Day 14 - June 14, 2008

It has been 2 weeks today since Kevin was attacked. To be honest, I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks. I feel like I have been living in hell for years already. I was in Kev's room just today thinking how odd it is that this really is happening to us. It's just surreal that I am in TX living on a military base, when a couple of weeks ago I had a good life in PA. It's just unbelievable that things can change just like that - with the snap of your fingers.

I can't stress enough how important it is to let the people you love know it. One thing that my family has always done is say "I love you" at the end of each phone call. It's funny because it was such a habit to say it at the end of phone conversations, that sometimes I would say it to complete strangers when hanging up. I'm sure you could ask the pizza guy or someone from work and they can tell you that they heard me say it, lol. But seriously? Say it! And say it loud. You never know when it's the last time someone is going to hear those words.

So today has not really been a good day. I am a little concerned because Kev is not absorbing any of the fluids in his stomach anymore. I was assured that this does not mean he is in system failure, but I couldn't bring myself to ask if this is the beginning of that process. It was also hard to watch him because every time he swallowed or coughed, brownish fluid came out of the hole in his neck. I just kept cleaning him off because he is coughing and swallowing a lot now.

I also thought his upper lip had grown attached to his teeth, but the nurse and I brushed his teeth and gave him some mouthwash. I think it kinda was dried to it, but we got it 'unstuck'. I had to laugh because he bit down on the foam toothbrush and was not leaving go for nothing. We were screaming 'c'mon Kev - no biting'. He was having none of it though.

His temp is also really high - over 103. I stayed in his room almost 2 hours straight today just putting cold compresses on his forehead. I was soaking the gauze in ice water and was able to bring it down a little bit. I am apparently becoming accustomed to the heat. His room temp today was 84 and with rubber gloves, a hat and a gown on - it's HOT! But I stayed. Breezy came in and finally relieved me though and I have to admit - I was starting to get dizzy.

On a good front - Daniel woke up today! Daniel was the other soldier in the Humvee with Kevin. He is able to whisper and he is responding to Susan's voice (his mom). Yay for Daniel!!

I know that I did an interview with WTAE yesterday too, but I have been unable to locate the video on their website. If I can find it, I will link it as well.

Not sure if I will write more tonight or not. If anything happens, I will. I may just veg out and watch a little TV if I can. I missed it, but I saw that a woman won Top Chef this season! Yay Stephanie!! She deserves it!