Day 164 - Nov 11, 2008

Happy Veteran's Day to all the veterans and military personnel out there!

So we had another good day. We just had one or two little vomiting incidents and the rest of the day was pretty nice.

We started out with a nice parade here in front of the Fisher House/Hospital. We were able to get Kevin up and ready in time and we even managed to find a nice shady spot to stand in. Here is a photo:



We then went to a BBQ that they had here at the hospital, but it was too sunny and I just can't manage to hold the umbrella and push the wheelchair at the same time yet. They actually accommodated the patients though and had a space set up in the auditorium where you could eat and watch some young dancers perform, so we went there instead.

Which reminds me - keep your fingers crossed for a nice overcast day this weekend because an organization is bringing a van for us to use and we want to go to Busch Gardens. It's the closest thing to do and I knew if we needed to we could get back to the hospital quickly. (and yay! there's a family bathroom there!!)

And then this evening we had a special guest here and he made a special trip down to the Fisher House to meet Kevin. Kevin was taking a nap and didn't want to go up to the hospital to meet this person, so the sports legend Mike Ditka came directly and personally to see Kev. Apparently he is a Pittsburgh area native. Here are a few pics of this event:







And just so y'all know how unsportslike I am - I never heard of the guy, lol.

Oh - and I forgot to tell you guys that Kevin learned to say "Bye" yesterday. Breezy taught him how and he is quite proud of himself. It makes it easier too because he would always say "hi" when he was really saying "bye" and anyone leaving the room would come back in and it could take forever for them to understand he couldn't say 'bye' yet, lol.

So I am going to hit just a few questions and then I want to watch a movie tonight. Breezy is staying up at the hospital until at least midnight tonight, giving me the 'night' off.

Brenda - Kevin is 173rd Airborne.

Jessica - that cafepress site is great too. I will spend some time looking through it but I would think anything would work! And I really like the button you sent the link for.

To everyone that sent suggestions on comments due to the stares - love them all! I will just bet all of them will pop out of my mouth at different times and probably that 'Italian Salute' will be fired off as well, lol.

Petra - as of today, Kevin's pay has not been taken care of. They have 4 days to fix it or my mouth starts opening. I gave them one month and the 15th will be it. I have kept all of the phone numbers from the people that posted here with their info and I will contact everyone. This is just not fair and I shouldn't have to fight this fight.

As to complaining to the caseworkers about the quality of care, I have a meeting tentatively set up with the director of the unit. I have already went through every available avenue and now I am at the top guy for this ward. I hear he gets things done, so we will see...

Leslie - if you want to make Kevin a hat - that would be great. Take your time though. He can't wear one until his cranioplasty is done.

Ok - off to watch the movie. I keep falling asleep a few minutes into it so I am hoping I can make it through, lol.