September 10, 2011

Six months ago, Linda and I arrived at Bethesda, National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) and we waited for our son Jason to be flown in from Germany. Bridgette was already on the plane with him, as he was being medical evacuated back to the United States, and he was to arrive sometime the following day, though it was expected to be in the afternoon/evening sometime. Actually, Linda and I had arrived the night before, on the 9th, and spent that night in a hotel, and that is why I tell Jason I have only been here one day longer than him, and now, looking back, it has been sometimes a difficult and painful journey and other times very hopeful and positive. There are some visitors who come to the hospital on a regular basis, though their visits are spaced out with a month or more between them. When they see Jason or me their reaction is usually, "Wow! You still here?" Well, yes, we're still here and we will be here until Jason is ready to move on to the next step, and we'll take each day one day at a time, until it is time to go.

Jason didn't go to the PACU today, as it was decided later in the evening last night that they didn't feel he needed to go to the PACU. It looks like he won't be going down until Monday, unless there is another change, late. He is getting better and still doing his best to deal with the challenges of recovery, and we're all here to help him get through this. He was out on his prone cart today, as Dr. Malone has asked him to put more time on his belly. Actually, I think he likes the prone cart better, because of how he lays down with the cart and he can get better speed up, than he can in his chair. Guys and speed - what is it that makes guys want to see how fast they can go (I'm guilty too). Jason made four full laps of the 4th floor and then decided he wanted to get back to his bed. While he was out doing his laps, they made the change out from his old bed to the new one, so it was effectively seamless as far as Jason was concerned, and even had the trapeze had been changed over.

There were some visitors today, with one of them being a former patient/wounded warrior. He is a single amputee, though his other leg was heavily damaged, and he lost some of the use of his right arm. He was just coming through to say hi to anybody that happened to be here, and to talk to them a little about how they got here and what they need to do to get beyond here. There was another group that actually came up to see Tim (Jason's friend), and he had gone up to New York. So, instead they came over to spend some time with Jason, even though they didn't know him. It was nice to see people giving of their time, just because they could. Dave the cookie guy, and his wife came by and dropped off some cookies. They didn't get to visit with Jason, as he was asleep when they came, so they ended up talking to me, outside his room. Otherwise, there were no other visitors, other than the medical staff.

Not much else going on today, we talked and visited and ate our meals, then it was getting late and Jason had fallen asleep, so I told him good night and that I loved him, and let him know I was going back to the Lodge and he went back to sleep. Thank you, all for all your continued support and prayers.

Comments

  1. I rarely post anything on your blog.....but I read it every morning before I start my day at work.

    Your family is the most inspiring family I could EVER imagine. To read the blog everyday makes me proud to know that there are people so strong and positive. Jason is an inspiration to me. To watch his progress and always positive attitude is something the leaders of our country should aspire to be.

    Keep up all the hard work Jason!!! You are thought of and prayed for by many, many people.

    Bless you!!
    Becky an Air Force mom from Pleasanton

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  2. Continuing to lift up prayers!
    Isaiah 12:2-5 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
    Prayer Bears
    My email address

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  3. Still praying for you, every day. I read your posts every day; whether I comment or not, my thoughts and prayers are always with you. Thank you, George, for keeping us up to date with our Hero's progress. And thank you, Jason, for your sacrifice for our country.

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  4. Our family continues to pray for Jason and your family. This is such an amazing story of strength and courage and love and hope. George - you and Linda are amazing parents and your resolve to ...be here until Jason is ready to move on to the next step... is beautiful. Jason, we can never thank you enough for your sacrifice but we are so appreciative. God Bless.

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  5. I've been away for a bit and was delighted to see you, Jason, so mobile! That is incredible!!! What courage and strength you have. You humble us all. Thank you, George, for keeping us up to date with the blog. Thinking of you and all your comrades today. Take care.

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  6. So wonderful to see all the updates and seeing Jason up and OUT and about... Going to art exhibits & out to lunch. WOW!!! I got to go out to lunch with Linda the other day. It was so great to catch up with her and hear more about you - Jason. I look forward to meeting you. Prayers continue for all of y'all for healing and strength. Thank you Jason for you and your comrades who've given so much and continue to fight today!!

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January 2017

January 2017
Jason gets a visit from Gen. Jon Monett

January 2017

January 2017
With Gary at the GSF Office

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