Welcome back to waking up in the sunlight and driving home in the dark. It's November- and I'm counting down the days until Spring! It's April updating today. Thought I would share some of the details from our visit with Jerry yesterday.
Jerry is currently maintaining a rate of 8 breaths per minute on the ventilator. He is averaging several breaths a minute on his own. However, as his nerves are regrowing, his muscles waking up, and his lungs realizing they have to help, there is some discomfort involved. He feels like he is smothering. Understandable and we were forewarned about this. I told him it was a mind game and he had to play. He laughed and told me he wasn't good at mind games. Jerry is a fighter, refusing to give up. At times he tends to be a little down in the dumps, but he is the strongest man I have ever seen in so many different ways. In my opinion I think Jerry looked great. Every time I visit I see more movement, more color, and more life back in Jerry. His lips are much easier to read and trust me, he has a lot to say! Since he has been turned down on the ventilator, there is some discussion of putting the valve on his trach so we can hear him talk. Watch for that update! Of course, he spoke one time and Anna Leigh was what he said. It's obvious that he adores our daughter more than anything. Anna Leigh is getting lots of practice in case she wants to be a physical, speech, occupational, or cognitive therapist! Anna Leigh makes him work and he loves it! Anna Leigh also wore her Halloween costume last week and did a "reverse trick-or-treat". She said trick or treat and passed out candy to the nurses. Our "Juliet" had a great time thanking Papa's nurses.
Mary Sue is holding up OK. My incredible Mom and daughter took her out last week to get her hair done. It looks wonderful. Little things like that help boost her spirits. During our visit, we tried a local Italian restaurant (better than hospital food!) and went to WalMart. It is hard for her to leave Jerry, but she did leave him long enough to relax for an hour or so.
Please continue to send cards for Jerry. Anna Leigh reads them to him and he just lights up! We have started decorating his room with them. Keep them coming please! We are so grateful for the prayers, phone calls, and donations you have sent. Jerry is an incredibly lucky person to have people who love him so very much.
TEAM JERRY ALL THE WAY!
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