August 2, 2011 - A Great Day In PT

Jason had a very good day with activities and visitors. He started off with a visitor from the Pentagon, an Air Force Major General Kelly McKeague, who is the Assitant to the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff. He came by and asked if it was alright to come in to visit with Jason. Jason was his usual self and always welcoming visitors, so he came in. He stayed for about 1/2 an hour and he and Jason really had a good conversation. Of course we had him sign the guest book and we took a couple of pictures, so I suspect that I will have time, over the next couple of days to get some of the recent photos up to the blog.

The other big thing for today was getting out on the cart and heading down to PT to work in their gym. This is good on multiple levels as it allows Jason to simply get out of his room; it allows for him to lay on the cart so that his back is more open; he gets to work his arms as he moves along with the cart; and, he gets to do something new with the folks in PT. They worked on helping him to sit up right, and since this was the first time for Jason it was also a little scary for him. I was there helping and we got done what the goal was, so it was a positive and successful time in the gym. On the way back he stopped and visited with one of the other guys he knows (EOD brother), and this made Jason feel pretty good. He was able to support himself on his elbows while he spoke to him, and this is the first time that he has done this. He remained up for several minutes, then laid back down. I was happy with all that he had done and even more so with the fact that he continues to progress well. We went back to his room, after completing the lap of the floor, and he got back into his bed. It kind of wore him down a bit, but that's okay, he felt good about what he had accomplished.

I went and got Popeye's Chicken for dinner, for him, as he was in the mood for that. One of his former doctors came by and gave him a little gift (a DVD) that we watched tonight. Not sure that I can mention the title right now, so I'll hold on that until tomorrow. It was enjoyable and showed how to triumph over adversity. It also had to do with the ocean, so that was another plus. Linda and I stayed with him for the rest of the evening, and then headed back to the Lodge. He said he wanted to get to sleep a little earlier tonight as he has to get back over to the PT folks earlier tomorrow, and wants to be ready. I think that was a hint for us to be sure we are over there early in the morning... ;-)

Thank you, all for your continued prayers and support, and I ask you to continue to pray for all those who are still in harms way, as well as to pray for those who now going through recovery from injuries. Take care...