Day 19: A Change of Pace

Hello Everyone,

This is Ashley. The crew has changed hands again. Mickey said his heartfelt good-byes for this week and started his long drive back to Texas. (Please be safe Mickey)

My mom (Jolyn) and I took shifts last night watching Scott. He did really well and listened to reason. Today was a nice change of pace. We didn't have any PT or surgeries scheduled and the nurses didn't have a lot to do for Scott so we were able to have a very relaxing morning.

This weekend was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' Conference. For two days we are able to watch the church leaders speak to all the church members world wide. We were fortunate to keep the internet up to stream the feed into Scott's room for this mornings session.
Scott slept peacefully for most of the morning.

Around noon Patti flew back to Arizona and I was able to go pick her up. Scott was happy to see her and she was overjoyed to be back at his side. Around this time we were given the go ahead to start soft foods again. Patti was able to help Scott with some "red yogurt" he had been asking for all morning. (We took red as meaning strawberry) Later he also had some vanilla pudding as well as more yogurt and lots of water.

Scott is also to the point where he can rate his pain on a scale from 1-10. I love not having to guess if he is in pain or not. It is so nice that he can finally vocalize his needs.

Because he is doing so well about telling us what he wants or needs we were fortunate enough to take off the condom catheter. He would quickly tell us if he needed to use the bathroom and he has now been using the portable urinal. I love that he is gaining more of his independence back.

Another thing to chalk off the list... he finally had the staples removed from his right arm. So we are now staple free!! Yahoo we like this a lot :) Patti did some soft massage on the incision site and said that everything felt great. She now has put her PT cap on and is working that arm a little more and keep her eye on the AC separation. 

We are still eagerly awaiting news about downsizing his trach or even getting rid of it all together. We know that he will sleep much better without having to fight with the trach collar each night. He is still quite insistent that it belongs on his mouth. We don't want to rush the process but it will be exciting the day it does come out. (And not by Scott pulling it out!!)

Scott had the opportunity to skype with his step-brother Nate and his wife April today. Scott sent a special birthday greeting to April by telling her that he wanted to make her a 1 inch birthday cake. We all had a good laugh about it. Happy Birthday April!!

As for this evening I have finally decided that tonight is the night I will go home for the first time since the accident and actually sleep in my bed. It is a comfort to know that my mom is here in the house with me and I don't have to be alone. I have truly loved the family support that has been shared and I know that it is still a very difficult thing for those who haven't been to see Scott yet. Just know that we do love you and he feels of your love and prayers you send to him.

Today as Scott and I talked about how much progress he has made I mentioned to him how many people have been praying for his recovery. I told him that his Heavenly Father must be helping him through this. His reply was "I know he is." What a joy that was to hear him say. We are aware of the miracle that is taking place thanks to the faith of so many.

Again we love you all and are thankful for all you are doing and continue to do!!

Love,

Ashley