Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Day 880 - Oct 26, 2010

This is going to be a quick post as I am flat out exhausted. I had the ambulance take Kevin to the hospital last night and we were there until 10:30 this morning. Nothing showed up at all, but Kevin was not only vomiting, but was also having spasms in his right leg and arm. That was something new to me and I didn't want to put him on a plane without him being checked out first.

So we went and nothing showed up on his scans or blood work or any other way. The docs do want to do a seizure work up when we go back to TX, but I was told he was good to go. They did give us an anti-seizure medication for the flight though - just in case.

And Kevin did fantastic on the flight. And WOW! What a welcome he was given at the airport and on the way home. I have hundreds of photos to download, but if y'all don't mind - I will share tomorrow night. I haven't slept a wink yet and Kevin really hasn't either so I am hoping he will go to sleep right quick so that I can too.

In the interim - thanks to all the supporters at the airport and on the motorcycles. It was awe-inspiring and humbling all at the same time. And thanks to Mike and Deb at Operation American Pride for setting this up. Kevin was really excited and hamming it up for everyone.

And how nice to be home around our own things - especially our family...

10 comments:

Mike S. de Tampa said...

Welcome back to Tampa.....Sorry I was not in the loop or I would have joined in the airport greeting. To introduce myself, I am Mike Switzer, a former 173rd SkySoldier of VietNam vintage and now active with several vets groups, including the 173rd and 82nd "All Airborne" associations and DAV. I and my comrades would like to help and honor our younger comrade, if only by visiting. But any such contact will be with you and your family's guidance. So feel free to respond, and I am listed in the Tampa phone book if you wish to call. Airborne!

Melissa Sanchez said...

WELCOME HOME Soldier!

Just wanted to say I am thinking of you and your familiy Leslie. What great strength you have to support your son in such a wonderful way! My husband is an Iraq vet as well, with issues... so I sort of understand where you are coming from. We are located over in Lakeland, and are involved in MANY veteran related groups. One I would most definately suggest your son become apart of, is the Wounded Warrior Project. Email me, and I will give the local coordinators name. They are wonderful. Many programs for the vets, assistance, etc... as well as caregivers. He is not alone and neither are you!! (hugs)Please feel free to contact me @ msanchez1125@hotmail.com if you are able. I know you are terribly busy... but know there are a lot of people who care, and help is there. God Bless you all. Please let me know if I can help- I am not too far away :)

Bonnie Lang said...

My Daughter and I were at the airport yesterday. We were honored and humbled to have been a part of your welcome home. You are a true hero.

SUSAN AND GARY GRANT said...

We were honored to share the flight from San Antonio to Tampa with Kevin yesterday. We joined with your family and well-wishers to welcome him home when he got off the tram. What an awe-inspiring event. So glad that we could be part of that. Our Son is a Captain in the Army and served two tours in Iraq and seeing Kevin brought back all our worst fears for him. I can only imagine what you and your family have been through and will continue to go through. Kevin is truly a great American hero and we are so very proud of him and of you and your family. God bless you. SUSAN AND GARY GRANT

Brian said...

Welcome Home Soldier... I just want to say THANK YOU, for serving your country proudly. If it were not for the Men and Women like you serving this great country, I would not have the freedoms that I do.. THANK YOU. I wish you a continued recovery, and all God's blessings for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Kevin!
Wonderful to hear!
Sending all the best wishes and prayers to you and your family...
A.

Catherine said...

Thank you for allowing us to take part in welcoming home your son. I am an Air Force wife from MacDill and I was very honored to be there to support your son. He is a true American hero and I will keep Kevin and your family in my prayers. He most certainly deserved a heroes welcome. Thank you so much to Kevin for his contribution to our great country and to you for supporting him as he defended our great nation and now caring for him through his recovery. Thank you and God bless you.

Long-time RN said...

Looks like you had a rousing welcome to Florida!

Have a wonderful time with your family!

Lorraine said...

WONDERFUL comments would of loved to of seen this. Enjoy your visit hope it goes slow for you. Hope Kevin does well while you are home there. Love ya Lorraine and Rick

Barbara (Nana) said...

Leslie and Kevin, family--Alex and I are so thrilled you are home, and after reading just a tiny portion of your blog, I am completely and utterly speechless and what you and your family has gone through and what you have had to put up with from the VA bureaucracy (although there are wonderful, caring souls at the VA), but most of all I am ashamed of all the heartless hatemongers out there. We love you and we will be here for you. Whatever you need--even help with your sprinkler system! You are both amazing and proof of God's purpose for us all.