Kevin started his day in a bad mood, but he got better this afternoon and was in fine form all night long. You may ask why...and it's because Breezy flew in to give him a surprise! She is just here for the weekend, but we both missed her and will take whatever amount of time she can be here.
And it's official - Kevin's Purple Heart ceremony will be held the third Sunday in July at Riverfest. After talking to Toots today, we felt it best to stick with Sunday at about 5pm. I believe the date will be July 19th. I have been asked why we need to go to PA for the ceremony and I have repeatedly said that first - East Brady is our home (no matter where we live) and second - if it weren't for the town and surrounding areas - we would not be able to be here.
So there you have it - we are coming home in July!
And I did put a reminder on the blog last night to discuss the speech therapist's findings and she has been reevaluating Kevin. We are seeing that although Kevin makes it appear that he knows pretty much everything - he really doesn't. It's so strange that he knows people and all kinds of difficult and complex things, but ask him to open the fridge and he has no clue. She has had some pictures and asks him to point to things and he doesn't seem to know much about things at all. I was kinda shocked because he always seems to understand...
And I want to tap into a few questions because I am WAY behind in answering them.
Jodi - I know the next month or so is going to be difficult. For all of us, really. As the one year marker looms, it has become a time to reflect on the past year that feels like a lifetime. I also feel the pain of your family and James' too because I just can't imagine having lost Kevin. Just know that your family is always in my heart and we are here for you should you need us. We love you!
To anonymous - I know there isn't a herd patch on that chair, but it just wasn't an option. Maybe something can be added in the future. I did ask when it was time to order, but they only offered the branches of the military.
And to everyone that commented about the Army not moving our things down - it turns out that the liaisons were incorrect. Donna from Operation First Response was working on helping to get the move paid for and she took it up the line and was told that it will all be taken care of! YAY - and thank you, Donna!!!
And I think I am going to end it here tonight. I do have more questions to answer, but I will get to them in a few days.
As an FYI - I doubt I'll be writing tomorrow night. We have a surprise evening planned and I'm not sure what time I'll have access to my computer.
First 2 from the Nov kit!
12 years ago
11 comments:
How exciting - you're coming home! Looks like I'll be making my first visit to East Brady.
Yay! Breezy is back for the weekend. How exciting! Have a great time with her!
I feel your excitement of getting to go home in July. I am so happy for you all!!! I can't wait to see all the pictures, especially of Kevin receiving his Purple Heart.
I keep going back to the pictures you posted the other day, and I just love them. Kevin has come so far, and it warms my heart and makes me smile. It really does help. And thank you, thank you for your kind words. I love you guys too!!!!!
Have a great weekend, and take pictures!!! :-)
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 YOU ALL!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
I am so glad that you guys get to come home! That has to be extremely exciting and I bet Kevin is excited... This will probably end up being Riverfest's best turn out just because of everyone who knows Kevin.
Best wishes!!
As I was reading your blog about Kevin appearing to know things when perhaps he didn't, I thought of the book The Central Park Jogger written by a young woman who was attacked and suffered brain damage 20 years ago. In the 2003 book, she describes how she would fake the answers to some questions or pretend to sleep when she did not want to work at her therapies. This woman, who is smart and highly driven, felt embarrassed and scared when she could not remember things. I was wondering if that book might give you some sort of insight into Kevin's situation. Her case is different, of course, but it really is an interesting look at what this woman was thinking during her recovery. Maybe you could gleen some small insight that you could apply to your work with Kevin's recovery.
If you might be interested, I can order a copy from Amazon and send it to you. Let me know.
Give that brave boy of yours a hug for me.
Cathy M
I continue to read your posts daily and keep my DH up to date on Kevin's progress as well. We are so happy you are getting settled in your new house and it looks beautiful! So nice that Breezy could visit, I know you must miss her being with you tremendously!
I have so much respect for you and your battle to get what Kevin deserves and should be his without any struggle on anyone's part! The system is so screwed up!
Please know that you and Kev continue to be in our hearts and prayers as you walk this unchosen path! God Bless!
I can not wait until Riverfest!!I am so looking forward to it!! Have a great weekend. Michelle Long
Kevin, We are so happy for you!Your house is so gorgeous, but most of all... YOU look great. We're looking forward to seeing you guys in July.
Our love,
and always, our prayers,
the Stimacs
I have been following your blog from the first and have never posted to it. I am so very happy for all the progress that has been made since day one and hope it continues. I am from the Kittanning area and although I have never been to the Riverfest I hope to go this year in support of Kevin and your family. You all have come through so much and you should be so proud. What a strong family the 3 of you are.
Leslie,
I just read an article about another wounded soldier and it made me think of you. I wanted to shate the link as it is an inspiring story. Here it is:
http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9001/7560045/Injured_soldier_gets_new_face___and_anonymity
Hope the link works.
Michelle
That's really exciting Kevin will be going home in July! I bet that will give him extra motivation to work hard at his therapies.
It sounds like Kevin can't follow written or oral instructions or questions, even if he has shown he already knows how to do those things he's being asked about. For example, you mentioned asking him about opening the fridge door, and he won't know, and yet he could get his own cereal and milk out of the fridge by himself, as you showed in a previous post. I can see how it would be hard to know exactly what it is that he knows.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend with your kids! I'm glad Breezy made Kevin's day, and yours as well. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you all!
Leslie, Hope that you are in Fla. safe and sound. Thank you so much honey and I love ya to pieces. Love ya, Pam
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