Moving on to the fantastic news though - I pretty much forced Kev to go to PT today and Barbara then forced him to take his first steps! Yes, Kevin walked 6 steps with the help of the parallel bars and the therapist! He was so excited and proud of himself! He did really well and he even let go of the bars sometimes. He did get nauseous toward then end, but that was ok - we had the bucket ready! Here are some pics of this huge milestone:
Now I need to sign off. It's almost 11:00 and Kevin is still here at the house. We have totally escaped since about 5:00 this evening. I am hoping that he can stay overnight here with me by next weekend. We just need to work on transferring him from the chair to the bed and then we are good to go. The therapist thinks he will be able to do this on his own within 2 weeks if he comes to therapy every day. I sure hope so as we go to Disney World on the 8th of December!
10 comments:
OH my goodness, seeing Kevin walking is just amazing! (I use that word a lot in my comments, but it always seems to apply!) I hope he's able to focus on his accomplishments and not the negatives. He's a hero not just for serving his country but also for all the obstacles that he has overcome. I know the depression is part of the natural progression, but I pray that he'll be able to overcome it quickly and without too many medicines. Those antidepressants side effects can be awful, but sometimes they're a necessary evil. It's so good that he's able to come to your house and get out of the hospital environment.
Take care of yourself! You're such a great caregiver and source of encouragement to Kevin. Praying for you all!
Hi Gang!
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME NEWS!!!! Kevin, you rock kiddo!! Bet it felt great to walk!! I am so proud of you!! Keep it up!! Keep fighting and getting better!!
Wow, I bet you are all exploding with excitement!! The pictures are fantastic and his smile is contagious!!! I love it!!!!
Les, about his depression. Is there someONE who might help/make him "snap" out of it? Is there someONE that he looks up to so much that he would listen to them about staying positive? I wonder if maybe one of his Army brothers, or possibly a player from the Steelers, or maybe Tony Hawk? Do you see what I am getting at? I don't have any connections to help get those type of people to Kevin, but maybe someone out there reading this does? Do you think that would help him?? I don't know, just trying to come up with some ideas....
You 3 are in my thoughts constantly, and I wish I could be there to support you and give you tons of hugs!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Strength for Leslie and Breezy.
Safe thoughts for all military personnel and strength for their families.
BIG HUGS AND ALL MY LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
I was wondering if you heard of the Wounded Warrior Bill, i just heard about it and thought i would pass it on to you.
I wonder if Kevin remembers me from school Ben Capella
Thank you.
Walking!!!Taking steps???? Wooohooo That is FANTASTIC! That is HUGE!!!
I'm sorry Kevin is feeling depressed. I'm not at all suprised concidering from what you've said.. it' seems , it's all finally sinking in. I can not even begin to imagine what has to have been going through his head. I can imagine that there is any way he wouldnt feel that way. He has been through SO much. But as we have all seen,... he is amazing when it comes to working through things.. and I'm sure he will , this also. Whatever it takes to keep his spirt up and keep him fighting ..that's what I think. You know him better than anyone.
Looking from the outside in, Kevin's progress is nothing short of miraculous! I know there are days when that just isn't enough. Especially when you can't know what the future holds. I can only imagine what you are going through. I do know that I would be a basket case in your position...and a raving b_tch(forgive me?) at times. I'm writing with the hope that I may have some input that could help. I saw the story of an injured soldier somewhere on TV recently. Sorry, I don't remember if he was in Afghanistan or if it was Iraq, there are just too many of these stories lately. He suffered with depression, addiction and PTSD on top of serious physical injuries. The greatest relief for him was to be able to talk to fellow soldiers who had been in his same situation. He said he couldn't even talk to close family members about a lot of it...only to someone who had "been there." Maybe that would be helpful for Kevin now that he is starting to realize the extent of his injuries. I know his speech is limited right now, but is it possible that there is a recovering or recovered injured soldier who would be willing to spend some time with Kevin & talk him through this difficult transition? I really feel for you. My 23-year-old step-son is talking about enlisting in the Army & I'm scared to death! You are such a great mom Leslie & you have fabulous kids!!!! I don't need to know you personally to see that!! I check your site every morning before I do anything else. You are doing the very best that you can. I know some days are discouraging, but please know that there are many of us out here praying for your family...even if we hesitate to leave comments. I believe that things have a way of working out. It may seem like a long road, but please know you are never alone!!!
WOW!!! That is great that you are walking Kevin!! Great job!!
To me, you are a miraculous family to have over come everything you all have. With the love and guidance you, Leslie, and Breezy give to Kevin....think Positive and he will come out of his depression.
I am sure this is just part of the process. You guys have come along way!! Kevin,....you are an inspiration to others who are wounded...showing them that anything can be overcome! I am SO proud of you! Keep up the good work!
You have no idea how proud of Kevin I am right now, reading this post. I am grinning from ear to ear looking at these pictures. Walking. WALKING!!! What a milestone!!
It is a real...I don't know the word I want to use...it is incredible to look at him, and see him with that smile and standing on his own...and then focus on look at his head, and see the injury (which I never even notice anymore) and realize he is WALKING with that much of a brain injury. Such an incredible miracle.
Even with the depression setting in, this is an amazing day. Don't give up hope, Kevin! Look at you go! Things will just keep getting better and better.
Here's to hoping therapy continues to go well and overnight stays can start soon!
Oh Leslie, WOW!!! How amazing are those pictures?? He has come so far so fast, it's mind boggling. I'm so excited for you AND for him. Remember just a few months ago how you worried he would never be able to move or walk or do anything for himself, and now HERE HE IS making all this progress and it's only been a few months!! That, if nothing else, is a testament to his spirit. And I think you need to have fait that that fighter's spirit isn't gonna let him stay down forever. Maybe he will need a little help to boost him out, but he's much too happy and energetic a person at his core to be depressed for an extended period of time. Especially with you and Breezy at his side to keep his spirits up - just think how much harder this would be for him without you two?? Just remember it's all part of a process, and just the fact that he IS realizing all the changes is just another move toward Kevin getting back to the adult that he was. So chin up! Even though it's a hard thing to go through, even the depression IS a step in the right direction. The only trick is not letting him wallow in it indefinitely (but I don't think he's really even capable of that.) Love you, Les. HUGE HUGS from across the ocean. ;)
AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! UP ON HIS FEET! Just remind him that every step he takes is one more step toward recovery. This is just wonderful to see. I'm so thrilled for all of you. And if Kevin responds to visual stuff better than verbal stuff, maybe you could show him some pictures of how he was when he first got injured, and some of these pictures of him on his feet to show him how much progress he's made in such a relatively short time. And show him pictures of Bob Woodruff in the same condition and where he is now. Do you think maybe he's ready for that? Gosh, you are a wonderful mom and sister to this guy! Barbara
What a great day! Kevin walked !!! I was in tears .
I understand that his depression has reached a peak. But I wouldn't worry about that too much yet. I think it is just amazing how he has come so far !!!! No doubt , somebody is looking over him.
Leslie ,for some reason you are always on my mind . What a wonderful Mother you are ! You been through so much. I can't even begin to understand how much you and Kevin and Brianna are still sacrificing for our Country ! you are in my prayers , always
Angel Hugs
Petra
S.A.
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