Continued Healing (Update for March 14, 2016)

Sam, a year or so ago.

Sam's recovery continues. Sam had his surgery two weeks ago today, and he has felt well enough to go out occasionally, specifically when his grandparents and sister were there to visit. He tires more easily (of course), has headaches, dizziness, and other residual effects of this injury, but we are grateful for every day of healing.

His healing was helped thanks to his grandparents and sister being there. Everyone left Sam and Bridget on Tuesday, March 8, and they now have time alone again to rest and relax. Here is an up-to-date account of how Sam's been feeling the last few weeks.

Monday, Feb. 29 — Successful surgery (cranioplasty)
Tuesday, March 1 — Doing so well, he was released from the hospital into Bridget's care at home. The nurse gave Bridget and I "bandaging" lessons as Sam has to have his bandages changed every other day until the staples come out. Josh Billups from the Niner Club in Portland brought Sam a gift from the Club (I will have another blog on this later, some good news out of a tragedy).
Wednesday, March 2 — Rough day. Sam didn't feel well.
Thursday, March 3 — Sam was feeling much better. Sam, Bridget and I watched movies and relaxed.
Friday, March 4 — Grandparents arrived, and we were all happy! We walked up a few blocks from their apartment to have dinner out; it was good for Sam to get out and walk. He felt well enough, and was in a great mood.

Grandparents, Bridget, Sam and Molly.

Saturday, March 5 — Molly arrived! A big thanks to my new friend, Jennifer, for giving her a ride to Sam's apartment. She even brought food and snacks. Sam and Molly were so happy to see each other, it made me cry. My dad, stepmom, Bridget and I went shopping for a dining room table and bookshelf for their apartment so Sam and Molly hung out by themselves for awhile. They are very close, so it was good for them. We put the bookshelf together when we returned. Everybody was feeling good, Sam was doing great, so we all went to dinner.

Sam and Molly. 

Sunday, March 6 — Sam had a really busy day; the busiest day since his injury. We went out to breakfast, then took a ride to the beautiful Multhomah Falls (30 minutes outside of Portland) to take a short walk, then back to their apartment (where, with my dad directing, Bridget and I put together their new dining table and chairs). Then, out to dinner later. It was a really busy day, and Sam was very tired and had a headache. However, he was still in a great mood laughing and joking with his sister, and talking about their favorite Netflix and Amazon Prime "binge" shows. Sam, who's always been surrounded by women, has been sucked into watching American's Top Model with Bridget and Molly. Ask him anything about it.
Monday, March 7 — Sam, Molly and Bridget spent the day together. In the evening, we all went out to an early dinner and then back to Sam and Bridget's apartment. Molly spent the night with them while me and my dad and stepmom returned to our respective "hotels." It was the last evening I saw my children before I left early Tuesday morning to return to Little Rock. I cried over both of them, and Sam gave me a gift of words that I will treasure forever.
Tuesday, March 8 — Travel day for everyone. Worst scariest flight ever from Las Vegas into Little Rock through thunderstorms. I was glad to make it home and see Dan.
Wednesday, March 9 through Monday, March 14 — Sam rested and read some. He has numerous doctors' appointments coming up, including removal of the staples, and he is anxious to put those behind him.

Sam is getting better every day, but it is a process. Although he can get out and about, he tires easily. He has headaches and blurred vision. He is dizzy and is still limping occasionally. He also has unusual, vivid dreams at night. He has to be careful with his head, as anyone would be, until the staples come out this week. Having said all of that, I am thankful for continued prayers and healing. Prayers work.

One side note: I stayed in an AirBNB for the first time ever while I was in Portland. I picked it because it was less expensive than a hotel and close to where Sam and Bridget live. I discovered two things about myself, thanks to the AirBNB experience: 1) I am more high maintenance than I realized and 2) NetFlix is a great substitute for Cable TV.

Pros:

1. Quietest place ever (literally, no noise in the entire neighborhood after 8 p.m. ... not a siren, dog barking, children crying, NOTHING).
2. Clean.
3. Less expensive than a hotel.
4. Within walking distance of quaint shops and local restaurants.
5. Earth friendly. Renters are required to recycle, compost, and use specific detergents and soaps. 

Cons: 

1. No counter space in the bathroom for someone who wears makeup, uses a straightener or blow dryer, brushes their teeth, whatever. 
2. Older home, with few updates. Houses are within 6 feet of each other. I waved hello each morning to the people in the kitchen next door, or tried to hide from them, depending on how my hair was looking.
3. No TV, and I really like TV.
4. No AC, and I really like AC. 
5. Not one comfy place to sit. Not one. I don't like wooden chairs and futons for lounging.
6. There was a pre-school downstairs in the dungeon-like basement. It is a little scary/weird to have children singing through the vents to wake you up each morning. 
7. Earth friendly. Renters are required to recycle, compost, and use specific detergents and soaps. 

Thank you Mark.

I won't be blogging every day, but I will as there is news or information to report related to Sam's healing and recovery. Just know that your prayers and support are working, and I am grateful to you every day. And, a big thank you to my dear friend Mark for sending Sam (and me) a gift while I was in Portland. 

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