Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Day 318 - Apr 14, 2009

We are starting to really find our house. I have the kitchen pretty much done and my temporary bedroom is done and so is one of the spare bedrooms. Kevin is sleeping in another of the spare bedrooms and everything is complete in there, with the exception of the bed being put together. I decided against it because right now - with the box springs and mattress on the floor - his wheelchair is the exact same height making it easy for him to transfer back and forth on his own.

The sad part is that I am going to get this all put together and will then have to find a place for all of our things from our home in PA. Oh well, there is plenty of room here. We purchased a large home for Kevin's future children, lol. Oh - and we also expect lots of company!

And we can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to not have to go to the hospital every day. It is too awesome for words! It's going to be really rough next week when we have to go back, but luckily it won't be for long. I believe we will be discharging very quickly upon our return.

And I finally found my camera cord. Yay! This first one is a pic of Kevin getting the keys to his house at the closing. He was just so excited!



This second photo is of all but one of the folks that busted their butts to help us get this house. Y'all have no idea about all of the problems we have had with it. The only person missing is Lisa from Inland Homes, but this photo does include (from L to R) Guy from Wells Fargo, George and Judi (our realtors), Carol (and Ann is missing too) from the title company and Dennis from the Specially Adapted Housing Dept of the VA. Each and every one of these people did more than their fair share of work trying to help us get a home (and I believe some strings were pulled to get us into it by Easter!!). I have to admit to feeling defeated while trying to purchase this place, but one of them would always make me feel better when I was at my lowest. A proper "THANK YOU" to each of you!



And last, but not least, here is a picture of the front of the house. As I complete the rooms, I will upload photos as I can't see any sense in showing you bare rooms. They would all look the same as the walls and floors are identical in each. So....tada....



Here is a breakdown of the house: 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, den, family room, living room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook and a very large bonus room (or should I say scrap room and living room upstairs for Mom?) It is a gigantic home because Kevin needed an open floor plan to be able to wheel around in. He can literally go in a circle and I think it's wonderful.

I do want to take a moment and thank those of you that sent donations toward the house too! Between the personal donations and an organization helping out, we received close to $5000 and it made a big difference on the mortgage payment amount. Thank you, everyone!

And last, I want to thank my family for coming down and sweating like mad to get us moved into this place. I mentioned that I bought model home furniture and man - there sure is a lot of it! Thanks Mom, Dad, Matt, Kim and Joe, Anthony, Brandy and Heather!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have a beautiful home Kevin!

Many of us here in Pa. are so very thrilled for all of you.

Our biggest thrill comes from knowing you, your mom & sister are OK.

Come to think of it where is Breezy? Still on vacation? Hope she is having fun where ever she is.

So discharged means no more going back to the hospital for PT, OT and all the other T's?

Hope you all get settled into a home routine soon.

Please don't stop blogging about Kevin though. I am addicted to your blog lol I love reading how everyone is doing.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, the house is beautiful. I can't think of any family that deserves this more than you guys. It is so good to see pictures of Kevin, happy and improving. We will continue to pray for only good things for all three of you. There is no place like your own home. You can just go inside, shut the door and shut the world out. Privacy!!what a wonderful thing. Take care and keep strong.
Melissa Ion

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! How exciting! You sure have a beautiful home! I loved looking at the pictures too! All of you look so happy too. I miss seeing Breezy and hope she is doing good. One thing I noticed is that Kevin's right hand looks relaxed- that's wonderful. Do you still take the botox for that? It looks like it did the trick! :)
I'm glad you and your family were able to get so much done with the house! Yeah!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congratulations on the house, she sure is beautiful! I can't think of anyone that deserves it more. Kev may you have many, many wonderful memories in this house. Leslie, just in case no one has told you lately, you're a terrific mom! *Hugs!*
Liz, SA

Jodi said...

Wow! What a gorgeous home! And the smile on Kevin and Les' faces are PRICELESS! Congrats to all of you! And a BIG THANK YOU to all of those people Leslie said helped get Kev the home. You are angels!

I am so excited for all of you!
I started crying when I saw the pic of Kevin getting the house keys. You all have made such strides and have come such a long way from the first few months of this journey. So amazing....

Hi Breezy! Hope all is well with you too!

Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Healing thoughts for Les' dad.
Strength and comfort for Les 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...

You all are so deserving of this home and more. I am so happy it finally worked out for you all. Kevin and your blog has also become a part of my everyday routine. First thing I check in the morning and sometimes read more than once throughout the day.
I just wish you did not have a mortgage to go with the house. I still believe our servicemen and women (and especially those so devasted by injury in war) should be better taken care of by our country.

Can you believe Kevin's progress in less than one year? There were times you had your doubts about this very day - Kevin living away from the hospital - and now, it is starting. Way to go, Kevin! It is a tribute to you Leslie - you did ride a rollercoaster but you never gave up on him - and a tribute to Kevin - how hard he has worked to get this far. Wow! What an inspiration!!

Praying things just keep getting better....

Linda said...

Leslie and Kevin,
wow!! your home is beautiful! CONGRATULATIONS! The smile on both your faces is priceless! Glad things are going so well for you all! the Pics speak 1000 words!

Long-time RN said...

Can't add more than the wonderful comments above! Congratulations, kudos to all those who've assisted in acquiring your new home, and the smiles are rays of sunshine!

Unknown said...

BRAVO!!! I am just absolutely thrilled for you all!!! YES!!! Looks like so many prayers have been answered!!! Many hugs!!