Sunday, August 3, 2008

Day 64 - Aug 3, 2004

Kevin was kinda grumpy today - he was very restless and thrashing all over the place and I just don't know what was going on. It's so incredibly hard not knowing what he is thinking and feeling. I don't know whether to back off and leave him alone, or console him or move him because he could be uncomfortable or what. I just don't know. And I think that is probably the hardest thing to deal with. I don't know what he needs or wants. I don't know if he knows what he needs or wants. I don't know if he is 3 years old and wants cartoons on or if he is 20 years old and wants Beerfest on. It sucks because I just don't know whether to talk to him like he is a child or tell him to buck up and be a soldier/man. I just don't know. I just wish he could speak and tell us what he wants. I would do anything for that! But I guess that's not meant to be - at least not yet.

I did get him to calm down for about a half hour today while I read some more Harry Potter to him. We are about finished with the first book so I am going to run to Wal-Mart as soon as I am finished blogging and buy the second. I wish I could've read to him all day, but it makes me so sleepy. I have to stop and get up and move around or next thing you know, I will be snoozing.

So Alan (Breezy's boyfriend) left today for Iraq. Breezy is pretty emotional right now. He actually came here over the weekend to see Kev (and me) and say goodbye to Breezy. I wasn't real keen on him coming here, not because I didn't want him around - but because I don't think anyone heading downrange needs to come here and see what this is like. But it's over and done with and he is on his way to Iraq via Ireland as I type so let's all keep him and all of our men and women in the military in our thoughts.

Off to Wal-Mart I go...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Father, I thank you that you can see what we cannot. That you know what we don't. Please give Leslie wisdom beyond her ability. Please give her understanding to walk in what You show her. Please reveal hidden things to her that she needs to know. Nothing is hidden from You. Please give wisdom to the doctors as well. Show them all how to treat Kevin.

Please continue to strengthen Leslie and Breezy. I pray that in the midst of these 64 days they would have glimpses of You and Your love for them. May they see Your hand working in Kevin's life. You spoke and all creation came into existance. I pray you would speak again to this family and they would see your handiwork in their lives. May they see your involvement in each breath they take. Thank you for each of these days of healing for Kevin. Please continue to heal him: his brain, his speech and those hidden things that man cannot know. Please continue to provide for this family in such a way that they know it's You prompting people to help. Thank You for another day.

Jodi said...

Hi Leslie,
I am sorry this was a tough day for you and Kev and Breezy. I may be completely incorrect with this statement, but maybe try not to "think" about what you think Kev needs or wants, just "feel" with your heart. Your mom instincts will lead you in the right direction. Obviously just hearing your voice as you read to Kevin calms him down. That is a good sign. Please hang in there Leslie and stay strong!! Kevin pulls some of his strength from you. Alan will be in my thoughts. Stay safe Alan! And as always, you, Breezy and Kev are in my thoughts constantly. More positive and healing thoughts coming your way!!
Big hugs and all my love!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Holee said...

It's really hard aftering reading this for the past 2 months you get to know who Kevin was before he left for the Army. The teen playing his computer games and riding his skate board..then promptly turned into a man, a soldier, a protector of life, of his country and Afghan. If there ever was someone who deserved to be called a man...it's Kev and all those who shared and continue to share the world he was thrown into so quickly.

Just knowing he was sort of at attention and looking directly at his commander when spoken to by Sgt.W leads me to believe that even with the brain damage Kevin is who he was. No matter what, he will always be a man to me.

I think Kevin has what he needs and wants..his Mom and Sis.

May God speed Allen's journey to Iraqu and send him home safely. What hard things for such a young girl to handle with brother & boyfriend in harms way..hug her lots Mom!

Mary said...

Leslie & Breezy:
You both and Kev are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I am so anxious to read your Blog every morning to see how much progress has been made from the day before. I hope it helps you in some way to write, because it is so great to know the progress Kev is making.
Lots of Love
Mary

Kris said...

Hi there Kevin, Leslie & Breezy -

Stopping by to let you all know that you are alway in my thoughts and my prayers, and even more so during these tough days. We're all out here praying for you and praying with you!!

Can't imagine how hard it was for you Breezy to say good bye to Alan. Please let him know that we're all out here praying for him and all of our brave, courageous heroes. He will be in my special prayers every single day. Hang in there Breezy!

Thoughts, prayers, support and load upon load of Angel Hugs are always on their way to all of you. God bless you Kevin, God bless you Leslie & Breezy - gigantic hugs to you all!

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

kim murphy said...

Dear Leslie,
I hope that you are doing well, it's good that Kevin enjoys your reading to him , know that you are giving him comfort just being there with him. and we pray for his improvement everyday. Brianna we will be praying for Alan and you and if you would like us to send him mail and/or packages let us know we will be happy to help.Hope you enjoyed your home cooking! Tell Kevin to keep up the fight and having a grumpy day once in awhile is ok. He will find a way to let you know his needs, just trust in your bond with him. love Kim

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I really don't know what to say. I"ve sat here for the past hour reading your blog from beggining till today. My heart breaks and then rejoices for what you and kevin and your family has been through. Your strength and dedication to Kevin is truly inspiring.

My son also serves with the 173rd Airborne Unit and just returned to his home base in Igtlay last week.

If there is anything i can do for you or kevin..please let me know.
my aim is Tnontrygirl, email is Tncontrygirl@aol.com

sending tons of prayers and lots of love from tn
vickie cheek

The Rock said...

Dear Leslie
I can't even imagine what you are going through , not knowing what Kevin is gonna be like. Just give it time, he will surprise us all ! And then your daughters boyfriend leaving for Iraq ; that had to be hard.
Leslie , you and Kevin are in so many Hearts and minds . I hope that you will find the inner peace that you need for the next couple of month . You are all in my prayers !
keep you chin up !
Love
Petra
Soldiers Angel from Louisiana

Anonymous said...

Has a speech-language pathologist been in to see him? If not, ask for a consult. I don't recall his Glasgow level but if he's approcaching the teens, an SLP might be able to help design a basic communication device. Or you might even try something like a texture board. A rough texture means 'yes' and soft 'no'. If you ask him a yes/no question, he can rub rough or soft. Or whatever system you can think of.

Vicki Chrisman said...

Sorry Kevin had a restless day today Les. I'm sure it is really hard for you , dont know what he needs, when he cant tell you.
As for Breezy... I'm sure this is SO HARD for her. Sending her a huge hug!

Anonymous said...

Being a mom is the hardest job in the world! You feel your kids' pain, and even feel their potential pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this day by day. My prayers are also with Brianna, especially regarding her boyfriend going to Iraq.