LIVESTRONG Michael
Michael has overcome the incredible odds against his survival and continues to amaze everyone with his determination and strength to win. We have personally witnessed miraculous and incredible activity during these last 33 days. From the weeks right after the accident when Michael was still fighting for his life, to overcoming the odds and becoming awake and aware. The day he moved a finger or the first twinge of his mouth to smile, wiggling his toes and the day Nate made him laugh out loud. Michael seems to demonstrate new improvements and behavior each passing day.
Yesterday we were able to watch Michael during his physical therapy session. We watched as he sat on the raised mat in the gym, supporting his weight with arms positioned behind him. One of the therapists asked Michael if he could support himself in the chair and he whispered “maybe, I think so”. At dinner last night, I was honored to see him reach for his drink, grasp it with his left hand and move it to mid-range to show he could do it himself. A piece of the fish he ate got caught between his teeth and he took his finger to try to get it out. Nathan and Sylvette brought in a Yacht magazine and as Nate stood by his side, we watched as Michael reached to hold the left side of the magazine and then took his right hand to try to turn the pages. I am humbled and give thanks to God.
No one can predict the future of Michael’s outcome or just how far he can go with his recovery, but his strength and determination thus far, give us every indication that he will achieve the most optimal recovery and the highest quality of life possible. He will fight to make it so.
Michael’s therapists at Mt. Vernon estimate that he will need at least six weeks of inpatient rehabilitation therapy with outpatient rehab to follow. Requiring a weekly report, the insurance company will only approve 7 days at a time. His case manager will give us a family update every Wednesday to let us know his progress and if the insurance company has granted him another week. The reality of our health care system is that Michael’s continued rehabilitation will be out of pocket at some point. We are commited to do everything humanly possible to ensure and provide Michael every opportunity to continue this journey back to life. Together, we will make it happen.
If it has been a while since you’ve seen Michael and you get a chance to visit him at Mt. Vernon, it will bring tears to your eyes. He charms the nurses with his smile and his strong will inspires even the physical therapists. He will raise him arm and hand to scratch his nose and try to reach his very itchy healing head. He will greet you with that recognizable smile but you may see frustration in his eyes as he tries to speak. The speech therapist explained that Mike has the thought process and the words to speak but is struggling with the ability to initiate. Give him time, he does not give up.
LIVESTRONG Michael.