January 18, 2010

Johnny,

Jackie went to therapy with you today...she said it was cool seeing you on the tilt table. That was her first time going to therapy. Mom said that you spelled out "I want hot shower" with your magnetic letters.

You got botox in your next, left arm and right shoulder today. You handled it very well. The botox should help loosen up your neck muscles and help you to turn your head better. We've been told that it takes about 6 weeks for the full effect of the botox to set in. Jackie pushed you around the hospital today. You had a pretty good day.

Love you!! xo Jen

P.S. Update on your room:
Sheet rock is done. Next is tape & bed, texture, painting, tile work and carpet...
It's coming along.

January 17, 2010

Johnny,

Mickey and I came to see you after church. You were sitting in your wheelchair so we took you outside to enjoy the sunshine. You pointed out squirrels and birds and an airplane that flew loudly over our heads. I reminded you that there was a time when you would shoot and eat squirrels. You just stared at me.

Your nurse told us that you could be leaving as early as tomorrow....WOW!!!

For Johnny's visitors, if you want to see Johnny, I would suggest calling Baylor first to make sure he's there or you can call the family, of course.

We are so looking forward to bringing you home Johnny, I know your wanting that too.

Love you!! xo Jen

January 16, 2010

Johnny,

Mom and Jackie spent the day with you today. Mom shaved you. Jackie and Mom did your exercises. You had a good day.

Love you!! xo Jen

January 15, 2010

Johnny,

One more item checked off the "bringing Johnny home" list. Mom picked up your Hoiyer Lift today. It's a lift used to lift you out of the bed and into the wheelchair or shower chair and can be used by one person. Very convenient!!

Mom said you shined again in group today. You impressed your therapist with all your correct answers about what hospital you are in and what city. You continue to amaze!

Mom and Craig took you down to the new van and put you into it to make sure everything was going to work and Craig figured out that your wheelchair doesn't have tie downs. So, needless to say, he's working on getting tie downs for your wheelchair.

Dad was on his way to see you but I haven't talked to him, mom did. He and I are playing phone tag so I don't know what amazing things you accomplished...I'll post when I hear from him.

Love you!! xo Jen

January 14, 2010

Johnny,

Things are progressing to get you home. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. I can't wait to see your reaction as we pull into the drive way at home. Mom's house has gone through so many changes. I love spring and summer in the country, it's going to be so nice for you to be able to sit on your porch and enjoy the day.

Buddy came by today and said you were sitting in your room, in your wheelchair. You must have just come back from therapy.
Letter from Buddy:
Johnny,
Tammy & I came by today and it has been a while since we have made it. Things have been really crazy at work with the weather we have been having. You are sitting in your wheelchair as we walk in and look really good. You are very alert today. It is good to see you and I hear you are going home soon. I know you will continue to improve. Keep up the great job.
God Bless,
Tammy & Buddy

Mom worked with you today some on the puzzles I got you for Christmas. She said you did really well. You've always loved doing puzzles!

Take care! Love you!! xo Jen

January 13, 2010

Johnny,

Dad visited with you today. Dad said that Julia had you scheduled for an hour today to fit you for some braces for you hands to help straighten out your fingers.

Mom spent a few hours at the car dealership...you are now the proud owner of a 2008 wheelchair accessible mini van. That's right Johnny, you own a mini van. It's really very pretty.






Love you little brother!! xo Jen

January 12, 2010

Johnny,

I was able to go to therapy with you today. We started out in Group where you shined! You answered all questions correctly!!! Then it was off to see Craig. He put you on the tilt table and got you to 80 degrees. You tolerated it really well. I was shocked at how flat your feet got.


Chris was next and put you on a machine you've never been on before. You peddled yourself for about 43 seconds.

Bryan did your OT therapy today and you did not like it. I obviously was being too nice to you because Bryan said something about me being your wife...I said, I am his sister and that is just nasty! I'm going to have to tone-down my level of care so that never happens again. Nikki in respiratory therapy taught me how to put a breathing treatment tube together and how to give you a breathing treatment. She also taught me how to suction you and clean your trach...I played along because I already knew how to do that and have been for months. They are getting us prepared for when you go home in two weeks...or so. As I was leaving, mom was just getting there. She went to your swallow test with you. You didn't do so good but we are convinced it's because of the order they give you the food to test. They start off with liquids and if they started off with the solid, you could have time to use the chewing muscles before giving you something that will just slide down your throat. I'm just upset for you, you don't have too many simple pleasures and you really enjoy eating right now.

Love you Johnny!! xo Jen