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

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

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

6/18/10 - Day 46

Steven had a pretty busy day today...well at least according to him...haha.

He has been complaining that his throat hurt and the "good" ear has been hurting him. So I finally gave in and called his primary Dr...yes the one I refused to take him too. I just wanted his ears and throat checked. He said they were fine, maybe his throat was scratched when the tube was removed. He referred us to a Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. He did reconfirm my reasoning for not taking him there anymore...the guy is a quack.

We met with our service coordinator for the services Steven will need...the problem is, it will take forever before they get going. Stupid red tape.

He went for a couple of rides in the car today...the car rides seem to be getting better. He's not as anxious anymore. He even went to Blockbuster with Cindy and he went in the store :) His first outing other than Aunt Mo's or the doctor. He's getting there!!

We didn't get to go for our walk...the meeting with the service coordinator took a couple of hours and when we were done, there was no way he was walking. I'll get him tomorrow :)

Another good day :)

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/17/10 - Day 45

Very quiet day for Steven today. He still seems depressed. Doesn't have much to say. He seems to have an earache...the right ear. I bought him some natural ear drops and he said they helped. He is also complaining of a sore throat. Hope he is not getting a cold. Maybe he is just not feeling good and this is why he is kinda withdrawn. I'm calling the doctor in the am.

He spent the day with Katie. She made him take a walk. He only went 6 houses but at least he went. She also made him walk the line in the street for balance, which I thought was a great idea. She gets her smarts from me...don't let Patrick tell you any different...haha. She also had him do some of the exercises that therapy gave to him to do at home. She's a tough cookie.

Aunt Brenda brought us dinner tonight...she's awesome. She also made him go for a walk (I should say she convinced him to go)...anyways he walked another 4 houses so that was a total of 10 today :)

All in all, another good day.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/16/10 - Day 44

Busy day for Steven today. He had physical, occupational and speech therapy today. I was not able to go with him because I had to go out of town again. Patrick and sister Barb went though. I was told that he did very well in all of the therapies. He will be seen once a week for an hour for each session.

His biggest issue seems to be balance. If he closes his eyes, he loses his balance and almost falls over. They did give us different things that we can do at home with him. We will start on that as soon as I get home tomorrow...lol. He will be so happy...haha.

Unfortunately, I don't have much to say today...Aunt Barb, if you have any info to add, by all means add it. Thanks for taking the time to be with him today. We all love you very much :)

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all :)

6/15/10 - Day 43

Busy, busy day...We did sleep in a little bit. Steven didn't get up until 8:30 today. But as soon as we got up, it got crazy.

I had to deal with numerous phone calls, emails, etc. You would have thought I was at work today.

Our dog has been limping, and I had to take him to the vet, so I had to find someone to stay with him...thanks Katie...you're the best.

We went for our walk and today he walked 9 houses...which actually was our entire side of our street! He did a great job...wasn't happy about it but he did it!

I did get him to play the mind games on my iPod...there is a game that displays a 6 digit number for less that 1 second...you then have to enter what the number was. He got 10 out of 10 right. And he played the game about 5 times today. Once I think he only got 8 out of 10 right! It was awesome...Thanks Linda for telling me about he app.

He also went for his first visit today. We went to Aunt Mo's house. We stayed about 1/2 hour. He seemed ok, but I know he was anxious. Everytime I looked at him, he was staring at me :)

His appetite seems better...he ate all of his dinner which I think is a first.

Another great day today...tomorrow therapy starts...woohoo!

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/14/10 - Day 42

Another pretty quiet day. We had an interview for another service provider today. She was very nice.

I'm not sure if I talked about this before but basically a service provider will coordinate any services Steven may need. These services are for home care, they can stay with him when we go back to work. They also provide Independent Living Skills Training which can help him learn to cook again, balance his checkbook, go shopping, etc. I have had to interview a few different companies, and now need to decide who I want to work with.

He had a pretty good day. Went for our walk and went 7 houses...even though he's telling everyone we went 8...lol. I also had him help fold his laundry. He did a great job. He put away his laundry and help me make his bed. He wasn't trilled about it but he did it.

I also had him try a game on my iPod that Aunt Linda told me about...it's called Brain Toot. It is perfect for him but...he wasn't interested. He told me he would do it tomorrow...he was too tired. It was close to bedtime, so hopefully, he will be more willing in the morning.

He had lots of visitors again today...thanks everyone.

All in all, another good day. Can't wait for therapy to begin.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/13/10 - Day 41

Another uneventful day. Hopefully once therapy starts things will start moving again.

He didn't have much of an appetite again today, his stomach is still not feeling right to him.

I said yesterday that I think he is depressed. After talking to a few people, I think what I/we need to remember is his brain is just starting to wake up. He doesn't remember the last 40 days. We all see how far he has come, but to Steven, he remembers being happy and healthy one day, and now he feels like crap. He only has bits and pieces of the last 40 days.

According to the Rancho Los Amigos website http://www.waiting.com/rancholosamigos.html I would say he is between a stage 6 and 7. It states that he is more aware of physical problems than thinking problems. Which I notice. He focuses mostly on his scars on his body and head.

I did get him to take one walk today. We went 6 houses which was the goal so we did get something accomplished. I didn't push him too much over the weekend because he did have quite a bit of company. Now tomorrow is another story. Back to work for him!

We're getting there.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/12/10 - Day 40

Pretty uneventful day. I'm worried that he is a little depressed. Really doesn't want to do anything except sleep and sit on the couch. We did go for one walk today, we went 5 houses like we planned...however, this afternoon, he did not want to go for a second walk. Totally refused.

I know his head hurts all the time but the doctors are adamant to not give him any additional pain medication...so we have been putting ice packs on his head and letting him sleep.

No appetite, no energy, I know this will pass and this is nothing compared to what he has been through so far...just another hurdle.

Even though he does not have an appetite, whenever I give him food he usually eats so that is going to be my game plan...I guess instead of asking him what he wants to do, I just plan on telling him what we are going to do.

Bedtime tonight was 8:15...I couldn't get him to stay up any longer. He did only have one nap and he stayed in bed until 8 this morning. He said he was up at 6 and just stayed in bed. Not sure how true this is but...

He did have a pretty busy day...quite a few visitors...maybe that wore him out?

We'll get through...we always do :)

Thanks for all the prayer...love you all <3

6/11/10 - Day 39

Well today was an even earlier day. Steven was up on and off from 4 am. He has been having some belly issues. I also think because he is napping during the day, he isn't sleeping well at night. He complained about the traffic outside his window, that it was too loud. I think I will put the air on tonight, maybe that will help.

He made his own breakfast today...a bowl of cereal. He did it perfectly. Said the milk container was too heavy, but he didn't spill it :)

We went for two walks again today, this time we walked down to the fourth house. I asked him if he wanted to keep going, but he said no. I think because I told him four houses today, that's all he was willing to do...lol

His appetite seems better today thank goodness. He has lost about 25 pounds since the accident. I need to fatten this boy up. Problem is he has never had much of an appetite so this is going to be a struggle.

Still very tired. It's 9:06 right now and he hasn't asked to go to bed yet. Usually at exactly 9 he wants to go. I'm hoping he stays up a little later and then sleeps past 4 am!

Again, another good day in my opinion. Baby steps but we are going in the right direction.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/10/10 - Day 38

Today was a long day. Steven and I both had lots to do.

Our day started at 7:00...he was wide awake...problem was I wasn't...lol. That is going to take some getting used to. He had breakfast and a shower all by 8:30.

We decided to go for a walk. We walked down our street to the third house. Hoping tomorrow to get to the fourth house. After we got back, he was exhausted, so he took a morning nap.

I had a few appointments that I had to make for him, so I was on the phone quite a bit today. We also had some people come into our home today for appointments. He told me this made him nervous. I think he heard some things today about the accident and his treatment that he hasn't heard before and that's why he was nervous. Patrick and I talked to him about it and we are just trying to reassure him that it's all to help him get better as quickly as he can.

We went for another walk in the afternoon. He only wanted to go three houses again, so that's what we did. He again was tired, so he took an afternoon nap also.

He got quite a bit of company today. It's nice because it helps to keep his mind busy. He seemed a little bored today. There is only so much he can do and then he gets tired, but once he's tired, he bored...

All in all, I think we had a great day! I loved every minute of being home with him.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/9/10 - Day 37

Not much to report today. Steven wasn't feelings so great. Had a stomach ache. Katie took his temperature, but he didn't have one.

I finally got home from my trip to NY and he is sound asleep. He told Katie, tell Mom not to wake me...yeah right! I went directly up those stairs to his room and gave him a big fat kiss :)

Tomorrow we will have Steven and Mom day...It feels like I have been waiting a lifetime for it. It's gonna be greatttttttttt.

Will have a better report tomorrow I'm sure.

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/8/10 - Day 36

Not much to report today. He slept well last night according to him and Patrick. I think he was very happy to be sleeping in his own bed. Patrick said he slept all night and he didn't have any issues with him getting up in the middle of the night. We were worried he would get up and want to go downstairs.

I feel bad that I am not with him...he called me 7 times and sent me a text all before 10:00 am today. I have to tell him every time I talk to him that I am away. He keeps forgetting. We'll make it through...24 more hours and I will be home.

Katie is staying at the house with him until I get home to help out. She is a great sister. Aunt Barb came over and had a math session for an hour with him while Patrick went to work for a little while. Thanks Barbie!

I guess he went outside for a little bit. The sun was hurting his eyes...not sure if it's because he has been indoors for the last 36 days or if it's due to the injury. I guess we will have to get him some fashionable sunglasses...lol.

He did seem a little less confused today. He remembered what he ate for lunch and dinner. He also remembered who came to visit him. Little by little he is getting there.

I'm in the process of trying to find him a new physician. If anyone know of a good family physician that would be willing to deal with all of these medical issues, please let me know.

His rehab therapy is not going to start until next week. I was really hoping to get him in much sooner. I want him to be doing something as soon as possible. I guess I will have to figure out some therapy for him myself...haha.

All in all, I say it was a good day.

Thanks for all of the prayers...love you all <3

6/7/10- Day 35

He's home!!! He's home!!! Can't believe it. Can't believe I'm not home with him...but again, he's in great hands.

He got home about 10:00 this morning. I spoke with him not long after he that...He seemed different. Very quiet.

He did recognize a few things on the drive home...which is great. However, Patrick said he seemed nervous when they got home.

I guess he took a nice nap this afternoon.

I talked to him again this afternoon and he said he was scared. I'm sure it's the change of scenery. He also asked if I was at work and when I will be home. I feel sad that I am not home with him...but gotta keep my house so gotta work :) I will be home in 48 hours and I will feel much better.

Cindy and Katie are making him his favorite dinner tonight. I hope he enjoys it.

Thank you everyone for everything! The prayers, food, support, etc. We will never be able to thank you enough.

Thank you for the prayers...love you all <3

6/6/10 - Day 34

Busy, busy day...just trying to get everything ready for Steven to come home tomorrow!!

His room is ready...hopefully we have everything that he needs. I went shopping to get all of his favorite foods including steak for dinner tomorrow night (his favorite meal)...all of his laundry is done so he can take his first shower at home and have nice clean clothes...Get rid of all of those damn hospital germs...haha

According to his Dr., he will be released by 11:00 am so barring no issues, he should be able to eat lunch in his own kitchen tomorrow afternoon.

Wish I was going to be home with him. He's being left in great hands though...I have no worries.

He said the first thing he wants to do is take a nap in his own bed...I will give him a few days of rest then were going to work on getting better :)

Thanks for all they prayers...love you all <3

6/5/10 - Day 33

He's almost home...can't wait. Talked to the Dr. today and it looks like Monday will be the day. I have to go out of town for work so Patrick will have to do it alone. Probably going to be harder on me then on them.

Today was a great day. For the most part he was talking appropriately...not a ton of jibberish. He remembered quite a bit from the events of the day...Who visited, what he had for lunch, different things he said throughout the day. Definitely improving! I wonder if it's because the meds are being reduced?

Cindy's nephews Michael and Christoper came to visit him today. It was nice for Steven, but I think the kids were a little scared of him. I hope they will feel better with him as he gets better.

He had quite a few visitors today...he seemed pretty tired at the end of the day and I was hoping he would fall asleep by the time I left, but he didn't. He was still wide awake. It broke my heart. He looked sad that he was going to be alone...or maybe it's just a mother's guilt. Cannot wait to get him home.

We're in the homestretch!!

Thank you for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/4/10 - Day 32

Things are moving even quicker...looks like Steven will be coming home Monday or Tuesday! As Bessy says...I think he's going to give us a run for our money.

He was in a very good mood today even with his meds being lowered. Quite the entertainer again. He seemed a little bit more confused today than yesterday. Not terribly worse. Maybe it has to do with the reduction in the meds.

We did get a queen size bed for him, so one issue taken care of. I spoke with the social worker at ECMC and it she will set up the outpatient therapy for us. We plan on going to DeGraff rehab. ECMC said of course they would want us to go there because they are the best, however, they did say they think Degraff would be the best 2nd choice. It is so much closer to our home it just makes sense.

I was finally able to take him off the floor today. I took him downstairs to get a Timmy Ho's coffee. We then went outside to sit in the sunshine for a little while. We stayed out about 5 minutes and then he wanted to go back inside...said he was cold.

One last story I forgot to tell yesterday...which I can't believe I forgot! Steven was trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, and I was helping him. When he stood up, he looked at me and said...you wanna dance Mama?? OMG!! Yes!! I got my dance with him in his hospital room! It was priceless :)


We are so blessed to have him :)

Thank you for the prayers...love you all <3

6/3/10 - Day 31

I think his new nickname is miracle boy :) He has come so far in the last 2 days, it's amazing.

I had to go out of town yesterday for work...so I wasn't able to visit with him yesterday and didn't get there until 4:00 today. It was really strange not to be there but I had great replacements :) So most of this post is based on information I received from others.

Debbie was walking him down the hall and he saw a group of women standing by the nurses station and Steven said to one of them "Hi Bridget"...so Deb looks and that was the woman's name. Bridget tells Deb that she used to work with Steven! He remembered a face and a name from a very long time ago! Awesome! Not sure I can even do that...haha.

The doctor came in to see Steven today...he was checking out all of Steven's tattoos...I guess he got a real kick out of them. He was making Steven walk around. Cindy said the Dr. let's him walk alone and just follows behind him.

They are reducing the narcotic meds that he takes...he should be off all of them by Sunday. They want him off them before he is released. It looks like he will be coming home Wed or Thur. I would like him to be off the meds for a couple days before he comes home. I'm sure his happy demeanor is going to change rapidly and I would like him to be in the hospital when that happens.

He no longer needs thickening for his drinks and was changed to a regular diet! Wow...tons of stuff in two days.

We have a lot of things to figure out before he comes home. We have to find him a bed...find alarms for the doors, windows and bed. Figure out where he is going to go for outpatient rehab. He will need 24 hour supervision, so we need to figure out who can stay with him. I'm hoping to take a week or two off once he gets home so we will be ok for a while. We are also looking into a type of home care for him. It doesn't matter...we will figure it all out...I'm just happy he is coming home and I am grateful that God allowed us to keep him.

Thank you for all the prayers...love you all <3

6/2/10 - Day 30

Can't believe its been a month already...but on the other hand...its only been a month? Feels like a lifetime.

Steven was moved to a new room today. Because he was taken out of the canopy bed, he no longer is restrained at night. Because of that, he can get out of bed so they moved his room closer to the nurses station so they can keep a better eye on him and hear when his bed alarm goes off if he gets up.

His speech therapist said he had 100% improvement since last week!! Woohoo!!

We have seen a great improvement in the last 2 days. He is starting to remember things that happen throughout the day. Not a lot but a few.

His mood is still really good...very happy to see people when they come to see him.

He's getting there! Can't wait to bring him home.

Thanks for all they prayers. Love you all <3

6/1/10 - Day 29

Lots of surprises when I got there today! He is no longer in the canopy bed...which is great because he can lay down when he gets tired and we don't have to get an order from the doctor.

There was a meeting of the minds this morning and they are anticipating he may be sent home next Thursday or Friday. We will have a few things we have to figure out before then, but I'm told, that the social worker will help us out with all of that.

He remembered his therapist, Aimee's name today. That was the first time. He still doesn't remember why he's in the hospital. But I'm sure he will soon. They increased his therapy to 3 hours per day...so he was really tired this afternoon. Took a little nap :)

All in all, I think it was a good day...

Thanks for all the prayers...love you all <3