Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010 @ 1227
What a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Within a day or two there will be a few photos on the blog showing David standing. I can't believe (yes I can) that it is extremely hard to type out S T A N D I N G without my eyes filling with tears. I am so incredibly proud of David. He has so much strength, so much determination, and I believe him to be one of the bravest men I know.
He has been trying to stand for several days. Last week he tried to stand and the socket wasn't right then the next time he tried to stand the HO (bone growth) in his legs just broke through the skin and started filling the prosthetic with blood. He had to stop immediately. I can't imagine how painful it is for him just to stand up.
David, through his life, has had many many broken bones and he has been blessed with the ability to heal very quickly. His bones would mend very quick and strong and I think that has now become a bit of the curse. The bone fragmentation through the muscles in his legs has all grown and is really causing some set backs. The wonderful thing about today's medicine is the fact that within a year or two we'll be talking about all of this as a memory and not a current trial. Life sure hands us some curves!
Those of you who are close to David, please take the time to keep in touch with him - your friendships are extremely valuable as he fights through this new reality of his.
I love you all,
Gordon
Within a day or two there will be a few photos on the blog showing David standing. I can't believe (yes I can) that it is extremely hard to type out S T A N D I N G without my eyes filling with tears. I am so incredibly proud of David. He has so much strength, so much determination, and I believe him to be one of the bravest men I know.
He has been trying to stand for several days. Last week he tried to stand and the socket wasn't right then the next time he tried to stand the HO (bone growth) in his legs just broke through the skin and started filling the prosthetic with blood. He had to stop immediately. I can't imagine how painful it is for him just to stand up.
David, through his life, has had many many broken bones and he has been blessed with the ability to heal very quickly. His bones would mend very quick and strong and I think that has now become a bit of the curse. The bone fragmentation through the muscles in his legs has all grown and is really causing some set backs. The wonderful thing about today's medicine is the fact that within a year or two we'll be talking about all of this as a memory and not a current trial. Life sure hands us some curves!
Those of you who are close to David, please take the time to keep in touch with him - your friendships are extremely valuable as he fights through this new reality of his.
I love you all,
Gordon
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010 at 2127
Hi Everybody,
I have really missed writing about David's triumphs. There is a great deal that has happened, I'm sure, but it has all been contained in about 3 or 4 two minute conversations. David has bathed his cell phone, which did interrupt our conversations for a week or so. He then surprised us all by submitting for and transferring to the Balboa Hospital C5 Unit in San Diego, California where he was met by 8 or his great friends.
I called him the other day and he has asked that I come back out to be with him for about a month - I can't possibly express how great that made me feel. Catherine has accepted an assignment that will be taking her away for several weeks - I'm not sure if I am at liberty to discuss where she is going but I am personally very grateful that she has been so dedicated to David's recovery. She is one strong trooper herself.
David was telling me that, the other day, when he put on his shrinkers, hopefully you remember what those are - it's been awhile since I talked about them, he felt a scratchy part and started to inspect the spot a little closer. You guessed it, the HO bone was coming through the skin. He said he just picked at it for a little while and the tip of it just broke off.
David and his spirits have really been lifted up by his move to San Diego. I know that the weather alone would do it for me. When at Walter Reed, the Physical Therapists were about 4 to 10 - 15 soldiers, at Balboa's C5 it is about 4 to 4 soldiers so there is a great amount of personal attention that is going to each man's rehabilitation efforts. David has the privilege of working with the gentleman that was picked to work with the Olympians in the Paralympics and any prosthetic problems they have. David, I believe, is the test case for a brand new technique that uses laser technology for scanning the anatomical residual limbs and completely replaces the need to do a plaster casting for these soldiers. David's HO problem is quite severe but, through this technology, HOLD ON TO YOUR SEAT, he may stand up tomorrow. He knows how painful it is going to be but that is just how it has to be. HE MAY STAND TOMORROW. I can't find words to express to you my emotions right now.
On Friday I talked with David and he was in the process of going to an appointment. He had the phone tucked between his shoulder and his ear while physically wheeling himself from building to building. He is not using an electric wheelchair anymore. I was so thoroughly impressed by the fact that he went to the appointment and they told him he had to go two buildings away, then when he got there he was told that the Doctor was somewhere else and he had to chase him down. David was kind, patient, and everything I wish I could be in frustrating situations. He is one great man and I love him.
He is working hard to be able to drive his Jeep again - to do everything again.
I'll write more when I can.
Take Care,
Gordon
I have really missed writing about David's triumphs. There is a great deal that has happened, I'm sure, but it has all been contained in about 3 or 4 two minute conversations. David has bathed his cell phone, which did interrupt our conversations for a week or so. He then surprised us all by submitting for and transferring to the Balboa Hospital C5 Unit in San Diego, California where he was met by 8 or his great friends.
I called him the other day and he has asked that I come back out to be with him for about a month - I can't possibly express how great that made me feel. Catherine has accepted an assignment that will be taking her away for several weeks - I'm not sure if I am at liberty to discuss where she is going but I am personally very grateful that she has been so dedicated to David's recovery. She is one strong trooper herself.
David was telling me that, the other day, when he put on his shrinkers, hopefully you remember what those are - it's been awhile since I talked about them, he felt a scratchy part and started to inspect the spot a little closer. You guessed it, the HO bone was coming through the skin. He said he just picked at it for a little while and the tip of it just broke off.
David and his spirits have really been lifted up by his move to San Diego. I know that the weather alone would do it for me. When at Walter Reed, the Physical Therapists were about 4 to 10 - 15 soldiers, at Balboa's C5 it is about 4 to 4 soldiers so there is a great amount of personal attention that is going to each man's rehabilitation efforts. David has the privilege of working with the gentleman that was picked to work with the Olympians in the Paralympics and any prosthetic problems they have. David, I believe, is the test case for a brand new technique that uses laser technology for scanning the anatomical residual limbs and completely replaces the need to do a plaster casting for these soldiers. David's HO problem is quite severe but, through this technology, HOLD ON TO YOUR SEAT, he may stand up tomorrow. He knows how painful it is going to be but that is just how it has to be. HE MAY STAND TOMORROW. I can't find words to express to you my emotions right now.
On Friday I talked with David and he was in the process of going to an appointment. He had the phone tucked between his shoulder and his ear while physically wheeling himself from building to building. He is not using an electric wheelchair anymore. I was so thoroughly impressed by the fact that he went to the appointment and they told him he had to go two buildings away, then when he got there he was told that the Doctor was somewhere else and he had to chase him down. David was kind, patient, and everything I wish I could be in frustrating situations. He is one great man and I love him.
He is working hard to be able to drive his Jeep again - to do everything again.
I'll write more when I can.
Take Care,
Gordon
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2357
Hello Again,
I am so sorry it has been so long since I have written but, unfortunately, I don't have the privilege of being by David's side and I am having a hard time seeing and feeling his struggles and victories.
What I do know is that the HO (Heterotopic Ossification), which is the bone growth that is occurring in David's legs is an extreme problem. Right now he has 4 or 5 spots where the bone has caused lumps near the surface of the skin on different areas of his legs. It is anticipated that at least one of those spots is going to break through the skin very soon. I am told that the remedy is to push the skin as far on to the protruding bone as possible and then clip off the end of that bone and pull the skin back and close that wound. It is my understanding that no extensive surgery, to remove the bone, will be done any time before six months because they want the bone to reach maturity and stop growing before they try to remove it and because, sometimes, that bone can actually form in such a way that it provides extra support for the prosthetic without necessarily causing additional pain. Although it is very hard to allow my wait idly by with my son in pain, I completely trust the physicians caring for him. The wonderful thing about Bethesda and Walter Reed is that these physicians, nurses, and surgeons truly admire and revere men like my son as their personal heroes and will do everything in their power to make things better for them. They have become my heroes too!!!
David has expressed a desire to transfer to the Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California. He is not sure when the transfer will happen, but he will be treated in the C5 (Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care) unit there. We have seen brochures on the facility and are very confident with the care he will receive there.
David is very close to getting fitted for his prosthetics but the move to San Diego will, more than likely, happen before the fitting takes place. It has been very frustrating because the wounds have not been healing as quickly as anticipated. David had the privilege of getting a shower a few days ago and I asked him if it was heavenly. He said it was a little bit of both. I'm assuming he meant that it was a little of Heaven and a little of Hell. Whatever he meant, he said that the shower somehow triggered his wounds to start healing quicker, so those of you out there who don't shower very often - not a good idea. David didn't have much of a choice.
Before David went to Afghanistan, he went to a trade show and was introduced to a new kind of safety glasses that changed with the brightness of the day. David was wearing those glasses when he received his injuries and although his glasses were damaged and pitted from the blast, his eyes were completely protected. When David felt up to it, he emailed the company to thank them for his eyes and to tell them what a great product they had. When they received the email they contacted him and invited him to Vermont - he had a wonderful time and they treated him like royalty. If I can get the name of the product, I'll let you know so we can pay a little tribute to a great company and a great product. I thank you for my son's eyes too.
David is much more mobile now and has been on several weekend outings - it's great to hear that he is not just looking at those hospital walls now. He is in outpatient status and can live away from the hospital with assistance. He still attends physical training and occupational training each day. The other day the Occupational Therapist told David that if he touched the thumb and index finger of his right hand together without assistance of any kind, she would give him a really nice remote control car - he did it, but he hasn't got the car yet! Oh the diabolical treachery!
My wife and I sincerely miss being with David on a daily basis. He is a wonderful part of our lives. Those of you who know and love David and his great personality know exactly what I am saying.
You are all very much a part of our family and are welcome any time when you come to Utah. My work email has changed to gordonlyon@intinsgrp.com and I welcome your friendship for the rest of my life. Thank You!!
Gordon
I am so sorry it has been so long since I have written but, unfortunately, I don't have the privilege of being by David's side and I am having a hard time seeing and feeling his struggles and victories.
What I do know is that the HO (Heterotopic Ossification), which is the bone growth that is occurring in David's legs is an extreme problem. Right now he has 4 or 5 spots where the bone has caused lumps near the surface of the skin on different areas of his legs. It is anticipated that at least one of those spots is going to break through the skin very soon. I am told that the remedy is to push the skin as far on to the protruding bone as possible and then clip off the end of that bone and pull the skin back and close that wound. It is my understanding that no extensive surgery, to remove the bone, will be done any time before six months because they want the bone to reach maturity and stop growing before they try to remove it and because, sometimes, that bone can actually form in such a way that it provides extra support for the prosthetic without necessarily causing additional pain. Although it is very hard to allow my wait idly by with my son in pain, I completely trust the physicians caring for him. The wonderful thing about Bethesda and Walter Reed is that these physicians, nurses, and surgeons truly admire and revere men like my son as their personal heroes and will do everything in their power to make things better for them. They have become my heroes too!!!
David has expressed a desire to transfer to the Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California. He is not sure when the transfer will happen, but he will be treated in the C5 (Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care) unit there. We have seen brochures on the facility and are very confident with the care he will receive there.
David is very close to getting fitted for his prosthetics but the move to San Diego will, more than likely, happen before the fitting takes place. It has been very frustrating because the wounds have not been healing as quickly as anticipated. David had the privilege of getting a shower a few days ago and I asked him if it was heavenly. He said it was a little bit of both. I'm assuming he meant that it was a little of Heaven and a little of Hell. Whatever he meant, he said that the shower somehow triggered his wounds to start healing quicker, so those of you out there who don't shower very often - not a good idea. David didn't have much of a choice.
Before David went to Afghanistan, he went to a trade show and was introduced to a new kind of safety glasses that changed with the brightness of the day. David was wearing those glasses when he received his injuries and although his glasses were damaged and pitted from the blast, his eyes were completely protected. When David felt up to it, he emailed the company to thank them for his eyes and to tell them what a great product they had. When they received the email they contacted him and invited him to Vermont - he had a wonderful time and they treated him like royalty. If I can get the name of the product, I'll let you know so we can pay a little tribute to a great company and a great product. I thank you for my son's eyes too.
David is much more mobile now and has been on several weekend outings - it's great to hear that he is not just looking at those hospital walls now. He is in outpatient status and can live away from the hospital with assistance. He still attends physical training and occupational training each day. The other day the Occupational Therapist told David that if he touched the thumb and index finger of his right hand together without assistance of any kind, she would give him a really nice remote control car - he did it, but he hasn't got the car yet! Oh the diabolical treachery!
My wife and I sincerely miss being with David on a daily basis. He is a wonderful part of our lives. Those of you who know and love David and his great personality know exactly what I am saying.
You are all very much a part of our family and are welcome any time when you come to Utah. My work email has changed to gordonlyon@intinsgrp.com and I welcome your friendship for the rest of my life. Thank You!!
Gordon
Friday, August 20, 2010
Through the eyes of a soldier
I love Washington DC. There is incredible history here. Chosen by President George Washington himself as the location for the capital city, DC has evolved through many hardships. From the War of 1812 known as the "Burning of Washington" to the civil war in 1861. The abolishment of slavery on April 16, 1862 to the assassination of President Lincoln on April 14, 1865 in Ford's Theater. From the "I Have a Dream" speech of Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963 to the September 11, 2001 attacks that crashed a plane into the Pentagon and put another plane in a field in Pennsylvania intended for either the White House or the U.S. Capital.
With each instance, the city has grown, forged ahead and found new meaning with the underlying notion that we are free: Free to choose how we live; free to love; free to worship in the ways that we see fit; free to make decisions and voice those decisions outwardly without having to succumb to a tyrannical leader. These freedoms have been brought to us though years of struggle. These freedoms have been seen through by great men and women and their memorials line DC at every turn. Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, the White House, U.S. Capital building, Roosevelt, Pentagon, and every other memorial building proves that their are great men that have need of being mentioned, but the greatest of all, are not just embodied in these memorials. They are the ones that are honored over hills stretched for what seems like infinite miles. Each stone telling a story of bravery, suffering, desire, love, honor and pride. These are the men that are often forgotten. No one doubts that General Washington was a great man, that Lincoln honored his country, or that Jefferson's wisdom was enough to propel this great country into becoming the greatest land on earth, but the muscle behind the men, the ones that see through their desires and ideals are those men and women buried in those hills. These soldiers are the reason that we have our rights, they are the reason that this land is free and that we can choose for ourselves. Let us remember them always and what their sacrifices do for us. David, I thank you!
Whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. David is living proof of this. His desire to be better than he was before is heroic. Hero's are those we wish to emulate, and David is one of those. He is working extremely hard to progress through all of his struggles, and when he overcomes this obstacle, what a great man he will have become. We will all want to be more like him.
Being with David over the last couple of days and seeing all of those young men and women that have paid the price for my freedom is humbling. I love this country because I can, and I can because of Soldiers like David. I have never been emotional and standing amongst the ones that have given their lives even brought tears to my eyes. Our freedoms, country, families and own lives are protected by these great people and I have no doubt that David will be able to fulfill all of desires of his heart. He honors his country now as he continues his road to recovery. As each step is conquered, he gets one day closer to getting his legs. Today his pick line was removed and an ultra violet treatment looks to be speeding up the process of overcoming the wounds that just won't close. I watched tentatively afterword as he pulled his way in and out of the vehicle multiple times. With each grimace I felt the pride, love and desire he has; for failure is not an option. As he continues to strengthen his core, his stamina increases. I watched him use the hand bike twice as long as he did the previous day and appeared to blow through it even though the setting was higher than he had ever done before. Drive, desire, strength, and power will forever be ingrained in my mind. David is doing well, he will make everyone he comes in contact with proud to be an American.
A humble civilian seeing life through the eyes of a soldier,
Kevin Crowley, Brother-In-Law to the soldier that brings you these freedoms.
With each instance, the city has grown, forged ahead and found new meaning with the underlying notion that we are free: Free to choose how we live; free to love; free to worship in the ways that we see fit; free to make decisions and voice those decisions outwardly without having to succumb to a tyrannical leader. These freedoms have been brought to us though years of struggle. These freedoms have been seen through by great men and women and their memorials line DC at every turn. Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, the White House, U.S. Capital building, Roosevelt, Pentagon, and every other memorial building proves that their are great men that have need of being mentioned, but the greatest of all, are not just embodied in these memorials. They are the ones that are honored over hills stretched for what seems like infinite miles. Each stone telling a story of bravery, suffering, desire, love, honor and pride. These are the men that are often forgotten. No one doubts that General Washington was a great man, that Lincoln honored his country, or that Jefferson's wisdom was enough to propel this great country into becoming the greatest land on earth, but the muscle behind the men, the ones that see through their desires and ideals are those men and women buried in those hills. These soldiers are the reason that we have our rights, they are the reason that this land is free and that we can choose for ourselves. Let us remember them always and what their sacrifices do for us. David, I thank you!
Whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. David is living proof of this. His desire to be better than he was before is heroic. Hero's are those we wish to emulate, and David is one of those. He is working extremely hard to progress through all of his struggles, and when he overcomes this obstacle, what a great man he will have become. We will all want to be more like him.
Being with David over the last couple of days and seeing all of those young men and women that have paid the price for my freedom is humbling. I love this country because I can, and I can because of Soldiers like David. I have never been emotional and standing amongst the ones that have given their lives even brought tears to my eyes. Our freedoms, country, families and own lives are protected by these great people and I have no doubt that David will be able to fulfill all of desires of his heart. He honors his country now as he continues his road to recovery. As each step is conquered, he gets one day closer to getting his legs. Today his pick line was removed and an ultra violet treatment looks to be speeding up the process of overcoming the wounds that just won't close. I watched tentatively afterword as he pulled his way in and out of the vehicle multiple times. With each grimace I felt the pride, love and desire he has; for failure is not an option. As he continues to strengthen his core, his stamina increases. I watched him use the hand bike twice as long as he did the previous day and appeared to blow through it even though the setting was higher than he had ever done before. Drive, desire, strength, and power will forever be ingrained in my mind. David is doing well, he will make everyone he comes in contact with proud to be an American.
A humble civilian seeing life through the eyes of a soldier,
Kevin Crowley, Brother-In-Law to the soldier that brings you these freedoms.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
8/18/2010 2343 hrs
David is looking really good. He feels he is starting to get a belly from eating too much pie. He has progressed alot and is able to get himself in and out of the car. Him and Catherine are mobile in their Cadillac and staying busy. He may be able to get out of his hospital room and into a real bed, hopefully in a week.
It is really frustrating for him to not be where he wants to be progression wise. Davids right leg is still really tender. He thinks it is ridiculous that it will not heal already. If there was a workout to fix it he would do it over and over in a heartbeat.
MaryJayne (his sister), (me), can not get enough hugs and love being able to finally see him. I am so happy to just have a hug and another one and well it's pretty great.
It is really frustrating for him to not be where he wants to be progression wise. Davids right leg is still really tender. He thinks it is ridiculous that it will not heal already. If there was a workout to fix it he would do it over and over in a heartbeat.
MaryJayne (his sister), (me), can not get enough hugs and love being able to finally see him. I am so happy to just have a hug and another one and well it's pretty great.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010 at 2123
Hello Again,
It is quite a bit harder to write this blog while I am sitting in Kaysville, Utah. I can't feel what is going on in Washington and have to rely on communications with David over the phone. If you're a guy, you'll know how hard that is, for example: Hi David, how's it going? Good! So, what did you do today? Same as usual! And what are you going to do the rest of the day? More of the same! Great to talk to you! You too Dad! That's us guys, sometimes we don't know where to take a conversation - but I am exaggerating quite a bit in order to put a smile on your face.
I can say that it was extremely hard to watch David drive out of the elevator and have the doors close to take us to the first floor and drive to the airport. I can sincerely say - it has been a bit of Hell not being with him. As Michael mentioned, this is a hard time for David because the reality of the situation has really set in. David has always been quite incredible at making the best out of everything and I have absolutely no doubt that this will be no different. Before I left I felt impressed to tell him that when he stood 6'4" again, everything would be different. I sincerely believe that.
Before we left, we approached the Red Cross and, through the prescription from Occupational Therapy, we were able to acquire a X-Box 360 with several games that David wanted. In talking with him today, he's started playing again and, as stupid as it sounds, that puts a great big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I want David to feel that all is going to be OK. This is one great step in my mind. I am so thankful for the different organizations that do so much to make David's reality tolerable. I am so thoroughly impressed with the fact that David does so much to encourage other soldiers with their situations at the same time he is feeling jealous that he is not at the stage of recovery they have achieved. My son is one great man and I love him.
David had the opportunity to visit with Michelle Obama today in the physical therapy room. He didn't say much about it because we were talking family stuff. I'll try to get more information when we talk next.
I can say that I much more enjoy watching David do his therapy than the therapy my wife has me do in trimming the bushes and trees around our home. I even got a sunburn now that I'm wearing short socks after David and JJ confirmed to me that the way I was wearing my socks made me look like a dork.
All My Love,
Gordon
It is quite a bit harder to write this blog while I am sitting in Kaysville, Utah. I can't feel what is going on in Washington and have to rely on communications with David over the phone. If you're a guy, you'll know how hard that is, for example: Hi David, how's it going? Good! So, what did you do today? Same as usual! And what are you going to do the rest of the day? More of the same! Great to talk to you! You too Dad! That's us guys, sometimes we don't know where to take a conversation - but I am exaggerating quite a bit in order to put a smile on your face.
I can say that it was extremely hard to watch David drive out of the elevator and have the doors close to take us to the first floor and drive to the airport. I can sincerely say - it has been a bit of Hell not being with him. As Michael mentioned, this is a hard time for David because the reality of the situation has really set in. David has always been quite incredible at making the best out of everything and I have absolutely no doubt that this will be no different. Before I left I felt impressed to tell him that when he stood 6'4" again, everything would be different. I sincerely believe that.
Before we left, we approached the Red Cross and, through the prescription from Occupational Therapy, we were able to acquire a X-Box 360 with several games that David wanted. In talking with him today, he's started playing again and, as stupid as it sounds, that puts a great big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I want David to feel that all is going to be OK. This is one great step in my mind. I am so thankful for the different organizations that do so much to make David's reality tolerable. I am so thoroughly impressed with the fact that David does so much to encourage other soldiers with their situations at the same time he is feeling jealous that he is not at the stage of recovery they have achieved. My son is one great man and I love him.
David had the opportunity to visit with Michelle Obama today in the physical therapy room. He didn't say much about it because we were talking family stuff. I'll try to get more information when we talk next.
I can say that I much more enjoy watching David do his therapy than the therapy my wife has me do in trimming the bushes and trees around our home. I even got a sunburn now that I'm wearing short socks after David and JJ confirmed to me that the way I was wearing my socks made me look like a dork.
All My Love,
Gordon
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