October 27, 2011 - White House Visit - Being a tourist

Today started at Oh-dark-thirty this morning, as we needed to get up and get ready so we could go on the White House tour that Congressman Walter Jones, North Carolina, put together for Jason. It was pretty much the same tour that every citizen can get, if they ask a member of Congress to put it together for them. The big difference for us was that we had the Marines help us with transportation, and once we arrived it seemed like every other Secret Service officer was a former Marine, and therefore they were not only willing to help, they were truly interested in speaking with Jason about his injuries. We arrived at the entrance and even though there was a long line of people, we were taken to the front, and actually the first visitors in today. We took our time and though Jason enjoyed the tour, I think Bridgette had the best time. She is a major Jackie Kennedy fan, and there was all kinds of stuff relating to her. At one point the guests are directed to climb a sizable set of stairs. Obviously Jason is not able to do this, so he and I got a little side tour of the kitchen, and a few other rooms of the White House. It was quite nice being treated as we were, and when we were through we went to have breakfast.

The tour began at 07:30 this morning, so none of us had anything to eat. When we walked out of the White House I asked one of the Secret Service officers if there was any place near enough to walk to, to get breakfast. He directed us to Old Ebbits Grill. It was a great place, to the point of fine dinning. We got to the front door and there was no way that Jason's chair was going to be able to get in through the revolving door. The manager, a former Marine (Viet Nam era), asked us to meet him around the side, so that he could get us in and take care of us himself. He not only took care of us, our breakfasts were comped. The food was quite good too, so it was even better.

Well, by the time we got back to the hospital, we were all feeling a bit worn out. Bridgette and I got Jason back up to his bed and got him comfortable. Once we were sure Jason was set and the nursing staff was looking after him, we both wanted to go take a nap too. I guess I had it better than Bridgette this time as she also had to go pick up the girls from the day care center before she was going to be able to rest. I woke up about an hour later - I don't need to take long naps - and went back over to see Jason. Besides, I wanted to get over to see Jason, as Gunny Rick was come to visit with Jason this afternoon.

The White House tour and being out kind of took a small toll on Jason, as he was tired this evening. Gunny Rick's visit was very much appreciated - for those that don't know, Gunny Rick (Brad) was the team lead when Jason was injured. Brad drove up to Bethesda, from Camp Lejeune, and then turning around and driving back down. I think the visit did wonders for both of them, and they will both be life long friends as a result of all of this.

I went over to help Bridgette with the girls, since she had to go do a little shopping, and her mom went back home today. As a result I said good night to Jason a little earlier than usual. He was nearly asleep when I left anyway, so everything worked out. It was fun playing with the girls, and I got to see Jackie stand by herself. This is really cool because Stacy's first steps were to me too! I guess I'm just lucky that way. I honestly think Jackie wanted to start walking, but didn't know what to do, so she just moved her one foot and then sat down. It wasn't a step, just a little slide, as she sat. I was pretty happy though! I told Bridgette all about it when she came back. I left a few minutes after she returned and came to take care of the blog, and probably go to bed early.

Jason will have the procedure done tomorrow, though I don't know for sure what time. I'm not even sure that he will be going to the PACU tomorrow. What I do know is that it goes a great deal faster now, only a couple hours. If he does go to the PACU tomorrow, it will be his last time.

Thank you, all for all your continued support and prayers. Jason had a wonderful day today, and over the next few days we will be packing our stuff up so that we can get on our way to San Diego. Please, I hope that no one sends any more mail our way, though if you do I am putting in a forwarding request. Once I have things set up in Balboa I will be sure to publish the new address.