Last night I walked in the house from work to the most beautiful site. Alex, Dane and 3 other friends were sitting at our kitchen table eating Taco Bell. It made my day, made me smile and I even told the 5 teenagers what a beautiful site it was (I got some strange looks - lol)
Alex has had a busy week again. He has 3-4 doctors appointments everyday and is continuing to improving everyday, so grateful for the care he is receiving . This morning was Alex's VNG test. He wore "goggles" for about an hour testing his balance and inner ear. The tests came back positive. His balance issues aren't inner ear, which I guess is good. Alex spent PT outside on the IHC Health & Performance "course" it was amazing to see Alex doing this. The course has all kinds of terrain that people might encounter out in the community. Alex walked the entire way from the building and back with out taking a break. He went down a slope on a sidewalk, went up and down stairs, walked on asphalt, gravel, a stone walkway, bark, and sand. He did great! I followed them with his wheelchair, watching him brought all kinds of emotions out in me. Seeing his burned/healed legs and his awkward movements brought sorrow yet joy for his life and improvements . His PT was impressed, and told us afterwards he had thought Alex would have had to stop at least 3 times, thats why he had me follow. But that wasn't the case. Alex went to Dr. Chalmers twice this week and thankfully we have gotten sleep the past 2 nights. Lets hope tonight is good.
Yesterday Alex applied for an academic scholarship to Dixie State College with the help of his school counselor, Mrs. N. She has been such a huge help to Alex keeping him on track since his Sophomore year. If Alex hadn't done so well the past 3 years, he would be in big trouble right now trying to finish packets in order to Graduate on time with his Senior class.He only needs 2 more credits. After he applied for his scholarship he spent some time with his Debate class. He has missed school. Thanks to all the students for the awesome banners and to the Admin and Teachers for their love and support. An Administrator from the Washington County School District came to our house today to help Alex set up a program on his computer that will allow him to speak into a mic and the computer will type the words. That will give him some independence with writing his Senior papers. Have a great day. Kaleen - Oh and I'm freaking out that Christmas is 10 days away - where are Santa's elves when you need them??!!!
Alex has had a busy week again. He has 3-4 doctors appointments everyday and is continuing to improving everyday, so grateful for the care he is receiving . This morning was Alex's VNG test. He wore "goggles" for about an hour testing his balance and inner ear. The tests came back positive. His balance issues aren't inner ear, which I guess is good. Alex spent PT outside on the IHC Health & Performance "course" it was amazing to see Alex doing this. The course has all kinds of terrain that people might encounter out in the community. Alex walked the entire way from the building and back with out taking a break. He went down a slope on a sidewalk, went up and down stairs, walked on asphalt, gravel, a stone walkway, bark, and sand. He did great! I followed them with his wheelchair, watching him brought all kinds of emotions out in me. Seeing his burned/healed legs and his awkward movements brought sorrow yet joy for his life and improvements . His PT was impressed, and told us afterwards he had thought Alex would have had to stop at least 3 times, thats why he had me follow. But that wasn't the case. Alex went to Dr. Chalmers twice this week and thankfully we have gotten sleep the past 2 nights. Lets hope tonight is good.
I love reading your posts, its great to hear of Alex's improvements. I can only imagine as you watch him struggle there is a sorrow (it's hard to watch your children struggle but to have such a dramatic difference in a split second is overwhelming) but realize where he has come from or what could have been brings so much joy. I wish I could reach through the computer and give you a hug. Keep up the posts of all the improvements, it's good to hear him moving ahead and striving for the balance and success of his life. Hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for always taking the time to write such great updates. We all know how busy you are! It's great to be able to keep up with all the news and accomplishments. Both of you hang in there and keep up the amazing work you're doing!
ReplyDeleteKaleen, thanks for the updates. It sounds like Alex is well on his way to recovery. I read about his outdoor experience with tears in my eyes. You have an elf right across the street. Let me know if I can help you with anything. Rhonda
ReplyDeleteI really have had an adjustment in my life, as I am now Alex's primary caregiver! I am always feeling like I am running behind on time. I have soo much respect and admiration for Kaleen! Both as a Mother.Just how she is able to keep up with all of this, and work full time, is just more than I can imagine! I've caught her crying a few times, as you can imagine, it all gets to be a little much for her at times! I wish I could find work and let her be home with her son at this time. If anyone out there knows of anything, I would love to hear from you! I also want to thank the many people who have helped us. There are way to many of you to really name, (as I'm sure to forget someone!) but I really want to make sure to Thank The Tommer family! That is the most caring and wonderful family that I could ever hope to know! Thanks for being such wonderful examples to all of us! Sometimes I think that God placed you across the street from us just for this event! Love you guy's!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry about my grammer on my post! I'm a little tired today!
ReplyDeleteI am just GREEN with envy, but beaming with pride that Alex is recovering so rapidly! It took me years to graduate to the kind of therapy that Alex is getting. My therapists would take me outside the hospital (once I was outpatient - about 18 months post strike) and walk me around these enormous trees that had root systems above ground. The therapist would walk on the flat and even ground while I navigated my way over and around the roots - all while having a conversation. That's a lot of work, believe me! So, to you, Alex, I raise my proverbial glass! Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteDavid ~ You are an amazing man to stand up and announce that your wife is incredible and that you are in awe! Mothers are made of titanium and kryptonite, however we do have that one soft spot ... our children. Take care of her when Alex is off with his buddies pounding down those CWS' from Taco Bell. (virtual hug)
Sending lots of support!