This week was a little better than last week. I know I will not ever be able to understand what he is going through.
A therapist told us, Steven was not awake for the first 11 days and his brain really was not awake for quite a while after that. During that time period he has no recollection of what happened.
We were there for the coma, ICU, therapy, etc. He wasn't. So now, he is a 26 year old man who used to make his own decisions, and now he has to listen to his parents and others. He wasn't liking that so much, however it's necessary because there were times that he was not making safe decisions. It is getting better but he definitely still needs much guidance.
Tomorrow will be Steven's 26th birthday. I cannot tell you how lucky we feel that he is still here to celebrate this day with us.
I decided to print the blog for Steven and give it to him as a birthday gift. I hope he truly comprehends how many people prayed for him. Prayed for our family. Cried for him.
I don't think anyone will ever understand how truly grateful we are for all of those prayers.
This is going to be my last post. I have faith that Steven will make it and will be better than ever.
This post is will remain up for a long time. If anyone cannot get a hold of me through Facebook or email, leave a message here and I will respond as soon as I can.
Thank you everyone! We love you all <3
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
8/1/10 - Day 90
Day 90...Feels like 390.
Every hurdle we encounter feels like it's the worst one yet. While in the hospital I never once believed that there wasn't anything we couldn't handle once he got better and came home...however, our faith is really being tested right now.
Unfortunately Steven is definitely not the same person he was before the accident. We are all trying to find our way.
I know I have asked for so many prayers for him, but if you could please continue to pray, I will be forever indebted. I know we can get through this too
Thank you <3
Love Barb
Every hurdle we encounter feels like it's the worst one yet. While in the hospital I never once believed that there wasn't anything we couldn't handle once he got better and came home...however, our faith is really being tested right now.
Unfortunately Steven is definitely not the same person he was before the accident. We are all trying to find our way.
I know I have asked for so many prayers for him, but if you could please continue to pray, I will be forever indebted. I know we can get through this too
Thank you <3
Love Barb
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7/20/10 - Day 78
Hi All,
I know it's been 2 weeks since I posted. I was out of town. I do have some things to write about at least.
Last Wednesday Steven went to therapy. His physical and occupational therapists both said that he will probably only need therapy for 2-4 more weeks! They both said there is not much more that they can do for him. Amazing...simply amazing.
The speech therapy is going to go a little longer...this is the one we thought he didn't need because he speaks just fine to us. He does use some of his own words sometimes but for the most part we thought he was doing great. However, according to his speech therapist, he says Steven has a one track mind and that he needs to expand his horizons...so that's what they will be working on. And I thought speech therapy was just that...learning to speak! The things I have learned in the last month and a half.
Last Thursday, Patrick took him for a follow up appt at ECMC with Dr. Wang, the rehab doctor. According to Dr. Wang, he can start to do volunteer work. We are looking into volunteering at either DeGraff (because it's close), ECMC (because Steven said he needs to give back, but it's pretty far away) or Meals on Wheels. We haven't decided just yet what he should do.
The doctor also said he could take a driving course so that he can start driving again. Holy cow!! Still can't believe it! Last night he drove for the first time! We asked him to move my car out of the driveway and his Aunt Brenda went with him. The next thing I know he's going for a ride around the block! Aunt Brenda said he did great! Went nice and slow...which I didn't think was ever possible! Lol.
Today, we had an appt at ECMC for his left ear(side with the injury) because he keeps saying that it's plugged. The doctors have looked in his ear to see if there was any thing blocking it, but nothing. So we think he may have some hearing loss. However, it was an absolute mad house at the ENT clinic at ECMC today. I didn't know it was just a clinic. I thought it was an actual doctor that we were seeing. I bet we would have been there about 4 hours...so we left! Lol. I made him an appt with an ENT here in town.
So because we were at the hospital, I decided to take him on a tour of where he stayed with in there. First we went to visit the rehab floor. The nurses were thrilled to see him. He did remember that floor. He was very sweet when talking to all of the nurses. He told them thank you for saving him.
We also went to ICU. It was very serene. The nurses were just thrilled that we came through there. They said it gives them reason to continue doing what they do. Steven was in awe of what it was like in there. He was staring at the patients and noticed that one patient had a trach in his throat. He said he was so glad he never had to have one of those. The nurse also showed him an empty room...she said it was like a space ship...which is sooo true.
When we left he told me that it was very inspirational for him to see the ICU and how bad it was. It will keep him fighting to stay healthy!!!!
All in all, it's been a great couple of weeks. Very, very happy that he is home.
Again, thanks for all the prayers.
I know it's been 2 weeks since I posted. I was out of town. I do have some things to write about at least.
Last Wednesday Steven went to therapy. His physical and occupational therapists both said that he will probably only need therapy for 2-4 more weeks! They both said there is not much more that they can do for him. Amazing...simply amazing.
The speech therapy is going to go a little longer...this is the one we thought he didn't need because he speaks just fine to us. He does use some of his own words sometimes but for the most part we thought he was doing great. However, according to his speech therapist, he says Steven has a one track mind and that he needs to expand his horizons...so that's what they will be working on. And I thought speech therapy was just that...learning to speak! The things I have learned in the last month and a half.
Last Thursday, Patrick took him for a follow up appt at ECMC with Dr. Wang, the rehab doctor. According to Dr. Wang, he can start to do volunteer work. We are looking into volunteering at either DeGraff (because it's close), ECMC (because Steven said he needs to give back, but it's pretty far away) or Meals on Wheels. We haven't decided just yet what he should do.
The doctor also said he could take a driving course so that he can start driving again. Holy cow!! Still can't believe it! Last night he drove for the first time! We asked him to move my car out of the driveway and his Aunt Brenda went with him. The next thing I know he's going for a ride around the block! Aunt Brenda said he did great! Went nice and slow...which I didn't think was ever possible! Lol.
Today, we had an appt at ECMC for his left ear(side with the injury) because he keeps saying that it's plugged. The doctors have looked in his ear to see if there was any thing blocking it, but nothing. So we think he may have some hearing loss. However, it was an absolute mad house at the ENT clinic at ECMC today. I didn't know it was just a clinic. I thought it was an actual doctor that we were seeing. I bet we would have been there about 4 hours...so we left! Lol. I made him an appt with an ENT here in town.
So because we were at the hospital, I decided to take him on a tour of where he stayed with in there. First we went to visit the rehab floor. The nurses were thrilled to see him. He did remember that floor. He was very sweet when talking to all of the nurses. He told them thank you for saving him.
We also went to ICU. It was very serene. The nurses were just thrilled that we came through there. They said it gives them reason to continue doing what they do. Steven was in awe of what it was like in there. He was staring at the patients and noticed that one patient had a trach in his throat. He said he was so glad he never had to have one of those. The nurse also showed him an empty room...she said it was like a space ship...which is sooo true.
When we left he told me that it was very inspirational for him to see the ICU and how bad it was. It will keep him fighting to stay healthy!!!!
All in all, it's been a great couple of weeks. Very, very happy that he is home.
Again, thanks for all the prayers.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
7/6/10 - Day 64
Hi All...I know I'm late...I'm sorry.
I have to say there has been little change since last week. Steven is doing great. He's starting to go out a little more each week. We went to the mall on Saturday to see Cindy while she was working. He insisted on buying her a flower before we went. Very sweet.
I have to say...most days he is very sweet. He does have some mood swings, which is normal...but most of the time he is a pleasure to be around. He laughs and makes jokes...it's is just soooo great. I can't even explain it.
He is still going to therapy every week. He wasn't very cooperative this week to get his homework done. I told him he had to finish it up today before he goes back to therapy tomorrow. He was diligent in getting it done. I was very surprised! Not once did he say "I can't" or "I'll never finish it"...He sat at the table and got it done. It took him about 3 different session to finish it...but he did all of them except for one. He said, I'll finish it in the morning before therapy. My guess is, he'll get it done.
We had the family over on the 4th of July for backyard fireworks...It was probably the best 4th of July ever. Patrick's father, Steven and the rest of the family, all in one place for a great night. Could not ask for anything more.
We are blessed...every one of us. I thank God everyday that Steven is a miracle.
Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3
I have to say there has been little change since last week. Steven is doing great. He's starting to go out a little more each week. We went to the mall on Saturday to see Cindy while she was working. He insisted on buying her a flower before we went. Very sweet.
I have to say...most days he is very sweet. He does have some mood swings, which is normal...but most of the time he is a pleasure to be around. He laughs and makes jokes...it's is just soooo great. I can't even explain it.
He is still going to therapy every week. He wasn't very cooperative this week to get his homework done. I told him he had to finish it up today before he goes back to therapy tomorrow. He was diligent in getting it done. I was very surprised! Not once did he say "I can't" or "I'll never finish it"...He sat at the table and got it done. It took him about 3 different session to finish it...but he did all of them except for one. He said, I'll finish it in the morning before therapy. My guess is, he'll get it done.
We had the family over on the 4th of July for backyard fireworks...It was probably the best 4th of July ever. Patrick's father, Steven and the rest of the family, all in one place for a great night. Could not ask for anything more.
We are blessed...every one of us. I thank God everyday that Steven is a miracle.
Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3
Monday, June 28, 2010
6/28/10 - Day 56
Steven had a great week. He had therapy on Wednesday and Thursday. He is doing very well. His speech therapist did not come in so he missed that.
He has been walking on a daily basis...if we can drag him out of the house. He still does not care to do much. We have gotten him to go to a few stores. He is actually out buying a CD with Cindy right now. I tried to get him to go to my nephew, Bryans graduation on Thursday and Catherine's graduation party on Sunday, but he wouldn't go to either. Too many people I think.
He had 2 doctors appointments...one last week and one this morning. I know I promised to post on Sunday nights, however, I wanted to wait until we saw the doctor this morning, so that's why I waited.
Dr. Wang (Rehab) said he is doing well. He changed some the dosage of one of his meds. He also got two steroid shots in the back of his neck to help with the headaches and earaches. It seemed to help the headaches, but not the ear. He still says his ear is plugged.
Steven saw Dr. Bennett (Neurosurgeon-my hero)today. He didn't do much really. Didn't even look at the incision...which I thought was strange...but he said he is doing great. He strongly encouraged him to lead a healthy lifestyle. No drinking, smoking, drugs, etc. He has to stay as healthy as he can! He did give in to 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day...I think Steven feels like he won a battle...lol.
Dr. Bennett also encourage Steven to enroll in college!!! OMG could I have imagined 56 days ago that we would be talking about college??? No way. He said to enroll in one class for the first semester and to try to do the best he can. If he does well, to then take 2 classes for the following semester...and so on.
Well...that's all I can remember for now. If I think of anything else, I will post it later.
It's been a great week!
Thanks for the prayers!!! Love ya <3
PS...the new picture is from Father's Day! Doesn't he look awesome...lol
He has been walking on a daily basis...if we can drag him out of the house. He still does not care to do much. We have gotten him to go to a few stores. He is actually out buying a CD with Cindy right now. I tried to get him to go to my nephew, Bryans graduation on Thursday and Catherine's graduation party on Sunday, but he wouldn't go to either. Too many people I think.
He had 2 doctors appointments...one last week and one this morning. I know I promised to post on Sunday nights, however, I wanted to wait until we saw the doctor this morning, so that's why I waited.
Dr. Wang (Rehab) said he is doing well. He changed some the dosage of one of his meds. He also got two steroid shots in the back of his neck to help with the headaches and earaches. It seemed to help the headaches, but not the ear. He still says his ear is plugged.
Steven saw Dr. Bennett (Neurosurgeon-my hero)today. He didn't do much really. Didn't even look at the incision...which I thought was strange...but he said he is doing great. He strongly encouraged him to lead a healthy lifestyle. No drinking, smoking, drugs, etc. He has to stay as healthy as he can! He did give in to 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day...I think Steven feels like he won a battle...lol.
Dr. Bennett also encourage Steven to enroll in college!!! OMG could I have imagined 56 days ago that we would be talking about college??? No way. He said to enroll in one class for the first semester and to try to do the best he can. If he does well, to then take 2 classes for the following semester...and so on.
Well...that's all I can remember for now. If I think of anything else, I will post it later.
It's been a great week!
Thanks for the prayers!!! Love ya <3
PS...the new picture is from Father's Day! Doesn't he look awesome...lol
Sunday, June 20, 2010
6/20/10 - Day 48
After some reconsideration and prodding from friends and family...lol, I have decided to continue with the blog on a weekly basis. I am grateful for the requests to keep it going. I just felt like there wasn't much going on daily but I am sure I will have information to share through out the week.
So...I will post on Sunday nights our weekly events.
I just want to say that today was THE BEST Father's Day ever. I could not have asked for more. I am very proud of my husband and son...love you both more than you will ever know.
I am very grateful for today.
Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3
So...I will post on Sunday nights our weekly events.
I just want to say that today was THE BEST Father's Day ever. I could not have asked for more. I am very proud of my husband and son...love you both more than you will ever know.
I am very grateful for today.
Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3
Saturday, June 19, 2010
6/19/10 - Day 47
Steven had a good day...he is not very interested in many visitors...not sure what the issue is just yet. I think he just wants to sleep all the time and doesn't want it to be interrupted...lol. So if you want to visit, just let me or Pat know and we will make sure he's up. Maybe he just needs to be surprised once in a while.
Steven is definitely on the right path...I believe with every ounce of my being that he will be just fine. We have had so many people say...if you didn't believe in miracles before...we definitely witnessed one with Steven. I do believe God has big plans for him. Not sure what exactly they will be, but it's gonna be good...I can feel it.
This is going to be my last post...
I just want to say I cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for Steven and our family. The meals, the support, the cards, reading the blog, etc...I could just go on and on...but most of all for all of the prayers...I truly believe that this is what allowed Steven to be with us here today. I also thank God for not taking him away from us...
With my tears...thank you for all the support and prayers...love you all <3
Steven is definitely on the right path...I believe with every ounce of my being that he will be just fine. We have had so many people say...if you didn't believe in miracles before...we definitely witnessed one with Steven. I do believe God has big plans for him. Not sure what exactly they will be, but it's gonna be good...I can feel it.
This is going to be my last post...
I just want to say I cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for Steven and our family. The meals, the support, the cards, reading the blog, etc...I could just go on and on...but most of all for all of the prayers...I truly believe that this is what allowed Steven to be with us here today. I also thank God for not taking him away from us...
With my tears...thank you for all the support and prayers...love you all <3
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