Thirteen days and counting 8/28/09

Sorry I have not had a chance to write much this week. I can't believe it's already Friday night, this week has flown by.

Chris will be home in thirteen days! Chris comes home on September 10th. He will do a test run on the sixth. It's all me on the sixth though......no therapists, no nurses and no Dr.'s. That's okay, I am up for the challenge. I pick him up bring him home for a few hours and then take him back. The nurse says several times the families call and ask if the patient really needs to return to the hospital and I can see that happening in our case too. The girls are already planning the festivities.

This week Chris had some peer counseling.  A guy from Huntington Beach came for a visit. He had a car accident, was taken to Western Med (just like Chris) and then on to St. Jude's (just like Chris). He left St. Jude's a quadriplegic but he WALKED into Chris room. Chris was so encouraged. He really want to continue his outpatient therapy with St. Jude's. This will take some coordinating (it's a 45 minute drive from Huntington Beach) especially with one child that gets out of school at noon and one that gets out at 2:30 but so worth it if it means Chris will walk sooner rather than later.

Today Chris had an outing. The hospital took about 5 patients that are in wheel chairs to the local Target Greatland (huge store). I met them there and shared a lemonade with Chris. We walked around the store. Okay, I know it's only Target (not knocking it but not my first choice for a date) but it felt so good to be out and about with Chris. We had fun looking around, laughing, both surprised Target is filled with Fall/Halloween stuff already. Are you kidding me? It's 101 degrees outside and they are selling flannel shirts down the mens aisle. Are those making a come back? Anyway, I digress. It was great to hang out, away from the hospital, the constant sounds, beeps, other patients, the hustle and bustle that goes on in a hospital day and night.

I am still wading through the mess of paperwork. It seems never ending. I found out that I wasn't targeted for fraud, it's just that they investigate about 1 in every 50 claims. As the clerk on the phone said "you just got lucky". Haven't I already been "lucky" enough this summer? I will get through, I just can't wait to be done with it.

Last Sunday our Minister talked about "Taking it to the Limit" with God. He had one verse that really spoke to me. "The outward man does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength" 2 Corinthians 4:16. That reminded me of Chris.

My special thanks to all our neighbors and friends who continue, two months into this, to still help us everyday with dog walking, lawn mowing, babysitting and delicious meals. I feel so blessed to have you in our lives.

Gratitude and love,

Christy

8/22/09 Screaming Eagles

Today was the big match up between LA Galaxy and DC United. Chris and his brother are both fans. Tim is part of the Screaming Eagles, fan club for DC United. Today at the game the Screaming Eagles did some fund raising for Chris. They had a booth in the parking lot, selling T shirts, taking donations and promoting the website. It was so exciting  to see Aunt Jenn and Uncle Tim on TV, I can't wait to show Caitlin and Regan in the morning. I can't thank Fox Soccer Channel enough for getting the website on the air. You could see a huge banner during the whole game that said WWW.CHRISWILLWALK.COM. So cool!

Thanks to cousin Ben and Tim for putting this all together. I have it recorded on our DVR and know Chris will be thrilled when he sees it when he gets home in three weeks.

Today the girls and I took daddy some Pick Up Sticks (thanks Monica). He was so happy to have a break from the hospital food. Chris told us they had him practicing getting in and out of a car, so shifting from a wheel chair to the seat in a car. They have an actual car (without an engine) at the hospital that patients can use to work on this skill. How great is that. I never would have thought about it. In two weeks they will have him practice in one of our cars. They are truly preparing him to come home and function as much as possible on his own.

The staff also has Chris doing some cooking. I asked if that meant he would cook when he comes home, the nurse just smiled and said she couldn't guarantee it. Darn it!

We just had an overall really good visit. I left feeling very fulfilled and happy to be together as a family. I realize how good it feels for the four of us to be spending time together. I am grateful to those that saved Chris' life. He is alive and anything else I get after that is a bonus. I  think I am a lucky girl to have fallen in love with my best friend and to have had 10 wonderful years together in marriage. Okay, am I getting too mushy? I was going to write the next paragraph about how funny and intelligent our kids are but I will save that for another blog. What can I say, I am a proud mom.

Do me a favor and take a minute to be grateful for all you have. Just 60 seconds to say thanks for what you have; a healthy body, family, a job, a home, friends, whatever it is. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the day to day stuff. I do it all the time myself but tonight I am thanking God for all He has given me.

Love and gratitude,

Christy

3 Weeks and Counting 8/21/09

I had a frustrating morning of red tape and paperwork today.  Apparently the fraud department of SS thinks it looks suspicious that we have had no income in a year, umm, do they know about the recession we are in and the unemployment stats?

 I decided to go visit Chris in the afternoon. I ask the girls if they would like to come with. Regan decided she would rather go to the beach with Grandma Casey (my mom, has taken over for FIL, aka Don, who has returned home to CT for a few weeks). Caitlin, of course opted to go with me. She still has a hard time leaving me, which I understand completely.

We arrive in record time (gotta love those carpool lanes) and just miss seeing Chris in his therapy session. He apparently showed some movement in the left hip. Again, small victories everyday. Chris said he had his best day ever therapy wise and was so animated in his description of his workout. Once again he was cheering me up, when I should be there to cheer him up.

We read Chris a stack of cards that had arrived and had a blast watching the X games on TV, those guys are crazy! Caitlin loved it.

Tomorrow they are going the mention Chris and his story on Fox channel Soccer report. Chris and his brother are DC United Fans. They will also show a www.chriswillwalk.com banner during the LA Galaxy-DC United game on Saturday on Fox. How exciting!

I am off to bed, going to read the third Twilight book and try to forget about the stack of hospital bills that plague my desk.

My love and gratitude to you all,

Christy

8/15/09 Holy rummage sale batman!

Okay, feeling a little like Carrie Bradshaw as I sit in my PJ's nightly and type but I like it and am feeling very inspired by the days events.

What a great rummage sale! I owe the biggest thanks to all who organized, Molly, one of the most organized people I know. Ann, the friend I've had the longest whose laugh I could hear across the parking lot kept me smiling. To Meredith and Jami the best bouncers a rummage sale could ever have. And where would I be without Lang's and their huge trailer. I don't know how I could ever thank you all enough. I appreciate the time you gave today and the time it took to organize the days events.......I am so impressed and appreciative.

Thanks to all the guys who took time on their Saturday to be our braun and to help price the sports stuff (Brett, Javier,Brian). A special thanks to Mark, who wins the prize for selling the most avocados, is everyone having guacamole tonight? Brandon, thanks for being part of the clean up crew.

Emily and Christine, thanks for taking such special care with all the clothes and for finding the special items that could be better used for Working Wardrobes. I am happy to know a good home was found for those items that could be used elsewhere.

My Bunco ladies, Kristin, Rose, Lori, thanks for taking the early, early shift and fending off the early, early shoppers. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Thanks to all the Hawes families, Mrs. E's Preschool families and neighborhood friends who came out to support us today. I really don't know how else to express myself other than to say I appreciate it all and feel so blessed to call you my friends. How lucky can one girl (family) be?

For those of you who live farther away, this was the largest rummage sale I have ever been involved it. It covered the entire parking lot of Caitlin's school. We had sections of items, booths for baked goods, a T shirt sales booth and a check out booth at the entrance. I would guess we had over 35 volunteers working today. The set up started at 5:30 am and the Salvation Army truck came at 3:00 to pick up all that was left over.

Love and Gratitude,

Christy

8/14/09 HE STANDS!!!!!!!

Just got off the phone with Chris. I have not been able to visit him for the last few days because I have a cold and I guess that's a no-no in hospitals. I thought since he is on so many drugs, he can't catch anything from me but I was wrong.

Anyway, Chris said in therapy today he stood! Okay, it was only for a minute but it's a minute more than a month ago (can't believe it's been a month already). Three times today they attached him to a harness and he stood. I was so thrilled and did not think they would have him try this until his left leg woke up. So exciting! He was also able to transition himself from his bed to his wheelchair by himself which is also a big step forward.

Today his therapy started at 10:30 and ended at 3:30 with only a half hour in between sessions. They are really working him now. He is tired but a good, grateful tired he says. Chris also started eating his meals in the dinning hall. There are only a few other patients who are able to leave their rooms to eat but Chris says it is a nice chance to get out of his room.

I am hoping tomorrow I will be well enough to go see Chris after the rummage sale at Hawes Elementary. I am excited to sell, sell, sell. We have been given some great stuff and once again in awe of the generosity of my neighbors, friends and even more from strangers.

Caitlin and Regan seem to doing relatively well. Last night Caitlin said I wish if daddy had to get hurt it would be only a little bit, so he could still be home with us. I told her me too. Regan on the other hand has decided she likes going to visit daddy because it means they get to watch a movie in the car (thanks to Aunt Jenn for the DVD player) this is something they usually only get to do on longer car rides.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit Chris this week. He said emotionally it was a tough week and the visits really help.

I going to bed early and dreaming of Chris not only standing but walking too.

Christy

8/8/09 Texas hold'em

I feel bad I haven't written in a few days, this is my therapy so I need to get back to it.

We had our family meeting on Thursday with the head Dr. and the therapists that work with Chris. They seemed please with his progress but won't commit to anything. We asked about the trache coming out and all they would say is "it should come out before he leaves". Well, it came out later that day, so I don't know how much I trust what they say. They also said he would be at St. Jude for six weeks from Thursday. So, who knows, he could be home tomorrow. Don't get me wrong I am happy about the trache coming out but they have as much commitment as David Beckham at this point (like that one Tim?)

Chris' progress continues to amaze me, he can bend and lift his right leg now and seems as if he has more and more function with his hands. We all need to pray and visualize the left leg  moving. It has some catching up to do. Yesterday they put Chris in a wheel chair and told him to go where ever he wanted (on the second floor, that is.......hey baby steps, at least he is getting out of his room). He wheeled himself around the wing and enjoyed the outdoor patio for a bit. Chris said it felt great to have some freedom. When I left him in the afternoon, he was going to play Texas hold'em with two other patients in wheel chairs. They sure do try to make the therapy fun and ever changing.

Thursday night I was so tired I wasn't planning on driving back up to Fullerton. The girls and I finished dinner and Caitlin asks if we are going to see daddy. How can I say no? Don said he would drive. We hit traffic, the battery on the DVD player pooped out and everyone was cranky. I thought, maybe this isn't such a good idea. We finally get there. Caitlin crawls into bed with Chris and falls asleep in his arms. OKAY, ALL WORTH IT. Made my day. (allergies anyone?)

 Chris has really enjoyed all of his visitors, thank you to everyone that has made the trip. I know it helps break up the day for him.

My love and thanks to you all,

Christy

8/4/09 One step forward, one step back

Just got back from seeing Chris. His brother is leaving tomorrow to head back to Washington D.C. and I am sad. The girls have really enjoyed having uncle Tim here, he has spoiled them with attention. It warms my heart to see them respect and love him at the same time. We look forward to having Tim and his wife, Jenn back here sometime in September.

Chris did not have his trache removed on Monday as previously thought. The Dr. who was attending that day was worried that it was a bit premature and wanted to really be sure Chris could cough on his own.  Chris was disappointed but understands it's better to be safe than sorry. They gave him a smaller trache today, which he says is a little easier than than larger one. So, one step back.

The step forward is he got to the workout room on Monday! Originally they said on Thursday, so a few days early. Okay, it was a quick trip because his blood pressure started to drop but I still see it as a positive. He went to the work out room again today........twice for an hour each. He is making great strides, everyday. His right leg continues to move more and more, the left is coming along, just not as quickly. Chris is also able to put his right hand thumb and pointer finger together, so more movement in his hands too! ( SO maybe more than one step forward).

At St. Jude's they have a family meeting once a week, where we get to sit down with Chris, his doctors and any family, so we can hear about their opinions on his progress. They will be giving us a general outline as to when they think Chris can come home. Chris said he heard he would be there six weeks in total because we don't have a shower downstairs for him to use. Of course I want him home sooner but I need him to get strong and be physically ready. I know he is already mentally ready to be home.

Caitlin is still struggling with Chris not being here. She doesn't eat much and can't seem to fall asleep easily. Luckily I ran into our pediatrician, while she was walking her dog (it pays off to have your pediatrician live two streets away) and she gave me some great ideas on how to help her. Regan is the one who keeps me laughing. Being four her world is all about play-dates, Webkinz and watching the Disney channel.

Looks like the rummage sale is organized and all set to be at Hawes school on August 15th. Thank you again to Molly, Ann, Meredith, Lisa and Jami for taking charge of this event. If anyone needs more info, just let me know.

PS Chris read most of the blog today........so feel free to post a message to him.

Goodnight for now, as always, thanks for your prayers,

Christy

8/1/09 Mystery meat Vs. In and Out

Chris and I were supposed to be at a friends wedding today. I am reflecting on how much our lives have changed. I overheard Caitlin telling her friend Olivia "My dad moved his leg today" and they both jumped for joy.  I am feeling melancholy tonight. I know I should be happy for all things things we will be doing, not all the things we were supposed to be doing.

Don (FIL) and Tim (BIL) went to visit Chris this morning before any of his therapy began. The girls and I stayed home and it felt great. We have trying to keep busy, almost too busy, going here and there. Caitlin and Regan enjoyed staying in their PJ's until noon, building a fort with the couch cushions. I was able to catch up on some long over due house cleaning and laundry. It was nice to just be home.

Don and Tim returned home energized after seeing Chris. They said he was in great spirits and talked about the therapy he had the day before. For now, all the therapy is done in his room. He was able to get himself into a wheel chair. He said it was painful and took a long time but he did it. The goal is to get Chris to the workout room in the hospital by next Thursday. When he tries to sit up, his blood pressure drops and he gets light headed. So the goal his to get him able to sit up, then he can do more extensive therapy.

Chris also had one request for the day.......In and Out for dinner! The menu choices for dinner were mystery meat or mystery meat. I think his is already over it. So Caitlin, Regan and I brought him some fries and a double double. The whole wing of his floor smelled like In and Out. I think next time I might have to bring some for the other patients too!

While we were visiting Chris told me about his vivid dreams the night before. He said he was standing and he remembers thinking please don't let this be a dream. Then he woke up. He said it was so clear, so real. He looked me in the eye and said " I am walking out of here", all I could do was nod with tears in my eyes. The girls asked what was wrong and I blamed it on allergies (works every time, I learned that one from Erina).

As always, my love and thanks to all of you,

Christy