May 1, 2011 - First Day of May

Jason has had a good day today. He began with a good start and a simple breakfast - I think he is looking forward to a home cooked breakfast. Something about hospital food and the mass production aspect (basically the food in the hospital really isn't that bad, he just wants a little more "excitement"). After that he enjoyed a good visit from mom and dad who were able to go outside with him for a second time. They have a special chair set up for him, they use a special pad on a geri-chair, to help him maintain comfort. He still can't sit all the way up, but he's getting better.

After the chair ride we came back in and his lunch was ready to go. He had mashed potatoes and gravy, with a navy bean soup. They actually still have him on controlled diet, with the control being on the caloric intake, as he needs to ingest almost 3000 (It is amazing the number of calories the body burns in repairing itself) per day. He can now eat just about anything he wants, so after we went to go pick up David (yeah, his brother is back out for another visit and Jason wanted him here for the Purple Heart presentation tomorrow), we went to Taco Bell and picked him up a couple of bean burritos, which he thoroughly enjoyed. It was good to seem him enjoy eating this, though he also had Chinese food last night, so you can see his digestive system is coming back to "normal."

We are looking forward to the Purple Heart presentation tomorrow, as the Commandant has been very patient with Jason. He has come by to visit with Jason a couple of times, but because Jason just wasn't ready it was agreed to just wait until he was. We'll get some pictures, and I'll see what I can do to post a few of them here, or I might just redirect to another site, if there are too many pictures.

It feels like things are starting to get to a point of normalcy for Jason, and thus the rest of his family, and mostly for Bridgette and his girls. Having said that it is also recognized that Jason's life is now getting closer to that next important step, and that is his rehab, both physical and occupational. We don't know where he will be going for that work, yet, but it is something that he and Bridgette will need to decide pretty soon. Once that has been identified I'll be sure to let all the readers of this blog know where his new efforts will be.

Thank you, all for all your support and kind words. We have met a number of clergy since we have been here, some military chaplains and some "civilian" contractors. They come from all faiths and all show the highest level of compassion, and that is so appreciated. Even though we do receive that kind of support it is also important to us that everyone continue to send their prayers and keep us in your hearts.