Surgery Scheduled! (Update for February 13, 2016)

No more wondering, but a little bit of waiting. Sam's cranioplasty has been scheduled for Monday, February 29. There has to be some irony (and joy) there somewhere in the fact we only have to really acknowledge that date once every four years. I will be returning to Portland for 10 days during that time. Bridget and Sam both feel like the next few weeks will be excruciating, all the waiting. They anticipate Sam will be in the hospital two days (down from the previous four-day estimate). Molly will join me in Portland after his surgery, as that is Sam's preference. And, my dad and stepmom will be joining us for a few days, too. I'm so glad he will be surrounded by family and love.

Sam is reading more and more every day, working to improve his comprehension. Bridget took him by his favorite store, Powell's Books, and bought him some magazines and a card game. Then, yesterday, he spent time reading every single message on his GoFundMe page. Every single message. He loved seeing the messages from high school classmates (and Bridget liked seeing the ones from hers, too). He read the messages from family and friends, including many new friends from the Packer nation. He was shocked by all the donations and kind words from people he doesn't know. He asked Bridget, "How could so many people care about me?" Previously, his understanding of the kindness of strangers was limited, and now it is overwhelming. Like his mom, Sam is grateful.

Loving his new recliner. 

And, in other news, the recliner is in the house. And, Sam is loving it. It was a gift from my mom and stepdad. Bridget is being very frugal with the GoFundMe money, paying rent and living expenses, and buying a few things to make Sam's life more comfortable. She knows the money is a cherished gift, and she honors the trust of many by spending the money as required ... to keep them self sufficient as Sam heals. So additional items they need (like the recliner), and costs (travel, etc.), are being covered by family. Sam didn't want me to have a picture for the blog, and that's a good sign. Sam has never liked to have his picture taken, or to be the center of attention. However, Bridget gave me one anyway. He looks so good. He's smiling.

Thank you Wendy. 

Bridget was having trouble getting Sam to wash his head, and that is totally my fault. When he had the staples in, and his head was swollen, bruised and tender ... and me knowing that part of his skull was missing ... I didn't want anyone to touch his head, no water on it, nothing. Sam heard me, and has kept that fire burning even though I am gone. Bridget had to resort to having the neurosurgeon telling Sam it was OK to wash his head/hair. Sorry Bridget.

Sam continues to improve every day, and focus on his reading comprehension. He goes back to therapy on Monday, and I will blog again on Monday evening ... let everyone know how it goes. I anticipate a good day for Sam.

My sweet friend Wendy bought me a Valentine's gift for my office. I love it.

Thank you for reading this blog, and thinking about my precious son.