Staff Sgt Jason Ross - Marine

Today was one of those days where things just didn't go quite like you would hope they would go. We had plans to follow the appointments and take care of a couple of other things - like go get some milk and bread, but the day had other ideas. It started with a formation for Jason that turned into an unannounced drug screening. It struck me a little odd that they would want to test even the guys like Jason, who are on heavy narcotics, but apparently what they screen for would still be found. It would be another of the illegal substances out there that the government/military want to keep away from the guys. The problem with the screening though was that it through our schedule way off. Jason was late for his first appointment, and fortunately there was no PT/OT scheduled for today. The rest of the day was simply going to the other appointments, trying to play catch up. That's the way it was until almost 14:00 (2pm) when we finally got back to the suite. You really can't be...

Good day today, but maybe that was because Jason really didn't have any scheduled appointments. We were able to get a few things accomplished that we've wanted to get done. We went up to 4E to pick up a couple of simply things needed (easier than trying to go through having them ordered - especially when only one or two things are needed). Then we went over to the inpatient PT room, and stopped by to see some of the folks that had worked with Jason in the past. It has been awhile since they had seen each other so it was kind of nice, almost a reunion of sorts. After that we headed on down so that Jason could get his hair cut. I guess since I got mine cut he wanted to get his cut too...;-) okay, maybe not, he just needed a hair cut. On our way over to building 62 we happened on Sherri Beck (President of Wounded EOD Warriors) and so we stopped and visited for a few minutes. She was actually on her way over to 62 as well, so eventually we all walked over to the building together...

Jason has finally gotten more into his normal schedule and appointment flow. We started with his PT and OT appointments and they went well, followed by wound care. Everything there was looking good and progressing nicely. Finally we went over to the general medicine area where they removed his pick-line. The funny thing is that we thought the pick-line was going to be the simplest step, and then found it was the one that took the longest. Jason was glad to get it over with, and now we can move forward. After his appointment we went and finally got the care signed over to me, so now its all legal and one less thing to worry about. I'm guessing the rest of the week is going to be smooth and we'll simply run through the appointments, and as I gets a chance I'll be speaking with the doctors about anything else we can expect. We had stroganoff and broccoli for dinner and it turned out pretty good, considering when I started I found out that we had no seasonings in the house....

Jason and I had a relaxing day at "home" today. We really didn't go anywhere until later this evening, when we went to go see the Hobbit. Jason slept a good portion of the day, and I'm guessing that was related to all the activity from this past week, and he simply needed a good rest. I spent the day taking care of little odds and ends around the place and kicking back and relaxing a bit, too. His wounds are looking like they are trying to heal up a bit more, and that's a good thing. Doing the dressing changes has really gotten down to a pretty quick activity now, and only takes a few minutes to get everything done. Tomorrow he has a couple of appointments, and I have one more errand to take care of, with regard to the van (need to get my name and signature on the contract). The RideAway people have been very good about giving me the extra time needed. Other than those couple of things, we'll just be staying home. Tomorrow I'll be making stroganoff, over...

Jason and I had a nice day today, though it was still pretty busy. We went shopping to replace a bunch of the stuff that seemed to have disappeared, and we're still in need of a vacuum cleaner, but otherwise we're doing okay. I was hoping that the building would have vacuums for the rooms, but apparently they don't. We don't want to get a big one, just something that will get us through the next several (few?) weeks, then we can donate it to someone else who needs one. I did four loads of wash, and helped Jason make his bed. It was kind of fun, in helping him rather than doing it myself. Just as we got to the last corner (he was putting it on) he looked at me and said, "we put it on inside out." I looked at it for a minute and said, "Oh well..." and we went on our happy little way. The rest of the time was spent just cleaning around the apartment. The only thing left is the floor, so I hope we can get that done tomorrow. We might head out to the ...

Okay, I didn't notice yesterday, but it was my 550th post on the blog... wow, I had no idea that I would be putting out so much information about Jason's recovery. Today is another day where he made some progress, and we hit a milestone, along this journey. We also got some new snow, and it turned into quite a cold day. I've asked Linda to send me my boots (along with a few other items), since I didn't come with anything more than tennis shoes. They're okay when the weather is warmer, but right now they just barely provide much protection. My guess is the boots should get here in about a week or so. Our first appointment today was with the group that talks about driving. Where Jason will be allowed to drive his own vehicle, and be able to get around. Now it is still a little premature to be considering just what it is that Jason is going to be wanting in a vehicle, but it sure was exciting to think about him with that much independence again. There was another Mar...

Jason had a great workout at the MATC today, with his new PT Mike working him pretty hard. I think it did a great deal to helping Jason feel better, since it did cause him to work up a good sweat. On the other hand it caused me a little concern since we had a good snow last night and I didn't want him to go out in the cold being all sweaty. After the PT workout he had a couple other appointments, in the hospital, so we didn't have to go back outside and he was pretty dry when he was done, so it all worked out. Yes, I did say it snowed last night. It really wasn't much snow, only about an inch or so, on the ground, and it did look pretty when I first looked outside. It probably could have been fun to go play in, if it hadn't been so darn cold. It was down around 18 degrees F, with a slight breeze, so that made it that much colder. The girls are headed back to California, tomorrow morning, with Bridgette, and Jason is going to be missing them very much. I've done ...