Welcome to the 5th Floor!

Hurray! Jason was moved to the 5th floor today, as a sign that his healing is moving along better than originally anticipated. He was in good spirits today, and when I came into his room this afternoon, with a bottle of Minute Maid Pink Lemonade he said, "Hey, that looks good. Is that pink lemonade?" I said it was, and that was the end of my pink lemonade, and it was the best bottle I never drank! Heck, even when David showed up today, I asked him to go and buy another bottle to take to Jason. His new room is a bit more accommodating to things being put in his room, so we're going to be bringing in stuff to brighten up the place. That plus a few followers of this blog have indicated that they are sending some things for us to put in his room, and I am guessing it will make it a little more tolerable for Jason.

A sign that Jason has accepted what has happened to him was seen today, shortly after arriving in the new room. They were getting him set up on the bed and they had to adjust a few settings, and then I asked the nurse, "Can I put his quilt back on the bed?" and she said, "Sure." She then took it from me and spread it across the bottom half of the bed and asked Jason if it was alright. Was it too warm for him? I thought, that's a strange question... Then Jason said, "I don't have any legs. I don't feel the quilt." The nurse seemed a little surprised/stunned and then Jason repeated himself, and with a slight impatient tone. She then adjusted the quilt so that it was just a little higher on the bed and covered a little bit of his upper body. I don't think he was trying to be mean or rude with her, it was just that this was the first time someone at the hospital really didn't seem to know how to work with an amputee and it irritated Jason a bit.

He is already starting to show signs that he wants to get out of the hospital (like the incident above), and my guess is that as soon as it is okay for him to get outside he is going to take advantage of it. We have been doing a little investigating and there are a number of programs and activities set up for the Wounded Warriors, so that they can get out and do many of the same things they used to do, just differently. For example there are "hikes" that are set up for the guys, and they have power chairs that have little tank treads, so they can get up and down some of the trails. Some of the guys even go hunting, though Jason isn't much of a hunter. They do get out and visit some of the historical sites and visit museums, and all that type stuff that Jason enjoys.

Jason will be going in for surgery again, tomorrow, and we are expecting to hear that they are closing up some of his wounds. Actually, from what I saw, it appears they have already closed some of them, and now they're simply doing more. His next major step is to set up, and then into a wheelchair. To do this we will need to begin work with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. Actually his cousin Jake is a physical therapist, and I'm sure there is going to be some opportunity for the two of them to talk, with both of them asking lots of questions and both of them providing lots of information.

Please keep the prayers coming, and all that positive energy coming Jason's way. He is making some very good steps forward, and I hope they continue. Thanks, to everyone for keeping up with this, and I will continue to update.

Comments

  1. This just made my day! What an awesome day for you all! You are all still in our thoughts and prayers and thanks for all the updates!

    Danny and Casey Ellegood

    ReplyDelete
  2. George, all this progress in just two weeks! As a nurse, I am still amazed. Jason's fighting spirit, fine medical and surgical care. and lots of prayers got him to this point. 14 days. absolutely a miracle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great news! Thanks so much for sharing! We continue to pray for Jason and the whole family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with "Pleasanton"- all my years of nursing Jason is just rocking it. Incredible. And wonderful. Hugs to you all- I know it is not easy at all...but his clear mind and progress is so encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Could not have asked for better news. It's amazing what God, Family and Love from everyone can do. Jason is a strong young man and has so much to look forward to. I am so proud of him. My love to all of you. My prayers continue for my mijo to continue with his progress one day at a time and each day better than the day before.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yea!!! 5th floor! I can understand the pink lemonade... "the best bottle you never drank." I didnt't know he liked lemonade so much.... I will never drink it again myself without thinking of Jason. He is a strong man. I'm sure you couldn't be more proud. I am grateful for your blog, thank you. God speed.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The 5th floor there will never be the same, here comes Jason :) I am quite sure that I am witnessing a miracle. I hope someday to be able to meet this incredible person. Thank you God and thank you George for your blog. You made our day! Continuing with prayers and love and light! Love, Karen and Rob

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pretty awesome progress, Jason. We knew you were strong and would recover quickly. Let the PT begin!
    -Jake

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an incredible man. I would not expect less from Jason. I knew he had that spirit, especially because of the love and will of his family. Sean and George are on their way. I know they say strength in numbers. The six of you together and Miriam and Brigdget is a powerful group. It will carry Jason through this. Hugs and prayers to you all and a personal hug from me sent to you via Sean. Love you! Karen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great news George - I shared it with session and we lifted you all up in prayers. LOGOS is tonight and we're working on some colorful paper additions to Jason's 5th floor room walls. We're so grateful for your updates! I'm amazed by Jason's progress....what a spirit he has!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jason and family, Praises to you and your family for the courage you are showing all of us. We continute to pray for you each day.
    Jeanne Virgilio

    ReplyDelete
  13. I just heard the news Uncle George. Please let Jason know that I'm thinking about him and my prayers are with him,his wife,you, and Aunt Linda.

    Love you all,

    Tonia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jason is a strong and very handsome man. He is also a Marine, he will fight to do more than the usual person would. (Plus,God is on HIS side.) We will all see what miracles come from all of the prayers that have been and still are being sent up for him! He is an amazing man and I am so happy that he is doing so well!! God bless the entire family, thank you for including us in this journey. So many of us have felt like Jason is one of our own. (When I received the first email, I cried all day. I have a son his age... I can not imagine this!) Jason's story has touched SO MANY people's hearts and your blog will grow in numbers, just watch. God bless you all. Thank you George and Linda!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

January 2017

January 2017
Jason gets a visit from Gen. Jon Monett

January 2017

January 2017
With Gary at the GSF Office

Popular posts from this blog

10 Alive Day (10 Years after the blast)