It's Dinner Time - You Couldn't Find A Happier Family

Sunday Afternoon Visit

This afternoon's visit with Kevin was great. Kevin looked good and he was glad to see us and the cuban sandwich we brought for him. Even the nurse was glad to see the sandwich because Kevin didn't eat his hospital dinner. I guess after almost 3 months of hospital food I would be tired of it too.

A huge "Thank You" to Debby and Jim for the game system. Kevin had a good time and hasn't lost his touch nor his love for video games.

Yesterday, Terry purchased Kevin the movie AVATAR so we brought it up with us this afternoon. As soon as Terry showed the movie to Kevin he said "SWEET"....just like the old Kevin we all know and love! Before we left this evening, we set up his portable DVD so he could watch his movie. He had a smile on his face when we left this evening.

Kevin is doing very well. He is stretching his right side more and more even when it causes him pain. It is amazing to see what he can now do. Kevin told us tonight he is going to tell his therapist he is ready to start working on walking this week. I believe Kevin's determination along with God's help, he will be walking very soon. Believe me, the day that happens you will hear a shout all the way from St. Petersburg.

We continue to give God all the glory for Kevin's progress and we know that greater things are still to come!

Please continue to pray and know that as a family we are grateful for all the prayers and genuine concern everyone has for Kevin, Kimmie and Maya.

God Bless,
Kathy

Let The Games Begin

Greetings everyone.  Take a close look at this picture...and what do you see...Kevin holding a game controller in his hand.  Yes, we finally made his wishes come true tonight.  Kevin has a game system for his room.  It's not an Xbox, but I really don't think he cares...he had the biggest smile on his face when we got there and set it up for him.

We got him a Super Mario game, and he started playing right away.  He was so intent on playing the game that he didn't speak to anyone for about 20 minutes.  Maya kept asking to play....but daddy wasn't giving up the controller!!  But it was okay, because Uncle Jim brought 2 game systems and Maya was able to play with the smaller one.

Jim also brought him up a bag of candy, with tootsie rolls in it....which induced another smile from Kevin and a speech from his nurse!  I told him he is only allowed one piece a day...and he replied "yea right".  Maya also enjoyed a tootsie roll pop!

We had a really nice visit with Kevin, Kim and Maya tonight.  Kim brought Kevin up a Subway Sandwich for dinner and helped give him his bath while we played with Maya.  I love playing silly games with her like "I spy with my little eye".. she always tells me what she is "spying"..lol!

Needless to say, when we got ready to leave, the game controller was back  in his hand and he looked settled for a good long game.  Kim was exhausted so she packed up little miss Maya and took her home.

It was great to see Kevin enjoying himself and not being..."so bored".

Kevin misses his friends...

So I'm starting to feel a bit more human again...I was sick as a dog for a few days there. I went to visit Kevin today and Mom brought Maya up a little bit later. He's talking so much better now. He's still having a little trouble with his short term memory. For example he knows who everybody is, remembers events and dates. But he may not be able to tell you what he had for breakfast or lunch that day. And he also has been having trouble remembering visitors. One of his therapist asked that we do a visitor sign in log, because they want to test Kevin's memory. There's a folder in his room and whenever anyone comes to visit, you just have to write your name and the date and time you were there.

Kevin also mentioned tonight that he's been missing his friends. All visitors are welcome to come see him and I know that Kevin would love to see some folks he hasn't seen in a while. Its important that we try to keep things scheduled because we also don't want to overwhelm him. Visiting hours are between 4pm to 8pm everyday but can be a little bit more relaxed on the weekend. Basically as soon as he's finished with all of his different therapies for the day then visitors are welcome. So, if you'd like to brave the drive just let me know. You can email me at KimmieK215@aol.com to exchange phone #'s or set it up. Or Progressive folks can always get with my mom. Whatever is easier.

Also we've been moved back down stairs to our old room on the 6th floor again. Yeah that move was a big ole waste of time but what do I know. He's in Room 648. He's got his own room again. The section he's in is secured so there's a white button you have to press outside the main door to page the nurses and they will unlock the door. As soon as you hear a beep you can open the door and come on in. I know Kevin will be happy to see some new faces. He's prolly tired of looking at my mug all the time :) All that's required is that you sign the visitor log.

Happy Visiting!!!

Dorito's Yummy!!

Kevin hasn't been too impressed with the food from the hospital lately so we've been trying to ask him some of his favorite things to eat. Last night Debby got him his favorite smoothie and suggested a bag of chips and Kevin was quick to tell us he wanted dorito's so that's what he got.

On our way up this afternoon, Terry and I got Kevin a bratwurst and onion sandwich. We arrived just in time to save Kevin from a piece of dried up fish. Believe me it looked horrible. As soon as Kev saw the sandwich he said..whooooo! We also brought more dorito's which made him smile even bigger. Maybe he can make a dorito's commercial one day.

Kevin has lost so much weight he needed some new work out clothes so Terry and I went shopping. His new work out clothes fit him much better! He is going to look good in the gym!

We are so proud of Kevin. He's outlook is so positive and he is working hard during his sessions. I tell him all the time how much he encourages others and that he has made a difference in so many people's lives! Kevin know the Lord is taking care of him and his family!

After Terry and I left Kevin, we took Kimmie and Maya to the Urgent Care Walk-In. Kimmie has an appointment on Monday, but she really needed to see a doctor today. She has bronchitis and Maya has allergies. Both are now on antibiotics. Maya is spending the night with us so Kimmie can get some much needed rest.

Please continue to pray for Kevin, Kimmie and Maya because it's your prayers that have gotten all of us to where we are today!

Thank you to everyone who always ask about Kevin, Kimmie and Maya. We have so much to be thankful for and we know that God has a plan in place for Kevin, Kimmie and Maya.

God Bless and Thank You for caring so much about my family!

Kathy

80 days of tubes...jeeze!

OK.. Peg is out. Today is day 80 and we are officially tube free. Mom and Aunt Debby are up there now. I spoke with him on the phone, he sounded really good. I heard he was doing a little misbehaving.. can't wait to get the dirt on that later..lol Just wanted to give you the quick update on the last tube being out. I'm going back to the couch to waller in my sickness :(

Kim

Taking out the PEG today

Kevin is suppose to be getting his PEG out today...thats the feeding tube he hasn't even been using but it had to stay in for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before it could be removed. They tried to take it out at bedside but it started to cause him some pain so they stopped. They are going to do an "endoscopic something or other" ..later this afternoon to remove it and guide it out. (something or other is my own name for it because I'm too sick to remember what she said and I can't even read my own writing as I tried to scribble it..lol )

Since Maya and I are both sick and contagious we can't be there but not to worry, I've got the phone next to me. His nurse knows to call me as soon as its done and I'll update you guys when I know all is good. I'll also be sending in reinforcemt for his afternoon visit since I can't go.

"ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE"

Matthew 21:22 says... If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

I mentioned in my last post that we were waiting to hear about getting more time approved in rehab thru our insurance company. Let me tell you about a phone call I got from Chris, our Case Manager today.

He called and told me he has some very good news for me. He said he spoke with the rep from Aetna whom he has been working with since day one. He said she has been nothing short of helpful and has been so diligent about getting the necessary information completed in such a timley manner everytime they have been in contact. He said the rep advised him that she knows how devestating this was and that she will continue to work with his case closley to ensure Kevin gets to take full advantage of everything that his benefits will allow. Chris told me he was so pleased he even spoke with her supervisor to compliment her. Chris told her today that all the doctors and therapist have agreed at their meeting this week that Kevin will benefit from another 2 or 3 or even 4 more weeks at rehab and after that time they are predicting he will have gained enough strenght back for me to be able to take care of him at HOME!!!!! My baby could be back home to us in a MONTH!!!

So here's our action plan right now. Today Aetna approved Kevin for another 14 days. ( Thats the longest block of time they have approved him for yet.. it started off every 7 to 10 days) So we just got the first two weeks approved. When that time is up and if its needed they will approve another 14 days to complete the 4 weeks they are estimating Kevin will need to complete his inpatient therapy at Bayfront. The most encourging thing he said on the phone today was..it's their goal and they are confident that Kevin will be able to go from where he is at now to returning home to his family. And there should be NO NEED to put him in another facility.. which is a nice way of saying nursing home that I was warned of before. Sooooo, Take That Charge Nurse!!! MMhmm! LOL

The power of prayer is amazing.. Thank you for all of your continued prayers.

Love Kim

Movin' on up...

Maya, Mom and Myself when up to visit Kevin yesterday afternoon and we had a good visit. He got moved upstairs to the penthouse on the 7th floor. Bayfront has 2 different rehab centers. The one on the 6th floor where he was previously was specifically for Brain Injury rehab. And the one on the 7th floor was for everything else like spinal cord injuries..etc. I spoke with the charge nurse and she said if they don't have enough patients one 1 floor they will combine the 2 rehab units into one. So thats what they did. Its actually a lot nicer up there. Their bedrooms are much larger. They have a whole bunch of different rooms patients can go in. Some have computers, one has a piano. They even have a bigger gym up there too. So it kinda turns out, we were missin' out all along...lol Kevin has a room mate now. His name is Alex and it turns out we kinda have a connection. Its one of those friend of a friend thru my mom kinda connections but its nice because they are closer in age and can relate to each other. Poor Alex though, I've lived with Kevin for almost 11 years now so let me appologize in advance for Kevin's snoring...lol I met Alex's wife, Janet about a week ago when we we're both downstairs. Such a warm and wonderful person. She approached me in the hallway and asked me if my name was Kim.. I said yes, and she said I've read your blog and saw you on TV. ( LOL I was recongnized from TV....SCORE! LOL ) She told me she had a really good conversation with my mom over the phone and everyone has met now so its kinda cool that we turned out to be roomies :)

As far as Kevin goes, he's continuing to improve everyday. His speach is getting better. He's standing up to transfer to the chair even better than before and they also started him back in the regular wheelchair again as of Monday. I also spoke with our case worker yesterday and he just faxed over the paperwork to our insurance company to request more time there. Please pray that we get approved again. I've been stressed out latley about it because I was "warned" by a particular nurse to start to look for another facility for Kevin because they generally don't see insurance companies approving more than 30 days at that type of facility and Kevin has already surpassed that. After that extremely upsetting little convo.. I called and spoke with our case worker and he told me he wished that conversation never took place ( ps ..as do I) because as long as Kevin continues to show improvement ( which he has by leaps and bounds) , he has no concern that they we will have a problem getting more time for him. Lets just pray that it works.

So on another note.. I have a few more thank you's to give. Eariler this week there was a card left on my mom's desk at work that said to Kimberly... I opened it and it it said "You can't get water from an empty bucket, you must frequently go back to the well" It had some money in it and said to take it and pamper yourself so you will be fresh for the long haul. There was no name but whoever did this thank you so much. My well has been dry for a little bit now and lately I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't a ticking time bomb.. I just try to do it behind closed doors ;) So thank you so much for caring. I also want to thank those of Kevin's family that have helped out as well. Everything received so far has gone to gas to drive to St. Pete or for bills. Again thank you all so much.

Sunday's Visit

After church this afternoon, I took Maya up to see her Daddy since Kimmie was already there. Kevin wanted a "whopper hamburger" so that's what he got and boy did he enjoy it!!

Just seeing Kevin lying in bed you would never know what he has experienced these last several months. He really looks good and his confidence and determination is amazing. I asked Kevin this afternoon if he is noticing his lost of short term memory and he replied....no joke this is just what he replied...."yeah, sometimes I notice it but it will come back if I just keep working on it"! I just stood there for a minute and smiled at him. He is without a doubt a miracle and he knows it.

This afternoon, Kimmie, Kevin and Maya were playing words games. Kevin was doing great but after a while he would just look at them with an expression that said....."really girls do I have to do this again". Kevin and Maya both have the same attention span... slim to none!

This morning I assisted with the 3 year olds in Sunday School. Of course Maya was in the class with me. We had 14 little boys and girls and they were full of energy today. After I read the bible story which was on when Jesus helped the man walk, I asked the children what does Jesus do for them that makes them happy? Some of the children said they get toys, but our little Maya said "he makes my Daddy better". The other teacher in the class just looked at me and through my tears I told Maya...."that's good Maya and Jesus is going to make Daddy better and better". Sometimes it hard to believe Maya is only 3 years old! Needless to say after church and lunch this afternoon, Papa and I took Maya to the book store and she picked out 2 books, a paint set and a new toy.

We are so grateful for the miracle God has allowed us to experience and we continue to give HIM all the glory.

We have another prayer request. Our nephew, Jeremy Nicholas is leaving for the Army in the morning. Please pray that he will return home safe to his family and friends.

God Bless!

A full day of therapy

How Awesome is this pic?!?! I KNOW!!!!!

Kevin and I had a really good day together. It was my day to come up and participate in all of Kevin's different therapy sessions. First we had some Occupational Therapy. She told me that Kevin is doing really good helping to get himself dressed in the morning. They are showing him how to use his stronger side to his advantage. She showed me more of the stretches and how to do them with Kevin on our own. He's getting so much movement back on his right side, its amazing. He can make a fist, grab something to hold on to and raise his arm to about a 45 degree angle by himself. After that we had Physical Therapy. His therapist told me he's doing really well with his transfers...that's moving from the chair to the mat or from the chair to the bed. No more harness at all. He's standing up and piviting to sit down on something else. Their going to try out the normal wheelchair again next week. We played with some bean bags again today. She put about 10 bean bags on the floor under where Kevin was sitting. She would ask him to bend down at the waist and pick up the color bean bag she asked for. He would pick it up with his right hand..this is the bad hand...raise himself back up, transfer the bean bag to his left hand and throw it to score a basket. He did it every single time!!! After that we went into the hallway where he stood up a few different times. We even posed for a pic :) He's totally supporting himself standing up. I was just there to guide him back into the chair to sit down. After OT and PT we had ST...dontcha love all the lingo... Speach Therapy. This is not Kevin's favorite because he gets aggravated when he messes up but he's actually doing really well. The therapist had him reading sentences and asking him to circle yes or no and the end of the sentence. For example.. Do you have to plug in a candle...then he circled NO. After that she played another word game with him where she would name off some companies and he would say what they made. Like GE makes appliances, Gillette makes razors, Hanes makes socks, and Campbell's makes soup. Those we're just some of the answers he gave. He was good at that game. Thats all the work on his end for the day. After all his therapies were over, I took him downstairs to get a smoothy and outside for a little bid. Its nice to get a change of scenery. I gave him a shower today all by myself. Man that was hard..lol He's lost a ton of weight but man is he solid. We got setteled into bed then Mom and Maya brought up some dinner and saved him from the Salsbury steak...yuck! Thanks Mom! It was a full day and I am tired! Lets see how long I get the bed to myself tonight before Maya comes sneaking in. I'm betting less than an hour. Goodnight all :)

A Bunny Blessing

Yeah I know he's really gonna hate me for this one day..but I don't care, its totally worth it..lol "Here comes Peter Cottontail..hopping down the bunny trail...." Ahh good times!

We had a good Easter. Maya and I went to church in the morning with Mom, Dad, Annette and Brian. We did the Easter Egg hunt and Dinner on Saturday so after church on Sunday we could go see Kev. He's doing really well. He's getting more and more movement back on his right side. I think him standing up a little bit these last few days( with a side of prayer ) has really helped get his blood circulation going again because he has been able to move his right leg more, even bending it at the knee a little bit. I can't wait until he takes his first step. I know I don't wanna get ahead of myself and it may be a while still.. but its kinda like waiting for your child to take their first steps all over again. Just kinda feels like its gonna happen anyday now. Kevin was in good spirits for Easter. We brought up some plastic Easter Eggs and he could tell us what each color was. He's forming his sentences better now and eating normal. Its such a blessing...a "bunny blessing"

Easter has been a special time for us. It was 4 years ago on Easter when we told our family we we're expecting Maya. We dyed Eggs and wrote on them.. Welcome Baby Deram0.... and set them on the table until someone noticed what they said. Since my family is not the most "observant"..lol ( sorry guys, love ya!!) We ended up just announcing it at dinner. This Easter we have something different to celebrate. Just the fact that Kevin is with us today to celebrate another Easter is all I can ask for...everything else is just a bonus prayer answered from above.

Another Thank You!

I had another good visit with Kevin today. They took out another tube this morning.. so we actually only have one more to go before we are completely tube free from head to toe :) The only thing he has left is his feeding tube in his belly, but their not even using that anymore as long as he eats at least 50% of each meal. And trust me, he has no problem with that. The feeding tube has to stay in for a minimum of 6 weeks before it can come out. He had the procedure done on Feb 19th so tomorrow will be exactly 6 weeks. Hmm.. I think I'll remind the Doc of that tomorrow so maybe we can get that in motion. Kevin was very animated tonight. I brought him Boston Market for dinner and we relaxed and watched TV.

After I left the hospital to pick up Maya, mom brought with her the Easter Basket Ms Sandra Ellison and all the wonderful people in the Customer Service/phones unit at Progressive made up for us. It was beautiful. Filled with candy, a puzzle for Maya, and a ton of Easter eggs filled with money in each one. You guys are such a blessing to us. The card was beautiful. Thanks to each and every one of you for all the prayers and well wishes. It still amazes me what people do for us. Thank you so much!