Kevin and I stayed home tonight and I actually cooked a nice dinner for us. We didn't really do anything at all today except go to Wal-Mart. Kev was adamant that we go so I figured he wanted to get me a card or something for Mother's Day. I was right, so I left him and hid around the corner and he picked out a card and went up to pay for it himself. Unfortunately, he handed the cashier his debit card and he doesn't know his pin number so I had to go up and act like I couldn't find him and help him out.
After he paid, he wanted to sit and sign the card and he made me leave. I, again, knew what he wanted to do and knew he didn't have a pen, but he didn't realize that yet. So I went about 20 feet behind him and watched him realize he needed something to write with and I went back up to him under the pretense of telling him I couldn't remember what I wanted to buy. He made the motion of the pen and I gave him one and miraculously remembered what I needed and I walked away again.
Here is a pic of him signing the card. My heart just melted.
After he signed it he wanted to give it to me right away. I was already teary eyed and I really lost it when I pulled it out of the envelope and it was a Winnie the Pooh "Congratulations" card and not a Mother's Day card. It just showed me all the more how precious it is that my son can think enough to know to buy me a card, even if he can't really read what's in it. It totally amazed me that he tried to do this all by himself to surprise me. Can you just imagine how strange it must be to be out there in the world doing something and you can't read or understand everything that is going on around you?
And then - we got back to the Fisher House and he must've realized that he didn't write LOVE, KEVIN on it (he just put KEVIN). He kept saying the word LOVE while holding the already opened card and a pen. So I wrote Love on a piece of paper so that he could copy it and he did so while I started dinner and he re-licked it so that I could open it again. Imagine my surprise that this time he had put $40 in it!! I have no idea where he got the idea to do that, but I cried again. What a sweetheart, huh?
And tonight Kevin and I went for a walk. I told y'all yesterday that I wasn't holding on anymore and I didn't. I took all of these pics with my phone.
This last picture shows how far it is to the hospital. Kevin actually walked about that distance tonight, with only 1 short break. I was so impressed and so proud.
Amazing, right?
25 comments:
Hi Leslie-
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!! What a great example of your son's love for HIS mom.
Kevin's physical condition is really on an roll. Congratulations to you both!!
Army Mom
And 11 months ago he was on a ventilator!!???!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, Leslie!!!
Well...I certainly cried. The first picture with Kevin signing your card did it.
THAT is a picture I will NEVER forget and the story that goes along with it most certainly tore at my heart.
I'm sure a lot of your blog readers will have to wipe a few tears with this misty eyed post tonight.
We are so very blessed, Leslie. We are Mothers and we are so very loved by our children.
In this less than perfect world we live in and living the cards we are dealt...just thinking how very fortunate we are to have our children is such a gift.
Happy Mother's Day and please tell Kevin he is one fantastic son. The first picture would look beautiful enlarged and hanging on a wall in the new house. I'm sure you'd cry every single time you walked by it ( and so would I ). : )
He is walking so straight and tall. He is such a miracle and he keeps getting better each day.
Praise God for hearing millions of prayers. He is with you always carrying you both on this long road in front of you.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful images and the special day shared by Mother and son.
I am sooooo glad that you had a great Mother's Day!!! Thank you for sharing your special day with all of us!!
Jen
Awesome story. Awesome. Sniffle, sniffle, and LOL, too.
Happy Mother's Day.
Dear Leslie,
Happy Mother's Day! When they came up with the holiday they must have had someone like you in mind.
I learned about you and Kevin on Matt Wheeler's Caringbridge page.
I have been inspired countless times at the grace, strength and courage you both show every single day.
Kevin has come so far--you have been blessed with a remarkable young man. No surprise there as you are pretty remarkable yourself. Happy Mother's Day
mamaworecombatboots
Hi Leslie,
Just wanted you to know I am still out here reading. This post really touched my heart. My son got re-admited to the hospital last night and he gave me a card today that made me smile and cry. The pictures of Kevin do the same...what a wonderful pair the two of you make, you have such a special bond. I know Kevin must be so thankful to have such a wonderful Mom and friend. Take care Leslie. Please know that you and Kevin are in my prayers.
Way to go Kevin !!!!!!!!!! Wow, I have been following this story for almost a year now and it brings tears to my eyes how far Kevin has come. You all remain in my prayers
Sweetheart is a perfect description of Kevin. How wondeful it is to see him standing tall and walking. I don't think you fully realize how much of an inspiration you both are to the rest of us out here. So happy you had a good Mother's Day. How very proud you must be of your kids!! We ,as always, continue to pray for all of you.
Melissa Ion
Leslie, as I type through my tears I want to tell you how proud I am and just not of Kevin.He sure is one amazing young man. As I was thinking how he made that skate board go passed my house I can sure see that same look in his face in those pictures this morning honey. Love ya, Pam
Wow. If I'd have passed Kevin as he walked along, after nodding hello or saying good afternoon I don't think I'd have given him a second glance. He looks like any other man walking there by himself. And isn't that what we've all been hoping for?
Yep...it was the picture of him signing the card that did it for me...and then the rest of the photos made me smile like a fool.
Simply amazing. I really don't have words to say what I want to say, just...amazing.
KEVIN, KEEP IT UP!
Happy Mother's Day, Leslie.
Sounds like you had an awesome Mother's Day!
Every day I read his stories, while I admire the willpower of Kevin who feel like a friend, for you my best wishes for Happy Mother's Day, and the last photo, is in Kevin's face in a gesture very important decision, and the walk takes his hand closed as if the inside might say that he has the determination to go ahead, given my admiration and appreciation.
Amazing is sooooo right!! Happy (Belated) Mother's Day to you Leslie - you are THE MOST INCREDIBLE - THE MOST BESTEST OF THE BEST Mom in the whole world. Kevin and Breezy are 2 of the luckiest kids on the planet.
Awesome pics. Just awesome!!!!
God bless you Leslie. There are thoughts, prayers, support and loads and loads of extra special Angel Hugs coming your way every single day.
- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI
Leslie...sounds like you had a very nice mother's day!! I am so amazed and in awe of Kevin's progress!! It brings tears to my eyes! Brings back so many memories of Micah doing similar acts. Leslie...as far as burying the past...I would never do that as that is what people also told me to do! Time will help you to hide them in the back of your heart so that when you need those memories you will have them.
Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day...Ke11ep up the great work Kevin & leslie
Kevin's progress has been none less than a miracle. I, too, cried when I read about the card he had picked out for you.I thought how very sad it was he picked an inappropriate card but he was appropriate about everthing else he did. Then, I went back and read some of your early posts and I have to tell you, I think regardless, this is all more a miracle than you even imagine. It hurts your heart that he is not "normal" in your mind; but it gives me hope that he will get closer and closer to "normal" than what you could ever imagine. Remember, not even a year yet since the dreaded day and his healing did not start for some time after that.
God has blessed you with one strong young man. He has also blessed you with people who do not even know you,yet care about you and your family. You are just seeing the tip of the iceberg of God's blessings because they are many and unlimited.
I predict in the next two years, Kevin and his story of survival will be your calling. Be it as a motivational speaker, as an advocate for veterans, whatever it is, your efforts with Kevin will not go unrewarded.
Daily I read your blog. Daily I see the blessings not only in your life but in life in general. You are not alone.
Kevin will continue to improve. No matter how much it hurts, don't forget to look back. Those are days you have to be thankful that you have had; but don't forget that today is important and tomorrow is right around the corner.
Happy Belated Mother's Day!
O. M. G. Leslie. Look at how far he has come! Those photos are simply amazing. I know you've been having a rough time of it lately, but the journey has highs and lows, and this is the perfect example of that. Kevin is such a sweetheart, and such a fighter - just like his mother! Love you, Les - I think about you all the time!
Your post is so SWEET!!! It made my day.
Cathy M
AWESOME!
The picture of Kevin standing there and not holding onto anything brought tears to my eyes. Happy Mother's Day!
Amazing is right! Wow, tears in my eyes as many other of your readers. So glad your Mother's Day was made special. High five Kevin, and thanks for sharing these photos Leslie. Thoughts and continued prayers.
I am home from MI and finally catching up on things here on the blog. What a fantastic post to start with!..... Ahhhh... I am teary here! Happy Mothers Day ( a little late)... you are the best!
How very sweet that Kevin wanted to get you a card and so amazing that he was aware it was Mother's Day and what that meant. I would say that congratulations is a great sentiment for your mother's day card; congratulations on producing and raising two great kids with good hearts!
I'm in total amazement at how well Kevin is walking by himself! What a trooper he is. It's so special that he'll be able to walk by himself for his Purple Heart ceremony in a couple months and I wish I was able to see it for myself. Hopefully some good Samaritan will videotape it and post in online!
I'm so glad you had a good Mother's Day and that Kevin is doing so well. You're both in my thoughts and prayers.
Hey Les,
I have been out of town (with no computer access) for 3 days. I just got caught up reading the posts for the last 3 days, and honestly, it has taken me 20 minutes to stop crying in order to be able to see to type. The pictures of Kevin walking by himself, the picture of Kevin signing your Mother's Day card and the entire story behind that....WOW. The pictures of Kevin and the animals. WOW. Kevin has come so far since that first day. And he has gotten this far because of you and Breezy. Your love, your support, your strength, and your fight to get him better. He has YOU running thru his veins, and that has kept him going. He is going to continue to get better and each day will be a new adventure. And I know you will be okay and you will make it Les. You have gotten this far. Don't give up. Never give up. Kevin didn't, and you won't either.
Now, lol, about that "butt call"...LOL. It was great talking to you and THANK YOU for allowing me to talk to Kevin. He sounded wonderful, and it filled my heart with joy to get to talk to him. I can't wait for the day to be able to give you all hugs!
Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. All 3 of you have touched so many lives and hearts. Here are to many more wonderful days ahead for all of you!
Hi Breezy!! Hope all is well with you honey!!!
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
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