Next Monday June 28th Kevin has an appointment to see Dr. Zaccari. We thought it would be nice to get there early so Kevin could visit with some folks he hasn't seen in a while. His appointment is at 2pm. We will most likely get there around 12:30 pm and set up shop in the cafeteria so if you have time please come down to say hi. Kevin misses everyone very much and is sooooo excited to get to see some familiar faces again.
See you soon!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Our first week home
Wow where do I start. Sooooo many feeling of happiness and joy followed by complete and utter exhaustion...lol Thats how I feel.
As many of you know, we got all moved into our new home on Thursday June 10th.. A HUGE thank you to my parents, Aunt Debby, Jimmy, my brothers and sister Terry, Brian, and Annette, and my friends Bobbi Lynn and her boyfriend Bobby for helping us with the move. You have all had a hand in making our new place a home. I truly couldn't have done it without you... and P.S.... I never want to again :)
Kevin was relased on Friday June 11th. I remember getting in the car and thinking the whole way there that this was the last time I'm gonna have to make this drive without him. It really hit me when I took my parking sub from the parking garage. Thats right folks, the parking garage made me boohoo. Oh this was just the beginning. I cried when I got into the elevator and hit the number 6 for the last time, and I cried when I got to the rehab center and pressed the button for permission to enter for the last time. Then I see Kevin sitting in the hallway and the first thing he said to me was.. "Ok, go pack up my stuff!!" Ha! That made me laugh. I've only been packing for the last month..what's one more room..lol So we did. And can I just say that over the last 4 1/2 months we had a huge collection of pictures, cards, gift, toys and personal belongings. I had to make 2 trips to load up my truck. After all of that and the equipment they sent us home with, I barley had room for Kevin..oops! It was a very emotional goodbye from all the different therapist and nurses. I have to say a special thank you to a very special nurse Salandra. She was the nurse that admitted us, so it was only fitting she was the nurse to discharge us. Kevin's stay was defiantly a longer than normal stay from what they usually see in rehab. That is thanks in part to our wonderful insurance company that continued to follow Kevin's progress so closley and of course prayer. When Kevin first arrived at the rehab center he was only approved for an initial 10 day trial period to see if he could keep up with the program. They told me personally that they did not expect Kevin to be able to do the work because of the severity of the bleed, and that it was more likely we would need to find a nursing home for him. That was something I really fought hard for and boy did we prove them wrong!!! Each and every week Kevin suprised them with his determination to do everything asked of him. No doubt he complained, but he continued to push himself until he accomplished what he put his mind to. The therapist there literally taught Kevin how to walk and talk again. I can't express my gratitude to each and every one of them. They will always be like family to us because they are part of the reason we have OUR family back together again. After several hugs goodbye and a looooong list of instructions and prescriptions... WE'RE OFF! So Long St Pete!!!
We pulled up to our new apartment and I went to the back to get the wheelchair out when Kevin stopped me and said " No, I'm gonna walk in" And thats just what he did. He stepped up a curb and walked to our front door. As soon as he walked thru the doorway Maya started yelling.." MY DADDYS HOME!!!" Then she ran to him and gave him a big ole squeeze. It was precious. Kevin walked right in and went to his recliner where he set up shop and just soaked everything in. Kevin really likes our new place. Everything is very easy for him to move about to, and get this... He hasn't used his wheelchair once since we've been home!! Not even to sit in it. He walks around with his Hemi Walker. Pretty cool huh?
The first week home has been both fun and challenging. Kevin has adjusted well, but I'm still struggling a little. I watch him like a new mother does when you bring your first child home from the hospital. Yes, I even check to make sure he's breathing..lol Its a lot to keep track of 10 different medications, making sure he takes the right ones at the right time. And I'm constantly affraid I'm going to do something wrong or hurt him in some way helping him take a shower or get him dressed, but so far so good. The only difficulties we have had so far is when he and Maya start to bicker. Its amazing how a 33 year old man and a 3 year old child can be very much on the same level sometimes. I actually had to seperate them once for looking at each other the wrong way. I had enough of the arguing and put Maya in one room and Kevin in another and made them stay that way for at least 30 mins...lol Its like I have 2 children sometimes. I'm pretty sure Kevin is doing this on purpose because he wants to see me pull my hair out.
We have a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist come to the house 3 times a week so Kevin continues to work on his mobility. I still see improvement in Kevin everyday, even since we've been home. I think getting out of that hospital atmosphere and having his familiar surrounding around him have really helped him feel like his usual self again. I continue to thank God for allowing us to be where we are today..together agian on this Fathers Day. And for Kevin's continued progress. Its no doubt he is a walking miracle. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Love Kim
As many of you know, we got all moved into our new home on Thursday June 10th.. A HUGE thank you to my parents, Aunt Debby, Jimmy, my brothers and sister Terry, Brian, and Annette, and my friends Bobbi Lynn and her boyfriend Bobby for helping us with the move. You have all had a hand in making our new place a home. I truly couldn't have done it without you... and P.S.... I never want to again :)
Kevin was relased on Friday June 11th. I remember getting in the car and thinking the whole way there that this was the last time I'm gonna have to make this drive without him. It really hit me when I took my parking sub from the parking garage. Thats right folks, the parking garage made me boohoo. Oh this was just the beginning. I cried when I got into the elevator and hit the number 6 for the last time, and I cried when I got to the rehab center and pressed the button for permission to enter for the last time. Then I see Kevin sitting in the hallway and the first thing he said to me was.. "Ok, go pack up my stuff!!" Ha! That made me laugh. I've only been packing for the last month..what's one more room..lol So we did. And can I just say that over the last 4 1/2 months we had a huge collection of pictures, cards, gift, toys and personal belongings. I had to make 2 trips to load up my truck. After all of that and the equipment they sent us home with, I barley had room for Kevin..oops! It was a very emotional goodbye from all the different therapist and nurses. I have to say a special thank you to a very special nurse Salandra. She was the nurse that admitted us, so it was only fitting she was the nurse to discharge us. Kevin's stay was defiantly a longer than normal stay from what they usually see in rehab. That is thanks in part to our wonderful insurance company that continued to follow Kevin's progress so closley and of course prayer. When Kevin first arrived at the rehab center he was only approved for an initial 10 day trial period to see if he could keep up with the program. They told me personally that they did not expect Kevin to be able to do the work because of the severity of the bleed, and that it was more likely we would need to find a nursing home for him. That was something I really fought hard for and boy did we prove them wrong!!! Each and every week Kevin suprised them with his determination to do everything asked of him. No doubt he complained, but he continued to push himself until he accomplished what he put his mind to. The therapist there literally taught Kevin how to walk and talk again. I can't express my gratitude to each and every one of them. They will always be like family to us because they are part of the reason we have OUR family back together again. After several hugs goodbye and a looooong list of instructions and prescriptions... WE'RE OFF! So Long St Pete!!!
We pulled up to our new apartment and I went to the back to get the wheelchair out when Kevin stopped me and said " No, I'm gonna walk in" And thats just what he did. He stepped up a curb and walked to our front door. As soon as he walked thru the doorway Maya started yelling.." MY DADDYS HOME!!!" Then she ran to him and gave him a big ole squeeze. It was precious. Kevin walked right in and went to his recliner where he set up shop and just soaked everything in. Kevin really likes our new place. Everything is very easy for him to move about to, and get this... He hasn't used his wheelchair once since we've been home!! Not even to sit in it. He walks around with his Hemi Walker. Pretty cool huh?
The first week home has been both fun and challenging. Kevin has adjusted well, but I'm still struggling a little. I watch him like a new mother does when you bring your first child home from the hospital. Yes, I even check to make sure he's breathing..lol Its a lot to keep track of 10 different medications, making sure he takes the right ones at the right time. And I'm constantly affraid I'm going to do something wrong or hurt him in some way helping him take a shower or get him dressed, but so far so good. The only difficulties we have had so far is when he and Maya start to bicker. Its amazing how a 33 year old man and a 3 year old child can be very much on the same level sometimes. I actually had to seperate them once for looking at each other the wrong way. I had enough of the arguing and put Maya in one room and Kevin in another and made them stay that way for at least 30 mins...lol Its like I have 2 children sometimes. I'm pretty sure Kevin is doing this on purpose because he wants to see me pull my hair out.
We have a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist come to the house 3 times a week so Kevin continues to work on his mobility. I still see improvement in Kevin everyday, even since we've been home. I think getting out of that hospital atmosphere and having his familiar surrounding around him have really helped him feel like his usual self again. I continue to thank God for allowing us to be where we are today..together agian on this Fathers Day. And for Kevin's continued progress. Its no doubt he is a walking miracle. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
Love Kim
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
A Successful Move and Home Coming
The move is 90% complete but the Home Coming is 100%! The minute Kevin walked through the front door, I forgot how tired I was, well almost. Debby took some pictures so be sure to check the blog later.
The minute Maya saw her Daddy she said...."Daddy's Home" and yes of course the tears were every where.
It truly was a day to remember and one we have all been waiting on for the last many months. Seeing Kevin walked through the door was truly a miracle and a gift from God. Kevin really does a good job moving about with his "Hemi Walker". He likes the new apartment and the floor plan is perfect for him to move about in.
I have so much to say, I don't know where to begin. With the help of Debby, Jimmy, Annette, Brian, Terry, Bobbie Lynn, Bobby and a couple of guys Papa knows from work, we were able to move all the large furniture and most of all their other personal items on Thursday. Nanny helped out with Maya while we moved things on Thursday and that was a big help. Today, Debby and I went back to unpack and attempt to put things in order. It is coming together nicely for them.
Maya came home with us tonight so Kimmie and Kevin could have some time together and begin getting use to the new apartment. Maya was tired from all the events these last couple of days and she is almost asleep.
There's no way we could have done everything that's been done these last couple of days without my sister, Debby. She is my best friend and I love her as much as Maya's does. According to Maya there's no one like her Aunt Debby and her Nanny!
Please continue to pray for Kevin, Kimmie and Maya that God would continue to keep HIS protecting hands on all of them.
A big THANK YOU to everyone for all the prayers and encouragement these past several months.
God Bless,
Kathy
The minute Maya saw her Daddy she said...."Daddy's Home" and yes of course the tears were every where.
It truly was a day to remember and one we have all been waiting on for the last many months. Seeing Kevin walked through the door was truly a miracle and a gift from God. Kevin really does a good job moving about with his "Hemi Walker". He likes the new apartment and the floor plan is perfect for him to move about in.
I have so much to say, I don't know where to begin. With the help of Debby, Jimmy, Annette, Brian, Terry, Bobbie Lynn, Bobby and a couple of guys Papa knows from work, we were able to move all the large furniture and most of all their other personal items on Thursday. Nanny helped out with Maya while we moved things on Thursday and that was a big help. Today, Debby and I went back to unpack and attempt to put things in order. It is coming together nicely for them.
Maya came home with us tonight so Kimmie and Kevin could have some time together and begin getting use to the new apartment. Maya was tired from all the events these last couple of days and she is almost asleep.
There's no way we could have done everything that's been done these last couple of days without my sister, Debby. She is my best friend and I love her as much as Maya's does. According to Maya there's no one like her Aunt Debby and her Nanny!
Please continue to pray for Kevin, Kimmie and Maya that God would continue to keep HIS protecting hands on all of them.
A big THANK YOU to everyone for all the prayers and encouragement these past several months.
God Bless,
Kathy
Monday, June 7, 2010
A successfull yardsale and the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!
Yardsale was a success!! A million thank you's to everyone that came out, helped out, donated and so much more. We raised $750.00 which covers our first month rent and accessories needed to make Kevin's transition to our new home go as smoothly as possible. I couldn't ask for more. I have to give a special thank you to my parents and my aunt Debby, who I know worked their tails off to get this organized in such a short amount of time. Their were several people who touched my heart that day.
While it was hard to get rid of some things like Maya's baby stuff, I'm glad it will be used by others who need it more than I do. Other things were NOT so hard to part with. Like Kevin's ridiciously massive collection of Leggo's. Seriously Kev? LOL Don't worry I had his permission to part with it :) And thank goodness because I've been trying to get rid of that box for at least the last 7 years now..haha
Sooo guess what.. I'm still packing. Big shocker, I know. But we are in the days of the final count down and I can see the end in sight. I get the key to our new place this Thursday. Our case manager will submit the request for Kevin's last few days at Bayfront tomorrow. He will request Kevin to be discharged on the 14th, but they may not approve that much more time since Kevin has progressed so well. That means there may be a slight chance Kevin could be home this weekend.
This will most likely be the last update I post on the blog until Kevin is discharged. I'm going thru a roller coaster of emotions about everything. I'm filled with excitement that after 4 months he will be home and scared to death at the same time. I'm extremely happy to close the chapter on this part of our lives and start a brand new one in our new home with our family together again. I will continue the blog as Kevin comes home but I wanted to Thank everyone that has followed us on our journey so far. I know there are people not only all over the country that follow this, but also across different parts of the world too. Thats just amazing to me. I can't thank you enough for all your prayers. There's not a doubt in my mind that we wouldn't be where we are today without them.
Love,
Kim
While it was hard to get rid of some things like Maya's baby stuff, I'm glad it will be used by others who need it more than I do. Other things were NOT so hard to part with. Like Kevin's ridiciously massive collection of Leggo's. Seriously Kev? LOL Don't worry I had his permission to part with it :) And thank goodness because I've been trying to get rid of that box for at least the last 7 years now..haha
Sooo guess what.. I'm still packing. Big shocker, I know. But we are in the days of the final count down and I can see the end in sight. I get the key to our new place this Thursday. Our case manager will submit the request for Kevin's last few days at Bayfront tomorrow. He will request Kevin to be discharged on the 14th, but they may not approve that much more time since Kevin has progressed so well. That means there may be a slight chance Kevin could be home this weekend.
This will most likely be the last update I post on the blog until Kevin is discharged. I'm going thru a roller coaster of emotions about everything. I'm filled with excitement that after 4 months he will be home and scared to death at the same time. I'm extremely happy to close the chapter on this part of our lives and start a brand new one in our new home with our family together again. I will continue the blog as Kevin comes home but I wanted to Thank everyone that has followed us on our journey so far. I know there are people not only all over the country that follow this, but also across different parts of the world too. Thats just amazing to me. I can't thank you enough for all your prayers. There's not a doubt in my mind that we wouldn't be where we are today without them.
Love,
Kim
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Move Day Getting Closer...It's Yard Sale Time
Greetings everyone!
It's been a while since I've updated the blog, but Kimmie is having just an "awesome" time packing up the townhouse to move...okay, that was my attempt at being funny! She is not having fun at all :(
Kim has really had a lot on her plate - well let see - for the last 4 or 5 months..but she is busy packing up all the things they really don't want to take to the new apartment and we are having a huge yard sale on Saturday at Kathy's house.
Thanks to everyone who donated to this funraiser! I think Louann Moore loaded every free inch of my car up with stuff...you are awesome!
Friday night, Kathy, and I plan to stay up late and get everything ready for an early start on Saturday morning. I'm actually excited, I get to have a sleepover at my big sister's house! Maybe she will paint my toenails and make me popcorn!
Kevin is still doing great. He is working hard in therapy everyday and he is ready to come home. So, the countdown is on and we are looking forward to having him back home where he belongs.
Good night all.
It's been a while since I've updated the blog, but Kimmie is having just an "awesome" time packing up the townhouse to move...okay, that was my attempt at being funny! She is not having fun at all :(
Kim has really had a lot on her plate - well let see - for the last 4 or 5 months..but she is busy packing up all the things they really don't want to take to the new apartment and we are having a huge yard sale on Saturday at Kathy's house.
Thanks to everyone who donated to this funraiser! I think Louann Moore loaded every free inch of my car up with stuff...you are awesome!
Friday night, Kathy, and I plan to stay up late and get everything ready for an early start on Saturday morning. I'm actually excited, I get to have a sleepover at my big sister's house! Maybe she will paint my toenails and make me popcorn!
Kevin is still doing great. He is working hard in therapy everyday and he is ready to come home. So, the countdown is on and we are looking forward to having him back home where he belongs.
Good night all.
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