One year later

I use to hate when this first happen and people use to tell me that "He is a fighter" Because in the beginning, how would anyone know? But holy cow, one month later and he has sure proven himself to fight, to be strong, to push through this. I have ALWAYS been proud of Michael, but I have never been prouder than I am right now. He fights, he pushes, he holds on tighter than even me. These things don't happen because you are a bad person, or you live a horrible life. Bad things do happen to good people. People that have potential in life, people who are sweet and kind, people who are a joy to be around. Sometimes life just sucks. But even in the midst of this mess, even as hard as it is, I look into Michaels eyes....that are barely open, that look, sometimes, like he isn't even in there, and I think that "This kid is so amazing. He is making me so proud", I know he is in there and I know he is fighting his hardest to come back. He gets better everyday.

So yesterday he ate ice. He is starting to follow simple commands and make eye contact. It isn't something that he does ALL the time, but it is enough to make note. To be happy. To know that progress is being made.

Pain management came in yesterday because they are thinking his high heart rates are due to pain. They have started new medicine so we will see how that works. Its sad because his brain and his body are not totally on the same page yet, so even when you think you might be comforting him with a rub on the back or a kiss on the cheek, you may be actually causing him pain because his brain hasn't reached the point yet to where he can acknowledge it as comfort....and instead feels it as pain.

So Monday should be the day we depart for rehab. Even though it has been a frustrating week of "maybe tomorrow" I am glad for this extra week at the hospital because it gave him one more week to get more prepared for rehab. So hopefully when we actually get there they will be able to get the most out of him.

Many people are asking what all can he do in rehab if he is FULLY awake. Well he has his eyes open for a good portion of the day, he is starting to follow small commands, sometimes. Rehab will help him learn to control his head, and be able to hold it up on his own. They will be able to teach him to use his arms and legs again. Through all of this he will become more alert and then they will teach him to eat, walk, dress himself, talk. He literally has to relearn everything. Hopefully through this process he will start to remember some of the things on his own. I am excited for this new step that we are about to take.     So then comes the question "who will stay with him in Jacksonville" I will be there Sunday night through Friday night. Nate will go up Friday after work and leave Sunday evening. So we have it all figured out. It is going to be a hindrance on my family at home, but everyone understands....enough....why I am not there and will not be there a lot. But its only temporary.

I love everyones thoughts and prayers. In addition to the prayers you are already giving up for us, please pray that Michael will be receptive to the therapy before and once we get to Rehab. We want to get the most out of it before he goes home. 

Also his next head surgery, to put his skull back in place in scheduled for the middle of November.