In the midst
After showing the nurses that he could swallow pills without difficulty, and almost a week of “it’s ready to come out”, the feeding peg was finally removed from Michael’s abdomen. The peripheral IV line in his left hand was also taken out. All medications will now be administered orally. The doctor ordered an updated x-ray of the T2 and T3 fractures of his back to make sure that there have been no adverse changes due to the increased physical therapy. Remember in the beginning when the doctors said, “there are no injuries other than the head injury? I think what they meant to say was “except for the five inch gash on the back of his head and the torn cartilage in his knee and oh yeah, the fractured T2 - T4 vertebrae in his back.”
Mike was seated in his chair from 12:45 to 4:15 without becoming agitated or getting too uncomfortable. He was moved to the chair for Occupational Therapy at 12:45 for his 1 o’clock session and as routine has it, he continues to sit up and out of his bed a little longer each day.
I was able to sit in on a one hour speech therapy session and it was a wonder to behold. The therapist began the session with a series of questions to test his cognitive abilities. What is your name? “Jennings Michael David Rosner”. What is your date of birth? “June 18th 1982″. It’s Monday, December 3rd. Do you know what year it is? “2007″ what month is it? “November” No, what month comes after November? Michael started to say February but stopped as the word left his mouth trying to change it to December and what came out was “fevtemcer” She asks “what month is it?” “December” Mike answers articulately. Do you know why you are here Mike? “yes. I was in a car accident” What are you doing here? “I am getting rehabilitation” Why? “because I need help” What do you need help with? “everything”.
If you went to a dentist would he cut your hair? “no, if you went to a dentist he would cut your teeth” He would cut your teeth? “no, he would clean and fix your teeth”. If you had been sitting in your chair too long what would you need? “I would need to be released from my chair”. If a baby was crying, why would that baby cry? “the baby would cry because it might be hungry or just spoiled” She laughs. What was that last part? Mike chuckles too, “it might just be spoiled.”
She ends the session and shares that in her opinion, Michael has full access to his mind’s knowledge. The memory of what has been learned in his 25 years is there. Today he is far from 100% and may not be able to initiate conversation, he may not be able to articulate 100% of the time and he may not be able to initiate movement but his mind is there. His powerful, intelligent, creative, driven, strong mind is there. No doubt.
Another awesome day with Michael. Another thank you to God for his many blessings. Another thank you to family and friends for without you, your prayers, your generosity, and your support we would not be where we are today. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in miracles. I believe we are in the midst.