Day 132 - Oct 10, 2008

Today Kevin was very excited to have an egg and cheese biscuit from McDonalds! And here is the evidence (and yes, Liz - he always was a ham!):





Mr K is quite the hungry man! He also had 2 slices of pizza (he calls it "za" and he specifically asked for it - it took me a while to get that one) for dinner tonight and cheesecake a few different times throughout the day, lol.

We are also working toward getting Kev to sit up on his own more so that we can go out and do things in the Tampa area. Today we took him to the gym and lay him on a hard surface. We then sat him up with his feet actually touching the floor and his back was against a physical therapist so that he could 'hold Kev up'. We did something like this once before, but he was on his soft bed and didn't work too well. Anyway, it was very painful for Kev, but he managed to do it for 10 minutes straight. Our goal is 15 minutes pain free by the end of the next two weeks.

After that, Kev and I went outside for a while and then we went shopping. We bought gummi worms and Yahtzee. He picked the game and told me he remembered how to play so we will see this weekend. I am also very happy to say that when we got up to the counter, Kev put everything up and then paid the man with my debit card without any prodding. He even went to sign the slip, but I had to tell him it was my card and he couldn't. I don't know if he remembers now how to do it from his past or if he learned how the other day when we went shopping. He was always a fast learner if it was hands on so there is no way for me to tell.

I also want to say, I really like this hospital. I know that usually VA hospitals have a very bad reputation, but this place is really wonderful for someone like Kevin. I know that I haven't really had any experience in the rehab setting, but I like the stimulation and the ability to go do things. I am hoping to have him be able to be in the chair long enough to go to my house and have me stuff a chicken, roast it and then eat there. I am hoping to do that within 3 weeks or so. I think it will do him a world of good to eat dinner 'out'. We need to wait on his new chair before we can go though as the one he uses now doesn't handle the bumps very well.

So I am going to touch on the few questions that need answered and then take my mom and sis to the casino. I always feel bad when people visit because I can't really go do anything. I felt most bad for Joyce as I didn't even really get to see her at all. It was just bad timing, I guess. But I love ya, Joyce!

Anyway, Becky - we did get the pics of Wayne! Wow - he looks great. Kevin just held the pic up to his face and had a funny grin. He also 'says' he remembers him.

Debbie - I would send any packages to Kevin himself. The hospital is very good at getting the packages and mail to the patients. And besides - he loves getting things, lol. Just today, Philip from England (?) sent Kev some chocolates in a basket - oh my - you shoulda seen his face, lol. And then he wrapped his arm around it and tried to hide it so he didn't have to share. It was so funny!

Lisa - you asked where Breezy's favorite place to shop is? Hehe. If it has a cash register - it's her favorite, lol. Seriously though - I guess American Eagle. Or Wal-Mart.

OK, perfect timing - Kev is just drifting off so I am going to head out. Wish me luck. I can hear those penny slots calling my name (yep - I am cheap.)