Day 109 - Sept 17, 2008

Today we had Kevin sit on the edge of the bed for the very first time. Sounds easy, huh? Boy, let me tell you - it wasn't. It took close to 15 minutes to get his legs spun around so that they were hanging off the edge of the bed and he actually was leaning back against a physical therapist because he is in no way strong enough to do this on his own yet. I have to say, it was rough because Kevin was also in a lot of pain and I am still figuring on it being that right hip. We are awaiting the x-ray results to know for sure. So it took that long to put him in the position and he only sat that way for maybe 4 minutes. He just couldn't handle it any longer.

He also ate some more pudding and had some water to drink today. I am hoping by next week I can give him water myself at different times of the day. As of right now, only the speech therapist can give him food/drink.

I was also quite saddened by Kevin not understanding some picture flashcards. I think I had fooled myself into believing that he actually is mentally 'all there'. But today I realized that he isn't - at least not yet. When we showed him three cards and asked him to point out the spoon, he couldn't do it. He got very upset and we had to abandon the project.

I guess I just don't understand how someone can choose the movie he wants to watch out of a pile of 8 or so, watch it the whole way through - laughing at the appropriate parts - and then not know what a picture of a spoon is. How is that possible? It just makes no sense to me.

And now I need to catch up on some questions. Someone asked why Kevin had been agitated. I truly wondered if it was because Tim left. He left Saturday while Kevin was sleeping and the agitation started the next day. I can't say for sure as Kev can't talk, but the timing is right. And there were no other changes that I am aware of.

I know a few people have mentioned the alphabet letters and we are working on it. I will be honest and say I don't think it's going to work yet. When we give Kevin a pen and paper, he only scribbles. If he could spell, I would think he could write (even if it is sloppy due to the left handedness). From what I understand, the writing and language section of the brain are the same and that section was removed.

Jessica asked if Breezy and I were going to counseling and it's something we are in need of. We just haven't gotten around to it yet. Soon, I hope...

And Breezy had the option of staying with me, it's just very rough for two people to live in one tiny bedroom.

And Gretchen - I would so love for you to come visit us in Tampa. Hey - it's not THAT far from Paris, lol! And did you get my email with my phone number?

Gonna close out for the night. Kev slept from 4-9pm and then didn't go back to sleep until 1am. I sure hope this isn't a pattern. I don't get to take the 5 hour naps when he does and it's exhausting being there that late...