis says hello!!!!!!

Kristen M.

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie, I'm thinking of you and Kevin and Breezy. Life is so fragile, but if we dwell on that fact, we can become paralyzed with fear and anxiety. You're doing so well trying to stay positive and I know that's got to help Kevin and give him strength, too. I'm praying for a mega dose of God's grace and mercy to be sent your way!