Sunday, September 21, 2008

Day 113 - Sept 21, 2008

I caught him! I did! He was making sure I wasn't looking and I could hear him breathing really hard. I was wondering what he was doing, but I was looking through the slit in my eye (he thought I was sleeping) and next thing I knew - he was staring at his right arm and he did it! He moved it! You shoulda seen the concentration on his face! I think he is afraid of failure so he is practicing when no one is looking and I am just going to let him continue doing that. He literally lifted his arm about 4 inches off the bed. I was amazed! And to beat all - he actually did it 3 times within 5 minutes or so. It appears to be a lot of work, and that makes me all the more proud of him!

So there was a bit of change today. Anthony and Matt stayed with Kevin for about 4 or 5 hours this afternoon while Breezy and I went to the beach! We drove out to Clearwater and just enjoyed the sun, sand and water! It was a nice little respite for us.

And I am also going to cut this short tonight. Kev actually fell asleep before midnight for the first time in a long time and I want to try to get some of my stuff unpacked. I also need to eat dinner yet. So I will get to some more questions/answers hopefully tomorrow night.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wahoo!!! Way to go Kevin! Such a great feat for you! And I can only imagine what you felt Leslie!
He is coming right along...though there may be steps backwards....there are so many steps forward that you see in the following days!
He has come a long way! And thru the grace of God, he will continue to do so!
I am glad you and Breezy took some time for yourselves! That is something you should do as often as time permits, for you both to be able to be there the way Kevin needs you to be.
Did you find out anything about why there is so much pain when he is using the tilt table yet?

Vicki Chrisman said...

Ahhh.. the beach. Nothing like the soothing sound of the ocean to to make you relax a bit. so glad that worked out, and you got to go for a bit!

Jodi said...

HOT DAMN!!!! RIGHT ON KEVIN!!!!
WAY TO GO KIDDO!!!!
Wow Leslie, that is awesome news!
He is getting better every day!
I am so excited for all of you!
I am glad you and Breezy took some time out for yourselves! Good for you!
Here is to another fantastic day!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Strength for you and Breezy.
Safe thoughts for all military personnel.
Big hugs for all of you!!!
All my love,
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Kris said...

YAY!!! YOU GO KEVIN! It's incredible the progress he has been making since making his way to Tampa. God bless you Kevin, keep up the great work and we're all out here cheering you on every single step of the way!!

And so glad that you guys made it to the beach. To sit and smell the water and enjoy some fresh air for a while must have been just what you 2 needed. Clearwater is such a pretty place, eh?

Please know and never forget that thoughts, prayers and load upon load of Angel Hugs are ALWAYS coming your way. Big hugs to you all! Here's to another great week. God bless you Leslie, Breezy & Kevin

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Anonymous said...

Les:
Please call me @ 724-355-7899!! I should have a Wii by the end of this week or next week and want to know where you want it sent. My friend and I have been working on getting one, since they are in very SHORT supply. My own kids are being so unselfish, because they know how important it is to get one to you for Kev's recovery. I don't sleep much and am available any time of evening or late night. Can't wait to hear from you!!!
Love ya',
Anne

Anonymous said...

That's Great News! Well, this is deffinately a good sign of great recovery. I can't wait to see him here someday and just shoot the breeze with him.
Karl Vaughn

Anonymous said...

Leslie, All I can say is that you three sure do work wonders. Way to go Kev and you pretending to cat nap way to go Les. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love ya honey Pam

The Rock said...

Wow Leslie, this is great .
I hope that you are doing ok. Kevin seems to be determent to get well. What a Warrior! I am so happy for you all. He is making good Progress !
God bless you all
Petra
S Angel
Louisiana

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

I am so proud of Kevin. Many of the students are aware of Kevin's situation and we keep them updated all the time. He has come so far and with his intensity and effort and your family's love and care, I am sure he will make the most out of what he has been handed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dave McElroy
Sugarcreek Elem.

Anonymous said...

What awesome news! I'm just a stranger from Ohio...but I started clapping so hard when I read this post....

My husband spent time in Afghanistan and Kuwait and in a year or two will be sent to Iraq...we've been blessed with safe returns. My heart goes out to those that aren't as blessed. Keep up the great work!!!

Anonymous said...

hey leslie im samantha i was in kam's co. at basic i just wanted to let you know that your family's in my prayers! i was shocked to hear about all this i remember being out on pass with him and pfc brown eatin' fatty cakes drinkin and watching movies all night he was so funny i remember i used to tell him he reminded me of the kid from cant hardly wait lol it seems like yesterday its hard to belive that something like this could happen to one of my ppl im acually on my way to alkut iraq in about 33days i mob. and kams gonna get me through it! if you need anything at all my email's samanthapowell02171@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is so impressive I got chills! I'm glad you caught him in the act because now you know how to encourage him better. It's also good that you and Breezy got out in the "real world" for a while. You both can use some rest and relaxation!