Day 16 - June 16, 2008

I guess you can say Kev is doing a little better today. The docs did find a blood clot yesterday (which is typical) but they went in today and put a 'filter' in the vein so that it doesn't travel to an area that it shouldn't. Other than that, he has just been sedated and 'sleeping' all day. I know that sleeping isn't the proper word to use, but what do you say?

Good news - they are talking about removing the tube from his brain tomorrow sometime. Now that he is on a blood thinner, they won't put the antibiotics directly into the brain and since they haven't needed to remove any fluid for a couple of days, I guess they feel it's ok to remove it. They did put him on an anti-seizure medication just to play it safe though. Keep your fingers crossed on this - it's not a definite.

We did get a visitor today. Forgive me if I am wrong on the title, but I believe he is Kev's Rear Detachment Commander. His name is Sgt G (no names) and he came all the way from Germany to visit us. We went to breakfast with him this morning (and Daniel's family). He gave me a coin for Kevin from the 173rd for Courage and Strength and he also gave me the Sky Soldier Award for Excellence. I wish I knew the names of these things, but there is also some kind of rectangular pin from NATO to be worn on Kev's Class A's. And although these things all touched me deeply...he and his wife also made a poster with all kinds of pics of Kev in Germany. That meant even more to me. But the thing that truly meant the most? It's the stories! My most favorite one is where everyone had to line up (forgive my military terms ignorance) and Kev came out with this rope wrapped from his shoulder to his waist. G said "Kamm - what is this?!!" and Kev replied "I'm here for Ninja Training, Sir!". That just sounds so like Kevin, lol. That kid was always such a jokester!! I can't even begin to tell you how many times I told him before he left that he would not be able to continue clowning around like that to his superior officers. Looks like he didn't listen, huh?

I found out one thing today. Kev was the gunner up in the turret in the Humvee when the 'incident' happened. I can only bet that that made his day. I can almost feel the excitement he had to have been feeling to have this responsibility. He sure loved being in the Army.

I also learned the names of the two fallen soldiers that were with Kevin in Afghanistan. Please everyone, take a moment of silence to thank both of them for serving us and our country (no names will be given in this blog anymore). May they both rest in peace.

And to their families, should they find their way here? My heart is broken for not only myself, but for both of you. I honestly feel your pain and am here if you need me. I wish I knew what to say, but there are no words adequate enough to soothe your souls.