I get to sleep in my very own bed tonight! I finally got around to setting up my room and unpacking all of my own things. Aaahhh...my very own comfortable mattress...
Other than that, we didn't do anything today. Kevin and I were going to go to a movie, but we got company and then it started storming horrendously after that. We just opted to stay in and I continued to unpack while Kevin watched a movie on TV.
Breezy took Levi back to Busch Gardens as his ticket was good for another visit and Breezy's is still good until October. I don't like to ride the rides and both Levi and Breezy do so it was a good thing for them to enjoy it together.
And now I am going to just answer some of the comments:
Jessica - I was very shocked that Kevin is allowing the training wheels also. It's completely out of character for him to use any type of aid - especially one that is so childlike. Hopefully nothing happens while we are out riding to cause him to not continue using them.
Cat - I vaguely remember Melody Ross's husband having a TBI - can you tell me where to find the info about where he went? I went to her blog, but it was mostly a scrapping/craft blog...
Miss Em - you had mentioned about me making flash cards, but Kevin WILL NOT do anything like this with me or Breezy. He adamantly refuses to do any type of thing that resembles therapy in any way. It's gotten to the point where if I ask him to say a word he just says 'no'. It's so frustrating for me because he just could be talking so much more if he would just apply himself. I did think there for a bit that maybe he was just tired of doing therapy like things all the time so I lay off for a few weeks in trying to get him to say anything, but it didn't make any difference - he still won't try at home. I guess I won't complain because at least he is going to speech therapy (although it is a fight every time he has to).
Janna - I found "The Shack" today! I am in the process of reading "Over My Head" right now, but I will read it next. I don't have much time for reading so it may take a couple of weeks before I get to it.
I will suggest that anybody looking for a good read takes "Over My Head" into consideration. WOW! (Cathy M - was it you that sent it to me?) I actually cried on page 1 and it has just continued from there. It just breaks my heart to think that my son's thoughts could be that scattered. So much of what I am reading just seems to fit into what I see going on behind Kevin's eyes and it's so terribly sad to have it put into words. It's so sad for me to truly know how his mind possibly works - or doesn't. (Although I do have to wonder why this woman is alone? How can anyone allow someone with such a severe brain injury to live alone in NYC - or anywhere for that matter?)
Patricia - I have tried a couple of times to get Kevin to sit and look at movie titles on Amazon, but he wants nothing to do with it right now. I'm not sure if he understands exactly what we are trying to do, but to be honest - he doesn't want to do much of anything anyway. We are 'supposed' to go to the beach tomorrow and I am so hoping he will go. He says he will so keep your fingers crossed...
And I'm going to end with me asking for everyone to keep my friend Traci's husband in your thoughts right now. She is one of the past owners of ScrapMuse and her husband was just wounded (IED) in Afghanistan. She just got the call today. She doesn't know anything more right now. He was able to call her, but it was a bad connection and they got disconnected. She did mention a spinal cord injury, but that's about all she knows. Please just keep Mike in your thoughts throughout the next few days or so.
Thanks everyone!
First 2 from the Nov kit!
12 years ago
8 comments:
Hey Les, Kev will do things in his own time(how well you know) I sure he gets very tired of trying over and over and home is his resting place. Hope that your storms aren"t going to be to bad sounds like more are coming. I have some great pictures for you from the Purple Heart cerm. Love ya, Pam
Hey Les,
:-) Glad you finally have your own bed. Nothing like YOUR bed...
How are you guys holding up in the Tropical Storm?????? Did you get a chance to get to the store for supplies??? Looked like Miss Em gave you some great tips! Question to Miss Em: Miss Em, do you have an advise column? YOU SHOULD! :-)
Tracy, I am so sorry. You and your husband Mike are in my thoughts. I sure hope he is okay.
Positive and healing thoughts for Mike.
Positive and healing thoughts for Kevin.
Strength and comfort 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
Leslie
I would go ahead and make a few of those flash cards and use them as signs as to what snack/drinks are in the refrigerator or on the snack shelf in the pantry. [magnets on the back or hole punch to hold by small hook.] Kevin might surprise you by letting you know when he can't find any of what he wants by showing you the card. Don't ask him to say the words just make note of what he either points at or brings to you.
If it won't work one way then it may work another. Never give up just take a step to the side an keep trudging along.
If he gets angry and throws everything on floor, then just put back up and move on. {if he can}He will eventually realize that its there not for just him.
As always just a suggest.
Miss Em
Austell, Ga.
Leslie ~ I agree...bravo on having your own bed! Nothing like that kind of rest. I am so glad for you to have, even that seemingly little but of comfort.
As for Amazon searching for games, etc., I understand. I will think of something. Still going to seek help from students and faculty, so will be giving that shout out, once school is back in session. Not giving up on the idea....although we might miss more than hit on what he likes/needs!!!
And my thoughts and prayers are definitely with Tracy and her husband, Mike.
And my son lives in Florida, and Miss Em had right on advice for the coming storm season!! I am not sure she mentioned it, but the one thing my son said is a must, is some kind of small generator. Once the power is kicked out, it can be days. I am not sure of the size needed. Also, as a back up, again she might have this...and I know you have one already....a large ice chest with bags of ice in the freezer. In case of power outage, most food will be okay for a day or two if packed in ice.
Love, hugs and prayers....Always
melody4wings@yahoo.com
Here is Melody Ross's email. I wrote her many months ago, briefly telling her about Kevin and included a link to your blog. I asked her to contact you, obviously she didn't. You might try contacting her yourself. She was writing a book about their experience & I believe it was to be published last summer...don't think it ever happened though. Searched Amazon with no luck.
Hi Leslie,
Yes, it was me who sent you "Over My Head". Isn't it powerful?! That is, in part, why I was so interested in the TBI trial, as this type of concentrated assistance/learning might help Kevin. It seems to me (in the peanut gallery) that he needs a structured, concentrated learning program/environment from TBI specialists.
If you are interested in more about the author now, she is on the web.
By the way, "The Shack" is wonderful - just be prepared for a rough beginning to the book.
Hugs,
Cathy M
YAY on your own bed!!! Hope you were able to get a great nights rest on it, finally!
Saying prayers for a good week for you all, filled with more progress, even if in small steps!
Sending extra thoughts, prayers and angel hugs to Traci & Mike. I hope he's doing ok. Having the one phone call disconnect must have been just awful. I pray for Mike's strength, peace and comfort, and for that of Traci and their families. Please do keep us posted.
God bless you Leslie, Kevin & Breezy. There are thoughts, prayers support and loads of extra special angel hugs coming your way every single day.
- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI
Leslie,
I have been reading your post daily, although I rarely read comments. I have been wondering if the speech therapist had ever thought of music therapy. I have read that people with speech problems do really well. I can't help but wonder if this would work. When he does not do well with his speech, I can't help from thinking about a year ago he would hum "Smoke on the water". And of course we all know that he likes music. I really think that short tunes like show tunes might help and it could be fun for him too. I'm not saying that his routine is not right I'm trying to say that maybe it could be incorperated into his routine. Just a suggestion or maybe something to think about.
Suzanne, Adrian Pa.
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