Both my kids have been sick all day. Neither one of them has really gotten up out of bed (except for dinner) and Kevin finally gave in and vomited all of his dinner up. Breezy has been wanting to, but she is holding out I guess. I think they both just have some kind of bug as they both have sore throats too. Hopefully they both feel better tomorrow.
And I have some interesting news. I have been invited to Washington DC to speak at a Defense Forum. Here is the website with the schedule of the day:
Conference Schedule
I am a little bit nervous, but I think there is a need for 'the powers that be' to realize how much more horrible this type of situation is because of our lack of guidance and knowledge in dealing with all of the systems necessary. I know now that I have done all of us a disservice by not mentioning all of the problems and realities that we have endured during the last 15 months, but what's done is done. I will always try to focus on the positive - it's just my nature - but on occasion you may see some of the issues trickle into my posts from here on out. I think it will give a little bit more of an accurate picture into all of the aspects of Kevin being wounded.
And now, believe it or not, I am going to go jump in the pool and have a nice relaxing swim. Nothing better than a near 2am swim, right?
First 2 from the Nov kit!
12 years ago
16 comments:
Good Morning,
Sorry to hear about the kids being sick hope you dont get it.
What a wonderful opportunity to get the word out but looking at the time schudule you only have a short time when you could use the afternoon. I guess you will be writing and rewriting your speech. YOU CAN DO THIS, you are the strongest Mother I know. Go to DC and kick butt. You have a chance to speak for thousands.
Love Ya,
Lorraine and Rick
I have the sore throat thing right now too. Luckily my stomach has been fine. I'd say it's something that's must be going around if you weren't in FLA and I wasn't in PA. LOL
Absolutely go to the conference if you can spare the time away from Kevin. You speak very eloquently here on this blog, so whether or not you'll do a good job isn't even a question for me.
Sure sounds like they could have strep throat. I hope they all feel better soon.
Sorry to hear Breezy and Kevin are sick.:( I sure hope they feel better today. One of these days you are going to have 2 days in a row that are really good! I just know it!
I hope you enjoyed your 2 am swim. You deserve some relaxing, that's for sure.
Hope today is better.
Take care,
Kathy in IA
Hey there Leslie, that sucks the kids are sick - hope it passes fast - real fast...
What a fantastic opportunity to speak at the conference. And quite the list of heavy hitters! Yes, oh yes, do the powers that be need to have a sense of reality smack them in the head. You are gonna ROCK. You are gonna be POWERFUL. They will remember you. You will be an inspiration to them, as you are to all of us out here.
God bless you Leslie, Kevin & Breezy. Hope you're feeling better today, and hope that swim was slammin'! There ain't nuthin' better than a late night swim!
Thoughts, prayers, support and loads of Angel Hugs come you way every single day.
Leslie,
After reading this post I got a bad feeling so I went and checked out the symptons for 'swine flu' at....
http://www.spacecoastmedicine.com
and began reading.
I was slightly shocked to learn that the flu is making itself known in Fla. Most flu's go away in the summer but NOT this one.
The information came from Dr. Barry Inman, Epidemiologist for Brevard County, Fla.
He stated that there have been over 3500 cases in the state of Fla.
The symptons are: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, caughing, nausea, vomiting, dirrhea.
How many of these do Breezy and Kevin have?
Are they better?
Is their appetites back?
Watch out for the relapse that Dr. Inman speaks of in the article.
Damn I such a worry wart when it comes to stuff like this especially with Kevin.
Please go read because with Kevin's Injuries, being knowledgeable and ready is being forewarned.
Fingers and toes are crossed for a small bug that quickly goes away.
Incesne lit and prayers being said.
Miss Em
Austell Ga.
Oh BTW, how was the 2Am swim?
don't forget to take your drive-on rag to dc
First, so sorry that Kevin and Breezy are both sick.
The most important topic is your invite to speak. THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE. you CAN be a VOICE for every wounded soldier who has come home with or without deficits. You have shared some of your trials and tribulations on this blog but I am sure this IS just the top of the iceberg of your life and challenges and Kevin's life and challenges. I hope they don't "sanction" your speech and you can tell it just like it is...the good, the bad, and the oh,so ugly. You need to also tell about how some ugly fellow Americans think you and Kevin are on a cruise ship and they actually think you have something to gain out of all of this. you need to talk about EVERYTHING . . .how the VA does treat the INJURY, but not necessarily the FAMILY, the lose of opportunity for Kevin (yes, the Army promoted him but they also sacrificed his potential), the struggles and challenges of caring for Kevin versus the challenges and struggles allowing someone else to care for Kevin, oh, Leslie, YOU have a story to tell and I am sure you will do it BOLDLY, eloquently, and with passion. I only wish I could be there to cheer you on. This may be the beginning of something. I think that you could also become an inspirational speaker (like Bruce Jenner and many others who have taken that route) and this could not only be your calling, but also your way to becoming "employed". You should seriously think about it. 90% of Americans would LISTEN to your story of the last 453 days and gain motivation from it.
You do inspire people and Kevin . . what a major inspiration.
God bless you all,
Hallie
I checked ou the conference schedule and Pres. Obama is "invited" to speak. This is your chance to get the word out on what you and so many others are dealing with. I am so proud of you and know that you can do it. You can do it! Your passion and honesty will show, plus, you are one smart lady - we all know that. If you had not written this blog and in other ways taken the bull by the horns, you would probably not have this opportunity. I am so excited for you. Do you think Kevin could or would go?
Hugs,
Cathy M
Congratulations on the prestigous invite to the conference! You really need to try to go if possible. You will be the voice of many moms, dads, siblings & extended family of our disabled "heroes" who might feel they have no voice.
Jen
Leslie, MY HERO!!! Love ya hoeny,Pam
Bravo, Leslie! I totally agree with everyone in solid support of you attending and speaking. I particularly agree with Hallie, as to revealing ALL of it. And the fact that through this blog alone, you and Kevin and Breezy have been inspiration and courage.
YES! Do it!
Leslie:
Here is your chance. This is a awesome opportunity to tell them the hell you have been dealing with and especially with the president being there. You have got to go there is not if, ands, or buts. The kids with be fine while you are gone. I agree with the others go kick some DC butt/ass.
So sorry to hear about Breezy and Kevin. I hope that they are feeling better soon.
Sending lots of prayers and love
Debbie
Thank you Leslie and Kevin for your service. Thank you too for stepping up to the plate and accepting the challenge by partipating in this wounded warrior forum.
Your story and your strength inspire us all to be strong servant leaders for all those wounded, ill and injured military, veterans and their families. There is much more work to be done. Hope anyone reading this will support you and your son as you continue through your journey--in doing so, we may be helping so many others who don't have an opportunity to be heard. You and Kevin are Heroes--Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Rene'
Leslie,
Have been thinking about you invitation to speak at the Defense Forum all day trying to get my thoughts organized.
So here goes:
LtCol Tim Maxwell is as his bio states the Marine who started the Wounded Warrior Barracks. He has also struggles with TBI. His wife Shannon is also going to be there.
My advise get these two people in a corner and do NOT let them out until you can no longer pick their brains for as much information you can scrounge.
****************
Make certain that everyone there hears as much of the downs and as well as the ups.
Speak of the depressions as well as the joys that the family go though with TBI.
Speak from your heart and soul.
Speak of finicial support for the family care giver because many give up their jobs, homes, and their lives to do what is right for their children, brothers or sisters, husbands or wives, fathers or mothers because love will get more accomplish then indifference.
Speak of the people who follow the victories and defeats that is part of Kevins daily life and how many of them have become a good support base who do whatever they can even when you don't asked.
In other words Leslie grab all those brass hat-know it all's by the un-polished 'brass monkey' and pull for all your worth and make them cry 'uncle'.
You are the best.
NEVER FORGET THAT.
Miss Em
Austell, Ga.
You know why you will do great at the conference? Because you speak from the heart. You live this every day, who better to speak for our military families that sacrifice so much? I think you have more power than you realize.
I know that for the 400+ days I've been reading this blog, I've thought not only of you and Kevin and Breezy, but of how many times your story is being lived out by others...and it boggles my mind how little this is reported etc.
I'm just an average mom in California with no military ties (except you) and because of you my whole perspective on our military and our wounded warriors has been profoundly changed. I find myself speaking to other people I know with a new passion on this topic. I will never be the same clueless head in the sand person (nor should I be) because of you.
I doubt I am alone in that change, all because you have been brave enough to share your story with strangers, and though I'm sure it wasn't your plan, you have managed to give a voice and a face to our wounded men and women. I know you haven't shared the half of it...and one thing I do relate to is your desire to adapt and be grateful that your son is alive, and to put a positive spin on things. I so get that...but I also look forward to learning more and getting my head further out of the sand as you feel fit to share.
Every American should know...especially those in a position to make and change policy. I think you are doing a great job of teaching us all...and you will school those at the conference as well!
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