Sunday, April 19, 2009

Day 323 - Apr 19, 2009

My brother and I went to Busch Gardens today. Kevin was supposed to go, but he refused to wear a hat and that meant that he just couldn't go. I did give him the choice - either wear it or stay home and he opted to stay home with my parents. It was very hard for me to still go, but if I gave in to this we would never go anywhere anymore. So, I went and we had a good time.

Other than that - there really isn't anything to say. Tomorrow we head back to the hospital and back to therapy. I'm not sure if either of us is ready to go back, but I guess we have to, lol.

And I guess I will just cut this short as I am heading to bed early again. I believe I heard that I will be getting some help at home and I am anxious for it. It is a LOT of work taking care of someone so completely and some help would be appreciated. I think I will know more about that come Wed at the meeting. Keep your fingers crossed that this is true. Maybe then I will have more energy...

5 comments:

Jessica said...

That's too bad Kevin didn't want to go, but I hope you enjoyed your visit with your brother. I wonder if the hat was just an excuse for not wanting to be seen in public? It must be very hard for him.

It would be great if you could get some help at home. I can only imagine how exhausting it must be for you!

I'll be thinking of you all and you're in my prayers!

Miss Em said...

Leslie,

As more of the repairs to his face and head are done then you will begin to see that he will go out more into the public world.

Being around other wounded warriors wasn't that hard on him because everyone there understood that it was a badge of combat to which there was no shame.
Being around civilians, that is another story. The looks of pity and repulsion that he sees or thinks he sees are more than his ego {which is very, very fragile right now} can handle. But, don't quit trying because he still needs to make those journeys out into the civilian world.

Try taking one of his special hats to the uniform shop on a military base and have the purple heart ribbon attached to it.
Actually, ask Kevin which of his ribbons would he like attached to that hat. They do have them in a mini size which will fit on a hat quite well.

It could be of valuable help in getting people to talk to him when he is out and about. Curiosity is a wonderful thing at times.

Miss Em
Austell, Ga.

Long-time RN said...

Hope you get some additional help in the home setting. 24hr duty is rough for anyone.

Also hope you had a relaxing time at the Gardens. Take care and best to you in getting back into the therapy/hospital groove. Look forward to reading when Kevin goes for the next round of surgery.

Take care.

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
Sounds like an exciting,productive but exhausting week for all of you.
It also sounds as though Kevin is gaining confidence in his decision making (lol).Also,a big thanks to everyone that submitted recipes,or
advertised in the cookbook...we
are all pleased with how it turned out.
Also,if anyone out there has ordered a cookbook and hasn't received it yet please don't hesitate to contact me or tracy and we will check into wether or not it has been mailed,delivered,
or if possibly we never received a request for it.
Our quantity of books left are
getting lower by the minute so please get in touch with us soon.
My email is ksimpson630@gmail.com
Kevin keep up the good work !
Leslie,you're doing great !!!
Breezy we are thinking of you !
Kim S

Kris said...

Hi Leslie, Kev & Breezy,

Stopping by to let you all know that as always you're in my thoughts and my prayers. I can't even begin to imagine how dog tired (is there a level that is tired-er than dog tired?? :-)) you all are. To say that you need an actual vacation I would think would be the understatement of the century.

Saying extra prayers that you're discharged!! Gosh how far Kevin and you all have come. The miles you have all traveled. It must be so exciting to finish that part of the journey and embark on a new one. Praying you get some help that you need as well. Hopefully we won't need those prayers and that you just get the help, not have to fight for it.

I received my cookbook last week - it is AWESOME. Awesome, awesome job. I can't wait to try out some new recipes!! YAY!

God bless you Leslie, Kevin and Breezy and may He give you all of (and more) of the strength, peace and comfort that you need each day. We're always out here praying for you and praying with you -- from TX to FL to TX to FL to wherever you go!!! :-)

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI