Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Day 249 - Feb 4, 2009

We had a really good day today. I stuffed a small turkey for dinner and we just vegged again. I spent a lot of time on the phone trying to find some help with the house situation throughout the day and Kevin and I played a game of Skipbo too. We honestly are trying to take it easier while at the house because we all need to start getting accustomed to a normal home environment.

As for Kevin, I don't think I told you guys, but he is able to do addition and subtraction with ease. Even larger numbers. It's just amazing to watch him do it. I like it that he can write the numbers too - granted it's not the neatest - but it never was, lol. And besides that - he now has to write with his left hand - that has to be hard too.

And now (because I know y'all are waiting for it, hehe) here are some videos of Kevin. I had to retake them today because yesterday's file just wouldn't upload. Too big, I think. So now it's in 3 different parts. Expect to see more quite often.

The first is of Kevin standing up:



This one is him walking (Thank you Betzida, for taking the video of all 3 of us):



And last we have Kev whipping around in his chair like there's no tomorrow. This is the normal Kevin - the one we expect to see riding his chair down a hill with no brakes like he used to do on his skateboard, lol:



Amazing, huh?

And I just LOVE this smaller chair. It is so much easier to get around in. And he fits under the tables to eat his meals with us and he can also get around himself (obviously) so that I am not killing myself pushing him all the time.

And I am going to finish tonight with a request for everyone to keep my Mom in your thoughts. Some of you know that they live back in PA and the weather has been kinda icy up there. Well, the other day she fell and broke her arm and then she turned around today and fell and broke her leg. As far as I know - she has never had a broken bone and now she has two at one time - and from different accidents to boot! How much you wanna bet that they end up moving down here soon?

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW

WAY TO GO KEVIN !!!!

Wheels are always going to be in Kevin's life.

How can we all not be so so proud of him ?? Writing, adding, subtracting...

We are all watching a miracle in progress.

God Bless you all...

Alison said...

OMG!!! LOVE THE VIDEOS!!! WAY TO GO, KEVIN!!!

He is so going to be cruising in that wheelchair in no time at all, and taking those corners with ease. Watch out Tampa, indeed!!

So glad that things are working out for you. I'm sending good thoughts your way for the house situation, and for your mom. Two broken bones at one time, ouch!! Dang ice!!

Anonymous said...

Amazing, just amazing. I have been following Kev's progress from the beginning and these videos brought tears to my eyes. Way to Go Kevin

Anonymous said...

Good Morning...and what wonderful videos to wake up to....I also have been following your blog since the beginning and what a blessing to see Kevins progress....prayers are going out not only in asking but also in thanksgiving today...so very proud of you Kevin...
Prayers also for your mom..God Bless you all.....

Anonymous said...

Leslie:

After fighting horrendous traffic this morning and cold and ice - I got to work and opened your site and just got the warmest feeling inside along with a huge smile! Seeing Kevin taking steps etc. is absolutely wonderful. I remember when my son took his first steps at Walter Reed and said Look Mom! He was 20 years old and it took me back to him being a toddler. You are a wonderful mother and the bond that you and Kevin share will be like no other that you know. You are all in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Anonymous said...

Go, Kevin, GO!!! Thanks for the videos, Leslie! It's so uplifting and I love the look of determination on Kevin's face...you guys are doing so well!! Prayers that the healing process will continue at a speedy pace :) God bless!

~Megan
SA from MD

Jodi said...

Wow, wow, wow! Thank you SO MUCH for the videos! Kevin looks fantastic and it is so exciting to see him walk! I will have a smile plastered on my face the entire day now, thinking about Kevin walking! Oh, and either Kev is EXTREMELY tall, or you and Breezy are short!! LOL LOL! Just kidding. Andrew was 6'2"-6'3" and I am 5'4" so I always felt so darn short around him! :-)

Kev has made such strides, and it absolutely warms my heart to see that. Keep the video's coming!
I hope you all have a fantastic day today!

I am so sorry your mom got hurt! But if she is anything like you, it won't keep her down too long! :-)

Healing thoughts for your Mom.
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Strength for Leslie and Breezy.
Safe thoughts for all military personnel and strength for their families.
BIG HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Anonymous said...

Happy thoughts for your Mom...and my oh my how awesome are those videos?? Seriously!! Absolutely amazing and FABULOUS in all caps!!! Way to go!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Les, What a wonderful Mother you are. Honey, you are my HERO. The videos are great keep them comin. Need to talk when you have time. I tried a couple of times and know you are busy. Love ya,Pam

Anonymous said...

thank you for the videos. its awesome to see Kevin again.
~Monica G.

Anonymous said...

YAY Kevin!!!! I'm so excited to see him out and about. He has made tremendous progress even since I saw him a few weeks ago.

I'm also sorry to hear about your mom. What a mess huh?

Stay strong!!
Hugs!!
Traci

Unknown said...

Way to go Kevin! It's awesome to see you walking while your mom and Sis pose for the video LOL! Hope all is going well for everyone. Love you all
Diana

Anonymous said...

WOW!

Kevin's progress over the past three weeks (since the shunt got fixed?) has been stunning.

I, too, have been reading since the beginning and when I think back to those days... well, this is truly a miracle.

Kevin really is on the road back now.

May God continue to bless you and your family, Leslie. You are an incredible woman.

MaryAnn said...

Leslie,

For donations, are the snail mail addresses as well as the email address for PayPal still current?

Anonymous said...

OMG it is amazing to see kevin doing so good!!seeing him walk on his own is so great.

We are so glad that he is doing so well...

Heather

Long-time RN said...

Fantastic videos! High five Kevin-way to go! As others have said, seeing those clips started the day with a big smile.

Sorry to hear about your mother. Sure hope she heals soon.

Thank you for allowing us to witness Kevin's amazing progress. I was also going to ask the same question as MaryAnn.

Blessings.

Anonymous said...

He is doing so GREAT!!! Watching him made happy tears come to my eyes!
Love to see him running away from you that is just AWSOME!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just can't believe it!

I can clearly see Kevin's sence of humor in the video of him in the chair and I can see his determination and personal pride in the standing up videos.

I just can't believe it is the same person that I read about just a few short months ago.

Once, again...wow.....I am (almost) speechless.

Cathy M

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to share the miracles in Kevin's, Breezy and Your life with us. Thank You!

You were saying you had to retake the videos, I think youtube only allows up to 10 minutes per video.

Can't wait to see more action lol

Lori Peoria said...

Absolutely an amazing beautiful site! What a soldier! Hooah Kevin!

Anonymous said...

Awesome job, Kevin! Thanks for sharing these videos; it's great to see him in action. That's wonderful that Kevin still has math skills; I'm sure more will surface soon!

So sorry to hear about your poor Mom. She's in my prayers. It would be nice, though, for you to have your parents with you!

Praying for you all and for more good news.

Anonymous said...

feb.5th,2009 ... thank you, thank you ... for letting us have a glimpse of your marvelous son, our war hero ... there are no words for the miracles of kevin's strength ... who would have ever thought that kevin would be upright and walking again, i am so touched by his determination and the bond between all of you is incredible ... it takes my breath away to see how devoted breezie is to her brother ... what a beautiful young woman she is ... you have done it right leslie, fantastic children ... the inner strength of both your children shines loud and clear ~ WOW !!!

~ Donna ~
[ARIZONA]
SOLDIERS ANGELS

Anonymous said...

Leslie and Breezy, i am so excited to see kevin walking...you two probably don't know me but i went to school with kevin...and it is an awesome idea with the video camera. to see kev walk made me cry like a little kid! it must have been very emotional for you two also to see him walk for the very first time!!! i am goin to send a card soon with a picture so he knows who sent it to him...can't wait to see some more videa and tell kevin to keep it up!
God Bless!
~Katie and Hoss~