November 14, 2011

Today was another positive day for Jason, even if the folks down in the galley can't get is meals right. Jason was feeling pretty good and we got up and out of the room right after breakfast. By 09:15 we were headed over to the C5 gym where Lynn (Occupational Therapist) began working with Jason on his hands and arms. Michelle, Jason's Physical Therapist, came in at about 10:00 and wanted to work with Jason on his transferring skills. While he was in the gym, working with Lynn, I got some pictures, and then when he was working with Michelle there were more pictures taken. The cool thing was that the transferring skills were specifically targeted at making it possible for Jason to go from his chair to my rental car, and then back again.

The first thing that was needed was for me to bring my car up to the front of the hospital, and then Jason was brought down to the car. We soon discovered that the car I have does not accommodate wheelchair transfers very well. I am going to need to go back to the Marines and see if I can get a different vehicle, a van maybe, and then have Jason do the transfer moves. We need to be able to do this, so that when we finally get moved to out-patient status, I will be able to shuttle him to and from the hospital on a daily basis, and there is a vehicle big enough to do it. I'll know tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow. Jason is going to be able to see his "new" home tomorrow. We are all headed over there tomorrow afternoon, and then we'll have lunch. This home will be where he and Bridgette, and the girls live while he is an out-patient, and is being provided by the Marines. We're also going to see about getting Jason over to the store that is ordering him his special bed. This should prove to be another busy day, as they are all starting to turn in to.

One of the big things for today was the dressing change. He is looking better, again, and Jason could be ready to move in to his new house as early as next month - early next month. Obviously there are a couple of things that need to be in place, as well as having all his wounds finally closed up. We are working with the medical staff to get a better handle on the pain management, and that is moving along very well; we are working with the PT folks, as mentioned above, and that is working well; the house looks like it has been selected, as long it is what Jason wants; and, finally, once the house has been selected we need to be sure there is adequate furniture so we can move in. If all those things line up then we will be ready.

There was only one visitor today, State Assemblywoman Toni Atkins came by, with a couple of her team. She was very pleasant, and was there in a non-official capacity. She wasn't looking for a photo opportunity, or campaigning or anything. She was simply here as a private citizen, wanting to stop in and see the Wounded Warriors. We did get some pictures though, and we had her sign the Red Book. Jason made it a point to show her the President's signature and she commented that she has not been able to get an opportunity to meet him yet. Jason told her that that was his second time meeting the president.

There were a couple of other minor medical issues taken care of, and other than that the day was just a good day. Thank you, for all your continued prayers and support.