Friday, February 19, 2016

Rest and Recovery (Update for February 19, 2016)

Sam is doing what he needs to be doing prior to his next surgery: resting, recovering and reading. He is spending his days with his "Sam Sitters," (Josie, in particular) Weezy and Bridget. He is happy, and his attitude is very good. He's been sending me funny and sweet texts. He seems a lot like himself. His recliner is doing its job.
Sam comfortable at home. 

The weather has been pretty dismal in Portland, but that's OK, as Sam gets time to rest and watch some TV. He and Bridget like The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. ANYWAY, today Sam was going to wash his head/hair again. It's a delicate job because of his injury. After that, he and Bridget were planning on taking a stroll around the block. It does him good.

I feel happier, and am finding joy in normal day-to-day things. I'm thankful for Dan, he makes every day better. I am anxious to see Sam, and am still worried every second of every day. But, I know he's getting better and stronger; I know his surgery is just around the corner; and I know I will see him soon (and Molly!). I'm heading to Portland on February 27. During my time there, I will blog regularly to keep everyone up to date on his second surgery and recovery.

My friends, family and those who have come to know Sam through this blog continue to check in on him almost daily.  Media reps still wants to talk to Sam (but that's not in his plans). He needs to focus on healing and resting, and I don't want him to be distracted or worried about anything else. Thanks to GoFundMe and the generosity of many, resting is a reality for him. It's an amazing gift.

Mark Twain playing cards. Thank you Jillian.
When Sam was younger, he loved to read books by Mark Twain. And many of his friends called him Clemens in homage. Jillian, a lifelong friend, classmate and neighbor of Sam's, remembered and sent Sam a special deck of cards. He has always made an impression on others with his love and knowledge of literature, and Jillian gave him a very special gift as a reminder of his impact.

Thank you for reading this blog, and for thinking of my sweet son.

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10 comments:

  1. DianeFebruary 19, 2016 at 8:17 PM

    Kelly, I am so impressed and joyous about Sam's recovery! Every day, we are praying for a complete return to life as Sam and Bridget knew it. You are an amazing Momma!

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    Hi Kelly..I have sent some msgs on return email...hopefully yiu got them. We continue to pray for your whole family..praying for a miracle!!...you really are an amazing family! Strong & full of grace...such an example of how a family comes together in a time of crisis & does whatever takes to "get the job done"...what a team...God bless you all & give you strength for the journey! Jacquie

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    1. KellyFebruary 20, 2016 at 5:02 AM

      Thank you so much. I appreciate your sweet words. Sometimes I get messages through GoFndMe that I can't respond to ... For some reason ... But I read every message.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2016 at 10:39 PM

    Hi, Kelly, I have been following your blog since reading about Sam and donating to Go fund me. I'm so sorry that you all have to go through this; I know how hard it is when one of your children has such an accident and has such serious surgery; I've been through it a few times with my two boys and it is so hard when it is your child. It is such a deep hurt and along with the worry, it seems sometimes that you can't handle any more. I'm so glad to see that Sam is coming along so well and seems to be so positive about it. I pray each night for him and I know that God is looking down on him.
    I live in California but I want you to tell Sam for me to "Go Packers"!! I have a Brother that lives in Green Bay less than a mile from the Stadium which is gorgeous! I make a trip out there to visit my Brother every summer to get a break from being a full time care giver for my husband and my Daughter comes over here to take wonderful care of her Dad for me.
    Well, this is getting sort of long so I'll cut it off here. My thoughts are with you and be sure to take care of yourself, too, ok? Treasure the time you do spend with Sam and let him know he has a lot of people praying for him as his surgery is coming. I look forward to hearing about him; I feel like I know him through your blog. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all! Donna

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    1. KellyFebruary 20, 2016 at 5:04 AM

      Thank you Donna. I'll share your message with him, and hopefully, he'll read them all himself soon. I'm glad you are getting to know Sam ... You would love him!

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  4. LaurieFebruary 20, 2016 at 4:54 AM

    Kelly, Thank you for the updates. Through your blog, I have continued to follow Sam's journey & he, along with all of you involved, are in my thoughts & prayers. It is encouraging to see him healing & getting stronger. You are all very strong & my prayer for you is that one day you will all be able to to look back on this as a trying time which you made it through like champs. Laurie

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    1. KellyFebruary 20, 2016 at 5:05 AM

      That's my prayer! Looking back and knowing we made it through stronger and better. Thank you Laurie for sharing this journey with us.

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  5. UnknownFebruary 20, 2016 at 11:48 PM

    Kelly....
    I'm from LR, & have kept up w/ your son's progress through YOUR words! I'm a mother of 3---2 sons & 1 daughter. As a nurse & mother, I've appreciated so many of your thoughts and comments. I hope someday that my sons (& daughter) are blessed to find someone like Bridget--b/c as a mother, I know our place in our childrens' lives will never be fully replaced-- but what a blessing to know that there's a woman there for your son, who obviously loves him, who you can count on to be there for him. This was such a senseless crime...I only hope that those responsible are held fully accountable. Thank God your son survived! It's difficult anytime-- but especially for a young, innocent person who is working hard to establish their life, to take an unplanned "time out", such as this. At least the generosity of so many can help restore in our minds that there is still good in this world...and hopefully the gesture of so many can help your son not only physically get through this-- but emotionally live with knowing that good will prevail. His whole experience will surely affect his writing ability to touch his readers more deeply. I'll be anxious to read about your visit, his progress with surgery and further recovery. If and when he returns to LR, and should need any help with healthcare coordination, having practiced w/ my husband (who is an Orthopaedic surgeon), for 25 years, as well as worked as a medical case manager, I would be happy to assist in any way! Have a safe trip, & know that many prayers are being said--& even being answered! ----JodiRN333@gmail.com

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    1. KellyFebruary 21, 2016 at 9:09 AM

      Jodi, you sound like a wonderful mom, and you're so sweet to reach out to me. I'm hoping, at some point, he will return to LR to visit for a month or so, touch base with friends, and heal here. We will see how he feels. Sam, when younger and in Little Rock, broke his arm TWICE and have to have orthopedic surgery. This has been a tough road for my family, but as Sam recovers, we all do. I love your words describing an unplanned "time out" ... it makes sense. Thank you for your prayers and words, it brings me comfort. Kelly

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