HE WALKED TODAY!
Fantastic, beautiful, emotional, and incredible.
It was a great day.
Gordon Lyon
P.S. Photos to follow
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Last Post - January 14, 2011
Hi Everyone,
After my last post I have been waiting and waiting to do the last post because David seems to be waiting and waiting for his legs. It was suppose to be Friday, then Monday, then Tuesday so David put off his surgery, then Wednesday but there was just too much going on so Thursday.
On Thursday they slipped David into his legs and the right leg socket was way too big so they had to make some adjustments. That takes us to today. Today the right leg fit much better but it still doesn't fit as David's legs are slimming the more he exercises. This fit make take several more days because it is very critical for him to have a comfortable fit so he can learn how to walk on them. They have to learn how to load one leg so the other leg will come through in a proper manner - there is really a great amount of thought that has to go into each step. I have absolutely not doubt that David will achieve a very natural gate if it is at all possible - if he feels it is possible, that's good enough for me. He has challenged the entire family to a 5K walk/run next Thanksgiving - you're welcome to join the challenge.
David is really excited for me to quit writing about his life and exposing his every day, so I have agreed to end this blog. I will add photos from time to time but I will be going home within a month or so and will probably not have the same access to photographs that I have right now. I'll try to talk David into more photos as he gets comfortable with the legs.
I need to tell you about an experience we had when we went to Ethen's Birthday Party. We were at an indoor amusement place for the birthday and David rolled into the bathroom. He met a little boy in there and, you know kids, they say the first thing that comes to their mind. The little boy said "You don't have any legs!" David threw his arms out to his sides with his palms up and said "I know, I've been looking everywhere and can't find them!" There was a great pause and David just told him he didn't know where he left them and the little guy had no idea what to say. I wish I would have been there with a video.
I asked David if he want to say anything as this comes to a close and he said "Thank You for all your support!" He may not be much for words, but I know his heart and his will and I can assure you that all is well.
I have no idea how to end this. So, let's all keep finding someone to serve.
Take care, and please feel free to call me or David and we'll gladly give you an update.
All My Love,
Gordon
After my last post I have been waiting and waiting to do the last post because David seems to be waiting and waiting for his legs. It was suppose to be Friday, then Monday, then Tuesday so David put off his surgery, then Wednesday but there was just too much going on so Thursday.
On Thursday they slipped David into his legs and the right leg socket was way too big so they had to make some adjustments. That takes us to today. Today the right leg fit much better but it still doesn't fit as David's legs are slimming the more he exercises. This fit make take several more days because it is very critical for him to have a comfortable fit so he can learn how to walk on them. They have to learn how to load one leg so the other leg will come through in a proper manner - there is really a great amount of thought that has to go into each step. I have absolutely not doubt that David will achieve a very natural gate if it is at all possible - if he feels it is possible, that's good enough for me. He has challenged the entire family to a 5K walk/run next Thanksgiving - you're welcome to join the challenge.
David is really excited for me to quit writing about his life and exposing his every day, so I have agreed to end this blog. I will add photos from time to time but I will be going home within a month or so and will probably not have the same access to photographs that I have right now. I'll try to talk David into more photos as he gets comfortable with the legs.
I need to tell you about an experience we had when we went to Ethen's Birthday Party. We were at an indoor amusement place for the birthday and David rolled into the bathroom. He met a little boy in there and, you know kids, they say the first thing that comes to their mind. The little boy said "You don't have any legs!" David threw his arms out to his sides with his palms up and said "I know, I've been looking everywhere and can't find them!" There was a great pause and David just told him he didn't know where he left them and the little guy had no idea what to say. I wish I would have been there with a video.
I asked David if he want to say anything as this comes to a close and he said "Thank You for all your support!" He may not be much for words, but I know his heart and his will and I can assure you that all is well.
I have no idea how to end this. So, let's all keep finding someone to serve.
Take care, and please feel free to call me or David and we'll gladly give you an update.
All My Love,
Gordon
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, 01/11/11 @ 11 pm
I had to write the date different because it looked so cool. Today was a good day preparing for tomorrow. Tomorrow is a great day and it hasn't even got here yet. I can't get past the thought of him standing without the emotion flowing in.
David and I both did Yoga today and had a bunch of fun. I still can't understand what the instructor is talking about when she says that this is supposed to be a relaxed and painless way of extending our bodies. It hurt like heck, I thought my rear end was going to break when I was in a pretzel position. I had to laugh when the guy lying to the side of me whispered that he was pretty sure that the human body was not meant to be in positions like these. David was doing different versions of what we were doing but we enjoyed the time.
David walked another 4 laps today on his stubbies. 4 laps is equivalent to approximately 600 yards. He is actually doing it with relative ease. Yesterday Pete, in Prosthetics, said that David's trail back could be up to 2 years. Although he will be on his new legs tomorrow, he won't be at full height for awhile, he won't be on them continually for awhile, the stubbies will still be used on a daily basis for awhile, more surgeries may interrupt his progress for awhile, and there will be good and bad days forever. Sounds a little like he is getting back to normal, doesn't it?
Speaking about getting back to normal, David just talked to me for a moment before he rolled into bed. He said, "Dad, I think tomorrow is a good day for the blog to come to an end!" David is a very private individual and he feels that his life has been very much exposed for almost 8 months and now it is time to close this book. I told him that I would like to put an entry in when he hits different highlights and gets over the next big hurdle, but he mentioned that those who really care enough to know can give him a call on the phone. I know he is right and I have told him that I will honor his wishes. So, tomorrow will be the final entry in respect for David's request. I'm not sad, I have felt very peaceful about this whole situation for a long time now and find it very easy to smile and enjoy every day. David is going to be just fine, he is a fine young man with the same problems we face every day and a few extras to challenge his character, but I have absolutely no doubt that he will come out stronger, wiser, funnier, more compassionate, and an entirely stronger man for this entire experience.
For those of you who have followed David's Triumph, it would be fitting for you to make an entry to this blog. I know there are many who can not seem to get on the blog to make an entry so I offer you my email address noylnodrog@msn.com to send a comment to David and I will make sure those comments get onto the final page of his blog.
I have enjoyed many tender and funny moments with this keypad as I've tried to portray the emotions of each day so you can feel what is being felt by so many parents and soldiers here and at Bethesda and Walter Reed. David had another friend hit today and that young man is now a double amputee but, I'm told, he is still at Leatherneck in Afghanistan and is alert and already joking about his prosthetics. His friend John, who is so critical, is hanging in there - not out of the woods but still fighting the fight. The nurse who lost her legs and arms because of being exposed to Spinal Meningitis is catching the feeling of these great wounded warriors and has a smile on her face and is finding the realization that everything is going to be OK. She talks of how impressed she is with every one of these men.
When I am finally back at work, as an Independent Insurance Agent in case you need insurance, I plan to make a monthly donation for the remainder of my life to one of two or three organizations; The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation, The Semper Fi Fund, or the Wounded Warrior Project. There are many other great organizations like the Yellow Ribbon Fund, The Good Guys, the Nice Guys, the Veterans, the Red Cross, the YMCA - just so many organizations that do so much for these young men and women. I sincerely think we, and this growing group of wounded heroes, owe a great debt of thanks to those Men and Women who served in earlier conflicts such as Vietnam - many of these men and women were treated like dirt when they returned from a war they did not create and they have fought long and hard to make sure that the current returning soldiers find an entirely different support system that gives them hope, encouragement, and a bright outlook on their futures.
I've learned a great deal from this experience and believe I have much more to learn. One lesson that I value greatly is that no matter what happens in our life, we are very very blessed by a loving and caring Heavenly Father that is very much aware of our struggles. I think one of the greatest things that I've learned is that, whether today is a fantastic day or today is a really crappy day, we need to recognize the fact that Heavenly Father has given us every day and is right there waiting to help and lift us if we just take the time to ask.
David still does some of the things that I, as a father, wish he wouldn't do, but I love him with all my heart and will always love him. I'm sure I still do stuff that he wishes I would do either. If my love can become more unconditional, I have succeeded indeed. I know I should have been focused on this goal all along, but this experience has given me a much greater understanding of what my life's goal should be - to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Charitable and forgiving are the two traits that come to mind first.
Thank You! Thank You for every prayer, for every thought, for every letter and card, for every call, and for your love and friendship - you are wonderful.
Good Night,
Gordon
David and I both did Yoga today and had a bunch of fun. I still can't understand what the instructor is talking about when she says that this is supposed to be a relaxed and painless way of extending our bodies. It hurt like heck, I thought my rear end was going to break when I was in a pretzel position. I had to laugh when the guy lying to the side of me whispered that he was pretty sure that the human body was not meant to be in positions like these. David was doing different versions of what we were doing but we enjoyed the time.
David walked another 4 laps today on his stubbies. 4 laps is equivalent to approximately 600 yards. He is actually doing it with relative ease. Yesterday Pete, in Prosthetics, said that David's trail back could be up to 2 years. Although he will be on his new legs tomorrow, he won't be at full height for awhile, he won't be on them continually for awhile, the stubbies will still be used on a daily basis for awhile, more surgeries may interrupt his progress for awhile, and there will be good and bad days forever. Sounds a little like he is getting back to normal, doesn't it?
Speaking about getting back to normal, David just talked to me for a moment before he rolled into bed. He said, "Dad, I think tomorrow is a good day for the blog to come to an end!" David is a very private individual and he feels that his life has been very much exposed for almost 8 months and now it is time to close this book. I told him that I would like to put an entry in when he hits different highlights and gets over the next big hurdle, but he mentioned that those who really care enough to know can give him a call on the phone. I know he is right and I have told him that I will honor his wishes. So, tomorrow will be the final entry in respect for David's request. I'm not sad, I have felt very peaceful about this whole situation for a long time now and find it very easy to smile and enjoy every day. David is going to be just fine, he is a fine young man with the same problems we face every day and a few extras to challenge his character, but I have absolutely no doubt that he will come out stronger, wiser, funnier, more compassionate, and an entirely stronger man for this entire experience.
For those of you who have followed David's Triumph, it would be fitting for you to make an entry to this blog. I know there are many who can not seem to get on the blog to make an entry so I offer you my email address noylnodrog@msn.com to send a comment to David and I will make sure those comments get onto the final page of his blog.
I have enjoyed many tender and funny moments with this keypad as I've tried to portray the emotions of each day so you can feel what is being felt by so many parents and soldiers here and at Bethesda and Walter Reed. David had another friend hit today and that young man is now a double amputee but, I'm told, he is still at Leatherneck in Afghanistan and is alert and already joking about his prosthetics. His friend John, who is so critical, is hanging in there - not out of the woods but still fighting the fight. The nurse who lost her legs and arms because of being exposed to Spinal Meningitis is catching the feeling of these great wounded warriors and has a smile on her face and is finding the realization that everything is going to be OK. She talks of how impressed she is with every one of these men.
When I am finally back at work, as an Independent Insurance Agent in case you need insurance, I plan to make a monthly donation for the remainder of my life to one of two or three organizations; The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation, The Semper Fi Fund, or the Wounded Warrior Project. There are many other great organizations like the Yellow Ribbon Fund, The Good Guys, the Nice Guys, the Veterans, the Red Cross, the YMCA - just so many organizations that do so much for these young men and women. I sincerely think we, and this growing group of wounded heroes, owe a great debt of thanks to those Men and Women who served in earlier conflicts such as Vietnam - many of these men and women were treated like dirt when they returned from a war they did not create and they have fought long and hard to make sure that the current returning soldiers find an entirely different support system that gives them hope, encouragement, and a bright outlook on their futures.
I've learned a great deal from this experience and believe I have much more to learn. One lesson that I value greatly is that no matter what happens in our life, we are very very blessed by a loving and caring Heavenly Father that is very much aware of our struggles. I think one of the greatest things that I've learned is that, whether today is a fantastic day or today is a really crappy day, we need to recognize the fact that Heavenly Father has given us every day and is right there waiting to help and lift us if we just take the time to ask.
David still does some of the things that I, as a father, wish he wouldn't do, but I love him with all my heart and will always love him. I'm sure I still do stuff that he wishes I would do either. If my love can become more unconditional, I have succeeded indeed. I know I should have been focused on this goal all along, but this experience has given me a much greater understanding of what my life's goal should be - to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Charitable and forgiving are the two traits that come to mind first.
Thank You! Thank You for every prayer, for every thought, for every letter and card, for every call, and for your love and friendship - you are wonderful.
Good Night,
Gordon
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011 @ 1838
Hope You Had A Great Weekend - We Did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday was a great day, we were heading up to Yuba City to be with Ethen for his birthday party. On the way we were asked to come by David's EOD shop at Camp Pendleton. When we arrived the entire squad was at attention and The Good Guys, which is a service organization, brought David up front and presented him with a very nice award. It was great for a father, me, to stand back and see the tributes being paid to my son. Once the award was over they took pictures and everyone crowded around David. He is really well thought of and I can really see why. He is really a strong powerful influence in that group and I am very proud of the man he has become.
We drove the 7 1/2 hours and both of our rear ends were just about done. We had a nice meal with Ethen and Heather and then David and Ethen went to their hotel to have some great Father/Son time together. All-in-all, it was a fantastic weekend and Ethen is really a great miniature version of his daddy. I was a bit brain dead and didn't take my camera but I'm told that some pictures will be emailed so they can be included on the blog.
Well, tomorrow was suppose to be the day that they break up all the scar tissue and HO in David's right arm but the procedure "Manipulation" has been re-scheduled for the 19th. Tomorrow and Wednesday are VERY IMPORTANT to David as he will be standing at "close" to his full height. He is now ready for the C-Legs. After the Manipulation on his arm, his arm will be much closer to a limp rag than an arm of strength and he needs that strength to support himself as he gets up on the new legs.
Today the new liner for his right leg came in and they put in on him and then cast him for his new leg. So, on Wednesday he will have new graphite sockets that should fit great. We are anticipating that David's leg volume will possibly change several more times as he continues to work through the physical strain to walk, but that's all part of the process. When he receives his legs, they will fine tune them and then have him work a little each day using the parallel bars so that he can achieve the correct way of walking with them. After spending time each day with the new legs, he will then go back to Physical Therapy and walk and walk and walk as much as possible with his stubbies to maintain and gain more physical strength. I'm thinking I had better take some tissues on Wednesday, just typing the thought is getting to me. I'm really going to have a hard time going back home and not physically seeing his progress.
Today he sat with a different Occupational Therapist and she was working the joints, tendons, and muscles of his right arm and hand quite vigorously. David was wearing his hat and would just put his head down so his whole face was hidden as she would get to the area that really caused the pain. She said, "just let me know when I'm hurting you too much and I'll stop!"
David then told her, "It's the same every day, I know it's coming so I just grip my teeth and bear it!" I can attest to the fact that he does just that. I had some arthritis or a stiff joint in one of my fingers when I came out here and I watched as the therapist would crank on his fingers to loosen them up so I started cranking on mine - it works, it is still sore but I have more movement in it now and it doesn't hurt all the time. When we were kids we were told that if we cracked our knuckles we would get arthritis when we were older and now I'm learning that when we get older and get arthritis, we need to crack our knuckles to keep them movable. Boy Oh Boy does my mom have some explaining to do - only kidding mom.
Every day is a new adventure and I'll fill you in on tomorrow's adventure once it is over.
Have a great night.
Gordon
Friday was a great day, we were heading up to Yuba City to be with Ethen for his birthday party. On the way we were asked to come by David's EOD shop at Camp Pendleton. When we arrived the entire squad was at attention and The Good Guys, which is a service organization, brought David up front and presented him with a very nice award. It was great for a father, me, to stand back and see the tributes being paid to my son. Once the award was over they took pictures and everyone crowded around David. He is really well thought of and I can really see why. He is really a strong powerful influence in that group and I am very proud of the man he has become.
We drove the 7 1/2 hours and both of our rear ends were just about done. We had a nice meal with Ethen and Heather and then David and Ethen went to their hotel to have some great Father/Son time together. All-in-all, it was a fantastic weekend and Ethen is really a great miniature version of his daddy. I was a bit brain dead and didn't take my camera but I'm told that some pictures will be emailed so they can be included on the blog.
Well, tomorrow was suppose to be the day that they break up all the scar tissue and HO in David's right arm but the procedure "Manipulation" has been re-scheduled for the 19th. Tomorrow and Wednesday are VERY IMPORTANT to David as he will be standing at "close" to his full height. He is now ready for the C-Legs. After the Manipulation on his arm, his arm will be much closer to a limp rag than an arm of strength and he needs that strength to support himself as he gets up on the new legs.
Today the new liner for his right leg came in and they put in on him and then cast him for his new leg. So, on Wednesday he will have new graphite sockets that should fit great. We are anticipating that David's leg volume will possibly change several more times as he continues to work through the physical strain to walk, but that's all part of the process. When he receives his legs, they will fine tune them and then have him work a little each day using the parallel bars so that he can achieve the correct way of walking with them. After spending time each day with the new legs, he will then go back to Physical Therapy and walk and walk and walk as much as possible with his stubbies to maintain and gain more physical strength. I'm thinking I had better take some tissues on Wednesday, just typing the thought is getting to me. I'm really going to have a hard time going back home and not physically seeing his progress.
Today he sat with a different Occupational Therapist and she was working the joints, tendons, and muscles of his right arm and hand quite vigorously. David was wearing his hat and would just put his head down so his whole face was hidden as she would get to the area that really caused the pain. She said, "just let me know when I'm hurting you too much and I'll stop!"
David then told her, "It's the same every day, I know it's coming so I just grip my teeth and bear it!" I can attest to the fact that he does just that. I had some arthritis or a stiff joint in one of my fingers when I came out here and I watched as the therapist would crank on his fingers to loosen them up so I started cranking on mine - it works, it is still sore but I have more movement in it now and it doesn't hurt all the time. When we were kids we were told that if we cracked our knuckles we would get arthritis when we were older and now I'm learning that when we get older and get arthritis, we need to crack our knuckles to keep them movable. Boy Oh Boy does my mom have some explaining to do - only kidding mom.
Every day is a new adventure and I'll fill you in on tomorrow's adventure once it is over.
Have a great night.
Gordon
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011 @ 2204
Whomever posted the comment on the last post, Thank You!
I get a little caught up in the every day things that I don't think about making another blog entry until late at night. I'm sorry if I seem to keep you hanging in the air waiting for an update.
I didn't realize it was Monday when I made the last entry. I'll try to catch you up on an eventful period. On Tuesday it was a bit of a routine day except for the fact that we were required to take our swimming trunks to Occupational Therapy. Four of the wounded warriors, Lynn from OT, and I got in the pool and did a bunch of exercises with different floating devices. I have to say that some of the stuff was easier for the men with no legs because it is a relatively shallow pool and the bottom was very rough on my feet. Since I was a young boy, I have tried to turn on my back in the water and just float (I'm successful in the Great Salt Lake) but I just sink. David, on the other hand, just turns on his back and lays there like a Sea Otter - absolutely effortless. The workout was very good for all of us. One of the soldiers had to wear sun glasses in the pool because his eyes were damaged when he was hit in Afghanistan.
We then had lunch but I won't bore you with the ingredients of my lunch. We then went early to PT and tip-toed around the Yoga participants lying on the floor. David likes to go early and just do some serious stretching before walking. We were making our second loop around the hall and David hit the floor. He was walking very fast and just slipped. He didn't tell his therapist at the time, but he felt his shoulder dislocate and then pop back into place. He just laid there on the floor and counted ceiling tiles for a few moments until he determined that he really hadn't hurt anything too much more than his pride. His therapist was very cute with him, she just shrugged her shoulders and said "you're going to fall from time to time, there is not getting around it" and she instructed him how to get himself back up. He rolled on to his stomach and just did a push-up and stuck his rear end in the air and continued to walk his hands backward until his legs were completely under him - he made it look quite easy.
That day ended with a smoothie. Wednesday was much the same as any other day. David did get the schedule for his upcoming operations. Next Tuesday, the 11th, he will be given the shoulder block and then they will manipulate his right arm in an effort to give him more range of motion. We have no idea how hard that is going to be but it sounds like it's going to be extremely painful. Then on the 24th he will have the two holes in his right ear-drum repaired. Some day I really am going to figure out exactly how many operations he has had - I know we're in the 30's,
David did a couple more laps around the hall and pulled his Physical Therapist. He said it was a very hard but good exercise because, without the dragging weight it is very easy to bring the leg forward in an arched fashion and when he is towing someone he is forced to pull his leg straight through. The hard part is when the towee takes the rubber bands off from his leg he has the tendency to forget that he not towing someone and he throws his leg forward and kicks something. He is literally wet with perspiration after he tows his therapist around.
That brings us to today. Today was a bit low key because David had an appointment in Prosthetics to get his full legs with knees. We've learned not to build our excitement too much because things don't always go as planned. He spent his Occupational Therapy time turning a miniature baseball bat on a wood lathe. He hasn't hit me with it just yet but I'm sure he has been tempted a few times.
We went to Prosthetics as planned and, yep, plans needed to change a bit. The did some very close looking at David's leg alignment and decided to order him a different kind of liner for his right leg and then recast him next Monday. I think this will be the fourth time he has been cast and I'm guessing it won't be his last. Pete was really great with David. He actually apologized to David for not being more attentive to the fit on the right leg and spent about 2 hours making sure that he had the leg feeling much better in the current socket. So, as things set right now, David should be on his full legs next Tuesday or Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed.
We haven't heard any more about John. His wife now has her family around her for support and it's great that they are taking the time together. We're hoping that no news is good news but I've learned that is not always the case.
David and I will be traveling to see Ethen this weekend and David is very much looking forward to the visit. They are really something together - it's an absolute joy to watch them cuddle.
Can't think of much else to say but that I miss my loved ones and hope you all know just how deeply I love you.
Have a peaceful night.
Gordon
I get a little caught up in the every day things that I don't think about making another blog entry until late at night. I'm sorry if I seem to keep you hanging in the air waiting for an update.
I didn't realize it was Monday when I made the last entry. I'll try to catch you up on an eventful period. On Tuesday it was a bit of a routine day except for the fact that we were required to take our swimming trunks to Occupational Therapy. Four of the wounded warriors, Lynn from OT, and I got in the pool and did a bunch of exercises with different floating devices. I have to say that some of the stuff was easier for the men with no legs because it is a relatively shallow pool and the bottom was very rough on my feet. Since I was a young boy, I have tried to turn on my back in the water and just float (I'm successful in the Great Salt Lake) but I just sink. David, on the other hand, just turns on his back and lays there like a Sea Otter - absolutely effortless. The workout was very good for all of us. One of the soldiers had to wear sun glasses in the pool because his eyes were damaged when he was hit in Afghanistan.
We then had lunch but I won't bore you with the ingredients of my lunch. We then went early to PT and tip-toed around the Yoga participants lying on the floor. David likes to go early and just do some serious stretching before walking. We were making our second loop around the hall and David hit the floor. He was walking very fast and just slipped. He didn't tell his therapist at the time, but he felt his shoulder dislocate and then pop back into place. He just laid there on the floor and counted ceiling tiles for a few moments until he determined that he really hadn't hurt anything too much more than his pride. His therapist was very cute with him, she just shrugged her shoulders and said "you're going to fall from time to time, there is not getting around it" and she instructed him how to get himself back up. He rolled on to his stomach and just did a push-up and stuck his rear end in the air and continued to walk his hands backward until his legs were completely under him - he made it look quite easy.
That day ended with a smoothie. Wednesday was much the same as any other day. David did get the schedule for his upcoming operations. Next Tuesday, the 11th, he will be given the shoulder block and then they will manipulate his right arm in an effort to give him more range of motion. We have no idea how hard that is going to be but it sounds like it's going to be extremely painful. Then on the 24th he will have the two holes in his right ear-drum repaired. Some day I really am going to figure out exactly how many operations he has had - I know we're in the 30's,
David did a couple more laps around the hall and pulled his Physical Therapist. He said it was a very hard but good exercise because, without the dragging weight it is very easy to bring the leg forward in an arched fashion and when he is towing someone he is forced to pull his leg straight through. The hard part is when the towee takes the rubber bands off from his leg he has the tendency to forget that he not towing someone and he throws his leg forward and kicks something. He is literally wet with perspiration after he tows his therapist around.
That brings us to today. Today was a bit low key because David had an appointment in Prosthetics to get his full legs with knees. We've learned not to build our excitement too much because things don't always go as planned. He spent his Occupational Therapy time turning a miniature baseball bat on a wood lathe. He hasn't hit me with it just yet but I'm sure he has been tempted a few times.
We went to Prosthetics as planned and, yep, plans needed to change a bit. The did some very close looking at David's leg alignment and decided to order him a different kind of liner for his right leg and then recast him next Monday. I think this will be the fourth time he has been cast and I'm guessing it won't be his last. Pete was really great with David. He actually apologized to David for not being more attentive to the fit on the right leg and spent about 2 hours making sure that he had the leg feeling much better in the current socket. So, as things set right now, David should be on his full legs next Tuesday or Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed.
We haven't heard any more about John. His wife now has her family around her for support and it's great that they are taking the time together. We're hoping that no news is good news but I've learned that is not always the case.
David and I will be traveling to see Ethen this weekend and David is very much looking forward to the visit. They are really something together - it's an absolute joy to watch them cuddle.
Can't think of much else to say but that I miss my loved ones and hope you all know just how deeply I love you.
Have a peaceful night.
Gordon
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011 @ 2037
I hope this blog entry finds all of you healthy and looking forward to a great new year.
I know it's not all going to be easy. David's friend, John, in Bethesda is having a very difficult time. Unfortunately, as I sit here and try to formulate my thoughts and my words, I think of what John is going through, what his wife and his children must be feeling, what his parents must be feeling, and what then entire EOD community must be thinking and the tears just come right back to the surface. John has lost both legs, one leg very close to the hip and the fungus is really giving him a hard time. I'm not sure just how great my facts are at the present time but I've heard that he has been given Hepatitis B through a blood transfusion - that is complicating every other problem that came as part of the blast.
I'm sitting here listening to David playing war games on the X-box and I keep hearing a man screaming, "we've got a man down" or "man down" and I think of how many times these young men have heard those exact words. I feel devastated when my wife is hurting and yet these guys are yelling "man down" because their friend has just stepped on a bomb and lost body parts or has just been shot. Then I go to Costco to get some more grapes and some cheese for the next morning's omelet. Some days counting your blessings isn't as easy as it is on other days.
David worked very hard today. He walked on his stubbies and towed his Physical Therapist around the entire hallway while she sat on a rolling stool. Pete, from prosthetics, came and grabbed David's legs and attached a new little gizmo that acts as a shock absorber and also allows for a little bit of turning motion. The gizmo added weight but David really didn't notice the weight as much as he enjoyed the additional comfort that it gave him. The HO is still very much a problem and continues to present itself in different areas. I told David that he should just have to enter himself into the operating room and have them put him under and then take some rubber mallets and just smack him all over the place to break up the HO - I was really shocked when he didn't show absolute excitement for the idea.
After we had lunch - Subway, a 6" toasted cold cut combo on wheat with swiss cheese, olives, lettuce, yellow peppers, and mustard - I knew you wanted to know what lunch consisted of. As I was saying, after lunch we went to David's Orthopedic appointment. He is just not gaining any additional flexion in his right arm so they are going to manipulate it while his arm has a nerve block. Now, tell me how you think this sounds: they will put a nerve block in the shoulder so he feels nothing, he will be lying there on the table with his Ipod playing in his ears while they FORCE the arm go straight and they FORCE the arm to bend more. What that really means is that they will be essentially breaking his arm for him. Maybe the bones won't break or maybe they will but the tendons will be forced both ways, any HO that has intruded on the area will be broken and any scar tissue that has hindered the flexion will be broken up. So, keep your fingers crossed.
John and his wife really needs all of our prayers. They are both fighting a very hard battle right now and I personally know how powerful the prayers of friends and loved ones can be.
Have a great sleep and I'll write again soon.
Good Night,
Gordon
I know it's not all going to be easy. David's friend, John, in Bethesda is having a very difficult time. Unfortunately, as I sit here and try to formulate my thoughts and my words, I think of what John is going through, what his wife and his children must be feeling, what his parents must be feeling, and what then entire EOD community must be thinking and the tears just come right back to the surface. John has lost both legs, one leg very close to the hip and the fungus is really giving him a hard time. I'm not sure just how great my facts are at the present time but I've heard that he has been given Hepatitis B through a blood transfusion - that is complicating every other problem that came as part of the blast.
I'm sitting here listening to David playing war games on the X-box and I keep hearing a man screaming, "we've got a man down" or "man down" and I think of how many times these young men have heard those exact words. I feel devastated when my wife is hurting and yet these guys are yelling "man down" because their friend has just stepped on a bomb and lost body parts or has just been shot. Then I go to Costco to get some more grapes and some cheese for the next morning's omelet. Some days counting your blessings isn't as easy as it is on other days.
David worked very hard today. He walked on his stubbies and towed his Physical Therapist around the entire hallway while she sat on a rolling stool. Pete, from prosthetics, came and grabbed David's legs and attached a new little gizmo that acts as a shock absorber and also allows for a little bit of turning motion. The gizmo added weight but David really didn't notice the weight as much as he enjoyed the additional comfort that it gave him. The HO is still very much a problem and continues to present itself in different areas. I told David that he should just have to enter himself into the operating room and have them put him under and then take some rubber mallets and just smack him all over the place to break up the HO - I was really shocked when he didn't show absolute excitement for the idea.
After we had lunch - Subway, a 6" toasted cold cut combo on wheat with swiss cheese, olives, lettuce, yellow peppers, and mustard - I knew you wanted to know what lunch consisted of. As I was saying, after lunch we went to David's Orthopedic appointment. He is just not gaining any additional flexion in his right arm so they are going to manipulate it while his arm has a nerve block. Now, tell me how you think this sounds: they will put a nerve block in the shoulder so he feels nothing, he will be lying there on the table with his Ipod playing in his ears while they FORCE the arm go straight and they FORCE the arm to bend more. What that really means is that they will be essentially breaking his arm for him. Maybe the bones won't break or maybe they will but the tendons will be forced both ways, any HO that has intruded on the area will be broken and any scar tissue that has hindered the flexion will be broken up. So, keep your fingers crossed.
John and his wife really needs all of our prayers. They are both fighting a very hard battle right now and I personally know how powerful the prayers of friends and loved ones can be.
Have a great sleep and I'll write again soon.
Good Night,
Gordon
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Years Day 2011
Happy New Year
I'm hoping and praying that 2011 is a great year for all of us. Seth, call me at 801-694-2874. David is out with fellow wounded warriors and I am assuming they are laughing and telling all kinds of great stories to each other. The amazing part about 2010 is that, considering all that has happened, 30 or so operations, close to 100 units of blood, 2 months in the Intensive Care Unit, and many other challenges for David, 5 or 6 hospital visits and 1 surgery for my wife, Lynnette, several hospital visits and 1 surgery for my son Stephen, my son Michael in the hospital right this second after having emergency surgery and a whole bunch of other challenges, I believe I have been incredibly blessed - I am just so thankful for the safety and health of each member of my family. I have gained such a great appreciation for each and every one of them.
I will be very mad at any one of you reading this blog that gets hurt while celebrating the new year. Have fun but be safe and know how much I appreciate all of you.
Here's to a great 2011.
All My Love,
Gordon
I'm hoping and praying that 2011 is a great year for all of us. Seth, call me at 801-694-2874. David is out with fellow wounded warriors and I am assuming they are laughing and telling all kinds of great stories to each other. The amazing part about 2010 is that, considering all that has happened, 30 or so operations, close to 100 units of blood, 2 months in the Intensive Care Unit, and many other challenges for David, 5 or 6 hospital visits and 1 surgery for my wife, Lynnette, several hospital visits and 1 surgery for my son Stephen, my son Michael in the hospital right this second after having emergency surgery and a whole bunch of other challenges, I believe I have been incredibly blessed - I am just so thankful for the safety and health of each member of my family. I have gained such a great appreciation for each and every one of them.
I will be very mad at any one of you reading this blog that gets hurt while celebrating the new year. Have fun but be safe and know how much I appreciate all of you.
Here's to a great 2011.
All My Love,
Gordon
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, 29 December 2010 @ 2147
I Hope You're Having A Great Night.
David just rolled into his bedroom to get a good nights rest. I asked him if he wanted me to say anything particular in the blog and he asked that you all think of John Hayes. John was David's team leader on his first tour and was just hit by an IED in Afghanistan. The initial report is that his injuries are very close to the injuries that David sustained. John is stable and the last word was that he was on his way to Germany. David is very anxious to fly to Washington and see his friend and give him some assurances, but is very much aware of the fact that he needs to wait until he is out of intensive care so he will remember the visit.
I am so blessed to be with David but it seems our whole family is being tested right now. As I am typing, Michael, David's older brother, is in surgery in Utah. He wasn't feeling well and went into an Instacare facility and was told to get straight to the hospital. Michael had to go the long way around to the hospital as there is a blizzard going on in Utah right now. He went into the hospital and told them he had to get his appendix looked at and now we found out that he has Diverticulitis and that he has a perforated bowel. So, he's under the knife right now.
In the last three weeks David's mother has been in the emergency room 3 times and has had her gall bladder removed. Other than that and other unmentionable family situations, all is calm and going well. You know, sometimes you can only laugh or cry with so much going on. Right now I'm smiling but 5 minutes ago that was far from the case.
Well, back to the situation at hand. David is doing well. He is really working on his strength. He now has the desire to do push-ups while holding his body parallel to the floor. He has done one push up that way. He has a set of these "Perfect Pushups" and he goes from a sitting position, lifts himself off the ground and rotates his torso so he is parallel to the floor - then he tries to do push ups. He did that about 20 times yesterday but was only able to do one of the push-ups. He was so dang sore today. He loves every second of it. I tried using the "Perfect Pushups" and did one push-up but my feet were on the floor. I tried a second one and face planted into the carpet. I'm feeling like a weakling in comparison to David.
Today was quite impressive. April, David's Physical Therapist, sat on a rolling stool and wrapped thick rubber straps around each of David's legs and then he towed her around the halls. He did it without using canes. I really think, as does April, that David is ready for the full legs with knees and I firmly believe he will be in them next week.
Today David took a couple wounded soldiers out to his Jeep and showed them how he transitions from his wheelchair into the car. One of the young men lost his left leg all the way into the hip socket so it was really painful for him to accomplish the transition. I know it is very difficult, but it is also a great blessing for David to see that he actually has it a little easier than some of the other wounded warriors. On Christmas day he spent his time visiting wounded soldiers and trying to lift their spirits.
All of the sudden I am at a complete loss of words, my mind is going all over the place and I guess that means I have written about as much as I need to for today.
If any of you have updates about John or would like to hear any updates from David, please don't hesitate to call.
Take Care,
Gordon
David just rolled into his bedroom to get a good nights rest. I asked him if he wanted me to say anything particular in the blog and he asked that you all think of John Hayes. John was David's team leader on his first tour and was just hit by an IED in Afghanistan. The initial report is that his injuries are very close to the injuries that David sustained. John is stable and the last word was that he was on his way to Germany. David is very anxious to fly to Washington and see his friend and give him some assurances, but is very much aware of the fact that he needs to wait until he is out of intensive care so he will remember the visit.
I am so blessed to be with David but it seems our whole family is being tested right now. As I am typing, Michael, David's older brother, is in surgery in Utah. He wasn't feeling well and went into an Instacare facility and was told to get straight to the hospital. Michael had to go the long way around to the hospital as there is a blizzard going on in Utah right now. He went into the hospital and told them he had to get his appendix looked at and now we found out that he has Diverticulitis and that he has a perforated bowel. So, he's under the knife right now.
In the last three weeks David's mother has been in the emergency room 3 times and has had her gall bladder removed. Other than that and other unmentionable family situations, all is calm and going well. You know, sometimes you can only laugh or cry with so much going on. Right now I'm smiling but 5 minutes ago that was far from the case.
Well, back to the situation at hand. David is doing well. He is really working on his strength. He now has the desire to do push-ups while holding his body parallel to the floor. He has done one push up that way. He has a set of these "Perfect Pushups" and he goes from a sitting position, lifts himself off the ground and rotates his torso so he is parallel to the floor - then he tries to do push ups. He did that about 20 times yesterday but was only able to do one of the push-ups. He was so dang sore today. He loves every second of it. I tried using the "Perfect Pushups" and did one push-up but my feet were on the floor. I tried a second one and face planted into the carpet. I'm feeling like a weakling in comparison to David.
Today was quite impressive. April, David's Physical Therapist, sat on a rolling stool and wrapped thick rubber straps around each of David's legs and then he towed her around the halls. He did it without using canes. I really think, as does April, that David is ready for the full legs with knees and I firmly believe he will be in them next week.
Today David took a couple wounded soldiers out to his Jeep and showed them how he transitions from his wheelchair into the car. One of the young men lost his left leg all the way into the hip socket so it was really painful for him to accomplish the transition. I know it is very difficult, but it is also a great blessing for David to see that he actually has it a little easier than some of the other wounded warriors. On Christmas day he spent his time visiting wounded soldiers and trying to lift their spirits.
All of the sudden I am at a complete loss of words, my mind is going all over the place and I guess that means I have written about as much as I need to for today.
If any of you have updates about John or would like to hear any updates from David, please don't hesitate to call.
Take Care,
Gordon
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1210
Happy Holidays,
I'm sitting downstairs at my own home and, with almost 6 months away from home this year, home feels a little bit foreign. I should be in church right now but Lynnette is having another gall bladder attack and I don't feel comfortable to leave her alone. She'll have surgery tomorrow morning and that should take care of the problem - fingers crossed.
David wanted to stay in San Diego for the holiday season and have some "Me" time - I absolutely understand. These seven months have been all but alone time.
I wanted to take a moment and tell you a little about last Thursday. Occupational Therapy had a little Christmas celebration and it was quite touching to be there. Keep in mind that Occupational Therapy does not just deal with soldiers, they deal with dependents and retirees and help in any way they can to get individuals past injuries, or strokes, or rehab from surgery.
Well, there were individuals in the kitchen cooking tortillas, steak, cookies, etc. David was in charge of rolling some of the cookies out and they another soldier was in charge of timing the cookies and then the cookies would be taken to the nurse who had to have both of her legs and hands amputated and she would use her new hooks to carefully place large chocolate kisses on each cookie. It was all very tender to watch as carols were being sung.
As soon as it was over it was back to business and more therapy.
I won't see David for 10 days so I won't be able to write much in the way of giving you updates but I wanted to take a moment and let you know how blessed we feel. You all know that you only have to go next door or down the block to find a situation that is much worse than your own. David and I were talking this week and I felt it important to express to him that there was absolutely nothing that was in his long term plans that would need to be left out. If he wants to run, he will. If he wants to have children, he will. If he wants to travel to foreign countries and serve those people, he will. If he wants to mountain bike to the top of a mountain, he will. Things will definitely be more difficult - but they are all attainable. He has all of his faculties, he has his sense of humor, he, to me, is one incredible young man with all the potential he has ever had.
I don't feel I can possibly express to you just how blessed we feel. All will be OK!
Merry Christmas to all of you following this blog and thank you for your support and prayers.
This week will be spent getting a great fit on David's new sockets and then the first of the year will be knees and re-learning the proper way to walk. I think it's going to be a great 2011.
All My Love,
Gordon
I'm sitting downstairs at my own home and, with almost 6 months away from home this year, home feels a little bit foreign. I should be in church right now but Lynnette is having another gall bladder attack and I don't feel comfortable to leave her alone. She'll have surgery tomorrow morning and that should take care of the problem - fingers crossed.
David wanted to stay in San Diego for the holiday season and have some "Me" time - I absolutely understand. These seven months have been all but alone time.
I wanted to take a moment and tell you a little about last Thursday. Occupational Therapy had a little Christmas celebration and it was quite touching to be there. Keep in mind that Occupational Therapy does not just deal with soldiers, they deal with dependents and retirees and help in any way they can to get individuals past injuries, or strokes, or rehab from surgery.
Well, there were individuals in the kitchen cooking tortillas, steak, cookies, etc. David was in charge of rolling some of the cookies out and they another soldier was in charge of timing the cookies and then the cookies would be taken to the nurse who had to have both of her legs and hands amputated and she would use her new hooks to carefully place large chocolate kisses on each cookie. It was all very tender to watch as carols were being sung.
As soon as it was over it was back to business and more therapy.
I won't see David for 10 days so I won't be able to write much in the way of giving you updates but I wanted to take a moment and let you know how blessed we feel. You all know that you only have to go next door or down the block to find a situation that is much worse than your own. David and I were talking this week and I felt it important to express to him that there was absolutely nothing that was in his long term plans that would need to be left out. If he wants to run, he will. If he wants to have children, he will. If he wants to travel to foreign countries and serve those people, he will. If he wants to mountain bike to the top of a mountain, he will. Things will definitely be more difficult - but they are all attainable. He has all of his faculties, he has his sense of humor, he, to me, is one incredible young man with all the potential he has ever had.
I don't feel I can possibly express to you just how blessed we feel. All will be OK!
Merry Christmas to all of you following this blog and thank you for your support and prayers.
This week will be spent getting a great fit on David's new sockets and then the first of the year will be knees and re-learning the proper way to walk. I think it's going to be a great 2011.
All My Love,
Gordon
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, 14 December 2010 @ 2115
Hi Everyone,
Well, where do I start. The weekend was very low key so there is not much to tell you about that. I thought Lynnette was going to be in surgery but that ended up waiting until next Monday so I a little extra to worry about. David had a very relaxed weekend, which was really needed. David brought his legs home for the weekend but the pain and torn skin on the back of his left leg stopped him from doing any walking.
I can't really make a great amount of comments about Monday because I left the apartment at about 7:30 and didn't see David until about 3:30. I took his new 63 Lincoln and sat while the hand controls were installed. I actually like driving with those controls but don't tell the police or I would be grounded for sure. While I was waiting for the work to be done, one of David's high school buddies, Ryan, called and said his parents were out here and wanted to see David. Everything worked out so we met them at a restaurant at Mission Beach and had a great conversation and a great meal. The bad part about it was that Mike, Ryan's dad, lives about 50 feet from my back door and he and I have never sat down and talked before. It had to take this situation to get us at the same table and I absolutely loved talking with he and his wife, Maryann. Maybe it's time to slow life down a little and get to know my neighbors a bit better.
It's fun right now because David and his friend Adam are in the living room playing X-box Black Ops with 3D glasses on. It looks like watching my grand kids at a 3D movie. It sounds like young kids playing the game - Hey Man, why'd ya do that! That was lame! Oh the reality of it all. I'm really enjoying it all.
Today was quite a busy day. David went to OT and they really worked his arm. This time they wore a belt and wrapped it around David's arm so they could pull the elbow slightly out of it's socket and then tried to extend it as much as possible. Every time they would do it David's legs would shoot in the air from pain and she would apologize for hurting him and then they would go again, and again, and again. The frustrating part about it is the fact that David has only gained about 4 degrees of extension in his elbow in two months of doing this kind of stuff every day. He really feels like it's time to talk with the Orthopedic Surgery team to see if they can do some surgical alterations to his elbow so he can extend it. I'll let you know how that goes.
Tomorrow we're told we have to be at OT at precisely 9:17 because we're going to be making a special treat in their kitchen. We have to help do the cooking. Occupational therapy is all about helping these men get back into the complete routine of their lives. On Friday they were trying to help another soldier learn how to make his bed while dealing with his new limitations and they turned to David because he has similar injuries and said, "David, how do you make your bed?" David said, "Dad, will you please make my bed!" Obviously David was the wrong one to ask about that.
After OT, David went on an outing to try hand cycling. David really doesn't like team events and he definitely does not like someone riding next to him cheering him on, so he just got on the bike and took off. I know there are liability issues with these field trips but it gets a little frustrating when an adult is telling another adult, one who has been in charge of men and millions of dollars of equipment, to slow down and watch for traffic and be careful of the bump in the road. They were worried that David's first time would be hard because he would be lagging behind but he finished the 15 miles ahead of everyone and was ready to return before the others even got off their bikes. He is really a great amount of fun.
He was pretty tuckered out after all that. It's really quite something to be sitting here with a big smile on my face because of some of the funny things he does and then be tearing up one sentence later because of a little tender thought comes to mind. I'm heading home for Christmas and will miss him greatly. If some of you here in California are doing anything with him over the Holidays, please take good care of him for me.
It was very interesting today in PT. A young man was walking on his new legs and wanted to take them home - his therapist told him absolutely not. The soldier was a bit offended because he really wants to walk. She carefully explained to him and demonstrated to him that, as he was walking, he was lifting his hip and shoulder to bring his foot through. She told him that it was critical that he did not learn bad habits when he was re-learning to walk. She told him that it takes a very short time for his body to adapt to a new way of walking and that she want to coach him through every step for this very critical time in his recovery. In like manner, David was told that they don't want to give him his full legs with knees because of the holiday season. It is so critical that he gets daily help when learning the proper way to approach each step. With the holiday season, he would miss too many therapy sessions and it is just not worth the damage that could result. So, tomorrow he may get his full height, or close to it, with knees, but the knees will be locked so he will have very tall and expensive stubbies. David is not discouraged, he is trusting their every move and is very willing to work through every obstacle they put in his path. I'm very proud of the way he handles these little disappointments. I've learned a great deal.
See You Soon,
Gordon
Well, where do I start. The weekend was very low key so there is not much to tell you about that. I thought Lynnette was going to be in surgery but that ended up waiting until next Monday so I a little extra to worry about. David had a very relaxed weekend, which was really needed. David brought his legs home for the weekend but the pain and torn skin on the back of his left leg stopped him from doing any walking.
I can't really make a great amount of comments about Monday because I left the apartment at about 7:30 and didn't see David until about 3:30. I took his new 63 Lincoln and sat while the hand controls were installed. I actually like driving with those controls but don't tell the police or I would be grounded for sure. While I was waiting for the work to be done, one of David's high school buddies, Ryan, called and said his parents were out here and wanted to see David. Everything worked out so we met them at a restaurant at Mission Beach and had a great conversation and a great meal. The bad part about it was that Mike, Ryan's dad, lives about 50 feet from my back door and he and I have never sat down and talked before. It had to take this situation to get us at the same table and I absolutely loved talking with he and his wife, Maryann. Maybe it's time to slow life down a little and get to know my neighbors a bit better.
It's fun right now because David and his friend Adam are in the living room playing X-box Black Ops with 3D glasses on. It looks like watching my grand kids at a 3D movie. It sounds like young kids playing the game - Hey Man, why'd ya do that! That was lame! Oh the reality of it all. I'm really enjoying it all.
Today was quite a busy day. David went to OT and they really worked his arm. This time they wore a belt and wrapped it around David's arm so they could pull the elbow slightly out of it's socket and then tried to extend it as much as possible. Every time they would do it David's legs would shoot in the air from pain and she would apologize for hurting him and then they would go again, and again, and again. The frustrating part about it is the fact that David has only gained about 4 degrees of extension in his elbow in two months of doing this kind of stuff every day. He really feels like it's time to talk with the Orthopedic Surgery team to see if they can do some surgical alterations to his elbow so he can extend it. I'll let you know how that goes.
Tomorrow we're told we have to be at OT at precisely 9:17 because we're going to be making a special treat in their kitchen. We have to help do the cooking. Occupational therapy is all about helping these men get back into the complete routine of their lives. On Friday they were trying to help another soldier learn how to make his bed while dealing with his new limitations and they turned to David because he has similar injuries and said, "David, how do you make your bed?" David said, "Dad, will you please make my bed!" Obviously David was the wrong one to ask about that.
After OT, David went on an outing to try hand cycling. David really doesn't like team events and he definitely does not like someone riding next to him cheering him on, so he just got on the bike and took off. I know there are liability issues with these field trips but it gets a little frustrating when an adult is telling another adult, one who has been in charge of men and millions of dollars of equipment, to slow down and watch for traffic and be careful of the bump in the road. They were worried that David's first time would be hard because he would be lagging behind but he finished the 15 miles ahead of everyone and was ready to return before the others even got off their bikes. He is really a great amount of fun.
He was pretty tuckered out after all that. It's really quite something to be sitting here with a big smile on my face because of some of the funny things he does and then be tearing up one sentence later because of a little tender thought comes to mind. I'm heading home for Christmas and will miss him greatly. If some of you here in California are doing anything with him over the Holidays, please take good care of him for me.
It was very interesting today in PT. A young man was walking on his new legs and wanted to take them home - his therapist told him absolutely not. The soldier was a bit offended because he really wants to walk. She carefully explained to him and demonstrated to him that, as he was walking, he was lifting his hip and shoulder to bring his foot through. She told him that it was critical that he did not learn bad habits when he was re-learning to walk. She told him that it takes a very short time for his body to adapt to a new way of walking and that she want to coach him through every step for this very critical time in his recovery. In like manner, David was told that they don't want to give him his full legs with knees because of the holiday season. It is so critical that he gets daily help when learning the proper way to approach each step. With the holiday season, he would miss too many therapy sessions and it is just not worth the damage that could result. So, tomorrow he may get his full height, or close to it, with knees, but the knees will be locked so he will have very tall and expensive stubbies. David is not discouraged, he is trusting their every move and is very willing to work through every obstacle they put in his path. I'm very proud of the way he handles these little disappointments. I've learned a great deal.
See You Soon,
Gordon
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010 @ 2126
Good Evening, I may make some mistakes, again, tonight because I lost one of my contact lenses today. You'd think it would be just as easy to type without your sight but these computers aren't as easy to keep your hands in the correct place, so when I make a mistake I have to put my nose next to the screen to see what it was and then plant my nose on the keyboard to find my position again. Just be forgiving.
It's been a very eventful few days. Yesterday was the day that we thought David would be fitted for his new legs and we thought he would be standing but not quite. We did have a two hour appointment with Pete in Prosthetics and David got completely remeasured and recast for his new legs which should be on his body by Wednesday. It is very very very exciting. He received his new liners that are worn inside the socket of the leg. The left liner was made with an attachment on the end that will take a special pin that inserts and locks into a hole in the socket and gives his left leg a much better fit so he doesn't walk out of the leg and face plant on the sidewalk. Pete is great, he talks to you in terms that are really understanding - I didn't know how great he was until he had a colleague drop by from back east and he was talking in all these technical terms that had my head spinning. A very nice guy but totally different in his approach to the soldiers.
When we went to PT David was only able to do two laps because his leg was so sore. The surgery he had on Monday really made the back of his left leg very tender and the skin has torn several times. His stamina is really good right now and it is very frustrating that the pain of one small spot stops him from walking. Several of the sites that were lasered last Monday are now flaking off and the skin seems much more movable in many areas. David, like everything else, is a very special case here - his H O is completely out of control and everywhere so it's very hard to be consistent with his daily routines. You just have absolutely no idea what's going to hurt or not hurt the next time he puts on his legs.
He is loving driving and I've determined he is really a lead hand. Get it?
Last night he took off, by himself, in the Jeep and went to dinner with Zack. I felt like a dad with a young man out on a date or something - I just kept wondering if he was OK. When he left we went to the Jeep together and I was just the spotter. He opened the back door and window, climbed into the back of the jeep and slid to one side so he could lift the chair into the back. He did it with ease and then closed the window and door and climbed through the Jeep to the front and drove away. It is very cool that he is feeling this kind of freedom.
Today we did some creative work and then went to Lowe's to get the materials needed to design a handle that he could use ot open the back door from inside. It was a bit trick because there is nothing we could find that was already designed. But, now he has a mountain climbing carabiner that acts as a handle and he can open the back gate from inside. It's amazing what incredible minds us Lyon men have - stop laughing.
Today Lynnette called me in severe pain and she is now just headed home from the Emergency Room. Tomorrow at 9am she will return to the hospital and get a test done and, more than likely, head to surgery to have her gall bladder removed. I think she is all morphined up right now so she isn't feeling much pain but, hopefully, this will take care of what she has been going through for the past year or so. I thought it might be stress - I wonder why I thought that. Thank you Shirley, Brian, Wally, and Rachelle for taking care of my incredible wife.
I love you all,
Gordon
It's been a very eventful few days. Yesterday was the day that we thought David would be fitted for his new legs and we thought he would be standing but not quite. We did have a two hour appointment with Pete in Prosthetics and David got completely remeasured and recast for his new legs which should be on his body by Wednesday. It is very very very exciting. He received his new liners that are worn inside the socket of the leg. The left liner was made with an attachment on the end that will take a special pin that inserts and locks into a hole in the socket and gives his left leg a much better fit so he doesn't walk out of the leg and face plant on the sidewalk. Pete is great, he talks to you in terms that are really understanding - I didn't know how great he was until he had a colleague drop by from back east and he was talking in all these technical terms that had my head spinning. A very nice guy but totally different in his approach to the soldiers.
When we went to PT David was only able to do two laps because his leg was so sore. The surgery he had on Monday really made the back of his left leg very tender and the skin has torn several times. His stamina is really good right now and it is very frustrating that the pain of one small spot stops him from walking. Several of the sites that were lasered last Monday are now flaking off and the skin seems much more movable in many areas. David, like everything else, is a very special case here - his H O is completely out of control and everywhere so it's very hard to be consistent with his daily routines. You just have absolutely no idea what's going to hurt or not hurt the next time he puts on his legs.
He is loving driving and I've determined he is really a lead hand. Get it?
Last night he took off, by himself, in the Jeep and went to dinner with Zack. I felt like a dad with a young man out on a date or something - I just kept wondering if he was OK. When he left we went to the Jeep together and I was just the spotter. He opened the back door and window, climbed into the back of the jeep and slid to one side so he could lift the chair into the back. He did it with ease and then closed the window and door and climbed through the Jeep to the front and drove away. It is very cool that he is feeling this kind of freedom.
Today we did some creative work and then went to Lowe's to get the materials needed to design a handle that he could use ot open the back door from inside. It was a bit trick because there is nothing we could find that was already designed. But, now he has a mountain climbing carabiner that acts as a handle and he can open the back gate from inside. It's amazing what incredible minds us Lyon men have - stop laughing.
Today Lynnette called me in severe pain and she is now just headed home from the Emergency Room. Tomorrow at 9am she will return to the hospital and get a test done and, more than likely, head to surgery to have her gall bladder removed. I think she is all morphined up right now so she isn't feeling much pain but, hopefully, this will take care of what she has been going through for the past year or so. I thought it might be stress - I wonder why I thought that. Thank you Shirley, Brian, Wally, and Rachelle for taking care of my incredible wife.
I love you all,
Gordon
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, 8 December 2010 @ 2212
I've kept you in the dark for too long and I'm sorry. This has been a very busy couple weeks.
I had the opportunity to go home for Thanksgiving and be with my beautiful wife, my wonderful mother, and my incredible children. David took the opportunity to go be with great friends for some Turkey as well. He had the great opportunity of having Zack and Dave stay with him and I think it couldn't have been any better for him.
Lynnette and I flew back together. We flew into Sacramento so we could make arrangements to bring Ethen down to see his Daddy for a few days. It is such a beautiful site to have them sitting next to each other watching TV or playing the Scooby Doo Match Game or Coloring, or just watching each other play computer games. Heather, Ethen's mother, was wonderful in making this all happen. We went to the beach, to eat sushi, to a couple museums, to the hospital, and we even drove to LA to pick up David's new 1963 Lincoln Continental. David's Aunt Monika even came out and spent a couple days with us. His cousin Jonah also came and we had a great time together. There are just so many people that have make all of our lives better. Thank You All!!!
David had some surgery on his wound sites. I think we're up to about 29 surgical visits - one of these days I'll actually read what I've written and see if I can come up with an accurate number. This last surgery was broken into 2 sessions because the Dermatology department had some important visitors and David agreed to be the center of attraction in showing the visitors the latest laser techniques. The surgery on his wounds was suppose to take about an hour and it took about 3 hours. They use laser technology to shoot strategically placed holes throughout his wound sites to encourage the skin to produce a thicker and more pliable skin layer. These wound sites have a tendency to stick to the muscle and it is very important for the skin to remain pliable and movable like our normal skin is. This procedure is also suppose to give the skin a notification to get rid of particles that don't belong there - that's the easiest way of putting it. David thinks it's working because the first site that was lasered is now producing bumps that he thinks are pieces of the bomb or pieces of dirt that were forced into the skin when the blast hit. I wish he would have kept all the pieces he has pulled out, we could have melted them all down and molded them into some kind of a pendent that he could wear. One of his friends got shot through the chest from a very close distance and lived to wear the bullet around his neck as a keepsake.
Yesterday there was a young man that approached David because of his EOD Tech T-Shirt. The two didn't know each other, but, as you know, EOD Tech's have a kinship that binds them together whether they know each other or not. This young man was in a wheelchair with a cast on his right leg. We asked what happened and he told us he had stepped on a bomb. David said, "Lucky for you that these guys aren't too smart and don't always mix their chemicals properly!" I guess he had stepped on a bomb similar to the one that hit David but the blast was very minor, in comparison, and just severely broke his leg. I sure wish David would have had that same blessing but I guess that wasn't to be.
Yesterday David was walking with Ethen, Me, Monika, Jonah, his Physical Therapist, and a busy hallway full of people when he fell. It happened so fast that none of us could do anything. David said his pride was the worst thing hurt. His left leg just came loose and he went straight down. I try so hard to be positive and upbeat and smiling, but sometimes I just have to lower my head until I've regained my composure. He got right back up and continued his walk. His walks these past two days have only been 1 lap because the skin is very tender from the laser surgery.
Guess What, nope - nope - not even close. Ok, HE IS DRIVING! He hasn't even hit anything. He did take one wrong turn on the freeway and I was able to talk smack with him for a few miles because of all the smack he has given me when I've taken wrong turns. He's loving this driving stuff. It's one step closer. I LOVE IT!
I think I'm going to get some sleep. David has been having some very bad experiences with the Ambien that he has been taking to help him sleep. He literally feels like he has legs again and it is a very unstable feeling - and very disturbing. Tonight we're trying an over-the-counter medicine that, we hope, will give him some relaxing sleep instead of these awfully unfair feelings of having his legs. It would be one thing if they were actually there but reality has the upper hand in this situation.
Have a wonderful night.
Gordon
I had the opportunity to go home for Thanksgiving and be with my beautiful wife, my wonderful mother, and my incredible children. David took the opportunity to go be with great friends for some Turkey as well. He had the great opportunity of having Zack and Dave stay with him and I think it couldn't have been any better for him.
Lynnette and I flew back together. We flew into Sacramento so we could make arrangements to bring Ethen down to see his Daddy for a few days. It is such a beautiful site to have them sitting next to each other watching TV or playing the Scooby Doo Match Game or Coloring, or just watching each other play computer games. Heather, Ethen's mother, was wonderful in making this all happen. We went to the beach, to eat sushi, to a couple museums, to the hospital, and we even drove to LA to pick up David's new 1963 Lincoln Continental. David's Aunt Monika even came out and spent a couple days with us. His cousin Jonah also came and we had a great time together. There are just so many people that have make all of our lives better. Thank You All!!!
David had some surgery on his wound sites. I think we're up to about 29 surgical visits - one of these days I'll actually read what I've written and see if I can come up with an accurate number. This last surgery was broken into 2 sessions because the Dermatology department had some important visitors and David agreed to be the center of attraction in showing the visitors the latest laser techniques. The surgery on his wounds was suppose to take about an hour and it took about 3 hours. They use laser technology to shoot strategically placed holes throughout his wound sites to encourage the skin to produce a thicker and more pliable skin layer. These wound sites have a tendency to stick to the muscle and it is very important for the skin to remain pliable and movable like our normal skin is. This procedure is also suppose to give the skin a notification to get rid of particles that don't belong there - that's the easiest way of putting it. David thinks it's working because the first site that was lasered is now producing bumps that he thinks are pieces of the bomb or pieces of dirt that were forced into the skin when the blast hit. I wish he would have kept all the pieces he has pulled out, we could have melted them all down and molded them into some kind of a pendent that he could wear. One of his friends got shot through the chest from a very close distance and lived to wear the bullet around his neck as a keepsake.
Yesterday there was a young man that approached David because of his EOD Tech T-Shirt. The two didn't know each other, but, as you know, EOD Tech's have a kinship that binds them together whether they know each other or not. This young man was in a wheelchair with a cast on his right leg. We asked what happened and he told us he had stepped on a bomb. David said, "Lucky for you that these guys aren't too smart and don't always mix their chemicals properly!" I guess he had stepped on a bomb similar to the one that hit David but the blast was very minor, in comparison, and just severely broke his leg. I sure wish David would have had that same blessing but I guess that wasn't to be.
Yesterday David was walking with Ethen, Me, Monika, Jonah, his Physical Therapist, and a busy hallway full of people when he fell. It happened so fast that none of us could do anything. David said his pride was the worst thing hurt. His left leg just came loose and he went straight down. I try so hard to be positive and upbeat and smiling, but sometimes I just have to lower my head until I've regained my composure. He got right back up and continued his walk. His walks these past two days have only been 1 lap because the skin is very tender from the laser surgery.
Guess What, nope - nope - not even close. Ok, HE IS DRIVING! He hasn't even hit anything. He did take one wrong turn on the freeway and I was able to talk smack with him for a few miles because of all the smack he has given me when I've taken wrong turns. He's loving this driving stuff. It's one step closer. I LOVE IT!
I think I'm going to get some sleep. David has been having some very bad experiences with the Ambien that he has been taking to help him sleep. He literally feels like he has legs again and it is a very unstable feeling - and very disturbing. Tonight we're trying an over-the-counter medicine that, we hope, will give him some relaxing sleep instead of these awfully unfair feelings of having his legs. It would be one thing if they were actually there but reality has the upper hand in this situation.
Have a wonderful night.
Gordon
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 2152
Good Evening,
Many mixed feelings today. Right now my contact lenses are messed up because of some recent emotions that came to the surface.
David really had a great day but it all seemed to come crashing in on him tonight and I'll explain in a minute.
It was a normal day of OT and PT. PT was extra fun today because three of the guys decided to put on their legs and race through the halls. Oh, my the way, the guy he was playing X-box with was Brian, not Michael. David really enjoyed passing a guy in the hall who had left the PT room about a quarter of a lap before him.
We ended up in Prosthetics where Pete began the measurement process to order a new let of liners. David's legs are changing in volume the more he exercises and it's time to change his liners and he'll probably be recast within the next two weeks.
Over the past few months, David has been having a terrible time being able to go to sleep. He has tried meditation, medicines, familiar setups that helped him sleep in the field while on deployments, and now he finally found a medication that does not keep him loopy in the morning but really gets him tired at night. That's when it all came crashing in - I was sitting there watching David in his wheelchair and could tell something was going on in his head. He said, Dad, this medication really causes some weird sensations. He didn't say those exact words but I can't remember exactly what words he used. He said he could actually feel his legs, not the tingly sensation he usually has, he could feel the mass, he could feel his knees, as he concentrated he could feel his calves tighten, he could feel his feet.
He said he didn't want to open his eyes because the feelings might go away. I saw that the feelings were opening another look at this harsh reality. I suggested that he should open his eyes so that it didn't feel quite so disturbing. He said that he felt like if he pushed down a little further his feet would hit the floor and he could stand up. He could feel the hair on his legs. It was far to real to enjoy the sensation. Out of respect for my son David and his privacy, I will end these comments.
I'm really having a hard time not being with my beautiful wife and the rest of my family, but I am also having a very hard time thinking that I'm going home for Thanksgiving and won't be here to help with any need he expresses. I am very grateful for Zack and Dave coming to be with and assist him - they'll be involved with killing the enemy on X-box and all will be fine.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Tomorrow is David's Birthday
Many mixed feelings today. Right now my contact lenses are messed up because of some recent emotions that came to the surface.
David really had a great day but it all seemed to come crashing in on him tonight and I'll explain in a minute.
It was a normal day of OT and PT. PT was extra fun today because three of the guys decided to put on their legs and race through the halls. Oh, my the way, the guy he was playing X-box with was Brian, not Michael. David really enjoyed passing a guy in the hall who had left the PT room about a quarter of a lap before him.
We ended up in Prosthetics where Pete began the measurement process to order a new let of liners. David's legs are changing in volume the more he exercises and it's time to change his liners and he'll probably be recast within the next two weeks.
Over the past few months, David has been having a terrible time being able to go to sleep. He has tried meditation, medicines, familiar setups that helped him sleep in the field while on deployments, and now he finally found a medication that does not keep him loopy in the morning but really gets him tired at night. That's when it all came crashing in - I was sitting there watching David in his wheelchair and could tell something was going on in his head. He said, Dad, this medication really causes some weird sensations. He didn't say those exact words but I can't remember exactly what words he used. He said he could actually feel his legs, not the tingly sensation he usually has, he could feel the mass, he could feel his knees, as he concentrated he could feel his calves tighten, he could feel his feet.
He said he didn't want to open his eyes because the feelings might go away. I saw that the feelings were opening another look at this harsh reality. I suggested that he should open his eyes so that it didn't feel quite so disturbing. He said that he felt like if he pushed down a little further his feet would hit the floor and he could stand up. He could feel the hair on his legs. It was far to real to enjoy the sensation. Out of respect for my son David and his privacy, I will end these comments.
I'm really having a hard time not being with my beautiful wife and the rest of my family, but I am also having a very hard time thinking that I'm going home for Thanksgiving and won't be here to help with any need he expresses. I am very grateful for Zack and Dave coming to be with and assist him - they'll be involved with killing the enemy on X-box and all will be fine.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Tomorrow is David's Birthday
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, 22 November 2010 at 1647
Hello Again,
I wanted to tell you something that happened while David and I were sitting waiting for one of his prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy. We were just sitting there talking and a woman walked up to David and handed him a note "I just wanted to say thank you for being such a hero for my kids to look up to. God Bless You!" within 5 minutes, a gentleman walked up to David and thanked him for his service and told him that he gave much more than just service. The man was a veteran himself and we both thanked him for his service.
I hardly saw David all day, it was my assignment to take the Jeep and get the new rack put on. It was going to take a few hours so I went over to the mall and watch Harry Potter. David just does not like the Harry Potter stuff so I took the opportunity to see the movie.
Hopefully tomorrow he will get the hand controls for the Jeep - nope, that hope just got dashed by a phone call.
David did another 450 yards today but it was quite a bit harder because he forgot to bring his headphones and didn't have the rhythm. He did about 1/4 of a lap (twice) without the use of his canes.
He's now sitting here with another great friend, Mike, playing the new Brotherhood game on the X-box. They will be lost in the game for awhile.
I'll talk to you again tomorrow - I hope.
Take Care,
Gordon
I wanted to tell you something that happened while David and I were sitting waiting for one of his prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy. We were just sitting there talking and a woman walked up to David and handed him a note "I just wanted to say thank you for being such a hero for my kids to look up to. God Bless You!" within 5 minutes, a gentleman walked up to David and thanked him for his service and told him that he gave much more than just service. The man was a veteran himself and we both thanked him for his service.
I hardly saw David all day, it was my assignment to take the Jeep and get the new rack put on. It was going to take a few hours so I went over to the mall and watch Harry Potter. David just does not like the Harry Potter stuff so I took the opportunity to see the movie.
Hopefully tomorrow he will get the hand controls for the Jeep - nope, that hope just got dashed by a phone call.
David did another 450 yards today but it was quite a bit harder because he forgot to bring his headphones and didn't have the rhythm. He did about 1/4 of a lap (twice) without the use of his canes.
He's now sitting here with another great friend, Mike, playing the new Brotherhood game on the X-box. They will be lost in the game for awhile.
I'll talk to you again tomorrow - I hope.
Take Care,
Gordon
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 18 thru Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 1850
We're both alive. Since I hadn't written for a few days you probably thought we both had drowned in the wild Sand Diego surf. We survived and had a great time. David took his own kayak and I went with the instructor and we got safely through the surf and paddled up and down the coast for approximately 2 miles. I was really nice but we all drank some sea water on the way back in. A big wave tipped us all out. The nice thing is that they had a wheelchair that has balloon tires and I walked it right into the water and scooped David up and all is well. We did forget the earplugs for David's damaged ears but everything worked out just fine.
On Friday, they moved David up another 2 inches - his height right now hits me right about chin high and he's getting taller than many of the therapists he works with. When walking with the taller shorties, it is much more difficult. He's not got a favorite song that he walks to - if puts him in a great rhythm and he walked another 450 NON-STOP YARDS today. He is absolutely wet when he is done. He lays down directly after walking and I tie a strap around his legs to pull them together as much as possible. Laying in bed for over two months in a spread eagle position while his pelvis healed has taken it's tole on his flexibility. While his legs are strapped together he does sit ups and just continues to work hard until he is close to being sick. He obviously wants his full legs very bad.
Right now the 10th of December will be the end of 4 weeks so I think I'm looking forward to that day almost as much as David is. In case you don't remember what 4 weeks represents, that's when he gets knees and he will be standing close to full height. Very very very exciting.
This weekend has been very quite because it has been raining most of the time. Today, Sunday, David had the opportunity to spend about 7 hours with his friends at a barbecue. It was really nice for him to get away with his friends without prudy Dad hanging around.
Tomorrow is exciting, David will be getting a rack put on his jeep. Then Tuesday is really exciting because we should have the hand controls installed so David can take over the driving. I'm really liking his jeep but I would much rather him be the driver - these are all really important steps toward independence.
Thanksgiving is Thursday and my family has a tradition of going around the table and saying what we are thankful for. I'm thinking that this year I had better write it down because the second I think about all I am thankful for I get huge tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. For such a terrible situation, there is soooo much to be grateful for.
See you soon,
Gordon
On Friday, they moved David up another 2 inches - his height right now hits me right about chin high and he's getting taller than many of the therapists he works with. When walking with the taller shorties, it is much more difficult. He's not got a favorite song that he walks to - if puts him in a great rhythm and he walked another 450 NON-STOP YARDS today. He is absolutely wet when he is done. He lays down directly after walking and I tie a strap around his legs to pull them together as much as possible. Laying in bed for over two months in a spread eagle position while his pelvis healed has taken it's tole on his flexibility. While his legs are strapped together he does sit ups and just continues to work hard until he is close to being sick. He obviously wants his full legs very bad.
Right now the 10th of December will be the end of 4 weeks so I think I'm looking forward to that day almost as much as David is. In case you don't remember what 4 weeks represents, that's when he gets knees and he will be standing close to full height. Very very very exciting.
This weekend has been very quite because it has been raining most of the time. Today, Sunday, David had the opportunity to spend about 7 hours with his friends at a barbecue. It was really nice for him to get away with his friends without prudy Dad hanging around.
Tomorrow is exciting, David will be getting a rack put on his jeep. Then Tuesday is really exciting because we should have the hand controls installed so David can take over the driving. I'm really liking his jeep but I would much rather him be the driver - these are all really important steps toward independence.
Thanksgiving is Thursday and my family has a tradition of going around the table and saying what we are thankful for. I'm thinking that this year I had better write it down because the second I think about all I am thankful for I get huge tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. For such a terrible situation, there is soooo much to be grateful for.
See you soon,
Gordon
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 2221
He Da Man!
David had a fantastic day today. He didn't have any early morning appointments so he slept in a bit and he headed to the hospital about 1230. It was necessary for me to do a bit of running around taking care of errands for him and he went ahead and started his PT without me. I was a bit jealous that I wasn't there.
Yesterday I tried to do some of his exercises with David. He was using a 12 pound medicine ball so I grabbed one and laid down next to him and was trying to mimic his motions. It was not that easy. He told me the area on my sides that this particular exercise was suppose to help and I told him I couldn't really feel anything there so he told me "don't use your legs", oh my gosh, I took them out of the equation and I could feel everything. It's hard to play like you don't have legs when you do. I'm sure it's even worse to play like you have legs when you don't.
I'm going to be learning a bit more about mirror therapy so I can try to help David. David has told me that your nerves seem to remember their last impulse before they no longer existed. David's feet always feel like his heels are being pushed really hard and that his toes are forward, curled under and being crushed. In mirror therapy, Lynn (his therapist) tries to put her leg in a position that makes it look like it is an extension of his leg through the mirror - she then asks him to direct her in putting her foot in the exact position he feels. Once that is achieved, she begins to slowly move her toes and straighten her foot and relax her heal - David can feel her every movement. It is very important that we learn the technique so he can get some relief. He has been told that if he can consistently do the mirror therapy for a few weeks, the pain may completely go away.
Yesterday we also went to Dermatology. There is a laser specialist that met with us and now David is scheduled for surgery on the 6th of December. They will be working on both legs, on his right hand and arm, and on his stomach scars. This laser surgery should relieve some tight area where the scar sights have attached themselves to the muscles instead of being more like natural skin and can be moved around. The offered to permanently take the hair off of his legs but Pete, his Prosthestist (sp) is not sold on the idea because the hair enables the leg to dissipate heat and the sweat is a good thing for the pours. Now I don't want you ladies out there to think it's time to grow out your hairy legs just so you can dissipate heat and sweat better - us men like your legs just they way they are. This upcoming surgery should only be about an hour long and will not interrupt his PT or OT efforts.
I never finished telling you why David is DA MAN - it's because today he did 3 (three) (THREE) yes THREE complete laps around the halls WITHOUT STOPPING. That's approximately 450 yards without stopping. Yesterday David figured out that he could walk a little better and longer if he had music that he walks to. It helps him gain a rhythm - proving that us white guys really do have rhythm. There was only one bad part to finding out about the music - he used his top of the line cell phone to play the music and he really didn't have a way to carry it so he put it inside his shirt and his sweat destroyed the phone. We spent an hour or two last night at Sprint checking to see what happened - just shows you how manly us Lyon guys are - even our sweat is powerful.
I got some discs made of the pictures I've taken so I can get some of them on this blog and as I went through them to make sure they were acceptable photos, the tears just started to flow because there is a very distinct memory and emotion with each photograph. We, all of us who love David, are very blessed to have him and his strength in our lives. It's like saying that no matter how things get - it'll be OK through some great effort.
Tomorrow morning we're going Kayaking for David's Occupational Therapy - if I drown, I'll meet you in heaven - at least I hope I'll be able to come up there and visit all of you.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Rachelle, if I'm home for the family Christmas Party - I will be Santa.
P.S. JJ, you are a great inspiration to all of us too - you're doing incredible. David and I talk about you and your accomplishments often. He's very proud of his little brother.
P.S. I miss you all very very much and I love you!!!!
David had a fantastic day today. He didn't have any early morning appointments so he slept in a bit and he headed to the hospital about 1230. It was necessary for me to do a bit of running around taking care of errands for him and he went ahead and started his PT without me. I was a bit jealous that I wasn't there.
Yesterday I tried to do some of his exercises with David. He was using a 12 pound medicine ball so I grabbed one and laid down next to him and was trying to mimic his motions. It was not that easy. He told me the area on my sides that this particular exercise was suppose to help and I told him I couldn't really feel anything there so he told me "don't use your legs", oh my gosh, I took them out of the equation and I could feel everything. It's hard to play like you don't have legs when you do. I'm sure it's even worse to play like you have legs when you don't.
I'm going to be learning a bit more about mirror therapy so I can try to help David. David has told me that your nerves seem to remember their last impulse before they no longer existed. David's feet always feel like his heels are being pushed really hard and that his toes are forward, curled under and being crushed. In mirror therapy, Lynn (his therapist) tries to put her leg in a position that makes it look like it is an extension of his leg through the mirror - she then asks him to direct her in putting her foot in the exact position he feels. Once that is achieved, she begins to slowly move her toes and straighten her foot and relax her heal - David can feel her every movement. It is very important that we learn the technique so he can get some relief. He has been told that if he can consistently do the mirror therapy for a few weeks, the pain may completely go away.
Yesterday we also went to Dermatology. There is a laser specialist that met with us and now David is scheduled for surgery on the 6th of December. They will be working on both legs, on his right hand and arm, and on his stomach scars. This laser surgery should relieve some tight area where the scar sights have attached themselves to the muscles instead of being more like natural skin and can be moved around. The offered to permanently take the hair off of his legs but Pete, his Prosthestist (sp) is not sold on the idea because the hair enables the leg to dissipate heat and the sweat is a good thing for the pours. Now I don't want you ladies out there to think it's time to grow out your hairy legs just so you can dissipate heat and sweat better - us men like your legs just they way they are. This upcoming surgery should only be about an hour long and will not interrupt his PT or OT efforts.
I never finished telling you why David is DA MAN - it's because today he did 3 (three) (THREE) yes THREE complete laps around the halls WITHOUT STOPPING. That's approximately 450 yards without stopping. Yesterday David figured out that he could walk a little better and longer if he had music that he walks to. It helps him gain a rhythm - proving that us white guys really do have rhythm. There was only one bad part to finding out about the music - he used his top of the line cell phone to play the music and he really didn't have a way to carry it so he put it inside his shirt and his sweat destroyed the phone. We spent an hour or two last night at Sprint checking to see what happened - just shows you how manly us Lyon guys are - even our sweat is powerful.
I got some discs made of the pictures I've taken so I can get some of them on this blog and as I went through them to make sure they were acceptable photos, the tears just started to flow because there is a very distinct memory and emotion with each photograph. We, all of us who love David, are very blessed to have him and his strength in our lives. It's like saying that no matter how things get - it'll be OK through some great effort.
Tomorrow morning we're going Kayaking for David's Occupational Therapy - if I drown, I'll meet you in heaven - at least I hope I'll be able to come up there and visit all of you.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Rachelle, if I'm home for the family Christmas Party - I will be Santa.
P.S. JJ, you are a great inspiration to all of us too - you're doing incredible. David and I talk about you and your accomplishments often. He's very proud of his little brother.
P.S. I miss you all very very much and I love you!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 1936
Hope You've All Had A Great Weekend,
I'll try to bring you up to date since Wednesday. This has really been a calm week. Thursday was a holiday for David as well as much of the U.S. for Veteran's Day. David did, however, do almost 9 hours or occupational therapy on his hand - yep, he bought the new X-box 360 Call To Duty and spent the entire day doing Black Ops and shooting Zombies. You'd think that, after being at war much like is depicted in these games, these guys would shy away from the "heat of the battle" but that is not the case at all. When they get together they talk war stories and compare scars. David now gives high fours since he is missing his pinky finger. He really brings a great deal of humor to this ordeal.
Friday was another day of the same OT and PT. David did walk another 150 yards or so. It is really a painful thing because, either the casting or the liner or the sock or the belt pinches or slips or rubs - there is just absolutely no ideal fit as of yet but we're both very optimistic that the time will come when everything just feels right. When we were in PT, Dr. Peo came in an put some acupuncture pins in David's right ear to see if it would help with the phantom pains - so far it hasn't really helped. While we are watching TV, which consists of Mythbusters, Overhaulin, Orange County Chopper, and Office, out of the blue will come the phantom pains. His latest pains just shoot down his legs and his feet feel like their being crushed. I know that when I have put in a hard day of exercise (preferably Golf or Hunting) I often get leg cramps that take me close to tears - my wife could testify of how hard they hit. David gets hit with that almost every day. We're trying to figure out how he is sitting or what he has or hasn't done to trigger the pain.
On Friday he tried a little more mirror therapy but it didn't work very well. I can't imagine it would work at all because this therapist is about 5 foot tall, has olive skin, and has dark red painted toe nails on a size 4 foot - David needs to be looking at a hairy, boot beaten size 11 in order to think it is his own. Plain and simple - sometimes nothing helps, he just has to wait for the wave of pain to pass by.
We spent a few hours with Stanley, the assist dog that David is looking for. He is really fun and he really seems to like David. From everything I have seen, it would be a great match.
The Lobster trapping we were planning did not happen but we'll give you a report when it does happen next time.
Dr. Peo told David that he could start walking with knees in 4 weeks - that is extremely exciting news. Try walking without knees or ankles and you'll soon realize why this is such great news.
Today we went to the Tattoo Expo - I was so tempted to get a tattoo (NOT).
Other than that, there isn't a great deal to tell you. David's friend, Dan came over on Saturday and I can't possibly tell you what an incredible boost that gives David. It's nice to hear the laughs, the concern for other soldiers and their families, the war stories - and boy do they have the war stories.
Today we were watching Mythbusters and they used 5000 pounds of explosives - I acted so impressed by the impact and David said, "Amateurs!" and showed me a clip where they use 20,000 pounds of old bombs in one blast. Ohhhhhh the joy of blowing something up!!!!!!
I sincerely thank all of you who have done so much for David through your friendships - you're a great part of the strength he has shown and continues to show. Thank YOU!
See you on the next post.
Gordon
I'll try to bring you up to date since Wednesday. This has really been a calm week. Thursday was a holiday for David as well as much of the U.S. for Veteran's Day. David did, however, do almost 9 hours or occupational therapy on his hand - yep, he bought the new X-box 360 Call To Duty and spent the entire day doing Black Ops and shooting Zombies. You'd think that, after being at war much like is depicted in these games, these guys would shy away from the "heat of the battle" but that is not the case at all. When they get together they talk war stories and compare scars. David now gives high fours since he is missing his pinky finger. He really brings a great deal of humor to this ordeal.
Friday was another day of the same OT and PT. David did walk another 150 yards or so. It is really a painful thing because, either the casting or the liner or the sock or the belt pinches or slips or rubs - there is just absolutely no ideal fit as of yet but we're both very optimistic that the time will come when everything just feels right. When we were in PT, Dr. Peo came in an put some acupuncture pins in David's right ear to see if it would help with the phantom pains - so far it hasn't really helped. While we are watching TV, which consists of Mythbusters, Overhaulin, Orange County Chopper, and Office, out of the blue will come the phantom pains. His latest pains just shoot down his legs and his feet feel like their being crushed. I know that when I have put in a hard day of exercise (preferably Golf or Hunting) I often get leg cramps that take me close to tears - my wife could testify of how hard they hit. David gets hit with that almost every day. We're trying to figure out how he is sitting or what he has or hasn't done to trigger the pain.
On Friday he tried a little more mirror therapy but it didn't work very well. I can't imagine it would work at all because this therapist is about 5 foot tall, has olive skin, and has dark red painted toe nails on a size 4 foot - David needs to be looking at a hairy, boot beaten size 11 in order to think it is his own. Plain and simple - sometimes nothing helps, he just has to wait for the wave of pain to pass by.
We spent a few hours with Stanley, the assist dog that David is looking for. He is really fun and he really seems to like David. From everything I have seen, it would be a great match.
The Lobster trapping we were planning did not happen but we'll give you a report when it does happen next time.
Dr. Peo told David that he could start walking with knees in 4 weeks - that is extremely exciting news. Try walking without knees or ankles and you'll soon realize why this is such great news.
Today we went to the Tattoo Expo - I was so tempted to get a tattoo (NOT).
Other than that, there isn't a great deal to tell you. David's friend, Dan came over on Saturday and I can't possibly tell you what an incredible boost that gives David. It's nice to hear the laughs, the concern for other soldiers and their families, the war stories - and boy do they have the war stories.
Today we were watching Mythbusters and they used 5000 pounds of explosives - I acted so impressed by the impact and David said, "Amateurs!" and showed me a clip where they use 20,000 pounds of old bombs in one blast. Ohhhhhh the joy of blowing something up!!!!!!
I sincerely thank all of you who have done so much for David through your friendships - you're a great part of the strength he has shown and continues to show. Thank YOU!
See you on the next post.
Gordon
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010 at 2112
Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps
Yesterday was a short day, David was quite sick and so we just came home and let him rest.
Today was another day - places to go, people to see, and things to do. It was a day of much of the same appointments - OT, PT, Prosthetics, oh and we met with the VA today to get things set up to do the vehicle modifications so David can drive his own Jeep.
The one thing that I thought you would really be interested in today was when we went to Prosthetics to get David some smaller shrinkers. David hasn't worn them for over a month because the skin just keeps breaking down. While we were sitting there talking to Pete, David mentioned that he wasn't going to walk today because he just wasn't feeling very good. Pete immediately stopped the conversation and told David that he never wanted to hear that again. He said that, today, tomorrow, 20 years from now and 40 years from now David had to get up and put his legs on and walk. He said that he didn't care how bad he felt, those legs have to be a routine that is never broken unless you are sick enough to be in the hospital. He said he wanted David to walk every day for the rest of his life and work out at least an hour per day.
I personally thought that was the greatest part of this day and so did David. We all need to do that, we need to build routines to maintain our own health, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Pete has run the Iron Man 11 times, which consists of a 2 1/2 mile swim, a 26.2 mile run, and a 110 mile bicycle ride) I may not have those numbers a bit off but, needless to say, Pete knows how to succeed and I believe every word out of his mouth today.
Immediately after that speech from Pete, David went over and got in his legs and did a lap around the place. He had to stop a couple times so he didn't throw up, but he took everything that Pete had to say to heart and I don't think he'll take another break.
There are many changes to come, including the way David keeps his legs on - the current method seems very loose and he feels like he is going to step out of the left leg most of the time. We're told that it will all change many times and to not get discouraged - it's all building strength for the "Big Time!"
Have a great night and have a great Veteran's Day tomorrow.
Good Night
Gordon
Yesterday was a short day, David was quite sick and so we just came home and let him rest.
Today was another day - places to go, people to see, and things to do. It was a day of much of the same appointments - OT, PT, Prosthetics, oh and we met with the VA today to get things set up to do the vehicle modifications so David can drive his own Jeep.
The one thing that I thought you would really be interested in today was when we went to Prosthetics to get David some smaller shrinkers. David hasn't worn them for over a month because the skin just keeps breaking down. While we were sitting there talking to Pete, David mentioned that he wasn't going to walk today because he just wasn't feeling very good. Pete immediately stopped the conversation and told David that he never wanted to hear that again. He said that, today, tomorrow, 20 years from now and 40 years from now David had to get up and put his legs on and walk. He said that he didn't care how bad he felt, those legs have to be a routine that is never broken unless you are sick enough to be in the hospital. He said he wanted David to walk every day for the rest of his life and work out at least an hour per day.
I personally thought that was the greatest part of this day and so did David. We all need to do that, we need to build routines to maintain our own health, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Pete has run the Iron Man 11 times, which consists of a 2 1/2 mile swim, a 26.2 mile run, and a 110 mile bicycle ride) I may not have those numbers a bit off but, needless to say, Pete knows how to succeed and I believe every word out of his mouth today.
Immediately after that speech from Pete, David went over and got in his legs and did a lap around the place. He had to stop a couple times so he didn't throw up, but he took everything that Pete had to say to heart and I don't think he'll take another break.
There are many changes to come, including the way David keeps his legs on - the current method seems very loose and he feels like he is going to step out of the left leg most of the time. We're told that it will all change many times and to not get discouraged - it's all building strength for the "Big Time!"
Have a great night and have a great Veteran's Day tomorrow.
Good Night
Gordon
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010 at 2213
A very busy and great day.
David had appointments at 10:30 and 2:30 today - OT and PT respectively. Prior to his first appointment he found out that his group would be arriving at approximately noon from Afghanistan. David desperately wanted to be standing to greet them and so we left early for the hospital in hopes that Pete could put his legs together fast enough. As soon as we got there we got hit with a curve - Pete told us that David's PT Therapist and his Primary Care Doctor would have to sign off on allowing David to stand at full height so soon.
David immediately took off to see April, his PT Therapist and I took off to meet with Dr. Pyo. Together we good all the approvals needed and the C-legs were immediately plugged in to charge a little before we had to leave. These people are so good to work with, they at the top of their respective professions and they are as personable as you can possibly imagine. Pete immediately put David's legs together but didn't have everything necessary to make David the full 6'4" man, but he did get him to about 6'1" which was close enough. The two legs together, including the sockets and the waist harness that he wears right now weigh 20.5 lbs.
I've discovered that, when you don't have the strength of your legs and the feel of your ankles and feet, all of the strength you need to stand comes from your lower back, your rear, and what's left of your thighs. David doesn't have a great deal of his left thigh so most of the stability comes from his rear and his lower back and it is amazing how much strength that takes.
Pete didn't have the time to hook the computer up and program the resistance in the legs. We got David in the legs and, yep, I choked up. He was taller than me and I loved every second of it.
He was standing on the ramp of the parallel bars which brought him up about 3 extra inches, so he was right where he belonged - 6'4" compared to me at 6' standing on the floor. I got a few photos and I still can't get the pictures from my camera to this computer so they'll have to come in a few days.
We immediately went out to the Jeep and got David in - that was a bit more of a trial but we succeeded. We got to Camp Pendleton as soon as we could because David did not want to miss this opportunity. I'll have to repent later for breaking a few minor speeding rules. I didn't run any stop signs though. That's a family joke. When David's younger sister, who shall remain anonymous, was learning to drive, David talked her in to believing that the Stop Signs with a white stripe around them were "Optional!" The first time she was pulled over for running a white striped stop sign, the policeman really got a good laugh out of David's training. I don't think he had the heart to give her the ticket.
We got to Pendleton in plenty of time because the bus bringing the guys from March AFB broke down on the freeway. When the bus arrived, a few of us helped David to his feet so he could greet his friends. What a beautiful sight - it was really much better than I could have imagined it. During the process I stood close to him so he could put some weight on me and I could feel his muscles trembling. My muscles almost got to the trembling stage because he is no small man, as a matter of fact, he is dang heavy.
It seemed like everyone had to get to David, they all embraced him as their friend and brother. I stood there as a very proud father. David was very glad to see all of them. I wish I could remember all of their names. Many of them just went by and initial. V, Z, D. It was just plain great. I met Adam, the soldier that was hurt during the same blast that hit David, and he had a few scars from the blast but never left the country.
If you remember from the early days of this blog, Adam Perkins was killed a few hours prior to David being hit. David didn't know for several weeks until I told him once I felt he was strong enough to deal with it. Adam Perkins should have been walking off that bus today. David pointed out his parents and I had the privilege of talking with them for awhile. They are wonderful people. We talked a bit about the soldiers who came to our doors to deliver the news and I couldn't hold my emotions. I don't know if it was the emotion of what I felt when the Marines came to my door or the emotion I thought Adam's mother must have felt when they came to her door. For whatever reason, I just put my head down and couldn't say anything for a few seconds as Adam's father put his arm around me. I feel like I have another family. The Perkins were incredible as well as Adam's wife Ignacia and their son they call Moose. They didn't have a son getting off that bus but they were there to show their support and I really admire their strength.
You know, I've learned some great things through all this. I feel like I'm learning how our Savior must feel about all of us. He looks past the tattoos, the cigarettes, the swearing, the crudeness, our judgemental behavior, etc., etc., etc., he looks past all of our imperfections and just sees the greatness and potential in each of us. If you were standing where I was today, I feel like you would know exactly what I am talking about, they are wonderful people doing wonderful things. I loved every minute of the day.
David tried to get a little closer to where the men were coming out of the bus ( I hope his therapist don't read this blog because David wasn't suppose to walk, just stand). David expressed that the steps with the full legs was actually easier than walking with the stubbies. That would have been fine if the left leg wouldn't have come off. Not really OFF, it just that David could feel himself lifting out of it each time he took another step. Needless to say, walking was not a good option - not yet anyway. I think he really liked looking up and the ones he use to look up at and down to the ones he has always been taller than.
I thought it would have made a great picture with me walking back to David's apartment. Here is David tooling along in his wheelchair with me walking behind with two legs with feet, socks, and shoes draped over my shoulder. I know some of you read this blog and think how devastating this must be, but please know that, as this whole store continues to unfold, it is very easy to smile and look forward to a very bring tomorrow.
Love You All,
Gordon
P.S. David had many special friends that just returned and I hope you know who you are. I don't put your names in here because I don't want you singled out, but please know how much he loves each of you. This was a very good day for him and it's your fault.
David had appointments at 10:30 and 2:30 today - OT and PT respectively. Prior to his first appointment he found out that his group would be arriving at approximately noon from Afghanistan. David desperately wanted to be standing to greet them and so we left early for the hospital in hopes that Pete could put his legs together fast enough. As soon as we got there we got hit with a curve - Pete told us that David's PT Therapist and his Primary Care Doctor would have to sign off on allowing David to stand at full height so soon.
David immediately took off to see April, his PT Therapist and I took off to meet with Dr. Pyo. Together we good all the approvals needed and the C-legs were immediately plugged in to charge a little before we had to leave. These people are so good to work with, they at the top of their respective professions and they are as personable as you can possibly imagine. Pete immediately put David's legs together but didn't have everything necessary to make David the full 6'4" man, but he did get him to about 6'1" which was close enough. The two legs together, including the sockets and the waist harness that he wears right now weigh 20.5 lbs.
I've discovered that, when you don't have the strength of your legs and the feel of your ankles and feet, all of the strength you need to stand comes from your lower back, your rear, and what's left of your thighs. David doesn't have a great deal of his left thigh so most of the stability comes from his rear and his lower back and it is amazing how much strength that takes.
Pete didn't have the time to hook the computer up and program the resistance in the legs. We got David in the legs and, yep, I choked up. He was taller than me and I loved every second of it.
He was standing on the ramp of the parallel bars which brought him up about 3 extra inches, so he was right where he belonged - 6'4" compared to me at 6' standing on the floor. I got a few photos and I still can't get the pictures from my camera to this computer so they'll have to come in a few days.
We immediately went out to the Jeep and got David in - that was a bit more of a trial but we succeeded. We got to Camp Pendleton as soon as we could because David did not want to miss this opportunity. I'll have to repent later for breaking a few minor speeding rules. I didn't run any stop signs though. That's a family joke. When David's younger sister, who shall remain anonymous, was learning to drive, David talked her in to believing that the Stop Signs with a white stripe around them were "Optional!" The first time she was pulled over for running a white striped stop sign, the policeman really got a good laugh out of David's training. I don't think he had the heart to give her the ticket.
We got to Pendleton in plenty of time because the bus bringing the guys from March AFB broke down on the freeway. When the bus arrived, a few of us helped David to his feet so he could greet his friends. What a beautiful sight - it was really much better than I could have imagined it. During the process I stood close to him so he could put some weight on me and I could feel his muscles trembling. My muscles almost got to the trembling stage because he is no small man, as a matter of fact, he is dang heavy.
It seemed like everyone had to get to David, they all embraced him as their friend and brother. I stood there as a very proud father. David was very glad to see all of them. I wish I could remember all of their names. Many of them just went by and initial. V, Z, D. It was just plain great. I met Adam, the soldier that was hurt during the same blast that hit David, and he had a few scars from the blast but never left the country.
If you remember from the early days of this blog, Adam Perkins was killed a few hours prior to David being hit. David didn't know for several weeks until I told him once I felt he was strong enough to deal with it. Adam Perkins should have been walking off that bus today. David pointed out his parents and I had the privilege of talking with them for awhile. They are wonderful people. We talked a bit about the soldiers who came to our doors to deliver the news and I couldn't hold my emotions. I don't know if it was the emotion of what I felt when the Marines came to my door or the emotion I thought Adam's mother must have felt when they came to her door. For whatever reason, I just put my head down and couldn't say anything for a few seconds as Adam's father put his arm around me. I feel like I have another family. The Perkins were incredible as well as Adam's wife Ignacia and their son they call Moose. They didn't have a son getting off that bus but they were there to show their support and I really admire their strength.
You know, I've learned some great things through all this. I feel like I'm learning how our Savior must feel about all of us. He looks past the tattoos, the cigarettes, the swearing, the crudeness, our judgemental behavior, etc., etc., etc., he looks past all of our imperfections and just sees the greatness and potential in each of us. If you were standing where I was today, I feel like you would know exactly what I am talking about, they are wonderful people doing wonderful things. I loved every minute of the day.
David tried to get a little closer to where the men were coming out of the bus ( I hope his therapist don't read this blog because David wasn't suppose to walk, just stand). David expressed that the steps with the full legs was actually easier than walking with the stubbies. That would have been fine if the left leg wouldn't have come off. Not really OFF, it just that David could feel himself lifting out of it each time he took another step. Needless to say, walking was not a good option - not yet anyway. I think he really liked looking up and the ones he use to look up at and down to the ones he has always been taller than.
I thought it would have made a great picture with me walking back to David's apartment. Here is David tooling along in his wheelchair with me walking behind with two legs with feet, socks, and shoes draped over my shoulder. I know some of you read this blog and think how devastating this must be, but please know that, as this whole store continues to unfold, it is very easy to smile and look forward to a very bring tomorrow.
Love You All,
Gordon
P.S. David had many special friends that just returned and I hope you know who you are. I don't put your names in here because I don't want you singled out, but please know how much he loves each of you. This was a very good day for him and it's your fault.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010 @ 1704
Hope You Had A Great Week...
Things are going just fine around here. On Thursday, when we arrived at OT (Occupational Therapy) they had David scheduled for a wood turning class. It's great! Five or Six Veterans bring their portable lathes and teach these wounded warriors, and other individuals that may have had a stroke to turn wood into a bowl or a top or a canter cork. I would have never thought it to be a "therapy" but it really is - with their concentration being so intense on that piece of wood, everything else seems to just go away, plus it really takes a great deal for them control some of these damaged limbs and control the intricate moves that must be made to accomplish an acceptable result. It was fun to watch and David really enjoyed it.
We had some time between appointments so David decided that we were going to go and visit some of the new inpatients. We talked to a Cpl Weiss who had been shot in the hand. It was a great visit and I was impressed by his upbeat attitude.
David, as a passing note, told me that he lost another friend in Afghanistan. We all want this to stop - I'm learning that a major reason this mess continues is because of the stupid individuals that continue to push the drug trade or take the drugs. Many of the people of Afghanistan have two choices, die or grow the drugs they are told to grow. I really don't know how to feel about the whole mess.
On Friday, there was a great amount of the military I remember - Hurry Up and Wait. Everything David tried to do seem to become harder and harder to get done because of one thing or another. When he was walking, every step sounded like he had a leaky valve or a flat tire. We ended up in prosthetics and they had to put some sealant around his relief valve and that ended the walking for the day. It was a bit discouraging to David because he just wants to keep going. He is worried that, if he doesn't push it to the limit each day, he'll pick up extra weight. With most of us, picking up 10 pounds is not a serious thing, with prosthetics, 10 pounds could mean a socket that doesn't fit - it's a very careful balance that much be achieved and maintained.
After he realized there would be no more walking for the day we went back to PT and he did a bunch of pilates until he was wet wit sweat. That rhymed!!!
David was extremely lifted by the presence of Jesse Cottle, a double amputee from about 14 or 15 months ago. He was there getting a new fitting on his prosthetics and, if you didn't notice the titanium and plastic on the end of his legs, you would think they were his natural legs. He looked great. He had been training for a marathon just before this adjustment had to be made and he is a double AK (above the knee) amputee just like David. David was totally encouraged and said, "if that is what I look like when this is all over, it will be great with me."
Tomorrow, the group of Marines that David was with when he deployed to Afghanistan will return. Pete, David's Prosthetist, is allowing him to put on his full legs - if you remember, that's approximately $225,000 worth of technology in Civilian dollars. David always gets upset at me when I take another photo of him but I've told him that I don't care whether he likes it or not, I'm taking a picture of him when he is 6'4" again. My emotions are really close to the surface with the thought of tomorrow. David and I were watching an extremely stupid movie, Hot Rod, and I even found spots in that movie to get a lump in my throat. I think David is really looking forward to that feeling.
Today as I was coming back from church I saw a beautiful 1969 fully restored Chevelle coming the opposite direction and I saw a gloved hand waving from the passenger side. I quickly realized it was David waving good-bye as he went out with his buddies. I am so glad he has such great friends. Tony and Brian and David just went cruisin'. He came back in great spirits. This is all going to be fine.
I wish I had a movie camera to get a recording of him standing - I'll do what I can and get it on the blog as soon as I can.
Have a great sleep - goodnight!
Gordon
Things are going just fine around here. On Thursday, when we arrived at OT (Occupational Therapy) they had David scheduled for a wood turning class. It's great! Five or Six Veterans bring their portable lathes and teach these wounded warriors, and other individuals that may have had a stroke to turn wood into a bowl or a top or a canter cork. I would have never thought it to be a "therapy" but it really is - with their concentration being so intense on that piece of wood, everything else seems to just go away, plus it really takes a great deal for them control some of these damaged limbs and control the intricate moves that must be made to accomplish an acceptable result. It was fun to watch and David really enjoyed it.
We had some time between appointments so David decided that we were going to go and visit some of the new inpatients. We talked to a Cpl Weiss who had been shot in the hand. It was a great visit and I was impressed by his upbeat attitude.
David, as a passing note, told me that he lost another friend in Afghanistan. We all want this to stop - I'm learning that a major reason this mess continues is because of the stupid individuals that continue to push the drug trade or take the drugs. Many of the people of Afghanistan have two choices, die or grow the drugs they are told to grow. I really don't know how to feel about the whole mess.
On Friday, there was a great amount of the military I remember - Hurry Up and Wait. Everything David tried to do seem to become harder and harder to get done because of one thing or another. When he was walking, every step sounded like he had a leaky valve or a flat tire. We ended up in prosthetics and they had to put some sealant around his relief valve and that ended the walking for the day. It was a bit discouraging to David because he just wants to keep going. He is worried that, if he doesn't push it to the limit each day, he'll pick up extra weight. With most of us, picking up 10 pounds is not a serious thing, with prosthetics, 10 pounds could mean a socket that doesn't fit - it's a very careful balance that much be achieved and maintained.
After he realized there would be no more walking for the day we went back to PT and he did a bunch of pilates until he was wet wit sweat. That rhymed!!!
David was extremely lifted by the presence of Jesse Cottle, a double amputee from about 14 or 15 months ago. He was there getting a new fitting on his prosthetics and, if you didn't notice the titanium and plastic on the end of his legs, you would think they were his natural legs. He looked great. He had been training for a marathon just before this adjustment had to be made and he is a double AK (above the knee) amputee just like David. David was totally encouraged and said, "if that is what I look like when this is all over, it will be great with me."
Tomorrow, the group of Marines that David was with when he deployed to Afghanistan will return. Pete, David's Prosthetist, is allowing him to put on his full legs - if you remember, that's approximately $225,000 worth of technology in Civilian dollars. David always gets upset at me when I take another photo of him but I've told him that I don't care whether he likes it or not, I'm taking a picture of him when he is 6'4" again. My emotions are really close to the surface with the thought of tomorrow. David and I were watching an extremely stupid movie, Hot Rod, and I even found spots in that movie to get a lump in my throat. I think David is really looking forward to that feeling.
Today as I was coming back from church I saw a beautiful 1969 fully restored Chevelle coming the opposite direction and I saw a gloved hand waving from the passenger side. I quickly realized it was David waving good-bye as he went out with his buddies. I am so glad he has such great friends. Tony and Brian and David just went cruisin'. He came back in great spirits. This is all going to be fine.
I wish I had a movie camera to get a recording of him standing - I'll do what I can and get it on the blog as soon as I can.
Have a great sleep - goodnight!
Gordon
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