September 17, 2011 - Ten Years!
Today is Jason's 10 year anniversary with the Marines. He was supposed to join on that infamous day - 9/11/01, but the Twin Towers were hit, and the rest is history. It caused a delay that turned into six days, and even with what has happened, I don't believe he has any regrets for joining the Marines. He has had a couple of conversations with the current Commandant, and even other generals in the Marines, and they all say the same thing, "If you choose to stay in the Marines there will be a place for you." That makes Jason feel pretty good.
He didn't have a trip to the PACU today, and there were no particular problems with anything, other than an interesting turn with the food service. He called in his lunch and had a simple order of grilled ham and cheese, french fries, a cup of soup, a brownie, and a coke. Well, the order that was delivered first was a brownie, a protein shake, and a coke. Then the delivery guy came in and asked if he had gotten his lunch yet, and Jason told him what had happened (I guess a different delivery person brought the first one in). The 2nd delivery guy said he would go get his lunch and bring it right back. He then came back with two trays for Jason, that effectively doubled what Jason ordered. He had two of everything, plus what he had gotten the first time. I sure to hope they get these kinks worked out soon, as I am sure it is frustrating to the workers almost as much as it is to the patients.
This evening Jason and I went out with a group to a crab feed. We only decided to go to this, this afternoon, and the doctors were all in favor of him going. I was given some extra medication (pill form) to help with the pain, and we thought we were all set. Because the weather has started to turn to Fall, Jason even work a light jacket. We worked with the medical staff, and we were able to get out of the room, and down to the transportation right on time, we thought, "hey this is great!"
The first challenge was the ride over - The driver of the shuttle didn't slow down when he came to bumps and out here there are several in the road. They tend to have a negative impact on Jason and his comfort. We thought Jason would be alright though and we went in to have crab, and whatever else they had. Jason lasted for a little more than an hour and even with the medication he said he had to get back so we left a little early. Then that driver does the exact opposite and drives so slow that they bumps aren't too bad, but he doesn't ever speed up, even with the road surface being smooth. By the time we finally got back to the hospital Jason was ready to get in his bed and asked the nurse for an extra hit of his pain meds... It all turned out alright, and the food was good, we just need to make sure we do a better joj coordinating with the drivers.
Thank you, for all your continued support and prayers. Jason will be going back in to the PACU tomorrow, and we are hoping that the results will be positive.
He didn't have a trip to the PACU today, and there were no particular problems with anything, other than an interesting turn with the food service. He called in his lunch and had a simple order of grilled ham and cheese, french fries, a cup of soup, a brownie, and a coke. Well, the order that was delivered first was a brownie, a protein shake, and a coke. Then the delivery guy came in and asked if he had gotten his lunch yet, and Jason told him what had happened (I guess a different delivery person brought the first one in). The 2nd delivery guy said he would go get his lunch and bring it right back. He then came back with two trays for Jason, that effectively doubled what Jason ordered. He had two of everything, plus what he had gotten the first time. I sure to hope they get these kinks worked out soon, as I am sure it is frustrating to the workers almost as much as it is to the patients.
This evening Jason and I went out with a group to a crab feed. We only decided to go to this, this afternoon, and the doctors were all in favor of him going. I was given some extra medication (pill form) to help with the pain, and we thought we were all set. Because the weather has started to turn to Fall, Jason even work a light jacket. We worked with the medical staff, and we were able to get out of the room, and down to the transportation right on time, we thought, "hey this is great!"
The first challenge was the ride over - The driver of the shuttle didn't slow down when he came to bumps and out here there are several in the road. They tend to have a negative impact on Jason and his comfort. We thought Jason would be alright though and we went in to have crab, and whatever else they had. Jason lasted for a little more than an hour and even with the medication he said he had to get back so we left a little early. Then that driver does the exact opposite and drives so slow that they bumps aren't too bad, but he doesn't ever speed up, even with the road surface being smooth. By the time we finally got back to the hospital Jason was ready to get in his bed and asked the nurse for an extra hit of his pain meds... It all turned out alright, and the food was good, we just need to make sure we do a better joj coordinating with the drivers.
Thank you, for all your continued support and prayers. Jason will be going back in to the PACU tomorrow, and we are hoping that the results will be positive.
Sounds like great team work for you both to get out the crab feast today. Maryland crabs are delish but a lot of work picking them, bet you both still came back hungry, they are not very filling. But being in MD all of this time I like that you got to taste them, yum!
ReplyDeleteLinda - hope all is well with you! Thinking of you today :-)
Prayers for you tonight Jason and your brothers at Bethesda. Love your spirit, it's inspiring and you have so much to offer the others, don't ever doubt it.
Katie
Marine Mom
Jason,
ReplyDeleteI remember taking you to kindergarten on the first day of school. We walked to your classroom and you said, “Mommy, you can leave now, I am a big boy”, I sighed and said “OK”. I hugged you and said "I love you and that I'll be back soon to get you" and you said "OK, I love you too". I hated to leave you there but I knew you had to go. I thought about you the whole time you were gone, just wondering what you were doing. When I came to get you, you were so excited about your day. I swear you didn't stop talking until we got back home.
Ten years ago you left to join the Marines, you said, “Mom, I have to leave now”, I sighed and said “OK”. I hugged you and said “I love you and I’ll see you soon” and you said “OK, I love you too”, I hated to see you go, but I knew you had to go. You wanted to do your part by serving our country. As your mom I always worried if you had enough to eat, if you were cold, or hurt.
I'm honored to be your mom; I have watched a beautiful baby boy grow into a courageous handsome man. You’re the one who has been injured, endured pain, keeps a positive attitude, and you tell me, “It’s going to be OK”.
I know that you will go far in this life, you deserve the best this world can give you and I know that you will get it. I'll be with you no matter where you go and that I'll be there anytime and anywhere you may need me.
I Love You,
Mom
P.S. Give Dad a hug for me.
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to congratulate you on your 10 years with the Marine Corps. Congratulations!
It is good to hear that you are getting out and enjoying some different food. LOL!
I read your blog every day and hear in your dads words how proud he is of you. I just read your moms comment and had to wipe the tears away. I remember when my son left to join the Marines. You can't be prouder.
Keep up the good work. You are a very brave and courageous young man Jason.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eileen Bitting
Marine Mom
Danville, CA