Kevin does seem to be more aware lately. We had a long 'talk' about what it will be like in Florida and although he doesn't exactly respond, he does seem to listen. I think this is going to be good for him. He needs the stimulation and the activity.
We had planned to go to the gym today and play on the Wii, but when we got there Daniel came in. (Daniel was with Kevin at the time of the attack). It was a very hard moment for all of us - it was the first time they saw each other. I am pretty positive that Kevin was crying because his eyes got bloodshot and he had tears. Daniel was upset too, but he handled himself really well. I liked how he still talked to Kevin even though it hurt him deeply to see what Kevin has become. There were definitely tears all around during the exchange.
So after this, we decided to go outside rather than play the Wii. Daniel needed to do his PT and we didn't want him distracted by Kevin. We went outside for at least an hour and truthfully, Kevin slept the whole time. I was told that he only slept an hour the night before - he had a really rough night. I have to wonder if it's because we didn't go see him. We did end up going to the concert. I know...I shouldn't think like this but it could just be. It has to be hard to just lay there for hours with no one to 'talk' to. And for some reason, visiting hours ended at 4 instead of 6pm yesterday so it was even longer than it would have been.
But we did go to the concert and it was a good time. I have to be honest - I really love Texas - but they do not party like Pittsburgh does! I can't say I have ever seen Petty only do one encore - basically cause the burgh keeps chanting - but he didn't play even an hour and a half. And hardly anyone was dancing - very different, for sure!
But, we had great seats! See...
I did have to zoom in to get this, but only 5x. Click on it for a larger image.
So anyway, that's about it for tonight. Maybe tomorrow we will have a firm date for flight. I know that I fly with Kevin on the Med flight, but Breezy goes commercial. Tonight I need to start cleaning things up and figuring what I can leave here and what I need to take with us. I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings us...and I can't wait to cook a real meal. Or even bake cookies...raspberry choc chip with pecans...oh my...
14 comments:
Hi Leslie,
WOOHOO!!!!! YAY!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME NEWS!!!!!! Tampa, here they come!! :-)
Wow, I hadn't realized Dan and Kevin hadn't seen each other yet. I am sorry it was so tough, but maybe it was time. I am glad you were all there to support each other.
I am glad you went to the concert. You needed to do that for you Leslie. Kevin was okay. Please don't feel guilty.
I can't wait to hear when you actually get to leave for Tampa!!! That is such great news!!
Here is to a great day for all of you!!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Big hugs for all of you!!!!!!!
All my love,
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
SUPER NEWS! Even with tears it's good to know Kevin can show emotion and that he remembers faces.
Glad to hear you talked to him about the move...that could be scary for him especially since he seems to know quite a bit more then expected.
The change will be good for all of you. Have a safe trip and safe thoughts for Alan too.
Yay! Thank you, Lord! What a relief to know for sure.
That's great that you went to the concert and had a good time. If anyone has earned a break, it's you!
I'll be praying for Kevin to get better rest and for comfort in his loneliness, that he would feel God's presence and His love.
Great news about Tampa! Your family has touched the lives of many people across the U.S. and other parts of the world. The strength and determination that all of you have shown truly has touched the hearts of people that know all 3 of you. Your family has also touched the hearts of people. like me, who have "met" you via the blog. Thank you for "telling us" through you writings that we should treasure every monent that we have with our kids (no matter what their ages are).
I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
A Military Mom
Whell I have to tell you That I look foreward to reading Mended Wings every night.
I hope and pray Kevin gets better every day.
There are allot of other people Concerned enough to read every day also with 5818 page views.
So we are all here for you kev and breez.
CZY Kevin
Renfrew / brady
GREAT NEWS!!!! I haven't read your blogs in awhile and after reading just 3 i had to stop, Kevin and Breezy are so lucky to have a strong mother like yourself! Taking it one day at a time, and even though some days are harder than others you still will says something positive. But wanted to let you know i'm so excited to hear about Tampa i started to cry... thats what kevin needs and u can't wait to read up on the progress he makes there... god bless
christie g.
YAY for FLORIDA!! I'm so excited for all of you. You will be so much closer to home now we can all road trip haha! Love and miss all of three of you. xoxo!
Jess
GREAT NEWS!!! That's going to be a good change for all of you , I'm sure. Im so glad you went to the concert! You NEED to do things like that... or you wont be able to continue as you have been. I dont know how you've done it so far.
ps. I'm going to have to get that recipe from you for sure! yum!
Leslie,
Great news about Tampa!! I wanted to ask a question...A lady in Fryburg us having a calender made up of "Hometown Hero's" of soldiers from Clarion county made as a fundraiser, and in it she is asking for any soldiers pic and info, and money is to go towards care packages. If you are interested in putting Kevins pic in this, let me know asap and I will email you the info on where to send it, if you would include your email addy. I will scan off the poster that was at work and send it.
Again....so happy to hear Kevin was accepted in Tampa and will continue to get the care he deserves!
There were definitely tears just reading about the exchange with Daniel, what a powerful moment it must have been when they saw each other. It's a very good sign that Kevin seemed to cry, while tough on him it shows that yep, he's still in there, he knows who Daniel was, he is progressing for sure!
Wonderful news that you're FINALLY going to begin that new chapter. And know that we'll all be out here taking the ride with you, cheering you on!! My inlaws live about 10 minutes away from the Tampa facility and both volunteer there during the week - I'm sure they'd be more than happy to loan you their kitchen, it doesn't see much action otherwise!! :-) Raspberry chocolate chip with pecans?!?! I'm salivating!! What a combo.
I hope you all have a great day, and I hope the news about the flight comes quickly. Kevin will excel there, he's going to do great!
God bless you Kevin, Leslie, Breezy & Daniel. Thoughts, prayers support and load upon load of angel hugs are always on their way to you all! Hugs!
- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI
Wow,God is good Leslie, I have prayed so hard for you and Kevin and Breezy to get this move. I need to talk to you so I am going to try to call you tonight around 8 I have a question I need you to answer for me. Nothing bad Honey just a mother hen question. Take care and I am glad you went to the concert. Loveya, Pam
Praise God - you are one step closer to PA. I can't wait to wake up each day and read about Kevin (you and Breezy also). Will the military pay for Breezy to fly to Tampa? I have a friend who works at the Butler VA, and she told me recently that there are a lot of employees there following your life. They can't wait to have the opportunity to someday meet your family, and possible serve you in some way. God Bless You!!!!
Good for you, Leslie. I'm telling you, pack your bags!
Hi Leslie,
I am so happy that Kev will now be able to enter into rehab. I know you have been waiting so long to get in. I may not comment often but I want you to know that I read your blog daily. It will be nice to hear what they say about Kevin in Tampa. Hang in there and know that my family and I pray for your family every day.
God Bless,
Larry Arnone
Post a Comment