One of the most life affirming moments is when we give thanks. We have so much to be thankful for but this morning I am struggling. Michael had a wonderful first full day at Mt. Vernon yesterday, but as we prepare to leave for the hospital my heart is heavy. Needing to adjust my frame of mind, I read. I read your inspiring words of love and hope on the blog which give me more strength than you’ll ever know. I am eternally grateful.
Michael and I have had many conversations about life, it’s creation, it’s creator and it’s origin. It’s a topic he loves to debate, so I’m sure many of you have had similar conversations in the wee hours of the morning with him. Probably the most recent theory related conversation was the Tao. So, I read a little from the teachings of Tao and found my son in these…
“The journey is the reward”
” The softest thing can overcome the hardest, formless, it can enter where there are no gaps or space.”
“Those who know do not speak, those who speak do not know”
“Even a 1,000 mile journey starts with a single step”.
Ok, Michael. Let’s see where the journey takes us today.
Mike is on the 5th floor, Unit 5A, Room 507 at INOVA Mt. Vernon Hospital 2501 Parkers Lane Alexandria, VA 22306. Hospital visiting hours are 11am to 9pm. Because of Michael’s intense rehabilitation schedule, Mike’s team has requested general visitation M-Sa after 5pm. Sunday, regular visitation between the hours of 11am to 9pm, no more than 15 -20 minutes and gving at least 15 minutes between visitors.
I am so sorry for freaking out on you Sunday. Of all your incidents this is the one that only you have the control over in fixing. It did not help me that the radio was playing Momma, take this badge off of me, and Fire and Rain. I had to get away from the lunacy and think and talk. I have spoken with you, GOD and prayed a lot. While there is nothing i can do other than lend you my strength and love, i am satified that you will be back, and all of us will be there to greet you with our arms wide open. Your sisters need you, your mom(s) need you and your dad(s) need you. Your brother and friends are waitng for you. Your life is not over, you have to fight through this. It will be a very long and painful journey, but we are all there to help get you back. God Bless you son and good luck. I love you
We’ve been a big part of eachother’s lives and I can’t imagine not having you around. Because ALL of us feel this way about you, I know that you’ll get better. You’re one of the most stubborn people I know (except for maybe me). If anyone can get through this, it’s you.
Love you,
Amanda
Reid Dunn October 23rd, 2007 at 12:33 pm I can remember when I first meet Mike (and his brother Nate) at Stonewall Park Pool back in the summer of 1996. They were up there almost everyday that first summer I worked up there. Both boys first struck me as especially kind hearted and they still continue to exude care and compassion throughout their adult years. I know Mike is strong and he’ll pull through this ordeal stronger than ever. My thoughts and prayers are with he and his family at this time. Nate - please call on me if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
Sincerely,
Reid Dunn
Karl October 23rd, 2007 at 12:52 pm Michael michael michael quite the pickle we’ve gotten ourselves into here… Well know through this process i have already seen so much support from all of our peoples, its been tremendous-you really would be proud. MANASSAS REPRESENT! And you know i was talking to nate and shannon about this hurr scenerio and the one thing that everyone knows about you is your strong will (not to be confused with stubborness) and just your utter personal strength. Knowing how strong you are as a person has been helping me get through this. Although… I do know in life there are some fights that you cant go it alone, so in this one please know that i will be by your side every step of the way and lend you all the stregnth i have. Good luck and Godspeed in your recovery brother. One love.
Rastad October 23rd, 2007 at 1:53 pm I hear comas can be very refreshing. I know in Mike’s mind he is relaxing on the deck of his private yacht, chopping across the north Atlantic somewhere between the outer banks and Bermuda. He is SO comfortable, it will be some time before he realizes he is alone on his luxury vessel. Then he will awaken into a world of love, and be with all the people that care for him so much. Then he will be mad at us for waking him from such an awesome and comfortable dream.
I need to hear you laugh Mike. Come home bro, well get you a bigger boat.
One love.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk to you on Friday. I got your voicemail message at work and heard you say under your breath, “man, I don’t have a cell phone, I’ll just talk to you on Monday.” I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, I didn’t even think of the possiblity that I wouldn’t be able to talk to you on Monday. When I found out what happened, the first thought that popped into my head was how strong you are. I know you will pull through this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I have been praying to God asking him to give you even more strength to get through this. Your family and your friends need you. Show them how strong you really are.
xoxo,
Joc
Christine Chase October 23rd, 2007 at 8:12 pm I was a friend of Mike’s when we went to high school together, unfortunately I have not seen him since but I know he is a friend of my brothers. I know that you will pull through this Mike. Look at all the awsome support and love that you have in this world. You have a lot of living to do, so wake up and start fresh. We are all waiting here for you in body and in spirit. Much love to his family and all those pulling and praying for Mike. God Bless.
Jenn October 24th, 2007 at 8:01 am Mike,
Like all your friends say you are so strong, and I know you will pull through. You have such a huge loving support system in your family and friends and you are such a big light and presence in people’s lives none of us would let you do otherwise. Whether we see you everyday or just once in awhile you are always such a caring, fun understanding and unbiased person that people can’t help but enjoy your company and want you around. We were sad to hear what happened but we know that you are determined and will come back to everyone soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers here in Minneapolis. I hope you make a strong and quick recovery. -With Love-
Hugh-Lloyd October 24th, 2007 at 3:33 pm Mikaay,
Look at this outpouring of love for you my man. When you come to and are reading these posts, simultaneously laughing and crying and trying to make sense of it all, you should take solace in the fact that these comments aren’t FOR you…they are BECAUSE of you. You should be proud of the life you have led thus far my friend, namely the accomplishment of making so many people love you like they do, and your work is not finished. They say that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. And you are that kid my man, the people by your side are courageous and hopeful instead of afraid, and its because you’ve made them that way, and made them think that way about you. I wish you and your family as much hope and love as I can muster, and can’t wait to hear from you. One
I am screaming! Can you hear me screaming? Today is the day that Mt. Vernon Rehab center evaluated Michael. Not only did he swim, he swam the best heat of his life. Words cannot express the joy, the pride, the love I feel for this boy right now.
The morning warm-up started with Physical Therapy. One Occupational Therapist and one Physical Therapist. Together they tag teamed Mike as they tried to get responses and test his strength. He’s smiling as they pulled him to a sitting position, and as he adjusted his balance, you could see him put on the game face. Challenging him to use brain, muscle strength and physical coordination, they asked “put your arms on your legs Mike”, “lean forward Mike”. Placing the left leg over the right “put your sock on Mike”. She placed his hand near the sock. Mike took the fingers of his left hand, pinched the sock with three fingers and pulled. The therapist asked him to let her know if it hurt when she tried to move the very stiff right leg over the left…with an audible response “uh huh”. Her eyes opened wide as she questions “did he just say “uh huh?” Grinning from ear to ear, we answer “yes!”
As they leave the room, the speech therapist arrives. She raises the bed so Mike is sitting upright and offers food and drink. She asks “Mike, would you like some applesauce?” Mike says “uh huh”. She feeds Mike a few spoons full and then asks if he would like a few ice chips. One ice chip at a time, Mike chews and swallows without missing a beat. Then she asks if he would like orange juice. Mike nods his head yes. As tears roll down my face, I watch as she places the drinking cup in his left hand. She gently guides his arm toward his now opening mouth and out comes the tongue. He guides the straw to the center and then inside his mouth and drinks orange juice from the straw like he’s done a thousand times before.
As I remember the words of the neurosurgeon early that Sunday morning “I’ll be honest with you, the chances of his survival are not good, is your son an organ donor?” I am thrilled that I was there to witness this miracle unfolding. Feeling the thrill of victory, Michael’s entire face was covered with sweat. The life in his eyes undeniable. Everyone in the room, shared that moment of raw determination and will. God was with us all, especially Michael.
Michael did so well that they speech therapist ordered lunch and dinner for him. He will be spoon fed, watched closely today and if all goes, he’ll be taken off the feeding tube very soon.
The moment that will be with me forever is after the therapist left, saying that I could continue feeding him if I wanted to. Was she kidding? Before offering Michael applesauce, ice or orange juice, I sat beside him to tell him how proud I was of him. He looked at me and raising his left arm over his chest, pointed at the table and said “more”. You know the seen in Oliver “more? you want more?”…yeah, that was me. He wanted more ice chips and I couldn’t get them fast enough. I was falling all over myself.
Tears still flowing, I know that my words cannot convey the emotion in my heart. My son, my prince, is born. There it is…he is born.
Amanda enters the room, Mike says “hello”. We’re at Mike’s bedside around 6pm, telling Donna Martin about his accomplishments for the day. As she jokingly pulls at his toes, she tells Mike that he can’t expect just to lay around in the bed pointing and saying “more”. He’ll need to start putting words together, making sentences …”can you do that, Mike?” Holding her gaze, Mike says “yes”. A simple “yes” but it feels and sounds like Mozart. She says, “I’m leaving can you say, bye?” Mike’s lips form the “b” as he waits for the voice, but it doesn’t come. The words spoken today were articulated, on point and spoken with purpose. People get ready, there’s a train a comin’…
After notifying the nurse yesterday that Mike’s catheter bag had been dry most of the day, they did order blood work. Results: Urinary Tract Infection and staff infection in his blood. Two antibiotics and a new IV were ordered. Mike was irritible, not feeling well, very hot/sweaty and obviously in pain, late afternoon. Pain meds were given around 6PM.
We should know by 10AM Tuesday, when Mike will be transferred to Mt. Vernon Rehab. Evidently, there are patients waiting for his bed at INOVA Faifax so it could be as early as the Tuesday afternoon.
Dinner - Mike had mystery meat, mashed potatoes, peas, milk and butterscotch pudding and ice chips for dessert.
Day 1 after the bone flap replacement, the therapist offers applesauce and pudding to see if Mike has the ability to swallow successfully. Job well done. A few of spoons ice chips to see if he can chew…another job well done. They will continue the tests through Monday to determine if Mike is ready to have the feeding peg removed and begin a soft, spoon fed diet.
Mike’s overall condition is good. He is awake and is technically out of the coma, but still not responding consistently to verbal commands. He is aware of his surroundings, tracking with his eyes, smiling at appropriate moments, moving both arms and hands, and moving the left leg but still no movement in his right leg. He tires very easily and slips in and out of “being there” during those periods of rest.
A representative from the Mt. Vernon Rehab Center will re-evaluate Michael tomorrow to see if he meets the criteria for rehab. Our hope is that Mike is well rested, alert and strong when he is reviewed tomorrow and will be accepted into the program. The unfortunate alternative to rehab is transferring him to a nursing home.
We ask for your continued prayers for strength and healing.
Matthew 21:22: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
“This is my miracle patient” says the neurosurgeon when he sees Michael in the surgical waiting area. “I remember that Sunday morning…he is amazing!”
Michael had the section of bone from his skull replaced this morning at 10:30 AM. The procedure took about an hour and a half and was successful. The neurosurgeon examined the areas of Mike’s brain that just a few weeks ago, had swollen to life threatening levels and reported that there is no swelling, no bruising and no bleeding. Mike’s brain is pumping as it should.
Michael will remain at Fairfax Hospital until Monday or Tuesday of next week. The doctor requested that Mike be allowed to rest with no visitation. Visitation may resume on Sunday, unless otherwise noted.
The doctor’s comments after the surgery were full of hope. He told us of a patient from 3 years ago that was similar in age and injury to Mike. Three years later he is married, has a child and works a full time job. He has a life. His doctor said that Mike will have many hurdles to overcome, but with hard work and determination he can win this battle.
Your prayers, your well wishes and your support will mean more to Mike than ever. As he works through the rehabilitation process to regain his strength, his memory, his self, he will know that this huge support team is still there cheering him on, he will know that God is answering our prayers and that without a doubt he can do this.
On October 21, 2007, J. Michael Rosner suffered critical head trauma and severe brain injury in a single car accident on I66 at exit 66 between 3:10 and 3:20 AM. Life as it was, is over. The rebirth and rehabilitation has begun.
Finding a song for Mike, that represents a collective thought or feeling or emotion, is rather difficult. We all feel an array of emotions surrounding Mike on a daily basis. Mike is inspiring us all, he is giving us hope.
As 6 of us sit here tonight, we have tried to find a song Mike would like to put on the site. From Eminem, to DMX, to U2, to Off White (didn’t have an MP3, Nate), to Eye of the Tiger. In the end, Tupac won out.
We all believe in you Mike. You’re getting better everyday. Keep it up, bro.
Rachelle November 20th, 2007 at 12:26 am we luv mike! keep up the good work…one day at a time. thankful for the blessings and your improvements. happy holiday, buddy.
Austin December 1st, 2007 at 10:52 am I love this song, it is one of my favorite 2-pac songs, and first heard it in VA Tech at mike, shannon and kim’s house, by the way, I want my Rage mix cd back Mike!!!
2 Responses
Katie Bradford October 25th, 2007 at 4:47 pm Mike is a fortunate person to have so many people who care about him. He has a wonderful spirit and smile…and the improvements sound very hopeful. Manassas is a small town that pulls together quickly when something like this happens, and it’s during these times that I remember how proud I am to be a part of such a unique community (the good and the bad!). My thoughts and prayers are with Mike during these days…..
Nathan and Family,
Keep your heads up and I know things will only get better, even if it takes time. Mike is lucky to have you!
Courtney Powers October 25th, 2007 at 5:52 pm Mike-
We are all carrying a heavy heart right now; but I have faith that you will pull out of this.Please know that we are all here for you and will be beside you every step of the way.
Leave it to the Mom to tell you how to act, right? Earlier this week I got a handout from the Physical Therapist with the Do’s and Don’ts when visiting. I think I can speak for the majority that we’re just doing what comes naturally, we’re winging it. We’ve never been through this before. Better late than never…
DO tell them who you are.
DO tell them what year, month and time of day it is.
DO NOT assume that you’re being repetitious.
DO tell them where they are.
DO tell them what happened (you were in an accident but you’re getting better)
DO NOT worry them about what might happen in the future.
DO hold their hand.
DO talk to them in a soft relaxing voice.
DO NOT do both at the same time.
DO play their favorite music.
DO list their favorite TV shows.
DO NOT play the TV or music longer that 15 minutes.
DO visit two at a time, one person talking at a time.
DO visit frequently.
DO NOT interact more than 5 minutes at a time.
DO present yourself in a calm, collected manner.
DO reassure them that they are getting better.
DO NOT ask questions about them in front of them or talk about them like they are not there.
DO NOT stay in the room if YOU are upset or if THEY appear aggitated or upset.
Michael is at the Rancho Los Amigos Level lll . Localized Response - He is waking up, will follow commands occasionaly and has start pulling at the tubing and lines connected to him. The next stage of recovery is Confused and Aggitated - The therapist said that through the next couple of stages, Mike can be easliy over stimulated. This is not good for the recovery process so these Do’s and Dont’s should help all of us, help Michael.
Uncle Ron November 15th, 2007 at 2:58 pm Rae, that is awesome. Of course I was getting excited at flying out to California to visit him at Rancho Los Amigos. I do miss Southern California! See you and Mike soon.
The neurosurgeon paid a visit to Mike today. Based on his examination, Mike’s skull flap will be replaced between 9 and 9:30 AM this Friday morning.
Mike’s doctor said that when he walked in the room, saw Mike with both eyes open, able to track his voice and followed his command, Dr. Jebrali almost passed out. Because of the number of injuries to his brain, he said Mike was doing better and farther along than he anticipated. He ordered a new CT scan for comparison - we should hear the results by Friday.
Keep in mind, this is the same doctor that told us in the first days after the accident, to expect Mike’s coma to last up to six months and possibly a year before we saw real progress. I don’t think he and Mike had met before
If there are no surgical complications on Friday, there is every indication that Mike will be moved to the Mt. Vernon Rehab facility in Alexandria on Saturday.
Mike is still very slow to respond and sometimes doesn’t respond at all. Sometimes his eyes are focused, sometimes they’re not. All to be expected.
