Friday, January 18, 2008

Mark was definitely doing an impression of Rip Van Winkle today. He had been up early, had breakfast with the occupational therapist, got dressed, and fell sound asleep. Then he stayed asleep even though he had to be moved into the hall so they could replace the window in his room. While asleep, the doctors had rounds, discussed him, we went into a family meeting with the team and they moved him back into his room. He slept through it all. It was good to see him sleep without being sedated and be so peaceful.

He woke long enough to tell us he didn't like lunch. He is not so fond of the food even though it has been upgraded from puree to mechanical soft. I guess if you have to actually chew it, you can taste it. I can start making him some of the things he likes that fit into the category, so I will. That should help. He was given a drug to sedate him while they removed the first serial cast that was put on on Wednesday. They were able to move his arm down another 20 degrees and put on a new cast. He will go through this probably twice more and then his arm should be straight. They will turn the last cast into a removable splint that he will wear at night like a retainer. He was slightly awake during this, but conked out right after and stayed that way until we left.

Even though it was a sleepy day for him, he seemed to need it and was quite comfortable during his waking moments.

Last night we met a very interesting, sweet individual. When I arrived here last week the the Seargent Major who is one of the Army liaison people here, mentioned to me that Mark reminded him very much of another young soldier here at the hospital. He arrived about six months ago in much the same condition as Mark, with one exception, they thought they would have to amputate both legs. He was just out of a coma, had confusion and agitation, severe leg injuries, you name it. The SGM told me he wanted me to meet this young man because he knew he would be an inspiration for me to see. We met him at a dinner given in honor of the soldiers here by the Military Officers Assistance Association. I had seen him in the unit, but did not realize he was the soldier the SGM was talking about. I was struck by the resemblance to Mark, skinny, short dark hair, and big eyes with long eyelashes (except his are blue)! When we talked to him we found out they are the same age, 22 and he had been in a Bradley that hit an IED (improvised explosive device). He is currently living in the transition housing program here on his way to living independently again. He is in a wheelchair with a huge smile on his face. He asked us about Mark and plans on spending time with him now that we said it was fine. Mark's nurse told us that he is one of their greatest success stories and that they expect Mark to be another. After seeing this young corporal, you definitely have to BELIEVE!