I lost another 20 years off my life tonight! Kev was given some morphine this afternoon and that always makes him sleep so Kim and I went over to the guest house and grabbed a movie to watch for tonight. So we went back over to the hospital within a half hour and when the nurse came to get me and I was walking to Kev's room I didn't see him in his bed (I can see 3/4 of his bed way before I get to his room). I asked where he was and she said "in his bed". I was like "no, he isn't" and by then we were both running to his room. Y'all will not believe this, but that kid somehow managed to pull himself into a sitting position and was leaning forward propped up against the left side of the bed (out of my view). The swollen part of his head was leaning against the bed rail and his body was falling forward. Now to the person that can say 'heart attack' in fifty different languages - you guessed how many I had in that moment! And I can't even begin to tell you how many different emotions where floating around in my head right then - fear and awe being the two most prominent!
I was so scared because he can't have any pressure to that side of his head and here he was leaning against a hard plastic bed rail. I also couldn't help but think how many times the nurses have all walked out of the room with the rails down because he doesn't move much. He would have fallen out of bed and probably died when his head hit the floor. And unbelievably, the nurse did not tie his hand down when she came to get me so he could have also pulled the drain out of his head or his trach out of his neck. Both having dire results. She told me that he listened to everything she said to him all day so she figured it was ok. (I don't think she has kids)
Then of course, after my heart stopped jumping out of my chest I couldn't believe he was able to do something like that! That was so damn impressive!
But I walked up to him and was talking very fast and very firmly because I was just so scared. I said something like "I can't believe you did that! You scared the crap outta me! You can't sit up yet! What are you doing? You need to be still! Don't ever do that again!" and then I realized I was mad at him and I should have been excited so I leaned down right next to him and I whispered kinda loudly "Man, I am so friggin proud of you right now!" and I shit you not - he got the biggest smile on his face and his the brightest twinkle in his eye. The little shit!
I swear to y'all - I am gonna die long before my time should have been up! I just bet my heart looks like it's 90 years old already...
First 2 from the Nov kit!
12 years ago
19 comments:
Hi Leslie!
Oh man, that is both scary and awesome!!! He is getting stronger and healthier every day, and that is fantastic!!! I am glad nothing bad happened to him sitting up, and excited he did it all on his own!! Good job Kev!!! And I LOVE the part about his smile!! THAT IS THE BEST NEWS!!!! Stay strong Leslie! He's getting better every day!!!
Have a good night and get some sleep! Dream about his smile....
Love you!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
Leslie,
I can't type for smiling. He smiled..he actually smiled !!!!! Wait till Brianna hears the good news.
Sweet dreams. YAY Kevin. : )
Prayers are answered. Keep praying.
All i can do is just sit here and smile.
Hey Les, What a kid. And you thought he gave you heart failure on that skate board. Way to go Kevin. Our prayers are being answered. Just one question for ya. Could you keep your mind on that movie when ya all got back home? How strong Kevin must be and what Will to get better and get home. Mom got the first smile from him. Love ya honey, Pam
Leslie,
WOW what a good read for a rainy Sunday morning in East Brady. I've had to read this wonderful post a couple of times and just can't believe what I've just read. This is fantastic amazing news of Kevin's heroic fight back. I'm just in awe of Kevin's strength and will power to come back. I'm certainly not a doc or any medical guru, but Kevin will make a successful recovery he has the right stuff. Kevin's actions speak louder than any words. I can not imagine the sheer will and fortitude for him to have pulled himself up into that sitting position and not to have endured a lot of pain and discomfort Kevin is a strong man. I'm so happy for Kevin albeit he could have hurt himself, but God has placed that silver lining around him and this will help protect Kevin while he makes these wonderful amazing strides to recovery. I'm so happy for Kevin right now.
Leslie thank you for posting every day and keeping us informed, this has been a very good start for the day.
God bless,
Jeff
Good Morning Leslie,
Kevin is a testament to your strength. I have to keep telling myself that our kids aren't "kids" anymore. They are men and it never ceases to amaze me what they are capable of doing. It is their job, you know, to age us as quickly as possible. What an achievemnet! I hope his strength continues to grow and his smiles become more frequent.When your child smiles at you...money can not buy that feeling.
Take care.
Peg McElravy
Hi,
Wow, all mother's hearts just skipped a beat as we read this. He is sooo strong. I believe your "Mother Bear" instinct came into play when you were talking to him. He has an ornery streak, doesn't he? Kevin smiled....he must have remembered hearing those words before. He wants you to know he is there.
Stay strong you wonderful gal. You are an inspiration.
Hugs,
Jocelyn
Soldiers' Angels
I was so glad to get to see Breezy last night at Riverfest. I got to talk to her for a few minutes and she told me about Kevin and his trying to crawl out of bed. That's a big step! He's only getting stronger, and the stubborn boy that he is , he'll be fighting harder and harder to get out of that bed!
Awesome Les! I know you're feelings exactly-scared to death and thankful at the same time because of his progress. All normal emotions. It truly is amazing how his progress is each and every day. I'm so excited for you all and so is Lyn. Keep the strength and faith girl, see what it's doing for Kevin? Love you all
Diana
Wow -- this is great progress. I have missed reading your blog while we were away for a week. And it was great coming back to such good news.
I was also thrilled last night to run into Brianna out and about during Riverfest. It was wonderful to get to talk to her in person. Kevin has the best big sister; her pride, love, worry, etc for him is so evident.
You have two great kids, Leslie. A great testament to the mom you are.
Megan Slaugenhoup
He must have been a real handful as a kid! LOL! That's awesome that he smiled; it must have warmed your heart. It sure made me smile! Praise God he had the strength to pull himself up, and also that his guardian angels were protecting him. I can't wait to see how he progresses once he's in physical rehab!
Wow, Leslie!!!!
How awesome is that! I am so excited and happy for Kevin's progress. And all on his own, without anyone seeing! But not to worry, that kid has a legion of angels surrounding his bed. They would not have let him fall out of bed even if the rails were down. I just know it!!! I know he scared you (and the entire nursing staff), but I think he wanted you to see that he's getting better and trying. I bet that was his gift to you today!
So wonderful to see answered prayer!
Nancy, Va. Beach
Wow, I am so glad to see he is mobile even in this state, his will and determination to make it through this is apparent! awesome, Praise God.
I was in a coma for a few weeks after a severe car injury and started doing things much like Kevin. i.e pulling tubes out when they would leave, trying to roll off the bed, etc...
My family before they would leave me at night would lead me to a "happy" place. My family would tell me we were sitting by the edge of a creek, watching the sun set, or we were fishing something along those lines to relax me. Then my family would tell me to stay put I will be right back for you. Then when they would return, they would play along and tell me they were back, see it was only five mintues!
It really helped me relax, and I remember some of it, but not a lot.
Just thought I would share!
I am a soldier's angel here at Ft. Carson and we ALL are praying for Kevin. God bless you all
Hi Leslie! Got my bracelet! Went to Riverfest today! Unfortunately a huge storm came through towards the end...but we stopped and asked someone where I could get a bracelet and the lady said "I have them!" So my family bought three. I wish I had asked who she was. I have a feeling it was one of your friends. It would have been so nice to meet her. I did not get to see Brianna, but am hoping she is just doing great with her friends!
Also...thinking of you. Call me anytime you want, remember.
And, as others have said, I am sure you did have several mini heart attacks seeing Kevin pulled up as he was! But, oh my, the smile...how great is that!!
Love hugs and prayers! Always
Hi Leslie,
I just got back from vacation and I was anxious to read Kevin's update. I am so happy he is getting stronger and stronger! He is a tough kid and I can tell he has a wonderful mom!
Lori
Soldiers' Angels
Hi Leslie~~!!
Jessy Martin here! The Riverfest parade was awesome. I was done before the rest of the parade because I'm in the marching band, and guess what I saw in the parade?! Tons of people wearing pray for Kevin shirts and marching! I think I even saw some of them crying. Did you get the thingy-ma-bobber my family sent you? I forget what it's called, but my moms friend Nancy made it, and it has love and prayers (sp) for Kevin in it. I wrote stuff on the outside of the box, so idk. Im just so exited that Kevin is getting better day by day. On my birthday, when I was marching, I couldnt stop thinking of you guys down there. Believe it or not, I started crying in the middle of playing my horn! It sounded occuard when I tried to play, so I had to sit that part out. I just want You guys to be okay, and mostly Kev.
Our family sends love and hope.
xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Jessy
Well...this post of yours both made my day and made my heart pound simultaneously! That boy is a strong and one hell of a fighter! :) :) :)
Heather (OFR)
I am sooooooo proud of him, at least he's getting stronger so that he won't be weak whenever he's gets back home. That thing about him leaning his head on the bed was a little scary, im just glad nothing happened. When i was reading this i couldn't stop smiling, he's come a long way and he's gonna go farther. Tell him i said Hi.
Nicki Stahl
THAT'S WICKED COOL! I'm so glad to hear that he sat himself up. Haha. I mean, not good that his head was resting against the bed rail and not good that his hands weren't tied...but damn good that he did what he did. YAY KEV! Love Always, Nicolette Loose <3
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