Johnny,
Well, I'm full of information for you today.
Mom is officially retired. While she loved her job very much, she feels like she needs to be with you and help in your recovery and therapy. You know when it comes to mom, once she makes up her mind - that's it! Another story: I was doing something, introducing mom & Robert or something to someone...that parts sketchy. Anyway, I said Mom works and Roberts retarded...what I meant to say is mom works and Roberts retired. Well, mom has teased me about that for years. So, she sent out an email to a few people about her not working and where she could be reached and on it she said I'm officially retarded.... Crazy mother you have! I didn't even try to explain to the list of people she sent that to, they can just think she had a typo! Ha!
Mom said that the lady came out to evaluate you for the touch screen computer. She did approve you for it and said that until you got one she was going to give you a loaner. I'm so excited to check it out! I hope you get the loaner before your surgery on Tuesday!!
Cody had another clinical...he worked at Charlton Hospital in the ER. He was really nervous but he did really good! It's so exciting to hear all the stories of what he saw and did. He had to transport a man to the morgue, he said that was really disturbing and nothing like you see on CSI. I'm so proud of that kid! I know you are too...can't wait until you two can catch up.
Love you!! xo Jen
Email from Leroy:
Hi Jennifer,
As the Holiday season descends upon us rapidly, complete with all the pressures and deep rooted emotions tied to the celebrations, I can't help but pray for you and your family.
The circumstances surrounding Johnny's rehabilitation are an easier pill to swallow for a loving and caring family member such as myself, who finds it difficult to be there emotionally from so far away.
When I log onto Johnny's Blog and have the opportunity and the privilege to be part of his recovery I am overcome with emotion.. Although saddened by his accident I have complete belief in his recovery. Not just because of his obvious determination to come back to us completely but also from the love and support he receives from You, His Mother, His Daughter, His Father and rest of your entire family.
Although most everyone has witnessed incidents and watched stories similar to Johnny's. We never really consider the chance that we could find ourselves as part of the story. When it hits home and you find yourself connected in this way your life has changed instantly. As mine has!
Watching Johnny's dedication to his rehabilitation and his family's resolve, love, determination and attention to every detail that is important to his recovery has inspired me to be a better Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandpa, Cousin, Uncle, Nephew, Grandson and Friend!
I am proud of Johnny, you and your Mom and the rest of your family and consider myself lucky to know you and to be part of your family.
I Love You Jennifer. Please give Johnny my Love and tell him that I believe in him and look forward to having a conversation with him one day.
All My Love , your cousin,
Leroy
Saturday, November 21, 2009
November 19, 2009
Johnny,
Mom said that you were trying to tell her something today and you were getting frustrated so she gave you the magnets and you spelled, "I needed to" and then you became frustrated, so she gave you the little computer and you typed out "explain to u" and then again, you were getting frustrated so she gave you pen and paper and you wrote "my"...the last word was a guessing game but when mom said the word you gave her a thumbs up. What you were trying to say to her was "I needed to explain to you my needs". Amazing! So, the next challenge was to find out what you needs were. So, she asked you and you picked up the tile that mom had taped a word to...it said thirsty. Mom said, Johnny are you thirsty? You answered with a thumbs up.
This story is funny to me because you could have just said I'm thirsty. Instead you told her you needed to explain your needs. I told Mickey that you would say do not instead of don't ... it's so cool to see you coming back!!
Love you!! Xo Jen
Mom said that you were trying to tell her something today and you were getting frustrated so she gave you the magnets and you spelled, "I needed to" and then you became frustrated, so she gave you the little computer and you typed out "explain to u" and then again, you were getting frustrated so she gave you pen and paper and you wrote "my"...the last word was a guessing game but when mom said the word you gave her a thumbs up. What you were trying to say to her was "I needed to explain to you my needs". Amazing! So, the next challenge was to find out what you needs were. So, she asked you and you picked up the tile that mom had taped a word to...it said thirsty. Mom said, Johnny are you thirsty? You answered with a thumbs up.
This story is funny to me because you could have just said I'm thirsty. Instead you told her you needed to explain your needs. I told Mickey that you would say do not instead of don't ... it's so cool to see you coming back!!
Love you!! Xo Jen
Thursday, November 19, 2009
November 18, 2009
Johnny,
Mom found you a doctor to do the Achilles Tendon surgery that you need. This doctor is in-network but, they are booked until the first of the year. Mom is on the cancellation call list so, we'll see. Baylor Rehab has said that they will accept you back after you have the Baclofen pump and the Achilles Tendon surgeries. They said that they want to make the most out of the rehab days you have left.
Future prayer needs:
Once Johnny has worn out his welcome Rehab wise, my mom is planning on taking him home. She has already purchased a hospital bed and she's got plans to add onto their house and have an area large enough to accommodate Johnny, exercise and rehab type equipment and a restroom/bathing room, large enough to accommodate Johnny and his wheelchair. Please pray with us that insurance provides the equipment needed to continue Johnny's therapy, and that we think of everything in the planning stages of this project...once Johnny's home, it'll be difficult to add something.
Thank you for your prayers : )
Johnny, today mom gave you pudding. Afterwards, you spelled with your magnetic letters, "that was good".
******
I came to see you tonight. When I walked in, you were laying comfy in your bed. It looked like they just got you ready for bed. I cranked up your bed and got you all ready for some pudding. You ate about 6 bites of pudding and about the same in coke. You acted like you weren't interested in the food anymore so I cleaned you up and you grunted loud. I turned around and you were telling me to come here and you were trying to tell me something. I said can you write it and you said yes. Well, I couldn't read what you were writing so I gave you the magnets and it took you about 10 minutes but you spelled "I want some lunch". Well, I am my mothers daughter! I gave you some more. While I was giving you more "lunch", Diana walked in with mashed potatoes and you ate those up...they were still warm! Diana stayed a while and then left and I stayed until 8 pm and we watched some TV until you fell asleep and I snuck out. You looked so peaceful when I left.
Love you!! xo Jen
Mom found you a doctor to do the Achilles Tendon surgery that you need. This doctor is in-network but, they are booked until the first of the year. Mom is on the cancellation call list so, we'll see. Baylor Rehab has said that they will accept you back after you have the Baclofen pump and the Achilles Tendon surgeries. They said that they want to make the most out of the rehab days you have left.
Future prayer needs:
Once Johnny has worn out his welcome Rehab wise, my mom is planning on taking him home. She has already purchased a hospital bed and she's got plans to add onto their house and have an area large enough to accommodate Johnny, exercise and rehab type equipment and a restroom/bathing room, large enough to accommodate Johnny and his wheelchair. Please pray with us that insurance provides the equipment needed to continue Johnny's therapy, and that we think of everything in the planning stages of this project...once Johnny's home, it'll be difficult to add something.
Thank you for your prayers : )
Johnny, today mom gave you pudding. Afterwards, you spelled with your magnetic letters, "that was good".
******
I came to see you tonight. When I walked in, you were laying comfy in your bed. It looked like they just got you ready for bed. I cranked up your bed and got you all ready for some pudding. You ate about 6 bites of pudding and about the same in coke. You acted like you weren't interested in the food anymore so I cleaned you up and you grunted loud. I turned around and you were telling me to come here and you were trying to tell me something. I said can you write it and you said yes. Well, I couldn't read what you were writing so I gave you the magnets and it took you about 10 minutes but you spelled "I want some lunch". Well, I am my mothers daughter! I gave you some more. While I was giving you more "lunch", Diana walked in with mashed potatoes and you ate those up...they were still warm! Diana stayed a while and then left and I stayed until 8 pm and we watched some TV until you fell asleep and I snuck out. You looked so peaceful when I left.
Love you!! xo Jen
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 17, 2009
Johnny,
Well, Everything looks bright and new in the morning!!! Johnny is scheduled for surgery!!! Praise God!
Mary Shiels Hospital
3515 Howell Street
Dallas, TX 75204
Tuesday - November 24th
9:30 am (lasting 2-3 hours)
After surgery, Johnny will be taken back to Traymore where the pump will be regulated. Once that is done, he will be able to go back to Baylor Rehab and start working on his future!! Praise God, Praise God!!
Thank you everyone for the prayers...
Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7
***Something else wonderful that happened...Johnny's speech therapist told mom that the state will pay for Johnny to have a touch screen laptop if they feel like he will benefit from it. They will send someone out to evaluate him and then get him set up with one. Isn't that wonderful! He will be able to communicate with us just by touching a screen. We will know for sure his hurts, discomforts, what he needs or wants. I'm thrilled! It's amazing to me how much is available for patients in Johnny's condition...they just don't share the information. I am really pushing my mom (who is an excellent writer) to put together a book or pamphlet with information we've compiled to help others with TBI.
Mom brought you some mashed potatoes and you ate them. She said that you started to fall asleep so she put the potatoes up. You woke up and you kept saying "I", "I", mom said can you spell what your trying to say for me. You said "yes". You spelled "I want to eat". So, no big surprise...she gave you more!
Love you! xo Jen
P.S. This reminds me of when you were little and you would sit in your highchair and bang on the table "una eat", "una eat".....you would say it over and over until you had upset yourself and Mom could never feed you quick enough. By the time she got to you with your food, you were so mad you would sling it off into the floor! Mom said years later she wonders why she didn't just tide you over with a cookie while she made your dinner... ha!
Email:
Hi Jennifer, I finally found your e mail address, I have been following you blog , What a great love you have for your Johnny, I have started my own crusaide of Prayer groups for him, lots of my friends are following the Blog, and we all are sending prayers.
I spend a lot of time reading and crying with you, I admire you a lot.
God Bless you all my Dear.
Jan
I remembered something I wanted to say to you. You mentioned your Mother writing a book to help others, Jennifer, I think you have already done that, your Blog, is simply remarkable, and it will be a testimony to others, you need to do what ever it takes to turn it into a book.
It is the most honest, loving thing I have ever read.
God Bless,
Jan
From Valerie:
AWESOME...FINALLY...SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!!!
Well, Everything looks bright and new in the morning!!! Johnny is scheduled for surgery!!! Praise God!
Mary Shiels Hospital
3515 Howell Street
Dallas, TX 75204
Tuesday - November 24th
9:30 am (lasting 2-3 hours)
After surgery, Johnny will be taken back to Traymore where the pump will be regulated. Once that is done, he will be able to go back to Baylor Rehab and start working on his future!! Praise God, Praise God!!
Thank you everyone for the prayers...
Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7
***Something else wonderful that happened...Johnny's speech therapist told mom that the state will pay for Johnny to have a touch screen laptop if they feel like he will benefit from it. They will send someone out to evaluate him and then get him set up with one. Isn't that wonderful! He will be able to communicate with us just by touching a screen. We will know for sure his hurts, discomforts, what he needs or wants. I'm thrilled! It's amazing to me how much is available for patients in Johnny's condition...they just don't share the information. I am really pushing my mom (who is an excellent writer) to put together a book or pamphlet with information we've compiled to help others with TBI.
Mom brought you some mashed potatoes and you ate them. She said that you started to fall asleep so she put the potatoes up. You woke up and you kept saying "I", "I", mom said can you spell what your trying to say for me. You said "yes". You spelled "I want to eat". So, no big surprise...she gave you more!
Love you! xo Jen
P.S. This reminds me of when you were little and you would sit in your highchair and bang on the table "una eat", "una eat".....you would say it over and over until you had upset yourself and Mom could never feed you quick enough. By the time she got to you with your food, you were so mad you would sling it off into the floor! Mom said years later she wonders why she didn't just tide you over with a cookie while she made your dinner... ha!
Email:
Hi Jennifer, I finally found your e mail address, I have been following you blog , What a great love you have for your Johnny, I have started my own crusaide of Prayer groups for him, lots of my friends are following the Blog, and we all are sending prayers.
I spend a lot of time reading and crying with you, I admire you a lot.
God Bless you all my Dear.
Jan
I remembered something I wanted to say to you. You mentioned your Mother writing a book to help others, Jennifer, I think you have already done that, your Blog, is simply remarkable, and it will be a testimony to others, you need to do what ever it takes to turn it into a book.
It is the most honest, loving thing I have ever read.
God Bless,
Jan
From Valerie:
AWESOME...FINALLY...SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!!!
November 16, 2009
Johnny,
Well, today was a hard day! Mom tried all day to get some kind of information about you having surgery tomorrow but had no luck. The girl at the doctor's office was still out and apparently didn't put your surgery on the schedule. We found out that insurance did approve but no body let us know. Mom was really upset. She was visiting with you during her many phone calls and she was crying. You motioned for her to come to you and you took her hand and pulled her to you. She gave you a hug.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7b
I know your coming back to us, we just have to be patient and trust that God is in control and that He loves you more than we can imagine.
Mom said that you were working with your little computer and she told you to spell cat. You kept balling up your hand and trying to push the right letters and you were getting frustrated...she said you took your thumb and pressed hard C - A - T.
And then you were done. She said it was funny because you knew what you wanted to do you just couldn't get your hand to cooperate. That's why this pump is so important.
Love you Johnny!! xo Jen
Well, today was a hard day! Mom tried all day to get some kind of information about you having surgery tomorrow but had no luck. The girl at the doctor's office was still out and apparently didn't put your surgery on the schedule. We found out that insurance did approve but no body let us know. Mom was really upset. She was visiting with you during her many phone calls and she was crying. You motioned for her to come to you and you took her hand and pulled her to you. She gave you a hug.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7b
I know your coming back to us, we just have to be patient and trust that God is in control and that He loves you more than we can imagine.
Mom said that you were working with your little computer and she told you to spell cat. You kept balling up your hand and trying to push the right letters and you were getting frustrated...she said you took your thumb and pressed hard C - A - T.
And then you were done. She said it was funny because you knew what you wanted to do you just couldn't get your hand to cooperate. That's why this pump is so important.
Love you Johnny!! xo Jen
Sunday, November 15, 2009
November 15, 2009
Johnny,
When mom came in to see you today, you were sitting up in the chair. Actually you were asleep in the chair and when she walked in you heard her and woke up. You were in the chair for about 2 hours...which is really good! She had the nurse put you back in bed and gave you some chicken noodle dinner and lemon pudding. I'm going to have to try the lemon pudding...you just love it! I am planning on making you a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Your speech therapist said you could have it but not the crust. It's your favorite pie! Mom said that when she walked into your room it was like a meat locker. She wrote a nasty note on the board about your brain injury and how it makes you sweat but that it doesn't mean your hot. If you start sweating they can turn the fan on but they don't need to turn the air conditioner as cold as it will go. She wrote that they are going to end up getting you sick. You go mom! She would freeze her butt off before she told anyone that they made her uncomfortable but watch out if you mess with her kids! Mom said that y'all watched the cowboys together. She said that Romo was sacked so many times he was probably embarrassed. I wondered why I kept hearing Mickey yell at the TV. Mom said that you wrote your name a couple of times with pen & paper but that you weren't interested in typing or spelling with the magnetic letters. I bet you were tired after the day you had yesterday! We are still praying that the insurance gives approval before Tuesday for you to get the pump...I'm not sure when the next appointment will be if we miss that one. I'm trusting in God to work it all out for us.
Love you!! Xo Jen
P.S. Do you remember when we were kids and we would stand up in the back seat of mom's car and just sing and sway down the road. We loved the song "boney fingers". It went like this: You work your fingers to the bone, what do you get, boney fingers, boney fingers. Driving on those windy roads, griping the seat and each other leaning into the curves singing that song. We were so cute!
When mom came in to see you today, you were sitting up in the chair. Actually you were asleep in the chair and when she walked in you heard her and woke up. You were in the chair for about 2 hours...which is really good! She had the nurse put you back in bed and gave you some chicken noodle dinner and lemon pudding. I'm going to have to try the lemon pudding...you just love it! I am planning on making you a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Your speech therapist said you could have it but not the crust. It's your favorite pie! Mom said that when she walked into your room it was like a meat locker. She wrote a nasty note on the board about your brain injury and how it makes you sweat but that it doesn't mean your hot. If you start sweating they can turn the fan on but they don't need to turn the air conditioner as cold as it will go. She wrote that they are going to end up getting you sick. You go mom! She would freeze her butt off before she told anyone that they made her uncomfortable but watch out if you mess with her kids! Mom said that y'all watched the cowboys together. She said that Romo was sacked so many times he was probably embarrassed. I wondered why I kept hearing Mickey yell at the TV. Mom said that you wrote your name a couple of times with pen & paper but that you weren't interested in typing or spelling with the magnetic letters. I bet you were tired after the day you had yesterday! We are still praying that the insurance gives approval before Tuesday for you to get the pump...I'm not sure when the next appointment will be if we miss that one. I'm trusting in God to work it all out for us.
Love you!! Xo Jen
P.S. Do you remember when we were kids and we would stand up in the back seat of mom's car and just sing and sway down the road. We loved the song "boney fingers". It went like this: You work your fingers to the bone, what do you get, boney fingers, boney fingers. Driving on those windy roads, griping the seat and each other leaning into the curves singing that song. We were so cute!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
November 14, 2009
Johnny,
Mickey, Jackie and I came to see you this afternoon. You were having therapy with your OT. It was the first time this lady has worked with you and I know you were feeling like I was...it's like you have to train the new people every time. I wanted to say...STOP! Just let me do it!!! After your therapy was over, I gave you pudding and coke at your request. I tinted the pudding blue and after you ate, I suctioned you...no blue! That's great! Mickey was dying to take you outside, it was so pretty today. We got your sweat pants on you and got you in the chair and headed out back. The last time we went out back, I got ate up with mosquitoes...through my shirt and on my back...isn't that an odd place to get bit. Anyway, I was worried that I might have the same fate but Mickey assured me that it would be fine. Don't tell him this, but he was right! We took you outside and you and Mickey pointed out doves and then a lonely squirrel came out to taunt us...I would get close enough to focus the camera and then off he'd go!
When we went inside, I asked you if you wanted to go out front or back to bed. You said out front. We found a shady area (not that hard to do, the trees are huge). Jackie started climbing the tree and chasing these two squirrels. You were very alert watching her. It was really sweet.
Jackie took a few Daddy breaks in between climbing the tree and chasing the squirrels.
After a while, Mickey told me that he thought you were ready to go inside. So, I told Jackie to get out of the tree so we could go inside. She didn't listen to me. So, Mickey told her, "Jackie your daddy is ready to go inside, come on". Well, you were listening because you pointed at her and did your finger in the come here motion. I wanted to laugh, it was funny...but why was it funny, you are her daddy! I think that I'm just so thrilled with every single little thing you do. I know your in there and I know it's just a matter of time! I have faith! Which leads me to the next story...the nurses aid you had today is precious! I don't remember her name but she is so good to you!! She told me today that she is so proud of you. She has a grandson that is 18 now but had an accident when he was 14 and it was a traumatic brain injury. He's 18 years old but mentally he is compared to a 7 month old. She said that he is the happiest boy but that they are unable to communicate with him. She said that her family would give anything to be able to communicate with him the way that you communicate with us. I was sad for her and it made me realize just how common TBI is and how many times I've taken my own brain for granted. I know Cody's had several concussions through sports and just being a boy and I never even knew that TBI could happen to him. With Thanksgiving coming up sooner than we think, I just want to say that I'm so thankful that the Lord spared you and that no matter how hard the climb for you, I will be there every step of the way. I am so very proud of you and if this accident of yours has taught me anything, it's how much I love you and what's really important.
Love you so much little brother!! xo Jen
Email from Valerie:
I know everyone is expressing their appreciation for you keeping us updated with the blog. I love your stories and your details. I just wanted to share with you that I can't sleep and I'm sitting at my computer doing my daily "Johnny blog" and those pictures of Johnny with Jackie are priceless along with the story of him pointing at her. It makes me cry! Jenn, he has come so far and he couldn't have done it without your support. You and Nancy (and I'm sure others) have cared for him in a way that most families wouldn't or couldn't! It makes me not only love Johnny more but you and Nancy for giving up everything to take care of him!
I love you,
Valerie
Mickey, Jackie and I came to see you this afternoon. You were having therapy with your OT. It was the first time this lady has worked with you and I know you were feeling like I was...it's like you have to train the new people every time. I wanted to say...STOP! Just let me do it!!! After your therapy was over, I gave you pudding and coke at your request. I tinted the pudding blue and after you ate, I suctioned you...no blue! That's great! Mickey was dying to take you outside, it was so pretty today. We got your sweat pants on you and got you in the chair and headed out back. The last time we went out back, I got ate up with mosquitoes...through my shirt and on my back...isn't that an odd place to get bit. Anyway, I was worried that I might have the same fate but Mickey assured me that it would be fine. Don't tell him this, but he was right! We took you outside and you and Mickey pointed out doves and then a lonely squirrel came out to taunt us...I would get close enough to focus the camera and then off he'd go!
When we went inside, I asked you if you wanted to go out front or back to bed. You said out front. We found a shady area (not that hard to do, the trees are huge). Jackie started climbing the tree and chasing these two squirrels. You were very alert watching her. It was really sweet.
Jackie took a few Daddy breaks in between climbing the tree and chasing the squirrels.
After a while, Mickey told me that he thought you were ready to go inside. So, I told Jackie to get out of the tree so we could go inside. She didn't listen to me. So, Mickey told her, "Jackie your daddy is ready to go inside, come on". Well, you were listening because you pointed at her and did your finger in the come here motion. I wanted to laugh, it was funny...but why was it funny, you are her daddy! I think that I'm just so thrilled with every single little thing you do. I know your in there and I know it's just a matter of time! I have faith! Which leads me to the next story...the nurses aid you had today is precious! I don't remember her name but she is so good to you!! She told me today that she is so proud of you. She has a grandson that is 18 now but had an accident when he was 14 and it was a traumatic brain injury. He's 18 years old but mentally he is compared to a 7 month old. She said that he is the happiest boy but that they are unable to communicate with him. She said that her family would give anything to be able to communicate with him the way that you communicate with us. I was sad for her and it made me realize just how common TBI is and how many times I've taken my own brain for granted. I know Cody's had several concussions through sports and just being a boy and I never even knew that TBI could happen to him. With Thanksgiving coming up sooner than we think, I just want to say that I'm so thankful that the Lord spared you and that no matter how hard the climb for you, I will be there every step of the way. I am so very proud of you and if this accident of yours has taught me anything, it's how much I love you and what's really important.
Love you so much little brother!! xo Jen
Email from Valerie:
I know everyone is expressing their appreciation for you keeping us updated with the blog. I love your stories and your details. I just wanted to share with you that I can't sleep and I'm sitting at my computer doing my daily "Johnny blog" and those pictures of Johnny with Jackie are priceless along with the story of him pointing at her. It makes me cry! Jenn, he has come so far and he couldn't have done it without your support. You and Nancy (and I'm sure others) have cared for him in a way that most families wouldn't or couldn't! It makes me not only love Johnny more but you and Nancy for giving up everything to take care of him!
I love you,
Valerie
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